5 great reasons to visit Gili Trawangan
Last updated on February 10th, 2026.
Years after my first visit to Bali, the popularity surrounding the Indonesian island shows no sign of waning.
On this trip, we decided to visit Gili Trawangan, also known as Gili T, the largest of the Gili Islands.
An archipelago of 3 small islands, the cluster is situated off the northwest coast of Lombok. We based our stay on Gili Trawangan, but you can also visit the others in the group, Gili Air and Gili Meno.
How to get to Gili Trawangan?
There are many boat services that will take you from Bali to Gili Trawangan. We went with a service called Wahana Gili Ocean that took us from Padangbai in Bali to Gili T. It takes approximately 1hr 40mins depending on the state of the sea.
Review of Wahana Gili Ocean
Overall, we'd give Wahana Gili Ocean 6 out of 10. The service was on time on departure, though the boat was very small for all the passengers. Coming back however, we were delayed for over an hour with no update whatsoever.
The upside was that we had a much bigger ferry and so were more comfortable. There are many fast boat services to and from Bali, ranging in comfort and price, so do your research beforehand. Negative stories about some ferry companies are everywhere, so make sure you don't get stuck with one.
Travel advice for sea sick sufferers
If you have a sensitive stomach and not the best sea legs, don't forget to bring Dramamine. Our boat ride going to Gili T was hellishly bumpy, and many passengers were ill onboard. Lucky, I was better prepared and had taken mine an hour before the ride.
Plenty of friends who'd been before spoke highly of Gili T and recommended going. A still relatively unspoiled place with no polluting cars or noisy scooters, we couldn’t wait to see it for ourselves.
Five good reasons to visit Gili Trawangan
1. The weather
We traveled to Gili T at the end of May, where the average maximum temperature hovers around 31ºC (87.8ºF). In other words: endless days of sunshine+perfectly warm waters=bronzed bodies and smiles all round.
2. The panorama
Measuring 15km2 (5.8sqr miles), Gili T is a bite-sized taste of paradise, with two distinct sides to the island.
The south part of the island caters more to people looking to party. The north, on the other hand, is more harmonious, and dare I say, a little hippy-ish.
This is the side of the island we stayed on, not because we're hippies, but because we prefer our surroundings more on the tranquil side. Here you'll find long stretches of sandy beaches, rocky coves, and coconut palm trees.
We also managed to see more of the incredible panorama by joining a local tour. It was very reasonable in price, and an experience you can't put a price tag on.
3. There are no motor vehicles on Gili Trawangan
One of the best things about Gili T is that there are NO motor vehicles on the island. That means no whizzing motorbikes or honking cars driving past, waking you up at 3 in the morning.
Instead, you can explore the best of the island by bike, or on foot. You should be aware that there are no helmets, or any bike paths here. All you need is a quick reaction time to swerve left or stay right depending on the oncoming ‘traffic' of people.
If you really don’t feel like walking or cycling there's a 3rd option available. The colorful yet rickety horse and cart is the main transport on the island.
A different mode of transport on Gili T
Horse and carts transport people from the arrival lounge on the beach, to their accommodation on Gili T.
Baggage withstanding, the horses carry a maximum of 3 people. The clanging décor attached to the cart’s canopy, together with the loud beeps, gives pedestrians and cyclists a clear signal. Fares are a fixed IDR 100,000* (£5/€6.70/$7) from any destination point. Hold onto the bars on the cart in case there's any ‘turbulence’ when the horses trot over rockier areas.
Travel tip: If you see the horses during their break looking thirsty, give them some water. The sun's not forgiving on Gili T, and these wonderful creatures will take as much hydration as they can get.
Map of Bali
4. The people
Similar to the type of people you meet in Bali, the locals on Gili T are just as, if not, friendlier. It’s not unusual to meet one or 2 people named Gede, which means first born, or Made (second born).
Language is of course a barrier. But, that didn't deter them from being friendly, engaging and helping whenever they could.
Gili T, unlike Bali, is predominantly Muslim and not Hindu. Locals, especially women, dress more conservatively, but they're just as friendly than their neighbors.
5. The sunsets on Gili Trawangan
You're in for a real treat if you enjoy watching dramatic sunsets. I lost count of the number of photos I took of the multiple colors when the sun set on Gili Trawangan.
Sunsets have this intoxicating power to release all of my stresses. A dreamer at heart, it was impossible not to get lost in the hues of oranges, yellows, purples and blues.
Sunset in late May arrived around 6.30pm. The best place we enjoyed watching them from was on the north-west side of Gili Trawangan.
With plenty of bars offering happy hour drinks and restaurants on the beach, it's the perfect backdrop to watch the sunset. Grab a cocktail, perch yourself by one of the bars playing live music and enjoy. It’s as simple as that.
Where to stay on Gili Trawangan
We chose the excellent La Cocoteraie Ecolodge for our stay on the island. It embraces an eco-friendly design, and is a boutique glamping site on Gili T.
Guests stay in wonderfully huge tents, and every detail adheres to its eco-friendly theme and values. There's a swimming pool onsite and they also serve up one of the best breakfasts we had during our trip.
Personal touches at La Cocoteraie Ecolodge
La Cocoteraie Ecolodge also provides its guests with free bikes for getting around the island. This little touch gives you the feeling you're a local going about your everyday business.
In short, it's the perfect boutique choice for flashpackers.
Should you visit Gili Trawangan?
Our journey to Gili T was THE highlight of our trip to Bali, and we wished we’d stayed longer. Though some parts of the island are still underdeveloped, more resorts and boutique hotels are being built in Gili T.
Whether or not that's a good thing for the island, I don't know. What I do know is that we'd definitely recommend visiting.
If you're planning a trip to Bali, don't miss out on seeing Gili T and the other Gili islands. It may likely be overcrowded, but I promise you it's worth seeing at least once in your lifetime.
Would you like to visit Gili Trawangan? Let me know in the comments below.
*Prices correct at time of visit
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that I’ve recommended. Thank you for your support.
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Gili Trawangan looks like a dream beach destination. I have been to Bali and liked it. But I imagine Gili Trawangan as Bali must have been 50 years ago. Great that there are no motor vehicles on the island.
It's a great island to visit and one that's more peaceful than Bali. No cars make a difference!
Interesting to read this as Bali is one of our favourite places in the world and we've been 6 times! It just makes us feel so relaxed but I think it's time we ventured to other islands. I'm not sure my stomach would be up to the ferry crossing though and would definitely need those sea sick tablets lol
Trust me, if I hadn't taken Dramamine, I would have been joining the others being sick!
This looks like the perfect paradise getaway! I wish I could go someday!
Consider it for the future, it's beautiful
Woweeee! Look at the amazing beaches! We're so putting Gili Islands on our travel wish list!
Wonderful! You'll have an amazing time!
It seems like a great place to visit when you really want to disconnect. Very scenic and relaxing place.
You summed it up perfectly 😀
It looks like a beautiful place to visit - I love seeing places as nature intended
Me too!
This is beautiful!! so it looks like, yes I should be visiting here!!!!
Yes, you really should!
Thank you for all of this information! This looks like an exciting place to visit
It really is!
I have never heard of Gili Trawangan but it looks like a beautiful place. I could use that beach right now.
Tell me about it, so could I!
I don't think I've ever heard of this place. but after reading all of this, yes, I wanna go!
Yay! Always great to have a convert 🙂
I love seeing phots of the far corners of our world that are explored less than more popular destinations; this looks like a fun adventure!
So do I! Gili T is droolworthy!
I haven't heard of Gili Trawangan, but it sounds like a great place to explore. I've always wanted to travel to somewhere like Bali. The water there looks wonderful for swimming and I'm sure it would make a great vacation.
Definitely add it to the list! It's great for families too
Looks like a great trip to Bali. I ahve never been to Gili Island but would def want to visit when I get back to Bali.
You must, it's so dreamy in parts
I've never heard of this part of Bali, but the beaches look amazing and not crowded at all! How relaxing!
Very! And just a stunning place to visit
Wow this places looks stunning! There are so many wonderful places I need to go and visit.
Definitely!
Learning of new and adventurous places like this makes my preparation of a trip exciting. Thanks.
Good to know
I've never heard of this place before. It does sound like it would be an adventure!
It's gorgeous and a real paradise island 🙂
the place looks fantastic! In fact just one short look at it and I am in love and over excited. I don't need five reasons - one photo and I am sold!
Perfect! That was my intention 🙂
Nice reading through your guide and seeing the drool worthy pics. I would love to visit Gili Trawangan soon.
You definitely should!
What a beautiful island. I love that there are no motor vehicles on the island, that is such a rarity nowadays.
I know, it was awesome!
I just wish that such kind of place remain clean and unpolluted. Often when featured in magazines and online, they become so popular that many come to witness its beauty only to destroy it unknowingly.
Sadly, that's very true. Hopefully the local government is working with the federal one to keep Gili T clean and beautiful
wow this place seems so peaceful. I would love to visit here one day!
Add it to the bucket list 😀
Wow! What a calm and peaceful island. It looks beautiful, too!
It really is!
It looks so beautiful, definitely worth braving the seas. Those sands look so soft.
The sand's so finite there, and perfectly warm too
I love that there are no cars on Gili Trawangan. That must have been quite an amazing experience! And those sunsets!!! Wow!
It's one of the best things about visiting, and it made such a difference too!
I’ve never been able to visit other country like Indonesia. But given a chance I would want to try this place, sometimes we need to walk and embrace the nature and it is a form of exercise.
I can't speak for the rest of Indonesia, but Bali and the Gili Islands are very beautiful
I think the short answer to this is YES! I have never heard of Trawangan before, but it's on my bucket list now!
That's great to read, you'll love it there!
So happy to discover Gili Trawangan as our trip to Indonesia is long due and we did not really know about this island! Amazing that they do not have motor vehicles there! What an escape! Horse and carts transport in today's time as an experience is enough reason for me to Gili Trawangan. Plus enjoying biking exploration adds to the curiosity.
I loved that they had no motor vehicles there. Yes, the donkeys need more tlc, but using the bikes and legs is all you!
I have been to Bali about 7 times and not once have I been out to Gili only because I hear its a bit of a party town now and its not really that suitable for kids. I had no idea it was a vehicle free zone. I love that, everyone just biking everywhere. In Bali the motorbikes scare me sometimes and crossing the roads are sometimes even harrowing. Horse and cart.... in Indonesia. Who would have thought?
Trust me, not all of the island is a party zone; I don't like to party so I should know! It's so idyllic and though getting more crowded, has a lovely energy about the place.
I had no idea that there were no motor vehicles on the island. That is such a huge plus for me as the fumes really take a toll on my lungs. I also love that the weather is pretty much perfect all the time 🙂
It really makes a difference! And yes, the weather is perfect!
Wow, the serenity that this Island can offer is really beyond compare. I love the fact the best way to explore and enjoy the Island of Gili Trawangan is by foot or by bike, which means that you get to really embrace the Island life in the most beneficial way. The sea breeze and the wave kissing the coast is something that would definitely mollify me and probably would dare me to go back. I should really visit Indonesia soon and include this in my bucket list. Thank you so much for sharing this with us.
You should! It's an amazing island and with a great energy too.
I went to Gili Meno in the early 2000, but I don't recall whether we stopped at Gili T at that time. All I remember, they said lots of hippies at Gili T. I didn't know what that means. My friend and I took a catamaran from Bali to Lombok, so it's huge. We didn't spend a night at the Gili. We just rent a fisherman's boat and it was barely higher than the sea surfaces. Every time I thought about it, I think we were brave. Great post, by the way. Your information about the Gili T is so complete.
Aw thank you, I really appreciate your comments! It's an lovely little island, and I wish we had stayed longer too. x
Gili Trawangan looks like the perfect spot to relax and unwind! The weather sounds perfect. I'm not much of a beach person, but when I was at Caye Caulker I felt pretty ready to stay forever and this sounds really similar.
It's not a bad place to visit! I'm not a beach person per se, but trust me, there's plenty of things to do here.
I have heard a lot about Gili Trawangan in the last couple of years. It looks amazing. I haven't been to Indonesia yet but really want to go. I love visiting places with no cars. It is so much better. Thank you for giving me more reasons to visit Gili. I hope I get to visit soon 😀
I hope so too! It's an incredible place to visit!
Great post and very interesting to read. The title is so catchy. I will definitely visit Gili Trawangan on my next visit. Thanks for sharing.
Have a nice time there, I'm sure you'll enjoy it.
Hahaha, what an awful experience that must have been for you! I laughed all the way through this post then booked my ticket to Bali so I could visit Gili Trawangan... Just kidding, it sounds gorgeous and even though I lived in Perth for a while, I've never been to Bali.
No way, you need to go! I think the flight time's 3 hours. Gili's a cool place with a great energy 🙂
The title is ironic but extremely clever! The fact they don’t have automobiles is awesome! Thanks for sharing.
You're welcome, glad you enjoyed it 🙂
No cars? you got me! I really enjoy walking or cycling and exploring the sights that come by. Especially in a place like this where there is untouched nature around 🙂 And horse riding along the coastline is one of the most romantic things I can imagine 😀
It's a wonderful island, and yes, with no cars! Just plenty of sun, sea and sunshine 🙂
Koh Phi Phi in Thailand was the first island visited that was free of cars and motorbikes. It was awesome! I'm going to Indonesia in 2 days and I can't wait to hit the Gili islands!
Cool, have a wonderful time, I know you're going to love it!
OK first I was like...the headline seems to confirm a lot of negative things I heard already about Gili Trawangan (pollution, party, drugs etc.) but then by reading I found out that it was irony. We will visit Bali in 2 months and still one question is open if going to Gili or rather Lombok, not 100% sure about that yet. But from your experiences Gili Trawangan might be really a good choice. Thank you really for the inspiration, the boat ferry from Padangbai in Bali sounds great - I think we are going to do that 🙂
Sorry to deceive you Hendrik! Trust me, Gili T is beautiful, but I'd also take a day trip to Lombok, it looks amazing there too 😀
Ohhh The tralalala-island! Someone told us that Trawagan island is also called tralala island because its the party island of the three Gili islands. As not being so much of party people we went to the Meno island. After reading your post I wish somehow that we also visited Trawagan! I knew that it was an ironic post as one cant really dislike the Gili islands!?❤️ I hope to get back to Indonesia soon because its truly one of my favorite country! There are so many isolated and amazing islands in Indonesia and its a bit sad that most of the tourist choose to visit Bali.
I know exactly what you mean, and I wish now I had explored other islands there. The Gili Isles are wonderful and a great place to visit, but if I return to Indonesia, I'll make more of an effort to go somewhere else 🙂
I'm dying to visit Indonesia, hopefully the next time i'm in Asia I'll get to. The Gili islands look beautiful
The Gili islands are gorgeous, and I really encourage you to visit for yourself!
Love places when you can just stroll around and there are no cars (but still a lot going on)! It's as if you moved to another planet. I live in Paris, where cars are forbidden once a year, and when it happens: it's magic!
PS: I'm a complete sucker for good sunsets too! The most part of my pictures are sunsets haha.
Yay, a fellow sunset lover! I never knew cars were forbidden once a year in Paris; I wish they would do that in London too!
Oh wow, I have never ever heard of Gili T before but I am dying to go to Bali -- it's literally been on my list for YEARS! I have a whole Pinterest board dedicated to it so will pin this! 🙂 I love that it's not as touristy! Will definitely add it to the itinerary for when we go!
Aww turn that list into a reality! Bali has a great energy but for me, the Gili islands are more spectacular 😀
When the time comes for us to visit Bali we will definitely make a trip here! Sunsets are my favorite too, I would love to see one here.
They're pretty impressive, you won't be disappointed!
sounds liked the perfect spot to visit when in Bali. My friend went here in May too and had nothing but good things to say about it. Did you get to visit some of the swings around the island too? Great travel info here too. I'll def look into exploring Bali more should I get the opportunity to return
I did see the swings in the sea, but as you can imagine, there was a queue and I decided to enjoy the island than wait for my Instagram moment haha!
Cheeky list for sure. Sounds like a little bit of paradise!
Oh it really is!
I visited Gili T recently and although I absolutely loved the island (and the swings in the sea), the experience of getting to the island was excruciating because of the insane amount of delays in the ferry, both while going from Padang Bal to Gili T and on the way back. Did you have a similar experience or was it just my bad luck (rather, bad ferry-running company)?
I actually had a good experience with the ferry service. I did research beforehand and went for a mid-range company. The cheaper ones tend to be the worst.
What? You don't like loud scooters, busses and cars, honking every two seconds and covering you in a black smoke? It was the highlight of our trip to Sri Lanka!
Hahaha in all seriousness, this island sounds totally up my alley. I'll definitely keep it in mind if we ever go to Indonesia, thanks! 🙂
Hehe, great Aryane! I've never been to Sri Lanka, but I can only imagine all the sounds and noises! Glad I've persuaded you to consider Gili 😀
What an awful, awful place. Warm all the time? You can't even drive anywhere? And there are sunsets? So. Boring. Now excuse me while I go book my trip.
Exactly Peter, I mean who wants all of these things when travelling, so overrated! Ha, hope you enjoy your trip!
Great reasons not to visit Gili Trawangan ;). I have been looking for less crowded island location in Southeast Asia for my next travel and Gili seems like a perfect location. It's really amazing the island has no vehicle, can't think of a better way to relax on a island vacation.
Thanks Suma, it's a lovely destination and one I'm sure you'll thoroughly enjoy! Thank you for commenting!
Such a ironic caption, you did catch my attention 🙂
Such unpolluted place seems to be a bliss! Hope the popularity it is gaining doesn't spoil its environs. I hope I can visit.
Great, glad it caught your attention! It really is a pretty, unspoiled paradise, I hope you make it there too one day!
Ha ha! I can understand you wanting to keep this place a secret and trying to throw us off! It looks beautiful and I love that there are no cars.
Thanks Lois, it's unfortunately not so much of a secret anymore, but it's still definitely worth visiting 😀
Haha, you tricked me in to wondering if Gili island is really that bad a place. Of course, it is not. It is still very popular. One of my Indian friends had visited recently and she had only good things to say about this place.
Glad I tricked you, but in a good way! It's wonderful, and I really wish I had stayed longer. Hopefully it will have the same vibe when I return 🙂
No automobiles! Sold!!! I love places which are pedestrianized, I think it makes a place lovelier when you don't have to worry about being hit by a vehicle while you're exploring. This sounds like my kind of place to be honest, everything you've mentioned made it sound to me like a paradise! I will have to practice my cycling skills though as it's been a long time since I've ridden a bike. :p
Thanks Noemi, trust me, you easily get the hang of it, plus it's nice gentle exercise while seeing the pretty little island! It's a lovely, relatively unspoilt island, go and check it out for yourself!
I love visiting places with no cars! I've been to quite a few places where golf carts were the means of transportation and it's such a wonderful way to see a new place. This looks like a great place to visit away from the hustle and bustle of Bali.
I totally agree with you Maggie! It really makes a difference to the atmosphere and noise levels of a place! Hope you get to visit one day.
I haven't been to Indonesia but Gili Trawangan sounds like a tropical paradise. I find it hard to believe there are no cars! It really must be a "back in times" place.
It's beautiful Suzanne, and I hope you got the sarcastic tone of my title! Thanks for commenting 🙂
Hi John, many thanks for your kind comments; glad you enjoyed the article!