20+ Amazing Things to Do in Gili Trawangan (2025)

Gili Trawangan, one of the Gili islands, is a popular side trip from Bali for people who like scuba diving, beaches and parties. I love it so much, I’ve gone there twice within a year! The laid-back vibe is so captivating, you may come for a couple of days and end up staying for a week. Here are over 20 amazing things to do in Gili Trawangan.

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Quick overview of things to do in Gili Trawangan

• Water activities, including snorkelling, scuba diving, paddleboarding, surfing and boat trips
• Exploring the Island on foot, by bicycle, on a horse-drawn cart or on horseback
• More fun activities including finding the famous sunset swings, yoga, cooking classes and fishing
• Day trips to Gili Meno, Gili Air and Lombok
• Nightlife including live music and beach parties

Introduction to Gili Trawangan

Gili Trawangan is the largest of the three Gili Islands off the coast of Lombok near Bali. That said, it’s only around two miles (3km) long. Walking the entire coastal perimeter takes about two hours at a leisurely pace, or you can cycle it in under an hour. What’s special about this island is that no cars are allowed – only bicycles or horse-drawn carts, making it peaceful and pollution-free. Until the evenings that is, because Gili T is quite the party island.

20+ amazing things to do in Gili Trawangan

You can do as little or as much as you like on Gili Trawangan. That’s the beauty of this place. Want to spend three days doing nothing but lying on the beach with a Bintang? Go for it. Fancy trying every activity the island has to offer? There’s plenty to keep you busy.

I’ve organized this guide into sections to help you plan your perfect Gili T experience. First, I’ll cover all the water activities, from snorkeling with turtles to sunset cruises. Then I’ll show you the different ways to explore the island, since there are no cars here. After that, you’ll find unique experiences like yoga classes, cooking lessons and the famous sea swings.

Dive into all the water activities

The clear turquoise waters surrounding Gili T are perfect for all kinds of water sports and marine adventures. From your first snorkel with sea turtles to earning your scuba diving certification, here are the best water activities the island has to offer.

Go snorkelling with turtles

When you’re on Gili Trawangan, you’re sure to see boat owners by the port advertising snorkelling trips.

Snorkelling is a popular pastime on Gili T. Hiring a mask and fins for the day, you can swim among colourful fish and sea turtles.

The best spots are Turtle Point and Shark Point. If you stick around until evening, you can witness stunning sunsets over the sea.

Book your place on a popular private or shared snorkelling boat trip here.

Learn to scuba dive

There are also a number of diving schools in Gili Trawangan, where you can learn to scuba dive.

On an introduction dive, you’ll be fully briefed on how to explore the amazing underwater world of the Gili Islands. It’s an affordable way to try scuba diving – all you need is basic swimming skills.

You’re likely to see turtles, clownfish, cuttlefish, moray eels and stingrays. Maybe even a blacktip reef shark – but don’t worry, they are harmless to humans.

Book your place on a discovery scuba diving experience designed for beginners here.

Try stand-up paddleboarding

Stand-up paddleboarding is huge on Gili T and the calm waters make it perfect for beginners. You can rent boards from many beach bars.

Try paddling around the north side of the island where it’s quieter. The water is so clear you can see straight to the bottom. It’s also a great way to spot turtles from above, as they swim near the surface.

Book your place on an amazing paddleboarding session here.

Take surfing lessons

While Gili T isn’t known as a major surf destination, the island has beginner-friendly waves perfect for learning. The best surf spots are on the eastern and southern coasts, with the most consistent waves appearing during the wet season from November to March.

Several surf schools on the island offer private and small group lessons for beginners and intermediate surfers. Most sessions last around two hours and include board rental and instruction. The shallow reef breaks and generally calm conditions make it an ideal place to catch your first waves without the intimidating crowds you’ll find at more famous surf spots.

Reserve your spot on a Gili T surfing lesson here.

Sail in a glass-bottomed boat

For a unique perspective of the island, take a glass-bottom boat tour around Gili T.

These tours let you explore the coastline while observing the underwater world through the glass panels in the boat’s floor.

You’ll see the marine life, coral gardens and sea turtles, but without getting wet – though they often include snorkelling stops if you want to dip in the sea.

Reserve your place on a serene glass-bottom boat tour here.

Enjoy a sunset cruise

One of the most romantic ways to experience Gili T is on a sunset cruise. These boat tours combine snorkeling at the best spots with watching the sun dip below the horizon while you’re out on the water.

Some tours include BBQ dinners on board, with fresh seafood grilled as you cruise between the three Gili islands. It’s a magical way to end the day, with the sky turning shades of pink and orange as you sail past the islands.

Book your place on this popular sunset boat tour.

Ways to explore Gili Trawangan

If you prefer land-based activities, there are plenty of ways to explore the island itself. One of the most distinctive features of Gili T is how you get around. With no motorised vehicles allowed on the island, exploring here feels like stepping back in time to a slower, more peaceful way of life.

On foot

Walking is the simplest way to explore Gili T. The island takes around two hours to stroll around at a leisurely pace, and it’s a beautiful walk with constantly changing coastal views. Just a few minutes north of the main port with its lively bars you can find quiet and peaceful beaches with no boats. Grab a refreshing drink in one of the serene little wooden bars on stilts overlooking the sea.

If you’re keen to go off the beaten track, you can head into the centre of the island and see day-to-day life of the locals in the village streets, away from the tourists. Around the island you may find quirky sculptures, like coral gardens created by local artists.

By bicycle

Cycling is the most popular way to get around Gili T. You can rent a bike, which is an affordable option for your stay. The island’s flat terrain and car-free paths are perfect for cycling, and you can circle the entire island in under an hour.

Alternatively, join a guided cycling tour where you’ll stop at the island’s best viewpoints. It’s a great way to see all the highlights with local insights.

Rent a bike in advance to explore Gili Trawangan here.

On a horse-drawn cart

The traditional way to get around Gili T is by cidomo, a horse-drawn cart that serves as the island’s taxi service, as no motorised vehicles are allowed. The gentle clip-clop of hooves adds to the peaceful atmosphere that makes Gili T so special.

Cidomos can be found at the port and around the main areas of the island. They’re available to hire for for short trips or a tour around the island. Prices are negotiable so don’t be shy about haggling.

On horseback

One of the most magical experiences on Gili T is riding along the beach on horseback. There’s something so romantic about riding a horse with the ocean breeze in your hair.

The best time is definitely at sunset when the sky turns all kinds of pink and orange – it’s seriously Instagram-worthy.

The horses are used to the beach environment and pretty chilled out. Even if you’re a beginner, the guides will make sure you feel comfortable. Most rides stick to a gentle walk or trot along the shoreline.

Book your sunset horseriding on the beach experience here.

More fun activities on Gili Trawangan

Beyond the water sports and ways to explore, Gili T has plenty of unique experiences that showcase the island’s laid-back charm and natural beauty.

Find the famous sea swings at sunset for magical photos

At several places on this side of Gili T, you’ll find sea-swings, which are really romantic at sunset.

The original and most famous Gili Trawangan swing is in the sea next to Ombak Sunset hotel. If that’s busy, there’s another further south by The Exile Gili Trawangan hotel, close to Gili Beach Bar. A third one is nearby, outside the Malibu Beach Club restaurant.

You can pose with your legs dangling in the water, which means it’s actually quite hard to swing on it unless you stand up. But, details – it’s all about the aesthetics. These sunset swings are perfect for your Instagram shots.

Pre-book your sunbed with 2 cocktails included at Gili Beach Bar.

Discover all the beaches

Gili Trawangan has a number of fantastic beaches. Just a few minutes north of the main port with its lively bars you can find quiet and peaceful beaches, with no boats. Why not grab a refreshing drink in one of these serene little spots overlooking the sea.

Check out Paradise Sunset Point for iconic sunsets, Malibu Beach is great for swimming, while Good Heart Beach is quieter. Choose a comfortable spot at one of the many beachside restaurants and bars. These range from appealingly rustic to consciously chic, and some have complimentary beach beds.

Once settled on one of these, lay back and sip your Bintang beer as the hours slip by.

Get a massage

One of the most indulgent things to do in Gili Trawangan is treating yourself to a massage.

You’ll find massage huts dotted along the beaches offering everything from traditional Indonesian massage to reflexology at affordable prices.

After a day of snorkelling or cycling, there’s nothing like unwinding with a beachside massage as the sun sets over the ocean.

Try a yoga class

Gili T has an amazing yoga scene. There are classes happening all over the island every morning and evening.

Studios like Gili Yoga offer drop-in sessions, so you don’t need to book ahead. One place even offers classes where you can practice yoga on a paddleboard!

The sunrise yoga classes on the beach are particularly special. There’s something magical about stretching as the sun comes up over the water, with the sound of gentle waves in the background. It’s the perfect way to start your day.

Book your spot in a magical sunrise or sunset yoga class, right on the beach here.

Take a cooking class

Learning to make proper Indonesian food is one of the most rewarding things to do in Gili Trawangan. Several places offer cooking classes where you’ll make dishes like nasi goreng, rendang and satay.

First, you’ll visiting the local market to buy ingredients. It’s a great way to see how locals shop and learn about Indonesian spices like galangal, lemongrass and kaffir lime leaves. Plus you’ll actually know how to make a decent curry when you get home, which is a skill that keeps on giving.

Classes are affordable and include eating everything you cook – the best bit!

Go fishing

For a different kind of water adventure, join a private fishing trip. These all-inclusive excursions take you to the best fishing spots around the Gili Islands, where you can catch your own dinner.

The experienced local guides know exactly where the fish are biting and provide all the equipment you need. It’s a peaceful way to spend a morning or afternoon on the water, and many tours will even cook your catch for you at a local restaurant.

Book your place on this popular a private fishing trip from Gili Trawangan.

Day trips from Gili Trawangan

Once you’ve explored everything Gili T has to offer, there are excellent day trip options to nearby islands and mainland Lombok.

Island hopping to Gili Meno and Gili Air

Don’t miss the other Gili islands during your visit. It’s easy to book a day trip to Gili Meno and Gili Air. The boats leave from the main port and usually include snorkeling stops between islands.

Gili Meno is tiny and incredibly quiet, perfect if you want to escape the busier atmosphere of Gili T for an afternoon. Gili Air sits somewhere between Meno’s chilled atmosphere and Gili T’s party scene, with a growing number of beach bars and restaurants. Each island has its own personality, and it’s easy to visit all three in one day if you’re short on time.

Book your place on this hugely popular day trip from Gili T to see the other Gili Islands here.

Day trip to Lombok

Consider taking a day trip to nearby Lombok to experience the island’s stunning waterfalls, traditional villages and dramatic mountain scenery.

Popular day trips include visits to Lombok’s beautiful waterfalls and villages, where you’ll learn about the island’s Sasak culture and traditional way of life.

Book your place on this top-rated guided day trip to Lombok from Gili T.

The best things to do in Gili Trawangan at night

The island comes alive after sunset with a mix of dining, live music and beach parties that cater to every mood. We loved the Sama-Sama Reggae Bar, which has a live band performing every evening and a friendly atmosphere.

Dining and drinking on Gili Trawangan

There are many restaurants on Gili Trawangan to choose for dinner. As well as beachfront seafood restaurants, you’ll find sociable venues playing live music.

For a cheaper dinner option, you can check out the night market which sells traditional Indonesian street food dishes, such as nasi goreng (fried rice), sate ayam (chicken satay sticks) and curries.

Fire shows

One of the most entertaining evening activities is catching the beach fire shows. Skilled performers twirl flaming batons and breathe fire on the beach while you sip cocktails and watch the spectacle. These shows happen at various beach bars throughout the week and create a magical atmosphere as darkness falls.

Book your fire show experience with a complimentary cocktail here.

All-night beach parties

Most nights of the week, one of Gili Trawangan’s bars hosts a late-night party, with popular venues including Sama Sama, Blue Marlin, Evolution, Jungle, Tir Na Nog, and Paradise. Special pub crawl events also take place on selected nights for a fun way to experience multiple bars in one evening.

For our last evening on Gili T, we thought it would be an excellent idea to go to the Full Moon party at the Surf Bar and dance until the early hours of the morning. Of course, it was brilliant fun.

The DJs played pumping tunes and fire dancers appeared as if from nowhere. It seemed like everyone on the island was there, locals and tourists alike, spilling onto the beach. The sun was peeking over the horizon as we left. But we suffered the consequences. We had to lug our heavy bags and wait what seemed like hours for our boat back to Bali, after about two hours’ sleep and heavy from our hangovers. What a night!

Where to stay on Gili Trawangan

I recommend you stay near the main beach at Gili Trawangan, so you’re close to the night market, bars, restaurants and boats for transportation.

The northern part of the island is quieter with excellent snorkelling spots nearby, perfect for couples or anyone seeking peace. The western side has the best sunsets and a growing number of beach bars.

To avoid hauling your bags around various Gili Trawangan accommodation, it’s best to book in advance.

The best Gili Trawangan hotels

We stayed in Rose Homestay, a small but fabulous guest house just off the main strip. The brand new building benefited from air conditioning, free WiFi, tasty breakfast served on a terrace by a friendly manager.

If you prefer somewhere more upscale, book a beachfront bungalow at the superb Wilson’s Retreat in the quieter north of the island. They have traditional Lombok architecture, private balconies, air-conditioning and the price includes breakfast. You’ll be near the snorkelling spots and away from the party noise.

Browse and book the best Gili Trawangan accommodation deals for your dates via the map below:

How to get to the Gili Islands from Bali

The Gili islands are 45 minutes in a fast boat from Amed on the north coast of Bali. This is the quickest and easiest route from Bali to Gili Trawangan.

You’ll arrive at the main port area, which has an attractive white sand beach. These days, long boats fight for space along this strip, as an increasing number of people are drawn to Gili Trawangan, known as Gili T for short.

Otherwise, you can book a boat trip from Bali to Gili T. A minibus will pick you up from your accommodation in Ubud or Seminyak and take you to Padang Bai harbour. From here, it’s a 1.5 hour boat journey.

If you have a return ticket, be sure to keep all parts of your tickets and make a note of the boat company named on it. Visit the company’s ticket office at least two days before you depart Gili T, to make sure you have a seat on your preferred date, as they get booked up quickly.

Book your place on a convenient and fast speedboat from Bali to Gili Trawangan here.

The best time to visit Gili Trawangan

Gili Trawangan has a tropical climate with warm and humid weather year-round, but the amount of rainfall changes noticeably between seasons. The best times to visit Gili Trawangan are in April-May or September-October. I went in April-May and the weather was perfect.

The wet season is from October to April, with the heaviest rainfall from December to February. Daytime temperatures during the wet season usually range from 28°C to 33°C. Christmas and New Year is a more expensive time to visit the island, as this is when many local tourists visit for the holidays.

The dry season is between May and September, which means calmer seas, better water visibility, lower humidity and more pleasant temperatures, averaging 25°C to 30°C. Peak tourist season is from July to September, when European summer holidays bring large crowds.

For fewer tourists and better accommodation prices, the shoulder months are best – April to May or September to October. Weekends are always busier than mid-week, as day-trippers from Bali and Lombok often visit Gili Trawangan on weekends, especially the main beach.

Frequently asked questions about Gili Trawangan

Is it worth going to Gili Trawangan?

Yes, definitely, if you’re looking for somewhere you can relax during the day and party in the evening. The car-free environment gives this island a uniquely peaceful atmosphere.

Is Gili T still a party island?

Yes, though it’s evolved. While Gili Trawangan still hosts beach parties most nights, the island has also developed a strong yoga and wellness scene. You can easily avoid the party scene by staying on the quieter eastern or northern sides. It’s now mature enough that you can curate whatever experience you want.

What free things can you do in Gili Trawangan?

Walking the entire circumference of the island takes about two hours and costs nothing. Snorkelling from the beach is free if you bring your own equipment, and you can often spot turtles right off the shore near Turtle Point. Watching the sunset from the western beaches is spectacular and completely free.

How many days do you need in Gili Trawangan?

I’d say 3-4 days is the sweet spot. That gives you enough time to try different activities, explore the beaches, and experience both the chill and party sides of the island. Though honestly, the laid-back vibe is so addictive you might end up staying longer.

Is Gili Trawangan good for solo travellers?

Yes, the backpacker scene here is huge and it’s easy to meet people. Hostels are social, beach bars are friendly and activities like snorkelling tours are great for meeting others.

Final thoughts on the best things to do in Gili Trawangan

Gili Trawangan gives you a harmonious balance between calm and lively, peace and party time, touristy and remote, activities and relaxation. This means you can choose exactly what kind of holiday you’d like to have here.

What I love most about this island is how it manages to cater to such diverse travellers without losing its character. Backpackers mingle with honeymooners, yoga enthusiasts and party-goers, and somehow it all works beautifully.

The absence of cars and motorbikes creates a peaceful atmosphere that’s increasingly rare in Southeast Asia. The laid-back vibe is infectious, and I’ve watched countless travellers arrive for three days and still be there two weeks later, having abandoned their original travel plans.

What more is there to say? This Gili island is perfection to a T.

Now, discover my full guide to planning your Bali itinerary here.