Gili Trawangan
Southeast Asia · Indonesia
Did you know?
- The island's hill hides remnants of a wartime Japanese bunker.
- Motorised traffic is absent even though the island has developed a large tourism industry.
- Cidomo horse carts carry passengers and luggage along sandy island paths.
See also
Overview
Gili Trawangan combines a busy dive industry with a strong nightlife scene. Beachfront paths retain a small-island scale despite extensive tourism.
Languages: Indonesian
Understand
Gili Trawangan is the largest of the three Gili Islands, with a permanent population of about 1500. It evolved from a backpackers' haven to a more developed tourist island with a thriving dive industry, while retaining small-scale charm and no motorized traffic. The island has a mix of budget and upscale accommodations, a strong party atmosphere, and underwent a beachfront cleanup in 2018.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Get in
The sea is calmest in the morning; all services from Bali stop in late afternoon. During southerly winds and July/August, the swell can be hairy. You may have to wade through shallow sea when disembarking, so wear appropriate footwear or none.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Get around
Bicycles are available for rent at Rp30,000-50,000 per day. Walking is preferred. For heavy bags, cidomo (horse cart) costs about Rp40,000 for a short trip.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Sleep
Accommodation ranges from budget homestays from Rp120,000 to luxury villas over US$100. Power is normally 24 hours but disruptions occur. Most budget options are behind the east coast frontage in the village or north of the boat landing. There are over 100 official places to stay.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Eat and drink
Trawangan has a huge range of eating options from local warungs to modern cuisine. Budget places include push carts along the beachfront for Indonesian staples like fried rice and bakso. Barbecued fish is excellent. For drinks, there are regular party nights hosted by various bars. Beware of locally produced spirits containing methanol; stick to western-owned bars.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Stay safe
There is a small clinic adjacent to Vila Ombak for minor ailments; serious cases go to Mataram hospital. Beware of methanol in locally produced spirits like arak; several incidents including fatalities. Do not experiment with psilocybin mushrooms or recreational drugs. Party nights can go until 04:00.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Connect
Several internet cafes on Trawangan, though speeds can be slow. Scallywags has fast ADSL wifi. William's Bookshop acts as a post office.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Day trips
Nearby islands Gili Air and Gili Meno are quieter alternatives. For Lombok mainland, take early morning local ferry to Bangsal for Rp20,000, then shuttle bus to destinations like Tanjung and Senggigi.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Go next
If travelling to Lombok mainland, get early morning ferry to Bangsal for Rp20,000, then walk to Bunga Bunga Cafe for shuttle buses. Also consider Gili Air, Gili Meno, Nusa Lembongan, and Bali.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Field guide adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0. Text has been adapted and organized for this guide. About our sources.
Places to know
A few starting points from the guide. Check current hours and prices before you go.
- sleep
Alam Gili
8 bungalows with a shared pool in a secluded location on the north coast. Rooms are decorated in an elaborate Balinese style.
Recorded price: US$55-95
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Balenta
This is a great value place if you do not mind being a little away from the action. Very quiet spot overlooking a nice stretch of beach.
Recorded price: From Rp 200,000
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Baruna Villas
Newly built, traditional design, family run villas near the main beach offering privacy and 4-star standard accommodation. Has a fresh water pool and fresh water showers in each bathroom.
Recorded price: US$125-200
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Danima Resort
Little bungalow resort on the northern coast. Rooms have A/C, hot & cold freshwater, TV & mini bar. Has perhaps the best Italian restaurant on Trawangan.
Recorded price: From US$50
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Desa Dunia Beda Beach Resort
Beachfront resort with wooden Javanese joglo-style bungalows arranged around a large communal pool. Located just about as far away from the action as you can get and still be on Trawangan. A great choice for those seeking some solitude. Quite deliberately has no A/C and no TVs.
Recorded price: From US$130
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Dream Village
Only 5 bungalows available. A/C, TV, minibar, babysitting, massage, 24-hr security service, very friendly staff and Angelo (the Italian owner) and Lulu (his little monkey) are two sweeties.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Eden Cottages
Opened in 2010, simple modern little bungalow resort on the north side, behind and to the right of Lutwala Dive. Smallish pool and a kiddie pool. Rooms have A/C, cold freshwater, TV and DVD player, safe.
Recorded price: From Rp 350,000
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Edy Homestay
Run by some great local guys, this is a clean, friendly and cheap place to stay just a few minutes from the centre. Delicious breakfast served whenever you are ready to wake up and free tea and coffee all day.
Recorded price: From Rp 120,000 for a double fan room (includes breakfast, Rp 150,000 for 2 people)
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
Before you go
Connectivity
Several internet cafes; Scallywags has fast wifi.
Culture
Two mosques; call to prayer may disturb sleep.
Health
Small clinic at Vila Ombak for minor issues; Mataram hospital for serious cases.
Money
Over 12 ATMs on the island, mostly on east side near jetty. Max withdrawal Rp1,500,000. Exchange rates on islands are poor.
Safety
Methanol poisoning risk from locally produced alcohol. Stick to reputable bars.
Transport
Bicycle rental Rp30,000-50,000/day. Cidomo (horse cart) about Rp40,000 for short trip.
Water
No info on tap water safety; assume not potable.