20 Amazing Things To Do In Gili Trawangan - Updated 2024

Nicole
Nicole 
Updated
| 10 min read

Set close to Lombok Island’s coast, Gili Trawangan is an enchanting island that belongs to the Gili Islands of Indonesia, together with Gili Air and Gili Meno. This stunning paradise on earth is a popular holiday destination among tourists who want an escape from their busy city lives and the concrete jungle’s noise and pollution. What makes this island so special is its fine sandy shores that are accentuated by lovely palm trees. Additionally, this island is also known for being home to mystical underwater worlds, boasting colorful coral reefs that are teeming with life. If you are planning to fly to this side of Indonesia anytime soon, here is a list of the most amazing things to do in Gili Trawangan that might come in handy in your itinerary planning. Feel free to browse below.

1. Explore the island through bike

Gili Trawangan Cycling Experence
Source: Photo by user Eka Kurniawaty used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Gili Trawangan is a piece of heaven on earth. One of many paradises in Indonesia, but unlike the crowded Bali, this holiday destination is not as highly urbanized, and therefore, less foot traffic. As you explore the island, you come across horse-drawn carriages, which are Gili Trawangan’s primary mode of transportation. Other than that, there are local bike rentals available in the area, and tourists love exploring Gili Trawangan while on a bike, enjoying the views and the fresh air. Plus, you can stop by laidback little cafes that you come across on the island for a quick bite.

Visited this place?

2. Book a snorkeling escapade (from USD 60.69)

Gili Islands is not only a destination where you can swim in crystal clear water and bask under the warmth of the golden sun in the tropics, but it is also a place that boasts underwater worlds, you’ve never seen before. This island is known for its breathtaking coral reefs, aside from its gorgeous beaches. If you are a big watersports enthusiast, you might be interested in this snorkeling adventure offered by Klook. Through this package, you will not only witness colorful coral reefs in their natural habitat, but you will also get to swim with fascinating underwater creatures, such as turtles and different types of fish.

Visited this place?

Gili Islands BBQ Cruise Tour by Gili Hai from Gili Trawangan

Duration: 5hrsDuration

3. Take Insta-pics on Gili Trawangan Swing

Amazing things to di in Gili Trawangan
Source: Piqsels

Popular among tourists and locals alike, Gili Trawangan Swing is an iconic attraction that has probably been featured on all of the tourists’ Instagram feed when they come here. This enchanting swing is a picture-perfect attraction in Gili Trawangan, standing on crystal clear waters, and having the cotton candy skies as its backdrop. If you want to add Gili Trawangan Swings in your Gili Trawangan Itinerary, it is located on the island’s shores, proximate to Pandawa and Ombak Resort. Also, expect a long queue of excited Instagram-models once you arrive in the location as this marvelous swing is extremely popular in the area.

Gili Trawangan Swing

Address: Jl. Pantai Gili Trawangan, Gili Indah, Pemenang, Kabupaten Lombok Utara, Nusa Tenggara Bar. 83352, Indonesia

Visited this place?

4. Gorge on delicious seafood at Gili Trawangan Night Market

Night food market on Gili Trawangan - awesome! #upsticksandgo #travel #travelgram #travelphotos #travellingtheworld #lombok #giliT #gilitrawangan #gilitrawangannightfoodmarket #food #foodtravel
Source: Photo by user UpSticksNGo Crew used under CC BY 2.0

Asian countries are known for their interesting trading culture. Night markets are a testament to that. Swing by Gili Trawangan Night Market while you’re on the island, and immerse in this fascinating Asian culture. Gili Trawangan Night Market is located in Gili Indah and it is a fantastic place to go on a budget shopping spree and palatable gastronomic adventure. This side of the island offers the freshest seafood cuisines that will surely fill your tummy with delicious eats without breaking your bank. Aside from that, its multitude of culinary offerings include local delicacies of all kinds, pork, beef, chicken, and even exotic fare. Plus, this place is where tourists buy souvenir items, as this place has a plethora of local merchants that sell quality locally made goods.

Gili Trawangan Night Market

Address: Gili Trawangan, Gili Indah, Pemenang, Lombok Barat, Nusa Tenggara Bar. 83352, Indonesia

Opening hours: 6:30pm - 1:15pm (daily)

Visited this place?

5. Hop on a party yacht and enjoy the Gili Trawangan Booze Cruise

Multiple Alcoholic Mixed Drinks at a Bar
Source: Photo by user Jonatan Svensson ... used under CC BY-SA 2.0

What better way to party on an enchanting island than in a marvelous nice yacht, right? If so, might as well hop onto the Gili Trawangan Booze Cruise. The Gili Trawangan Booze Cruise is a high-energy party that everyone can join. The entry fee is 30 USD and it comes with a bottle of beer. The next drinks you’d be having are available in the yacht, for a reasonable price. Music is provided by a professional DJ and the food is also available. This boat does not stay in one place. Throughout the party, you will sail the Gili Air and Gili Meno, and you are even allowed to jump for a swim.

Gili Trawangan Booze Cruise

Address: Jl. Pantai Gili Trawangan, Gili Indah, Pemenang, Kabupaten Lombok Utara, Nusa Tenggara Bar. 83352, Indonesia

Website: Gili Trawangan Booze Cruise

Price: 30 USD

Visited this place?

6. Catch a movie and some drinks at Beach Cinema

FREE Outdoor Movie Nights 2012 @ Second Beach
Source: Photo by user GoToVan used under CC BY 2.0

Another wonderful activity that you should experience while in Gili Trawangan is their delightful Beach Cinema. Located on the main beach. the Beach Cinema is a nightly tradition in the area. It is a charming open-air cinema that screens lovely movies that you will surely enjoy, whether you are riding solo, with a romantic partner, or a group of friends. Plus, drinks and light fare are available for a complete movie night experience. So, instead of hitting the bars and hardcore drinking, chill, and appreciate the island life while watching a movie on the main beach.

Beach Cinema

Address: Main Beach, Gili Trawangan

Visited this place?

7. Immerse in the offerings of the Gili Islands through an island-hopping adventure (from USD 17.35)

Gili Trawangan is one of three majestic beaches that make up the Gili Islands. All of these islands are home to stunning beaches with fine white sands, crystal clear waters, and breathtaking views. Not only that but what’s on the surface is nothing compared to what’s under the ocean. The Gili Islands is a paradise of underwater worlds. This side of Indonesia is known for its gorgeous coral reefs that will surely blow you away. No wonder, scuba diving and snorkeling are two popular activities on the island. Make the most of your adventure by going on an island-hopping escapade, and get to explore not only Gili Trawangan but also Gili Air, Gili Meno, and the pristine Gili Kedis Island.

Visited this place?

Northern Coast Gili Islands Private Snorkeling Day Tour from Lombok

Duration: 9hrsDuration

8. Ride horseback through Gili Trawangan

Horseback riding adventure
Source: Needpix

Imagine riding a lovely horse as you explore the shores of Gili Trawangan and marvel at the beauty of nature, at the same time. This is something you can experience in the stunning island of Gili Trawangan. Other than bike rentals, there are several horse rental services on the island that provides friendly horses for your dreamy horseback riding activity. One of those is Sunset Stables in Jalan Pantai Gili Trawangan. If you are interested in booking an adorable ride, drop by their shop from 5pm to 8pm, just in time for the breathtaking island sunset.

Sunset Stables

Address: Jalan Pantai Gili Trawangan, Gili Indah, Pemenang, Gili Indah, Pemenang, Kabupaten Lombok Utara, Nusa Tenggara Bar. 83352, Indonesia

Opening hours: 5pm - 8pm (daily)

Visited this place?

9. Catch a fascinating stick fight tournament

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Like most countries in the world, Gili Trawangan has its fair share of fascinating traditions that reflects its colorful culture. One of them is the exciting Stick Fight Tournament, locally known as presean. Presean is a friendly match between two armed men. These men have a stick and a shield as their weapon. This event is often held in the marketplace on a Sunday afternoon. Lots of tourists and locals alike check out this event. Not only that, but aside from the friendly fight, there are lots of dancing, singing, and folk music in the program.

Stick fight tournament

Address: Gili Trawangan, Gili Indah, Pemenang, Lombok Barat, Nusa Tenggara Bar. 83352, Indonesia

Visited this place?

10. Unleash your inner social butterfly at Sama-Sama Reggae Bar

things to do in gili trawangan | unleash your inner social butterfly at sama-sama reggae bar
Source: instagram

Your island adventure will not be complete without experiencing the party scene in the tropics. Most Asian islands are known for fun and laidback reggae bars. While in Gili Trawangan, be sure to swing by Sama-Sama Reggae Bar as this hang-out spot is one of the loveliest on the island. Aside from excellent drinks and delicious meals, this fantastic bar provides high-energy live reggae music performance that will make you party all night. Plus, it has a friendly vibe that unleashes everyone’s inner social butterfly, effortlessly.

Sama-Sama Reggae Bar

Address: Gili Trawangan, Gili Indah, Pemenang, Kabupaten Lombok Utara, Nusa Tenggara Bar. 83352, Indonesia

Website: Sama-Sama Reggae Bar

Opening hours: Sun - Fr: 7am - 1am; Sat: 7am - 3am

Visited this place?

11. Try paddleboarding

Paddleboarder
Source: Photo by user Tony Hisgett used under CC BY 2.0

If you are not the type of person who might be a bit scared of the deep parts of the ocean and you prefer to stay close to the shores, you still have lots of options of activities to do in Gili Trawangan, other than just swimming and sunbathing. Why not try paddleboarding? Enjoy the views and be blown away as you stand on a paddleboard, playing wonderfully with some friends. A less risky type of surfing, paddleboarding is an alternative activity for those who prefer not to go for extreme watersports. There are a lot of businesses that offer paddleboarding equipment rentals on the island. One of them is Paddle Gili. You can rent your ride anytime from 9am to 5:30pm.

Paddle Gili

Address: Trawangan Dive, Gili Indah, Gili Trawangan, North Lombok Regency, West Nusa Tenggara 83352, Indonesia

Opening hours: 9am - 5:30pm (daily)

Visited this place?

12. See fascinating turtles at Gili Meno Sea Turtle Sanctuary

Green Sea Turtle (43781715354)
Source: Photo by user National Marine S... used under PUBLIC DOMAIN

Gili Meno Sea Turtle Sanctuary is a breathtaking paradise in Gili Meno - an island next to Gili Trawangan. More than a tourist attraction, Gili Meno Sea Turtle sanctuary is a wonderful place of refuge for turtles. Although guests are allowed in the place, you should be mindful of your trash and your interaction with the turtles. Still, the main goal of the place is to let these animals live in peace. Here, you’ll see tanks that shelter baby turtles. Hatchers collect them from eggs and raise them until they are eight months old and ready to be returned into the oceans.

Gili Meno Sea Turtle Sanctuary

Address: Jl. Pelabuhan Gili Meno, Gili Indah, Pemenang, Gili Indah, Pemenang, Kabupaten Lombok Utara, Nusa Tenggara Bar. 83352, Indonesia

Opening hours: 9am - 9pm (daily)

Visited this place?

13. Discover Secret Gili Island

The Gili Islands
Source: Photo by user Jorge Láscar used under CC BY 2.0

Nestled on the southwestern part of Lombok, Secret Gili Islands are a group of pristine islands that are less crowded and not as urbanized as other islands in the Gili Islands. Gili Asahan is the most popular of these virgin islands. It is unspoiled and not most tourists get to visit this stunning hidden gem. Some hotels and local tours offer a trip to this island, as this is perfect for tourists who want some peaceful and quiet time. Just like the three main Gili Islands, Gili Asahan has breathtaking powdery sand, turquoise-toned waters, an abundance of palm trees, and picturesque views.

Secret Gili Island

Address: West Nusa Tenggara, South of Lombok, Gili Islands, Indonesia

Visited this place?

14. Treat yourself with a rejuvenating spa service at The Rose Spa

Massage
Source: Needpix

What’s a holiday vacation without a relaxing spa treatment, right? If you agree with this, add a day at The Rose Spa in your holiday itinerary. Located in Jl. Pantai Gili Trawangan, this fantastic spa offers excellent services, from different types of massages to manicure, pedicure, foot spa, and a lot more. Plus, the spa has a charming tropic-inspired interior design that adds coziness to the place. Surely, after some time at The Rose Spa, you will feel as rejuvenated as ever.

The Rose Spa

Address: Jl. Pantai Gili Trawangan, Gili Indah, Pemenang, Kabupaten Lombok Utara, Nusa Tenggara Bar. 83352, Indonesia

Website: The Rose Spa

Opening hours: 10am - 10pm (daily)

Visited this place?

15. Be charmed by the beauty of Gili Meno saltwater lake

Salt Water Lake, Gili Meno - panoramio
Source: Photo by user Alexey Komarov used under CC BY 3.0

Another enchanting swimming spot you’ll have to check out in the Gili Islands is the saltwater lake in Gili Meno. This captivating body of water is a picture of a paradise on earth. It boasts of refreshing waters and lush vegetation that adds charm to it. Aside from swimming, fishing, and watersports, people love coming to this side of the island for a walk as it has a lovely bridge that offers breathtaking nature views.

Gili Meno

Address: Meno Saltwater Lake, Gili Nusa Tenggara Bar. 83352, Gili Indah, Pemenang, North Lombok Regency, West Nusa Tenggara 83352, Indonesia

Visited this place?

16. Kayak in the waters

Kayaking
Source: Needpix

Aside from swimming, sunbathing, scuba diving, snorkeling, and paddleboarding, you can enjoy kayaking in Gili Trawangan. The beaches on the island have various safe spots for kayaking. For a more exciting experience, rent a fantastic see-through kayak that is not only lovely to ride but is very much Instagram-worthy as well. These unique kayaks are available at Fly Gili Parasail in Jl. Pantai Gili Trawangan. The shop is operational from 6am to 4pm daily.

Fly Gili Parasail

Address: Jl. Pantai Gili Trawangan, Gili Indah, Pemenang, Kabupaten Lombok Utara, Nusa Tenggara Bar. 83352, Indonesia

Opening hours: 6am - 4pm (daily)

Visited this place?

17. Take yoga classes at The Yoga Garden


If you want to maximize your vacation in Gili Trawangan and indulge in all the relaxing activities that you can take advantage of on the island, you might be interested in joining yoga classes in The Yoga Garden. It is a lovely three-star hotel with tropical-inspired, air-conditioned accommodations and a stunning pool that guests who booked a room can take advantage of. It offers lots of activities, from tour packages to yoga classes that will surely relax your tensed muscles and your mind. On top of that, it has an on-site bar that serves delicious bites and excellent alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.

The Yoga Garden

Address: Gili Trawangan, Gili Indah, Pemenang, Kabupaten Lombok Utara, Nusa Tenggara Bar. 83355, Indonesia

Website: The Yoga Garden

Visited this place?

18. Take refuge in the wonderful, three-star Manta Dive Gili Trawangan

things to do in gili trawangan | take refuge in the wonderful, three-star manta dive gili trawangan
Source: instagram

Nesting on the northwestern edge of Lombok, Manta Dive Gili Trawangan is a captivating three-star hotel that is a fantastic choice for tourists who want to indulge in all of the offerings of Gili Trawangan. This lovely hotel offers not only cozy rooms but also upscale amenities that will make your stay worthwhile. It has a lovely swimming pool, a laidback on-site restaurant, and it offers fantastic tour packages and crash courses on watersports. To top it all off, it is within a few steps from the beach, which allows guests unlimited access to its fine white sand and crystal clear waters.

Manta Dive Gili Trawangan

Address: Jl. Pantai Gili Trawangan, Gili Trawangan, Pemenang, Kabupaten Lombok Utara, Nusa Tenggara Bar. 83352, Indonesia

Book Now

Visited this place?

19. Be amazed by the enchanting sunset views at Ombak Sunset Hotel

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

If you already have an elaborate list of activities to do in the breathtaking island of Gili Trawangan, and all that’s missing is the perfect hotel where you can take refuge during your much-deserved vacation, you might want to consider booking a room in Ombak Sunset Hotel. It is a lovely four-star hotel within close proximity to the bustling and vibrant Trawangan Night Market. Aside from cozy, well-equipped, and tastefully furnished rooms, Ombak Sunset Hotel offers delightful amenities, such as an outdoor pool, relaxing lounges, and exquisite on-site dining spots. On top of those, what this hotel is most proud of is its excellent location with the most perfect view of the enchanting sunset on the island.

Ombak Sunset Hotel

Address: Gili Trawangan, Dusun Gili Trawangan Indah, Gili Indah, Pemenang, Kabupaten Lombok Utara, Nusa Tenggara Bar. 83355, Indonesia

Book Now

Visited this place?

20. Experience scuba diving in the Gili Islands (from USD 85.0)

experience scuba diving in the gili islands

Done with a delightful snorkeling escapade in Gili Trawangan? Up for a more challenging watersport? If so, why not try scuba diving? Aside from enchanting coral reefs, Gili Trawangan is a paradise for extreme watersports-enthusiasts, housing mystical scuba diving sites. So, if you want to experience diving into the depth’s of the ocean, and discover a whole new world, book a scuba diving package. There are lots of businesses on site that offer this activity. Even hotels have them for their guests. Check out this package from Getyourguide as this might pique your interest.

Visited this place?

Gili Islands: Discover Scuba Diving for Beginners

Duration: 7 hour

6 reviews

Fall in love with Gili Trawangan

Gili Trawangan is a breathtaking island in Indonesia that is a paradise for beach lovers. It is a haven for all kinds of watersports, not just swimming and sunbathing. Not only that, but it has excellent restaurants and bars that will make your holiday vacation experience more worthwhile. If you are planning to explore Gila Trawangan any time soon, use this list as your guide in planning your itinerary.

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

History


Get Trip101 in your inbox

Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data

Nicole, a writer and traveler, also identifies herself as a free spirit with a wild heart. She is dedicated to telling authentic stories in a relatable manner. Nicole also enjoys exploring new,...Read more

 Want to contribute as a Local Expert?
Explore Gili Trawangan
x
Good things are meant to be shared!
Back to top
Visited any of these places? Click this button to activate our "Add a Tip" feature to share your experience.