NATURAL BEAUTY OF AN INDONESIAN PARADISE
Only a few kilometres off the northwest coast of Lombok lay an archipelago of three small idyllic coral islands – Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno and Gili Air. Although each island has its own particular charm they all boast powdery white sand beaches, crystal clear waters and some of the best diving and snorkelling opportunities in the region; you’ll always be rewarded with the key elements that make the Gili Islands an unforgettable tropical paradise. However it’s Gili Trawangan that’s the biggest and most visited of the three and has earned a reputation as ‘Party Island’ amongst the world’s travellers.
Danny de Groot
Gili Trawangan, or simply Gili T as it's often abbreviated, is the largest (but not by much) and most visited of the three Gili Islands off the northwest shore of Lombok.
Once a backpacker’s haven, discovered in the 1990's – with basic beach huts and simple bars, serving concoctions that offered ‘free lunar transport’ – Gili Trawangan has undergone some dramatic changes over the past five years and now caters to a decidedly more upmarket crowd, all seeking that tropical island experience with the luxuries of home.
Tom Bixler
Uber Scuba Gili
Despite its party vibe and the growth of recent years, Gili Trawangan retains a truly chilled out vibe. This is due to the fact that no motorized traffic is allowed anywhere on land and the local village government rules restricting building height to below the tree line.
Aside from the laid-back beach culture, the main draw of the island is scuba diving, with a number of professional dive centres offering courses and fun dives to all ages. At low tide on the west coast you can enjoy fascinating rock pooling in the broad shallows, seeing all kinds of marine life hiding just beneath the calm surface.
Timur Kozmenko
Gili Trawangan accommodation choices start from budget guesthouses through to a large selection of mid-range beachfront hotels, going all the way up to resort-style hotels and luxury villas. It’s highly recommended to book your accommodation Gili Trawangan in advance during the peak season (Jul-Sep and the Christmas/new year period) to ensure you don’t end-up sleeping on the beach! For the quieter areas to stay and relax, simply head to the west or north of the island where some of the newer boutique resorts are found along exclusive stretches of beach. There are gorgeous views toward Bali and it's volcanoes in the distance, ideal for amazing sunsets.
Tandya Rachmat
There’s a wide variety of restaurants along the beachfront, offering everything from local street-food to high quality international cuisine, along with some of the freshest seafood BBQ’s around.
At the end of the day – when you’re done soaking up the sun or diving to new depths – there are plenty of bars to quench your thirst, with weekly party nights to keep you dancing to the early hours.
Aayush Gupta
Rizknas
As the sun starts its journey back towards the horizon, take a stroll up the hill for an unforgettable sunset. Head away from the main beach and through the village to the foot of the hill, where clearly-trodden paths wind their way upwards. Passing through coconut groves, grazing cattle and wandering goats you’ll eventually be rewarded with stunning 360° views of the 3 Gilis and of Lombok and Bali beyond. Don’t forget to bring your camera!
If a walk up the hill is bit too strenuous then how about a trip in a Cidomo (horsecart) to the West side of the island where you can relax at the Gili Teak Beach Club while enjoying a cocktail on the beach as the sun sets over Bali. There are also some other bars and restaurants where you can relax in a hammock or just enjoy the view!
The Gili Islands are known for their abundancy of marine life which is why we highly recommend to get out into the water. Go snorkelling off the North-East coast of the island and let the current escort you back to the South of the island. You will be able to check out the stunning marine life around the island.
If you'd rather go (free)diving, Gili Trawangan is the place to be. With numerous dive shops along the East Coast of the island you can easily book your diving experience in the clear blue waters surrounding the Islands. Gili T is close to dive spots like Seahorse Bay, Manta Point, Shark point and many more, meaning you'll be assured of stunning marine live wherever you go. The dive spots range from 'suitable for all levels' to spots where you will need an advanced certificate. Freediving is also very popular in the Gili Islands and is another perfect opportunity to explore the abundance of marine life surrounding the islands.