Gili Trawangan is a small island—locally known as a gili—located to the northwest of Lombok Island, Indonesia. The island measures approximately 300 meters in length and 200 meters in width. In ancient royal times, Gili Trawangan was used as an exile island for around 350 prisoners from the Sasak tribe.
In the 1970s, Bugis and Sulawesi people began to stop by and eventually settled on the island alongside the Sasak and Balinese communities. From that period onward, Gili Trawangan developed into a fishermen’s village and became a gathering place for local fishermen.
Over the following years, Gili Trawangan transformed from a fishing area into a tourism destination and continued to grow rapidly along with the global tourism industry. It was once named one of the Top 10 Best Destinations in the World to Visit and ranked as the 6th most popular destination in Asia. Both domestic and international tourists continue to arrive in large numbers, driving the island’s fast development.
During peak holiday seasons—June, July, August, year-end holidays, and New Year—hotels in Gili Trawangan, ranging from 1-star to 5-star accommodations, are often fully booked due to the surge of visitors from around the world.
How to Get to Gili Trawangan
To reach Gili Trawangan, visitors must travel by sea using either a bateau rapide ou slow boat. There are four main departure points from Lombok:
- Port de Bangsal – approximately 35 minutes by slow boat
- Teluk Nare Harbor – around 7–10 minutes by fast boat
- Teluk Kodek Harbor – about 15–20 minutes by fast boat
- Senggigi Harbor – approximately 40–45 minutes by fast boat
From Bali, the journey generally takes about 1–1.5 hours, with several ports available, including Padang Bai–Gili–Lombok, Sanur–Gili–Lombok, Serangan–Gili–Lombok, and Nusa Penida–Lembogan–Gili–Lombok. You can also use the fast boat service baligilifastboat to check booking details and other travel services.
Fast boats from Lombok generally have a capacity of 10–17 passengers. You can check schedules and availability via Bateau rapide Bali Gili services.From Bali, the journey usually takes around 1 to 1.5 hours, with several departure ports available, including Padang Bai, Sanur, Serangan, and routes via Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan to Gili Trawangan and Lombok.
Unique Attractions of Gili Trawangan
Tourist Activities in Gili Trawangan
As one of Lombok’s most popular tourist destinations, Gili Trawangan offers unique characteristics that make it stand out from other islands.
- A Pollution-Free Island
Motorized vehicles such as cars and motorcycles are strictly prohibited on the island, making Gili Trawangan completely free from traffic pollution. Transportation is limited to bicycles and traditional horse-drawn carts known as cidomo. This makes the island perfect for travelers seeking peace away from city noise.
- Many Cats, Almost No Dogs
Another unique feature of Gili Trawangan is the abundance of cats roaming freely, while dogs are rarely seen. This is due to local customary rules that prohibit the presence of dogs on the island.
- Tourists Dominate the Population
Due to the large number of international visitors, much of the island is occupied by tourists. Local residents typically live in the center of the island, and most work in the tourism sector.
- Strict Customary Law for Theft
Gili Trawangan enforces strict traditional rules (awik-awik). Anyone caught stealing will be publicly paraded around the island wearing a sign that reads “I Am a Thief.” This applies to both locals and foreigners. This social sanction has made Gili Trawangan a very safe destination with extremely low crime rates.
As described in a song by Richard D Gili:
“A beautiful island, clean beaches, no pollution and no police, because there is no crime or traffic—only horse carts as transportation.”
Here are some activities you should try while visiting Gili Trawangan:
- Walking or Jogging Around the Island
With its small size, Gili Trawangan is perfect for walking or jogging while enjoying breathtaking natural scenery.
- Swimming at the Beach
Swimming in Gili Trawangan’s crystal-clear waters is safe and enjoyable. Life jackets are available for rent. You can also see fish and coral reefs directly from the shoreline.
- Plongée en apnée
For those of you who love the beauty of the underwater world, you should try snorkeling in Gili Trawangan or the other two Gilis. The price is only IDR 150,000 for public snorkeling and private snorkeling, both at affordable prices. Experience the thrill of swimming among the fish, feeding them with bread, or admiring the beautiful and colorful coral reefs. If you and your family or friends are interested in snorkeling in Gili Trawangan or the other three Gilis, you can book a Lombok tour package at Baligilifastboat, which includes complete amenities.
- Diving
Diving services are widely available. Prices start from IDR 500,000 per dive for licensed divers and IDR 1,100,000 per dive for beginners. Options include PADI courses, night dives, shark diving, free diving, and marine walks.
- Surfant
Surfing spots are located on the southern side of the island and are popular among international surfers.
- Party Boat
Enjoy a unique party experience on a boat in the middle of the sea. Prices start from IDR 400,000 per person, with most participants being international tourists.
- Horse Riding
Ride a horse along the beach for around IDR 250,000 per person for 30 minutes—a romantic and relaxing activity.
- Cycling
Bicycle rentals are widely available, costing around IDR 50,000–100,000 per day, making it the most popular way to explore the island.
- Horse Cart (Cidomo)
For those who prefer not to cycle, cidomo rides around the island cost approximately IDR 250,000–300,000.
- Beach Swings
Iconic beach swings are scattered across the island and are perfect for photos.
- Watching the Sunset
The best sunset spots are located on the western side of the island, often enjoyed near beachfront hotels.
- Romantic Dinner
Enjoy fresh seafood dinners at beachfront restaurants with a romantic atmosphere.
- Nightlife and Parties
Gili Trawangan is famous for its nightlife, with parties happening every night at popular venues such as Sama Sama Reggae Bar, Tir Na Nog, Pandawa Beach Club, Jiggy Jig’s, and Rudy’s.
- Night Market Culinary Experience
Visit the night market for authentic Lombok cuisine, usually opening at 7 PM.
- Sunrise Viewing
Catch the stunning sunrise with Mount Rinjani and Gili Meno as the backdrop.
If you are interested in exploring the beauty of Gili Trawangan,Gili Meno, Gili Air you can book a Lombok tour package with Bali Gili Fast Boat. A wide range of tour packages is available to suit your travel needs.
Français 
English 
Bahasa Indonesia 
한국어