Things to see and do in Gili Islands Trawangan

Are you looking for ideas on what to see and do in the Gili Islands? You've come to the right place! These islands are among the must-visit destinations in Indonesia, and you won’t regret making the trip. First, we recommend reading this post to help you decide which island to visit. Is it better to explore all three or focus on one?

The ideal scenario would be to visit all three islands, but if you only have a few days, we suggest making Gili Trawangan your base. This island offers a plethora of activities, and there are daily tours that allow you to explore Gili Air and Gili Meno easily.

During our first visit to Indonesia, we focused primarily on Bali and Java. The reason? Indonesia is an expansive country with countless islands and unique places to explore, but time was limited. Nevertheless, we left with a firm promise: to return and discover one of those Asian paradises that every traveler raves about—the Gili Islands. And we certainly did!

⭐ We share the 5 best excursions in Bali.

How to get to the Gili Islands from Bali: The fastest and most comfortable way is to book your fast ferry tickets online. We recommend using Ferryhopper to check schedules, prices, and reserve in advance to avoid surprises.

And here we are, fulfilling that promise, with a collection of magical sunsets and an eagerness to return to this little Indonesian gem.

Now, let’s dive into everything that awaits you in this paradise of Indonesia:

Snorkeling: A Must-Do in Gili

Is it even possible to be in paradise without exploring the wonders beneath its waters? Not a chance! Grab your snorkel gear and dive into the crystal-clear waters of Gili. To be honest, we weren't very lucky during our trip and didn't see the turtles everyone talks about—though they’re often spotted here!

Best Snorkeling Spots in Gili Trawangan

You can snorkel independently from the beach or join a guided tour that takes you around the three islands for about €10. The best spots for snorkeling in Gili Trawangan are:

• Northeast Area: Although it’s crowded with boats, it’s the easiest area for snorkeling. The water deepens quickly, and while the shallow parts near the shore have little life, venturing further out reveals a more vibrant underwater ecosystem. This is also where you might spot turtles!
• Northwest Area: This part features a coral reef, but getting there requires navigating through shallow waters filled with dead corals. It’s less accessible, but if you love marine life, the effort is worthwhile.

You don’t need to bring your snorkel gear; it’s easy to rent on the island, and many accommodations offer it for free. At Marta's Hotel, we had several masks and snorkels available for no charge.

Island Hopping: Tour of the Three Islands

If you want to maximize your time in the Gili Islands, joining a tour that takes you to snorkel in various locations across all three islands is highly recommended. These tours usually include stops such as:

• The first stop is typically off the west coast of Gili Meno, where you can explore colorful corals and fish.
• The second stop is along the east coast of Gili Meno, where, with a bit of luck, you might see a turtle.
• The final stop is the southern part of Gili Air, known for its abundant underwater life and where lunch is often served.

You can also book these tours through local agencies on the islands, starting at around €15-20. They usually include lunch, snorkeling gear, and smaller group sizes for a more intimate experience.

Visiting the Islands Independently

Why stay on one island when the others are a short ferry ride away? Don’t rush your visit to the Gili Islands; a week is ideal to explore them at leisure.

Local ferries between the islands take only 20-30 minutes. Check the schedules at the port!

Scuba Diving: Another Highlight of the Gili Islands

Despite the severe coral bleaching affecting Indonesia, the marine life around the Gili Islands remains fascinating. If you enjoy diving, you might just find your little paradise here: expect to encounter turtles, colorful fish, manta rays, and even sharks!

If you want to book your dives in advance, check out this PADI course.

Biking Around the Island: A Must-Do in Gili Trawangan

Renting a bike is the best way to get around! In any of the Gili Islands, you can easily find a bike rental to take a leisurely ride. You could even walk the island, though we recommend against it because of the heat. This way, you’ll discover every nook and cranny of the area.

The entire loop can be completed in about two hours with stops, mostly on dirt paths (although you may need to dismount at times, it's not challenging).

Bikes can be rented from many shops for about 50-60,000 IDR per day (around €3-4).

Exploring the Interior of Gili Trawangan

Inland, you can find some interesting trails that connect different parts of the island. We explored two paths; the first goes from the village in the southeast to the beach on the southeast side, near a circular formation in the sea created by a lava eruption. This pleasant path is mostly shaded by trees and takes about 25 minutes on foot. You might encounter horses in stables or even see some wild deer (which startled us quite a bit!).

The second path is longer and passes on the opposite side of the hill, making it ideal for cycling through less touristy areas. You'll come across small groups of houses, grazing animals, and local activities.

You can also hike to the top of the hill for stunning views and the remnants of a Japanese bunker from World War II. Be sure to go at sunset or, even better, at sunrise to witness the sun rising behind the majestic Mount Rinjani on Lombok.

Don’t Miss the Sunsets

Many claim that Gili Island showcases some of the world's most breathtaking sunsets, and they are absolutely right! Watching the sun dip behind the volcanoes of Bali across the Java Sea is simply spectacular. The sky fills with shades of red, orange, purple, and blue. Enjoying this view with a cold Bintang beer in hand makes it even better.

Indulge in Local Cuisine

Whether at the bustling night market in Trawangan (where you can feast on sate, nasi campur, or grilled fish) or at a seaside restaurant (options range from upscale to budget-friendly, but all have vibrant atmospheres), dive into Indonesian cuisine, which we find delicious.

During the day, there are also affordable restaurants around the market serving excellent food, making them a smart choice for budget travelers!

Enjoy the Beaches of Gili Trawangan

Of course, you must enjoy the stunning beaches of Gili! If you’ve come this far, it’s to discover that the beaches are spectacularly turquoise. Go beach-hopping and explore them all to find your favorites. We already have a top pick: the beach on the southern part of Trawangan, where you’ll find peace in the mornings, surrounded by trees and crystal-clear waters!

Take a Picture at the Swing Over the Sea

There are several swings scattered across the islands; just be prepared that they might not always be empty! One of the most famous swings is at The Exile, where you can also find a hammock nearby (a true Instagram star!).

Map of Gili Trawangan with Its Areas

We’ve included a map highlighting the various zones in Gili Trawangan, pinpointing the best areas for accommodation, ideal snorkeling spots, and where to see turtles:

→ More info on how to get to the Gili Islands from Bali

→ More info on where to stay in the Gili Islands

→ More info on which Gili island to choose

Now you should have a clearer idea of what to see and do in Gili Trawangan and be ready to make the most of your trip!

* Main photo by Shutterstock

How to reach the Gili Islands from Bali