Gili Trawangan, the largest of the three Gili Islands off the coast of Bali, is a tropical paradise that offers the perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and vibrant island life. Known for its crystal-clear waters, white sandy beaches, and lively nightlife, Gili Trawangan is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the best of what Bali has to offer.
It’s easy to see why it’s such a popular side trip from Bali—whether you’re actively exploring or simply soaking up the island vibes, Gili T offers something for everyone. Here are 9 activities you shouldn’t miss during your stay!
- Walk Around the Entire Coast of the Island
- Rent a Bike
- Island Hopping
- Snorkeling
- Scuba Diving
- Catch All the Sunsets You Can Get
- Experience the Nightlife
- Eat at Gili T’s Night Market
- Enjoy the Beach
1
Walk Around the Entire Coast of the Island
One of the most rewarding and relaxed activities you can do on Gili Trawagan is to walk around the entire coastline of the island. Its circumference is just about 7 kilometers, making it easy to explore on foot in about 2 hours. This walk will give you a unique perspective of the island, allowing you to discover hidden spots, and enjoy panoramic ocean views.
To make it even better : Start your walk early to catch the sunrise or take an evening walk to catch the sunset.
2
Rent a Bike
Renting a bike should be one of the first things you do on Gili T. Rent one for your entire stay on the island, as it will be your primary mode of transportation and a fun activity in itself. Bikes typically cost around 50k IDR per day, and you can often negotiate a better rate if you rent for multiple days.
3
Island Hopping
A short boat ride away from Gili Meno and Gili Air, island hopping is a common and enjoyable activity. In my previous article, Where Is The Best Place To Stay In The Gili Islands ?, I provided a brief description of the three different islands. It’s fun to explore the subtle differences, and you can easily do so in a single day. Head to the harbor and buy your tickets directly for the best prices.
Another great way to explore Gili Meno and Gili Air in one day is to take a snorkeling trip :
4
Snorkeling
Snorkeling is one of the top activities on Gili Trawangan. The Gili Islands are renowned for their beautiful coral reefs, vibrant marine life, and the opportunity to swim close to turtles. Don’t miss the chance to see the famous underwater statues you may have seen online. Near the harbor, you’ll find many vendors offering snorkeling trips.
Compare the itineraries and prices to find the best option for you. Most trips last the entire day, taking you to all three Gili Islands with multiple stops to explore the waters.
5
Scuba Diving
If you’re looking for something more advanced than snorkeling, scuba diving is also available. You can rent equipment or even book a scuba diving lesson on the island. Gili Trawangan is home to two fascinating wrecks that you can explore in greater depth.
6
Catch All the Sunsets You Can
As I explained in my previous article, Gili Trawangan Travel Guide, the island is divided into two sides: the sunrise side and the sunset side. If the names don’t already give it away, Gili T is famous for its breathtaking sunsets. There are plenty of relaxing spots to watch the sun go down, so it’s hard to miss this daily spectacle.
7
Experience the Nightlife
The nightlife on Gili T is incredible! The beach bars were my personal favorites, but there are so many options to explore. You can easily hop between different venues in a single night since they are so close to each other. For a high-energy party with EDM music and flowing shots, head to The Jungle. If you’re in the mood for something different, check out Sama Sama Reggae Bar, where live reggae music plays every night at 7 PM. The vibes are immaculate. For a more relaxed evening with quieter music, the beach bars, Blue Marlin, The Irish Pub, and Ruby’s are great options.
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8
Eat at Gili T’s Night Market
For the cheapest and most authentic dining experience on Gili T, visit the night market. With numerous stalls offering delicious local food, tasty barbeque, fresh seafood, and more, it’s a must-visit spot. Mingle with the locals and discover why this market is so beloved. Most of the stalls open around 6 PM and stay open late into the night.
9
Enjoy the Beach
After all, you might just want to unwind and relax during your vacation. And what better place to do that than the beach? Gili T has several beaches, each offering a unique experience.
South or Good Heart Beach: The most lively beach on the island, it’s where you’ll find the party scene and plenty of happy hour deals.
North East Beach: Quiet and serene, this beach offers excellent swimming conditions and is the best spot to see turtles in the shallow waters.
Sunset Beach: Home to the famous swing, this beach is perfect for catching spectacular sunsets.
Malibu Beach: A great spot to relax on the sand, watch the waves, and grab a drink.
What’s Next?
Now that you know the best activities in Gili Trawangan, it’s time to plan your trip! Here are some articles that could be helpful :
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