Virda Risyad
Aug 10, 20212 min
Updated: Mar 23, 2023
The idyllic Gili Trawangan are extremely mesmerizing. And it offers so much more than fun. Let us begin!
Gili Trawangan is the biggest and the most developed of the Gilis. If you are a first-timer eco-traveller, you can opt for Gili Trawangan as your first touchdown on the Gilis. Besides, Trawangan has the best range of facilities among the three. You can have the nightlife scenarios but also the secluded tranquillity on this one island.
For partygoers, going to parties in the nighttime would be one of the most popular options since Gili Trawangan is known as “Party Island” amongst travellers. You can hit the bars, or pull out your boats for a more exciting experience.
But if you seek more peaceful and quiet activities, you can always go through the island by foot, bike, horse-driven carts known as cidomo, or hike the island hilltop view where you can see a desolate tomb of a WWII naval base and strategic lookout post or the remnants of the Japanese machine-gun bunker (which often overlooked). Trying foods at Trawangan Night Market would be such an eye-opener option too since nothing beats the uniqueness of fresh seafood with the touch of local taste.
The main attraction of this island lies in its exceptionally wonderful underwater paradise. You can snorkel or dive or if you can’t snorkel or dive you can always learn them here. No worries, there are various professional dive centres for scuba diving courses for you to apply to.
If you’re a seasoned or an aspiring eco-traveller, you already know that you can’t miss the “true nature” activities since the trip won’t be complete without them. In Gili Trawangan, you can learn to live sustainably or learn in-depth and hands-on participation with these conservation/restoration projects with the local community such as coral reef restoration here.
First, you cannot fly from Bali to get here as the island is too small even for an airstrip. The closest airport is Lombok International Airport. You can go to Serangan Harbor in the southern Bali tourism area and it only takes 20 minutes from Kuta, Seminyak, Legian, Nusa Dua and Jimbaran to get there. From Serangan Harbor, you can go to the Gili Islands via ferry ship for 2-2,5 hours depending on the sea conditions.
The accommodation choices are varied. It starts from on-budget guesthouses, beachfront hotels, resort-style hotels, even luxurious villas. There are also relatively newer independent (non-chain) resorts alongside a quieter area of the islands.
Bumi Journey envisions climate positive ecotourism by providing carbon-conscious ecotourism experiences focusing on conservation, education, and community empowerment so travelers can contribute positively to the earth’s climate. Learn more about our story here.
Writer: Virda Risyad
Editor: Faiz Karim
Instagram: Bumi Journey
References :
Gili Trawangan Travel Guide https://www.gilibookings.com/gili-trawangan-guide
The Ultimate Travel Guide to Indonesia's Gili Islands, 2018 https://theculturetrip.com/asia/indonesia/articles/the-ultimate-travel-guide-to-the-gili-islands-indonesia/
What You Need to Know About Gili Trawangan https://www.hotels.com/go/indonesia/gili-trawangan-island
Gili Islands Overview
https://www.gilibookings.com/gili-islands-travel-tips
Gili Trawangan Hill Viewpoint
https://www.hotels.com/go/indonesia/gili-trawangan-hill-viewpoint