17 Best Things to Do in Gili Trawangan: The Ultimate Island Guide (2026)

If you’re looking for the best things to do in Gili Trawangan, you’re in for a treat. We spent several days exploring this tiny island and quickly understood why it’s one of the most popular destinations in Indonesia.

From snorkelling with sea turtles and cycling around the island to beach clubs, sunset cocktails and lively nightlife, there’s far more to do here than we expected.

Although Gili Trawangan is often known as the “party island” of the three Gili Islands, there’s so much more to it than late nights and beach bars. We found ourselves slowing down, watching incredible sunsets, eating some amazing food and spending as much time in the ocean as possible.

Whether you’re visiting as part of a longer Bali itinerary or hopping over from Lombok, this guide covers all of our favourite experiences to help you plan the perfect trip.

Disclaimer: Some of the links included on our website may contain affiliate links. We may receive some commission from purchases made via these but it will NOT affect the price you pay. This is to allow this site to stay online and ensure that readers use, what we believe, are the best products possible whilst travelling.

Short on Time? Here Are the Best Things to Do in Gili Trawangan

If you only have a couple of days on the island, we’d recommend prioritising these experiences:

Go snorkelling with turtles
Cycle around the island
Visit the Gili Trawangan Night Market
Watch the sunset from Sunset Beach
Take a jewellery-making class
Spend an afternoon at a beach club
Experience Gili Trawangan’s famous nightlife

We’ve included plenty more ideas below, but these are the activities we’d recommend to anyone visiting for the first time.

Map of the Best Things to Do in Gili Trawangan

To help you plan your trip, we’ve marked all of the attractions in this guide on the map below.

One of the best things about Gili Trawangan is how compact it is. Most places can be reached within a short bike ride, making it easy to fit several activities into a single day without feeling rushed.

Gili Trawangan Quick Facts

Best for	Beaches, snorkelling, nightlife
How long to stay	3-5 days
Getting around	Walking or cycling
Best time to visit	May-October
Closest airport	Lombok International Airport / Bali transfers
Currency	Indonesian Rupiah

How to get to Gili Trawangan from Bali

The easiest way to reach Gili Trawangan is by fast boat from Bali, with services departing from popular ports such as Padang Bai and Serangan. Journey times vary depending on where you leave from, but most crossings take between 1.5 and 3 hours.

We cover everything you need to know, including the best departure ports, ferry companies and what to expect, in our complete guide on how to get from Bali to Gili Trawangan, so we won’t repeat it all here.

How to get around Gili T

One of our favourite things about Gili Trawangan is that there are no cars or motorbikes on the island.

Instead, you’ll get around by walking, cycling or using a horse-drawn cart known locally as a cidomo – which we don’t recommend at all. The horses aren’t treated well, and they aren’t necessary to use.

We personally hired bikes for most of our stay, which made it incredibly easy to explore different beaches, visit restaurants and catch sunset without having to think about transport.

The island is small enough that you can cycle all the way around it in around an hour, although you’ll probably want to stop several times along the way to admire the views.

Check out our guide on How to Get around Bali for a more in-depth breakdown on navigating mainland Bali.

Top Things to do in Gili Trawangan

1. Bike around the island

If there’s one thing we’d recommend doing as soon as you arrive, it’s hiring a bike and cycling around the island.

Because there are no cars or motorbikes on Gili Trawangan, cycling is by far the easiest way to get around. We hired bikes for most of our stay and loved being able to explore at our own pace.

The route around the island is mostly flat and takes around an hour if you cycle non-stop. Of course, you’ll probably take much longer than that as there are plenty of beaches, cafés and viewpoints worth stopping at along the way.

One of our favourite things to do was simply hop on the bikes with no real plan. We’d stop for a coffee, jump in the sea to cool off, or pull over whenever we spotted a quiet stretch of beach.

Top tip: The sandy paths on the west side of the island can be a little tricky to cycle through, so don’t be afraid to hop off and push your bike for a few minutes.

We rented out bikes from Alfia Rent Bikes and it cost us 30,000 IDR each which is a great price. They were really friendly and gave us locks to keep the bikes safe. Highly recommend them!

2. Try some fantastic food at some of the island’s best restaurants

For such a small island, we were genuinely surprised by how many great places there were to eat.

Whether you’re after traditional Indonesian food, fresh seafood, smoothie bowls or wood-fired pizza, Gili Trawangan has something for every budget. We ended up trying a different restaurant almost every evening and rarely had a bad meal.

If you’re looking for recommendations, we’ve rounded up all of our favourite cafés and restaurants in our dedicated guide to the best restaurants in Gili Trawangan, so we won’t spoil all our favourites here!

3. Take a Snorkelling Tour Around the Gili Islands

One of the absolute best things to do in Gili Trawangan is to join a snorkelling tour around the three Gili Islands.

Most tours visit Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno and Gili Air, stopping at several snorkelling spots where you’ll have the chance to explore colourful coral reefs, swim with tropical fish and, if you’re lucky, spot sea turtles.

We’d recommend booking either a private tour or small-group tour depending on your budget. A private tour gives you a little more flexibility and means you can spend longer at the snorkelling spots you enjoy most, while group tours are a great value option if you’re happy sharing the experience with other travellers.

It’s easily one of the most memorable experiences we had on the island, and we’d say it’s a must for anyone visiting Gili Trawangan for the first time.

4. Swim with Sea Turtles

If seeing turtles is high on your bucket list, Gili Trawangan is one of the best places to do it.

We couldn’t believe how many turtles there were around the islands. Unlike some destinations where sightings are never guaranteed, there’s a really good chance you’ll come across them while snorkelling, particularly around Gili Meno.

Watching them glide effortlessly through the water was such a special experience and easily one of the highlights of our trip.

Of course, it’s important to remember that these are wild animals. Give them plenty of space, avoid touching them and never chase them for photos. Keeping a respectful distance ensures they’re able to behave naturally and means future visitors can enjoy the same incredible experience.

5. Make Your Own Jewellery

One of the most unexpected highlights of our time on Gili Trawangan was taking part in a jewellery-making class.

Rather than spending another afternoon on the beach, we decided to try something a little different, and we’re so glad we did. It was such a fun experience learning how to design and create our own silver jewellery, and we ended up with a handmade souvenir that’s far more meaningful than anything we could have bought in a shop.

If you’re looking for something unique to do on the island, we’d highly recommend it.

We’ve shared everything you need to know, including our experience and whether we think it’s worth the money, in our full guide to the Gili Trawangan jewellery-making class.

6. Join the Pub Quiz or Karaoke at the Irish Bar

Although Gili Trawangan has a reputation as Indonesia’s party island, not every night has to end in a nightclub.

One of our favourite evenings was spent at the Irish Bar, where regular pub quizzes and karaoke nights bring together travellers from all over the world. It’s a really sociable atmosphere, whether you’re travelling as a couple, with friends or solo.

Even if you’re not usually one for karaoke (we certainly aren’t!), it’s a fun way to meet people before heading elsewhere later in the evening.

7. Watch a Film at the Outdoor Cinema

There’s something pretty special about watching a film with your toes in the sand.

Located at Aston Sunset Beach Resort on the east side of the island, the outdoor cinema has a huge screen and room for nearly one hundred people to view.

It’s a much more relaxed alternative to the island’s nightlife and makes a great date night if you’re visiting as a couple.

We’d recommend arriving a little early to grab one of the best seats before the film starts. They show all sorts of movies, including classics like Moana, making it one of the best activities in Gili T, especially for families.

8. Play Beer Pong on the Beach

If you’re looking to experience Gili Trawangan’s famous nightlife without heading straight to a nightclub, a game of beachside beer pong is a great place to start.

As the sun begins to set, many of the beachfront bars set up beer pong tables, creating a really fun and sociable atmosphere. It’s one of the easiest ways to meet other travellers, especially if you’re backpacking through Indonesia.

Even if you don’t fancy playing yourself, it’s worth grabbing a drink and soaking up the atmosphere. Gili Trawangan has a reputation as the “party island” of the three Gili Islands, and you’ll quickly see why once the evening gets going.

9. Go Scuba Diving

If you’ve ever wanted to learn to scuba dive, Gili Trawangan is one of the most popular places in Indonesia to do it.

We actually completed our Open Water certification in Thailand, so we didn’t dive while we were on Gili T. Instead, we spent our time snorkelling and enjoying everything else the island had to offer.

That said, if you’re already certified, or you’re looking to learn, there are plenty of excellent dive centres offering everything from beginner courses to fun dives for experienced divers.

The waters surrounding the Gili Islands are home to colourful coral reefs, reef sharks, turtles and an incredible variety of tropical fish, making it easy to see why scuba diving is one of the island’s biggest attractions.

If learning to dive is on your travel bucket list, we’d definitely recommend giving it a go. Getting certified was one of the best things we’ve ever done while travelling, and it’s opened up so many unforgettable experiences since.

10. Visit the Gili Trawangan Night Market

As soon as the sun starts to set, make your way to the Gili Trawangan Night Market.

Located just a short walk from the harbour, this is one of the best places on the island to enjoy delicious Indonesian food without spending a fortune.

You’ll find everything from freshly grilled seafood and satay skewers to nasi goreng, mie goreng and plenty of sweet treats for dessert. The atmosphere is lively, with dozens of food stalls all cooking to order while travellers and locals search for their next meal.

We ended up eating here more than once during our stay, not only because the food was so good, but because it offered some of the best value on the island.

If you’re travelling on a budget, it’s definitely somewhere you’ll want to add to your itinerary.

If you’re looking for more restaurant recommendations beyond the night market, check out our guide to the best places to eat in Gili Trawangan.

11. Take a Day Trip to Gili Meno or Gili Air

Although Gili Trawangan is the largest and liveliest of the three islands, it’s well worth setting aside a day to explore Gili Meno and Gili Air too.

Each island has its own personality. Gili Meno is the quietest of the three and is perfect if you’re looking for peaceful beaches and excellent snorkelling, while Gili Air offers a nice balance between relaxation and a livelier atmosphere.

In our opinion, Gili Trawangan is still the best place to base yourself because it has the widest choice of accommodation, restaurants and activities. From there, it’s easy to visit the other islands on a snorkelling trip or island-hopping tour before returning in the evening.

12. Spend the Afternoon at a Beach Club

Not every day needs to be packed with activities.

Sometimes the best thing you can do on Gili Trawangan is grab a sunbed, order a cold drink and spend the afternoon relaxing by the sea. There are plenty of beach clubs dotted around the island, each with its own atmosphere. Some are lively with DJs and cocktails, while others are much more laid-back and perfect for watching the waves.

If you’re looking for somewhere with a great atmosphere, Malibu Beach Club is a popular choice and a lovely spot to escape the busier areas near the harbour.

For us, we found two particular Beach Clubs we loved, both situated on the eastern part of the island. One was Gili Teak which had double bed-sized day loungers where we happily drank, ate, and read out books on numerous occasions. The staff were super friendly and left us to it whilst the menu was very affordable. We also stumbled across some baby goats one time and they were super cute!

The other was Hotel Lumi. This four-star villa was unbelievably luxurious with ten day beds and an infinity pool. Whilst they were mainly available to guests, the staff did kindly let us use one as it was quiet. They did come up to us constantly asking if we liked anything else so it wasn’t the most peaceful. We’d still highly recommend you check them out as it was a stunning place.

13. Treat Yourself to Some Homemade Gelato

It might sound simple, but one of our favourite afternoon rituals on Gili Trawangan was stopping for an ice cream.

After a morning in the tropical heat, there was nothing better than cooling down with a scoop (or two!) of homemade gelato while wandering around the island.

You’ll find several great gelato shops near the harbour, offering everything from classic chocolate and pistachio to tropical flavours inspired by local fruit.

Sometimes it’s the little things that make a trip memorable, and this became one of ours.

14. Watch the Sunset at Sunset Beach

If you only do one thing in the evening, make it this. The sunsets on Gili Trawangan are genuinely some of the best we’ve ever seen!

Head over to the island’s west coast, often referred to as Sunset Beach, around an hour before sunset to grab a good spot. As the sky begins to change colour, people gather along the shoreline with drinks in hand to watch the sun disappear behind the horizon, often with the outline of Bali’s volcanoes visible in the distance.

It was one of our favourite moments from the entire trip.

15. Experience Gili Trawangan’s Nightlife

Gili Trawangan is often referred to as the party island of the three Gili Islands, and while we don’t think that’s the whole story, it’s definitely earned its reputation.

One thing we really liked is that the nightlife caters to all types of travellers. If you fancy a relaxed evening, there are plenty of beachfront bars where you can enjoy a cocktail while listening to live music. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a bigger night out, there are bars and clubs that keep the party going well into the early hours.

One thing worth knowing before you visit is that the larger parties rotate between venues, so each night a different bar becomes the busiest spot on the island. It’s a fun system that keeps the nightlife spread across Gili Trawangan rather than everyone heading to the same place every evening.

16. Take an Indonesian Cooking Class

If you’re anything like us, one of the best parts of travelling is trying the local food.

So why not take it one step further and learn how to cook it yourself?

Several cooking schools on Gili Trawangan offer hands-on classes where you’ll learn to prepare traditional Indonesian dishes from scratch using fresh local ingredients. It’s a brilliant way to learn more about the local culture, and you’ll leave with recipes that you can recreate long after your trip has ended.

Whether you’re mastering classics like nasi goreng, mie goreng or flavour-packed Indonesian curries, it’s a fun experience that suits couples, families and solo travellers alike.

It’s also a great alternative if the weather isn’t ideal for spending the whole day at the beach.

17. Stay Active with Yoga, the Gym or a Surf Lesson

Despite its laid-back reputation, Gili Trawangan has plenty to offer if you like staying active while you travel.

You’ll find several gyms on the island if you want to keep up your fitness routine, along with yoga studios offering everything from gentle morning flows to more challenging classes. We always enjoy mixing a bit of exercise into longer trips, and Gili T makes it surprisingly easy to do.

If you’ve always wanted to give surfing a go, there are also surf schools offering lessons for beginners. While Gili Trawangan isn’t as famous for surfing as places like Canggu or Uluwatu, it’s still a fun place to learn in the right conditions.

Alternatively, if you’re looking for something a little different, you can even go horse riding along the beach. Riding through the shallow water at sunset is a popular experience and makes for a memorable way to see another side of the island.

Is Gili Trawangan Worth Visiting?

Without a doubt, yes!

Before arriving, we’d mostly heard about Gili Trawangan as a party destination, but we quickly realised there’s so much more to the island than that. We spent our days cycling around the coastline, snorkelling with turtles, relaxing on beautiful beaches and discovering some fantastic places to eat, with the occasional cocktail thrown in for good measure.

What we loved most was how easy it was to slow down. With no cars or motorbikes, life moves at a completely different pace, making it the perfect place to switch off for a few days after exploring the busier parts of Bali.

If you’re planning a wider trip, don’t forget to check out our one-week Bali itinerary, two-month Bali itinerary and complete Bali bucket list for more inspiration before you go.

Where to Stay in Gili Trawangan

Although Gili Trawangan is a small island, choosing the right area to stay can completely change your experience.

For first-time visitors, we’d recommend staying on the east side of the island, close to the harbour. This is where you’ll find the biggest choice of restaurants, bars and shops, making it the most convenient base for exploring. It’s also where most people arrive, so you can easily walk to your accommodation after getting off the boat.

During our time on Gili Trawangan, we stayed at a few different places, including Tipsea Turtle, My Gili Paradise and Tir na Nog Beachfront Resort. Each had something different to offer, from more budget-friendly stays to beachfront accommodation with incredible views.

We’ll be sharing a full guide on where to stay in Gili Trawangan soon, including the best areas and accommodation options for every budget.

Frequently Asked Questions about Gili Trawangan

How many days do you need in Gili Trawangan?

We’d recommend spending at least 3-4 days in Gili Trawangan. This gives you enough time to explore the island, take a snorkelling trip, relax on the beach and experience the nightlife without feeling rushed.

Can you walk around Gili Trawangan?

Yes, you can walk around Gili Trawangan, although cycling is much quicker and more enjoyable.

What are the best things to do in Gili Trawangan at night?

The best things to do in Gili Trawangan at night include visiting the night market, enjoying sunset drinks, joining a beach party, listening to live music and exploring the island’s famous bars.

Is Gili Trawangan better than Gili Air or Gili Meno?

It depends on what you’re looking for. Gili Trawangan is the liveliest of the three islands and has the biggest choice of restaurants, accommodation and activities. Gili Meno is much quieter and is better suited for couples or travellers looking for a peaceful escape, while Gili Air sits somewhere in the middle with a relaxed but social atmosphere.

What is the best time to visit Gili Trawangan?

The best time to visit Gili Trawangan is during the dry season, typically between May and October.

Is Gili Trawangan suitable for families?

Yes, although it depends on what type of holiday you’re looking for. Families can enjoy snorkelling, cycling, beach days and exploring the island at their own pace. If you’re looking for a completely peaceful island escape, Gili Meno may be a better choice, but Gili T can still be a great family destination.

Final Thoughts on Things to Do in Gili Trawangan

Gili Trawangan ended up being one of those places where we found ourselves slowing down and enjoying the simple things.

Whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, incredible food or a fun social atmosphere, we think Gili Trawangan has something for everyone. It’s the perfect addition to any Indonesia itinerary and a place we’d happily return to in the future.

If you’re planning a trip around Bali and the surrounding islands, we’d definitely recommend adding a few days here. Just be warned, once you arrive, you might find it much harder to leave than you expected!

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Disclaimer: Some of the links included on our website may contain affiliate links. We may receive some commission from purchases made via these but it will NOT affect the price you pay. This is to allow this site to stay online and ensure that readers use, what we believe, are the best products possible whilst travelling.