The most well-known and popular of the three Gilis, Gili Trawangan is the largest island and the furthest from the mainland, but easily reached in less than an hour by local boat and only 10 minutes by speedboat from Lombok.

Previously tagged "the party island" by The Lonely Planet, Gili T (as it is affectionately known) has moved on and up.

Gone are the days when backpackers flocked to the island for IDR 20,000 a night huts on the beach and IDR 5,000 Bintang beers. Today, Gili T has a sleek sophisticated side that becomes more evident every year.

That's not to say that the original charms that attracted travellers in the beginning are gone. The perfect white sand beaches, clear turquoise waters and laid-back island style are still what attracts visitors today.

But the island has cast off its grungy origins and now combines the best of a tropical island paradise with a touch of chie and all the mod cons of a top holiday destination.

Gili T still hosts backpackers and budget travellers, but these days they are joined by expatriates and trendsetters from Java and Bali, together with singles, couples and families from all over the world.


The island itself is around 3km long and 2km wide, so walking is easy and you can cycle around the island in around 1 1/2 hours (but will need to get off and push your bike through sandy sections on the west side).

This is the only Gili to rise significantly above sea level and the hill in the south is a great lookout from which to enjoy the spectacular sunsets acoss the ocean to Bali; or in the mornings, the brilliant sunrise over Gunung Rinjani on the mainland Lombok.

On the far south end of the hill are the remnants of old WWII Japanese gun emplacements and crumbling bunkers, but the hand-dug tunnels have been blocked up.

The main development on the island is on the east coast, particularly southeast in the area called "Sentral", where the boats dock. Tracks meander from the main coastal "road" inland through coconut groves to pockets of secluded development.

Development runs all along the east coast with swish places rubbing shoulders with the older bars and accommodations. The north coast is quieter and offers peaceful alternatives to the central area.

Such is the appeal of the island, the south and west coasts are now dotted with small hotels, homestays, private villas and a couple of larger resorts. This part of the island is the quietest and, although the beaches aren't as nice as those on the east, the sunsets looking across to Bali are magical.


Accommodation on Gili T ranges from basic homestays to luxury hotels and villas. The old style bungalows with woven bamboo walls and thatched roofs are slowly disappearing, to be replaced by simple cottages with western style bathrooms to suit the budget crowd.

At the other and of the scale, boutique hotels and luxurious villas boast all the comforts of 5 star resorts, including designer furnishings, private swimming pool or Jacuzzis, WiFi internet, iPod docks, satellite TV and DVD.

Restaurants rival Bali in quality, if not numbers. there are lounges and sophisticated bars, Internet cafes, movie "theatres" and beachside cafes galore. Most restaurants and bars are located along the east coast, although the north coast has some lovely low-key options. Dining choices range from the typical Indonesian Nasi Goreng to sushi; barbecued seafood on the beach to international fine dining; and everything between.

There is a lively bar scene at night and the island has a rotating party roster, where some of the top places have licences to host a party on one night of the week (hence the "party island" reputation). These, and the full moon parties that take place on the beach during high season, are a big draw-card for the crowds of younger people who come to the island.

For those who prefer quieter entertainment, there are sophisticated dining opportunities, particularly at places such as ko-ko-mo Resort, Scallywags Resort, and on the beachfront at Hotel Villa Ombak, as well as the stylish Pearl Beach Lounge next door.

These days, Gili T is a serious tourist destination with a good infrastructure and renge of tourist facilities.

Many of the larger restaurant, hotels and dive shops accept credit cards; there are ATM's in front of Gili T Resort (near Sentral), in front of Villa Ombak on the east coast and further north., near Blue Beach, as well as on the west side at Ombak Sunset.

Internet cafes with WiFi are readily available, as are money-changers, tour operators and a large number of fast boat services.

There is a tennis club and fitness centre at Kelapa Villas and a medical centre at Villa Ombak with basic emergency facilities and a doctor on call.

Horses can be hire from The Stud on the southeast coast; sea kayaking is available at Karma Kayak on the north coast; yoga, meditation, massages and other health and beauty treatments are available at numerous places around the island.

There is even shopping at the Pasar Seni (Art Markets) in Sentral and at any number of shops and kiosks all around the island, selling everything from pearls to sarongs to hammocks. Innuendo has some upmarket resort wear and Silver Dragon sells beautiful silver jewellery.

But it is the beaches and the diving that remain the main draw card for Gili T. People flock here to sunbathe on white sand beaches and swim in clean blue waters, to dive the fabulous reefs and to bask in the hedonistic pleasures of a tropical paradise.

There is a good surf break on the south coast with a fast right-hander that really pumps in the right conditions. Local surfers will happily lead the way and rent you a board.

The best snorkelling on the island starts on the northern end of the east coast, where you can wade to the reef just offshore. The water is calm and there is a drift from north to south, making it easy to lie on the surface and float down the coral outcrops. Although much of the coral is damaged, there is still an abundant variety of tropical fish species to enjoy and patches of colourful coral.

Further of shore, the island is famed for its vast gardens of coral and is one of the best dive spots in Lombok, which is why thousands of divers visit Gili T every year.

It is also one of the safest and easiest places to learn to scuba dive, with warm water temperatures, calm seas and excellent visibility almost all year round. There is a very good selection of professional western operated dive shop and a range of dive locations suitable for beginners through to thrill seekers.

It's been a slow evolution over the past 20 years for Gili Trawangan, but the island's time has come. While the backpackers will no doubt lament, there's a whole new scene unfolding on Gili T.

A world class tourism destination is emerging - without the traffic and pollution - set down on an idyllic tropical island.

The Gilis are easily reached from Bali via the numerous fast boat services now operating between Bali and Gili Trawangan. Alternatively, you can fly to Lombok and travel across to Gilis.

Getting Gilis From Bali

Fast Boats: With Lombok's airport now based further away in central Lombok, the fast boat services are a popular option, providing fast and easy transfer between Bali to Gili Trawangan. The crossing between the islands can be treacherous in bad weather, so choose a reliable operator and avoid companies that practice "over loading" in busy times.

Blue Weather Express provides transfers between Bali and Gili Trawangan, and Lombok mainland. Blue Weather Express operates two boats, with 30 and 50 passenger capacities, departing from Serangan (near Benoa Harbour) at 08:00am and 10:00am, and from Padang Bai Harbour at 11:15am everyday.
Contact info: Ph: +6236 1895 1111 / +62813 3841 8988.

Gili Getaway is a comportable fast boat departing from Benoa Harbour, Bali (only 20 mins from Kuta) daily at 08:00am. The crossing takes around 2 hours to Gili Trawangan and Teluk Kodek on Lombok.
Contact info: Bali Ph: (0361) 751570 / 726 523; Ph Gili T: +6287864322515.

Marina Srikandi operates direct fast boat services several times a day between Padang Bai Harbour (in Bali) and the Gilis, as well as a direct service to Senggigi.
Contact info: Ph: +623 7069 3383, Bali Ph: +623 6172 9818.

By Helcopter: Air Bali offers a regular helicopter transfer service between Bali and Gili Trawangan. Private charters are also possible (subject to availability).
Contact info: Ph: +623 6176 7466.

Getting Gilis From Lombok

From Teluk Nara and Teluk Kodek Harbour: Teluk Nara is a large peaceful bay on the west coast, about 25 minutes drive north of Senggigi. Most of dive companies and many businesses on the Gilis have their boats moored in the bay and transfer guests to the islands everyday from Teluk Nara. It is possible to negotiate private boat trips (including speed boat transfers) out to the islands with local boat owners here, thereby avoiding the hassles of bangsal.



At the northern end of the bay is Teluk Kodek, where Villa Ombak, The Beach House, Kokomo and Scallywags have bases for transferring their guests by Speed Boat to the Gilis.

From Bangsal Harbour: Catch a Taxi or Bemo (or other public transportations) to Bangsal Harbour, the small harbour on the north-west coast, about 30 minutes from Senggigi.

Bangsal Harbour

Public ferries (really just large outrigger boats) depart regularly to all three islands and charters are available, with prices depending on the number of passengers and your bargaining skills.

Unfortunately, the area is plagued by touts and scams, so ignore them and head directly to the ticket office on the beachfront. Public ferry and charter boat prices are posted clearly on the wall of the ticket office.

Be aware that public boats leave when there are enough passengers to warrant the trip, so you may have to wait for a while. Best time are between 08:00am and 04:00pm. If you don't want to wait, it doesn't cost very much to charter a boat, especially if you have a few people in your group.

Don't let anyone carry your bags or, if they offer to carry baggage, negotiate a price first.

Ignore people who tell you that there are no return public transfers... there are; or that there is no water, mosquito repellent, etc., on the islands. All the essentials are readily available at shops on all three islands. Bangsal is a pretty; it's a shame some of the touts try to ruin it for everyone.

If you get stuck at the harbour in the evening, there are some basic home-stays on the road from the beach.

There are several home-stays with pretty rooms at reasonable prices as well as the restaurant serves delicious meals and the friendly owners can help with everything from vehicle hire to travel information and laundry services.

From Senggigi: You can charter local outrigger boats from the beachfront in Senggigi (in front of the Art Markets). The trip out to the islands takes around one and a half hours.

Senggigi

The journey up the coast in the morning is very scenic, but you may get wet on the way back. Make sure you negotiate a price with the boatman first.

A good alternative is to check out the many dive centres on the main street in Senggigi who offer reasonable rates for transfers, usually including pick up from your hotel.

Arranging snorkelling and dive trips inclusive of island transfers is a good way to save time, money and hassles.

Source: HaLoMi Trekker

Gili Meno, the middle island, the smallest of the three Gili's and it is the quietest with fewer tourists. A great escape for honeymooners or someone who wants to get away from it all. A special feature of the island is the salt lake and spectacular dive sites such as, Meno Wall, Sea Turtle Point, and Blue Coral Point. The beach on eastern part of the island is very nice and there's snorkeling just offshore and further north. In the past Meno was known to have lots of mosquitoes but steps have been taken to control it. Still the best time to visit the island is during dry season.

Gili Air is the nearest Gili to Lombok. It is also the most populated and you will find more trees there than the other Gili's. The local inhabitants are: Sasak, Mandar, Bugis and Makassar. You can find their different unique culture from Lombok and wonderful beaches. Many of the older generation still make their living as boatmen, fisherman and farming coconuts.

There are only a few number of 2-3 stars hotels (rooms with air conditioning, swimming pool, TV etc) on Gili Air. Most of the places to eat and stay are in south and east side of the island (near the jetty). You can find many home stays or budget accommodation on this island.

Not much things happening for the last 3-5 years. One of the first dive schools (The Reef seeker) is no longer operate from Gili Air. They have moved to Flores. Returning guests are what they expect to come. Most accommodation are locally owned and managed, while a few of the up market hotels own and managed by foreign investors. You can go from one island to another by joining Gili Island's hoping boat (depart twice a day). People here are friendlier than on Gili Trawangan. There are also a few places to stay around the north and south west coast in quieter atmosphere.

There are many activities that the tourists can do in this island. Snorkeling and diving are the highlight of the activities. Snorkeling area are located in the southeast (opposite-facing Lombok Golf Kosaido) and along to the northeast). The tourists can just jump into the water to see the colorful fishes and coral reef. In the western part of Gili Air you can't snorkel off the beaches. When the moon is high (low tide), you can't swim off the beach. You need to walk to the south or east side.

There are few quality scuba diving operations on all the islands. While the island is busiest from May through August, the quieter off-season from January to April provides a better opportunity to enjoy the entire islet has to offer, with accommodation prices at their lowest level.

To get around the isle, the only means of transport are Cidomos, horse drawn carriages. Bicycle rentals are available too. Expect higher prices for most things there since all food and goods must be brought over from the mainland.

Gili Island is a popular destination in Indonesia. Gili Islands located in the north west of Lombok, featuring three small, coral fringed islands; Gili Air, Gili Meno & Gili Trawangan, each with superb, white sandy beaches, clear water, coral reefs, brilliantly colored fish and the best snorkeling on Lombok. Visitors, especially young European is attracted to the simple pleasures of sun, snorkeling, beautiful beaches, and socializing. The absence of cars, motorcycles, and hawkers adds greatly to the leasure of staying on the Gilis. "Gili islands" is not the local name. Gili actually means Small Island and there are lots of other gili's around Lombok.

There are many options for an enjoyable holiday on the islands. We can rent snorkeling equipment, join a diving course, rent a kayak, go fishing, or take a glass bottom boat to see the magnificent coral reefs and fishes.

There are lots of quality scuba diving operations on all the islands. The coral around the islands is good for snorkeling, which can be reach from the shore. See rays and giant clams. A must see: Turtles Point, Meno Wall. Dive Schools available on all the islands with many dive programs to choose, from beginners to advanced technical dives.

While divers are able to regularly swim with black tip, those who prefer to just drifts in the currents with a snorkel, fins and mask are never left disappointed by the more than 6,000 species of marine life living just off-shore. Fishing is one of the highlight activities on the islands. Deep fishing remains the best on north west of Gili Trawangan.

Gili Trawangan, the most popular island of the Gili's. Just kick back and enjoy the sun, nightly beach parties and sea. The main stripe is full of accommodations, restaurants, and dive shops. If you are seeking a quieter place to stay, there are bungalows in the north. This Island is also known as "Party Island", where mostly young European found them "Lost In Paradise". With spectacular sunrises over Lombok's Mount Rinjani volcano and breathtaking sunsets that illuminate Bali's towering Mount Agung volcano, together with warm hospitality of Gili Trawangan residents, it's not surprising that most visitors end up staying longer than originally plan.


Snorkeling off the shore, sunbathing, swimming, or join any dive trips with any dive operators, which colored the lines. There are quality dive schools available to cater the needs of tourists, offering complete range of PADI courses, as well as Fun Dives for those already certified. By night, the waterfront comes to life as various foreign and locally restaurants and bars start to fire up, with fresh snapper, grouper and tuna, cooked over charcoal flames, readily available.