A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Koh Lipe vs. Gili Trawangan for Scuba Diving & Snorkeling, Beaches, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Koh Lipe or Gili Trawangan?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Koh Lipe and Gili Trawangan can help you decide which place is right for you.

Koh Lipe

Koh Lipe is a local, tranquil, and idyllic island. Koh Lipe is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking. See Koh Lipe travel costs.

Gili Trawangan

Gili Trawangan is a tropical, idyllic, and laidback island. Gili Trawangan is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and nightlife. See Gili Trawangan travel costs.

Koh Lipe and Gili Trawangan: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Koh Lipe or Gili Trawangan?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Gili Trawangan. Although Koh Lipe and Gili Trawangan are popular destinations, Gili Trawangan has more sights and attractions for tourists. Gili Trawangan is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, and nightlife, while Koh Lipe attracts visitors for its resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty. Gili Trawangan is more touristy than Koh Lipe and is popular for its beautiful water and impressive scuba diving. It is also well known for beautiful beachfront setting. Koh Lipe is famous for its world class scuba diving and snorkeling, as well as its small and local atmosphere.

How is Koh Lipe different from Gili Trawangan?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Gili Trawangan and Koh Lipe. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Koh Lipe or Gili Trawangan?

Gili Trawangan is a island with a few options for its museums and landmarks. However, Koh Lipe is a island with minimal options for its historical sights.

Gili Trawangan offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There are a couple of art and cultural museums on the island, but most people spend their time soaking up the idyllic setting.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Koh Lipe. The island is small and all about beaches and the undersea world, so you won't find any temples or museums here.

Is the Food Better in Koh Lipe or Gili Trawangan? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Gili Trawangan is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Koh Lipe is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Gili Trawangan makes for a great culinary experience. As the largest and one of the most touristy of the Gili Islands, you'll find a wide range of cuisines. There's everything from Mexican to Greek available. You'll also find plenty of tropical fruits and some local Indonesian cuisine as well.

Koh Lipe has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There's enough of a restaurant selection that you'll find good local food and freshly caught seafood. The options change frequently as the tourist crowds have varied dramatically over the years, making it difficult for businesses to stay open.

Is Koh Lipe or Gili Trawangan Better for Nightlife?

Gili Trawangan is a must-visit destination for nightlife. However, Koh Lipe is a island with minimal options for nightlife and partying.

Gili Trawangan is a world class party destination. This is the "party island" of the Gili Islands. It has a wild nightlife scene that is particularly popular with backpackers. There are tons of beach bars that have live music, DJs, and nightly parties. There are also regular boat parties. The party scene is pretty well coordinated across the bars, and one bar will stay open late each night while the others close around midnight. This keeps the partygoers concentrated in one location and keeps the energy high for everyone.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Koh Lipe This is a small island that attracts tourists who want nature, beauty, and a serene and tranquil environment. You won't find much of a nightlife scene here.

Is Koh Lipe or Gili Trawangan Better for Resorts?

Koh Lipe is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. Also, Gili Trawangan is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its resorts.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Koh Lipe. There are a number of locally owned hotels on the island. Many have snorkeling gear for rent.

Gili Trawangan has a few great resort options. The island was long known for its backpacker vibe which included poorly concentrated beach huts. More recently there's been an upswing in upmarket accommodation, particularly on the quieter western and northern sides of the island.

Is Koh Lipe or Gili Trawangan Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Koh Lipe and Gili Trawangan both offer fantastic scuba diving or snorkeling spots.

The scuba diving and snorkeling in Koh Lipe is not to be missed. Although it is no longer the undiscovered island paradise that it once was, the snorkeling and diving on Koh Lipe remains some of the best in the country.

People travel to Gili Trawangan specifically to enjoy its famous scuba diving and snorkeling areas. Snorkeling and diving are a highlight on the island, and a big draw for many visitors. The island is small, with a large concentration of tourists, so if you book a boat trip, you'll likely be surrounded by others. This doesn't mean you won't be able to enjoy colorful fish, a magical undersea world, and the occasional sea turtle.

Is Koh Lipe or Gili Trawangan Better for Beaches?

Koh Lipe and Gili Trawangan are fantastic choices for a beach vacation.

With world-famous beaches, Koh Lipe is a very popular vacation destination. Despite the island's small size, the beaches are truly spectacular. They have white sand and the undersea world is just steps away, so don't forget your mask and snorkel.

The beaches in Gili Trawangan are among the best in the world. The island is filled with white sand beaches, most of which have restaurants and beachside bars nearby. One of the busiest beaches is near the port, but a quieter area is nearby Surf Point. The sunset side of the island is perfect in the evening when the sun starts to dip below the horizon, but the beaches on that side aren't as great as the other side of the island.

Is Koh Lipe or Gili Trawangan Better for Hiking?

Koh Lipe is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Gili Trawangan is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Koh Lipe. The island of Koh Lipe doesn't have any hiking, but nearby Adang Island has some impressive hikes that offer views and small waterfalls. You can take a longtail boat for just a short ride to the nearby island.

Gili Trawangan is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Koh Lipe or Gili Trawangan?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Gili Trawangan and Koh Lipe.

Koh Lipe is a good destination for shopping. The Walking Street is the main street through the island. Its where you'll find the island's shops and restaurants. Most are closed during the morning hours, but people begin to gather in the afternoon.

If you're looking to go shopping, Gili Trawangan has some nice offerings. You'll find most things you need on the island, but this isn't a place people usually shop for fun.

Is Koh Lipe or Gili Trawangan More Beautiful?

Koh Lipe is a world-class destination for its scenery and beauty. Also, Gili Trawangan is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its scenery and beauty.

Koh Lipe is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Many visitors consider this to be one of the most beautiful islands in Thailand. It still holds on to that undiscovered quality and the nearby national park offers excellent nature to explore.

With stunning beauty, Gili Trawangan attracts visitors from all around. Crystal blue waters and white sand beaches make this an idyllic island paradise. The setting is perfect for hanging out by the water and soaking up the island vibe.

Is Koh Lipe or Gili Trawangan Better for Families?

You'll find very good kid-friendly activities in either Koh Lipe or Gili Trawangan.

Koh Lipe is a very family-friendly place to visit. This is a perfect island to explore with kids. There are beautiful beaches, great snorkeling, and plenty of opportunities to check out wildlife. Your kids will also enjoy seeing the Sea la vie fire show.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Gili Trawangan is very family-friendly. There are many kid-friendly activities like snorkeling, kayaking, and biking. There are also glass bottom boat tours and a great laidback island vibe that kids and adults alike will enjoy. Do note that this is one of the more popular islands for backpackers, so there is a big party scene.

Is Koh Lipe or Gili Trawangan Better for Couples?

Koh Lipe is a world-class destination for its romantic activities. Also, Gili Trawangan is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

For those traveling as a couple, Koh Lipe has plenty to offer. With its stunning beaches and beautiful nature, this is a great couple's destination. The island has wonderful snorkeling and white sandy beaches that are perfect for exploring with a loved one.

Couples visit Gili Trawangan frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. White sand, blue water, and a true tropical island paradise make this a wonderful honeymoon destination. It's one of the more energetic of the Gili Islands, so if you're looking for a calm retreat, there may be better options, but it still has wonderful resorts and great diving.

Is Koh Lipe or Gili Trawangan Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Gili Trawangan is a must-visit destination for backpackers. Also, Koh Lipe is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Gili Trawangan is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. It's the most popular of the Gili Islands for backpackers so you'll find tons of hostels and a great nightlife scene. The energy is high and the scenery and idyllic beaches are wonderful.

It's common for backpackers to visit Koh Lipe. The island has become more popular than it was in years past, but it still offers a tranquil setting for those who are a bit jaded by the backpacker scene in Thailand.

Is Koh Lipe or Gili Trawangan Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Gili Trawangan is very good for its public transit. However, Koh Lipe is a island with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Gili Trawangan, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Many tourists enjoy getting around the island by cidomo, which are horse-drawn carts. Otherwise, walking or biking are your best options.

Public transit is mostly limited in Koh Lipe. There are longtail boats, motorbike taxis, and golf cart taxis that you can hire.

Is Koh Lipe or Gili Trawangan a more walkable city?

Koh Lipe and Gili Trawangan both are very good when exploring on foot.

Koh Lipe is very walkable. It's an easy island to explore on foot and you can walk from one end of the island to the other in about half an hour.

Gili Trawangan is a very walkable island. While it's the largest of the Gili Islands, it still small enough to walk around in about two hours and it's relatively easy to explore on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Koh Lipe Worth Visiting? and Is Gili Trawangan Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Gili Trawangan or Koh Lipe?

How long in Koh Lipe or Gili Trawangan?

It's fun to spend time in either Koh Lipe or Gili Trawangan. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Koh Lipe due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Koh Lipe, and 2-4 days is enough time in Gili Trawangan.

Families should spend more time in Gili Trawangan than Koh Lipe. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Gili Trawangan, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Koh Lipe than Gili Trawangan. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Koh Lipe that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Gili Trawangan than Koh Lipe if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Gili Trawangan.

One day in Koh Lipe or Gili Trawangan?

In Koh Lipe, you'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and food. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

The beautiful island of Gili Trawangan offers nightlife and food. Most people come for the beaches. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Koh Lipe or Gili Trawangan?

Koh Lipe is a great place to explore. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Anyone can find something fun to do here. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Gili Trawangan is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this island makes for a great vacation. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Gili Trawangan, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Koh Lipe or Gili Trawangan?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Koh Lipe. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. It offers something for everyone. Because of this, five days is usually enough time for a trip here.

Gili Trawangan is a popular choice for travelers. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Koh Lipe or Gili Trawangan?

In Koh Lipe, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. One week is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Gili Trawangan is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This island offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Thailand, The Best Tours for Seniors to Thailand, The Best Tours for Seniors to Indonesia, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Indonesia.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Koh Lipe and Gili Trawangan, we can see that Koh Lipe is more expensive. And not only is Gili Trawangan much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Gili Trawangan would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Gili Trawangan and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Koh Lipe would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Koh Lipe than you might in Gili Trawangan.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Koh Lipe Expensive? and Is Gili Trawangan Expensive?.