Is Gili Trawangan worth visiting?
Yes, Gili Trawangan is absolutely a island that any traveler should visit. During our time here, we had so much fun.
Whether you're a traveling as a family, a couple, or a backpacker, this island has a lot to offer. Any local will tell you what makes it special is the fantastic nightlife and spectacular scuba diving & snorkeling.
Gili Trawangan is the largest of the Gili Islands. It also attracts the largest number of tourists and has long been popular with backpackers who stay at cheap accommodation and enjoy the nightly parties. In recent years there's been an increase in high end accommodation and the island has shifted a bit in who visits. Today there are frequently families and couples who come to enjoy the idyllic setting and world class scuba diving.
Gili Trawangan, Indonesia
6 Reasons to Visit Gili Trawangan
1. Nightlife
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.
2. Scuba Diving & Snorkeling
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.
3. Beaches
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.
Gili Trawangan Beach is known for its beautiful white sand beaches. (Free)
4. Food
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.
The Gili Trawangan Night Market is known for its vibrant food stalls and local delicacies. (Free)
5. Resorts
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.
6. The Costs
Depending on your budget, schedule, and travel style, Gili Trawangan might be a very affordable destination for you. Check out the travel costs for Gili Trawangan here or see if Gili Trawangan is expensive here.
Is Gili Trawangan worth visiting in the Summer?
The peak season for travel is summer in Gili Trawangan, so expect to see more tourists than usual. This is an extremely popular destination, and in the high season it's busier than usual as this is when most people are able to travel. Expect large crowds of tourists, longer lines, and higher prices for hotels. On the other hand, you'll find that everything is open and you'll have a wide array of activities, things to do, and places to eat.
With the warmer weather, the beach is very popular this time of year. Spend time enjoying the waves and sand during your visit. You'll also find it quite easy to get around on foot, because this is a very walkable island, especially in the nice weather. A visit this time of year should definitely be on your list, as the natural scenery is just breathtaking. Explore the island scenery to take in the views, admire nature up close, and enjoy the fresh air. This is a great time of year to relax at the beach, enjoy the amenities of a resort, and grab some drinks at a bar. Also, you can check out the beautiful scenery.
Is Gili Trawangan worth visiting in the Autumn?
Autumn is the shoulder season for travel in Gili Trawangan. As a very touristy destination, even in the shoulder season you'll see plenty of tourists when you visit. However, good prices and deals are to be found at this time of year.
With the warmer weather, the beach is very popular this time of year. Spend time enjoying the waves and sand during your visit. A visit this time of year should definitely be on your list, as the natural scenery is just breathtaking. Explore the island scenery to take in the views, admire nature up close, and enjoy the fresh air. You'll find plenty to do during autumn, as you'll be able to take in the beautiful scenery, lounge on the beach, and relax at a luxurious resort.
Is Gili Trawangan worth visiting in the Winter?
This is the low season for travel in Gili Trawangan. This is an extremely touristy destination, so in the low season you'll still see plenty of other travelers when you visit, but less than other times of the year. Good deals are to be found on hotels and tours because it's not the best time of year to visit.
With the warmer weather, the beach is very popular this time of year. Spend time enjoying the waves and sand during your visit. A visit this time of year should definitely be on your list, as the natural scenery is just breathtaking. Explore the island scenery to take in the views, admire nature up close, and enjoy the fresh air. During this season it's fun to experience the cuisine, the nightlife, and the beaches. Also, you can experience the resorts and the beautiful scenery.
Is Gili Trawangan worth visiting in the Spring?
Spring is the shoulder season for travel in Gili Trawangan, which means slightly less visitors than in the peak season. As a very touristy destination, even in the shoulder season you'll see plenty of tourists when you visit. However, good prices and deals are to be found at this time of year.
A visit this time of year should definitely be on your list, as the natural scenery is just breathtaking. Explore the island scenery to take in the views, admire nature up close, and enjoy the fresh air. With the warmer weather, the beach is very popular this time of year. Spend time enjoying the waves and sand during your visit. This is a great time of year to take in the beautiful scenery, take advantage of the local nightlife, and relax at the beach. Also, you can enjoy the amenities of a resort.
Things to Consider Before Visiting Gili Trawangan
Museums and Attractions: Gili Trawangan isn't a place that's filled with a huge number of sights and attractions. There are a couple of art and cultural museums on the island, but most people spend their time soaking up the idyllic setting.
Shopping: Gili Trawangan isn't exactly a shopper's destination. You'll find most things you need on the island, but this isn't a place people usually shop for fun.
Lots of Tourists
Gili Trawangan sees a high number of visitors every year, which means you might have to wait in line and deal with large crowds during your visit.
Related
What is Gili Trawangan most famous for?
Gili Trawangan is most famous for its beautiful water and impressive scuba diving. People visit this impressive island for its great nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches. It's also known for food. And many travelers come for the resorts, as well. It is often described as tropical, idyllic, and laidback.
What is the most famous sight in Gili Trawangan?
The most popular sight in Gili Trawangan is beautiful beachfront setting. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Gili Trawangan on our travel costs page.
Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for beautiful beachfront setting and other attractions here.
How touristy is Gili Trawangan? Is it a popular island to visit?
Gili Trawangan is a very touristy island that attracts travelers from around the globe. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)
- 4-in-1 • Gili Islands Half-day Snorkel & Lunch Catamaran Tour: $104
- Lombok Private Tour Waterfall And Traditional Village Including Beach: $62
- Kuta Tour (South Of Lombok Beutiful Tour): $49
- Gili Meno Horse Riding Adventure on the Beach for 1 Hour: $42
- Gili Air 1 Hour Horseback Beach Adventure: $46
- Gili Hai 3 Islands BBQ Cruise: $83
- Gili Hai 3 Islands BBQ Sunset Cruise: $83
- 4-in-1 • Gili Islands Snorkel & Sunset Half-day Catamaran Cruise: $104
How long should I spend in Gili Trawangan?
The ideal length of time for a trip to Gili Trawangan is two to four days. Since Gili Trawangan has a variety of activities such as nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, most people need this much time to see and do everything here.
If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Gili Trawangan?, Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Gili Trawangan?, and Should I spend 1 or 2 weeks in Gili Trawangan?.
More Things to Do in Gili Trawangan
- Is Gili Trawangan Beach Worth Visiting?
- Is Snorkeling and Scuba Diving Worth Doing?
- Is Horse Riding on the Beach Worth Doing?
- Is The Gili Trawangan Night Market Worth Visiting?
For guided and organized tour options, check out The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Indonesia and The Best Wildlife Tours to Indonesia.
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