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Virda Risyad

Gili Trawangan 101: A brief guide for eco-traveller

Updated: Mar 23, 2023


The idyllic Gili Trawangan are extremely mesmerizing. And it offers so much more than fun. Let us begin!


What to do in Gili Trawangan?

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.


1. Parties!

Party island Gili Trawangan. Gili trawangan traveller, Trawangan night market, snorkel dive gili trawangan, eco travel gili trawangan, How to go gili trawangan. CarbonEthics Indonesia
Source: Gili Trawangan

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.


2. Breeze through the island

Cycling in Gili Trawangan beach. Gili trawangan traveller, Trawangan night market, snorkel dive gili trawangan, eco travel gili trawangan, How to go gili trawangan. CarbonEthics Indonesia
Source: Culture Trip

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.


3. Cool water activities for an instant serotonin boost

Swimming in Gili island sea. Gili trawangan traveller, Trawangan night market, snorkel dive gili trawangan, eco travel gili trawangan, How to go gili trawangan. CarbonEthics Indonesia
Source: Be Free

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.


4. Helping to chill our earth again!

Gili island coral reef. Gili trawangan traveller, Trawangan night market, snorkel dive gili trawangan, eco travel gili trawangan, How to go gili trawangan. CarbonEthics Indonesia
Source: Gili Eco Trust

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.


How to go to Gili Trawangan?

Gili island port. Gili trawangan traveller, Trawangan night market, snorkel dive gili trawangan, eco travel gili trawangan, How to go gili trawangan. CarbonEthics Indonesia

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.


Where can I stay?

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 :




What You Need to Know About Gili Trawangan https://www.hotels.com/go/indonesia/gili-trawangan-island


Gili Islands Overview


Gili Trawangan Hill Viewpoint


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