Gili Trawangan: 2 Days of Beaches and Underwater Adventures

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The Gili Islands: An Archipelago Between Bali and Lombok

After a few days exploring Bali, we set course for the Gili Islands—an archipelago of crystal-clear waters off the coast of Lombok. From the moment we arrived on Gili Trawangan, the scene was set: powdery white sand, turquoise sea, and an atmosphere where time seems to slow down.

The archipelago is made up of three islands, each with its own personality. Gili Trawangan, the liveliest, blends postcard-perfect scenery with a laid-back vibe. Gili Meno, the quietest, invites peaceful walks along deserted beaches. Gili Air, somewhere in between, strikes a perfect balance between serenity and sociability.

We chose to stay on Gili Trawangan, drawn by the variety of experiences it offers. Swimming with turtles, biking around the island, watching the sunset by the shore—each day here flows to the rhythm of the ocean. Whether you’re seeking relaxation, underwater adventure, or simply a peaceful setting, the Gili Islands extend the escape with simplicity and charm.

Getting to the Gili Islands

Reaching the Gili Islands from Bali is straightforward, as long as your trip is well planned. Several ports serve the archipelago, with regular crossings to Gili Trawangan, the largest of the three islands.

From Sidemen

After our stay in Sidemen, we drove to Padangbai, about 1.5 hours away. We had booked a private driver to travel comfortably while enjoying the scenery. From Padangbai, we took a speed boat for a crossing of about 2 hours to Gili Trawangan. Several companies operate this route, with departures in the morning and early afternoon.

From southern Bali

If you’re staying in Ubud, Canggu, Seminyak, or Sanur, getting to Padangbai takes 1.5 to 2 hours depending on traffic. From there, speed boats reach Gili Trawangan in around 2 hours. Many agencies offer combined transfers, including transport to the port and the boat ride. This is a convenient option if you prefer not to manage each leg separately.

From Amed

An alternative is to depart from Amed, on Bali’s northeast coast. Departures are more limited, but the crossing is shorter—about 1 hour 15 minutes. If you’re staying in this region, it’s a good way to avoid the longer drive to Padangbai.

From Denpasar Airport

From the airport, it takes around 2 hours to reach Padangbai. If your flight arrives late, it’s best to stay overnight nearby and take a boat the next morning. Crossings to the Gili Islands are not available in the late afternoon.

Practical tips:

Book in advance, especially in high season, to secure your seats and get reasonable fares
Sea conditions can vary, so it’s helpful to keep your schedule flexible
If you’re prone to seasickness, sit at the back of the boat where it’s more stable and comfortable

Getting Around Gili Trawangan: A Car-Free Island at the Pace of the Ocean

From the moment we arrived on Gili Trawangan, the calm struck us. Here, there are no cars, no engines—just the sound of the waves, the soft roll of bicycles on sandy paths, and the light steps of horses pulling carts. The island is completely pedestrian, creating a peaceful atmosphere, perfect for relaxation.

To explore Gili Trawangan, everything is done on foot or by bike. We chose to rent bicycles to move freely around the island. This simple and pleasant option makes it easy to reach the beaches, small restaurants, and the best snorkeling spots. Cycling along the shore, with the open horizon and sea breeze as companions, is an essential part of the experience. Bikes can be rented all over the island, often directly from your accommodation.

Before renting, it’s a good idea to check that the lights work properly. After dark, the center of the island is dimly lit, and having a reliable headlight makes getting around much safer.

To transport luggage upon arrival, horse-drawn carts, known as cidomo, are available, with fares around 100,000 IDR, depending on the distance. This mode of transport sometimes raises concerns about animal welfare, and some travelers prefer to walk or use a rolling suitcase to reach their accommodation.

Cycling Around Gili Trawangan: Exploring the Island Between Beaches and Villages

Biking around Gili Trawangan is a perfect way to discover a small-scale island, where every turn reveals a new atmosphere. With just 7 kilometers of coastline, the island can easily be circled in about an hour—or longer if you take time to stop along the way. The path follows the shore, passing white sand beaches, palm-lined trails, and wide-open ocean views.

We started our ride on the eastern coast, the most lively part of the island. Restaurants, warungs, and dive shops line the waterfront, creating a vibrant, friendly vibe. The clear water and fine sand quickly tempted us to pause, simply to enjoy the scenery.

As we headed north, the island grew quieter. The beaches opened up, coconut trees became more abundant, and we passed a few snorkelers searching for turtles, often spotted in this area. The pace naturally slowed, and we found ourselves stopping more often, just following the landscapes.

The western coast offered a different feel. The beaches here are wilder, with small beach bars set directly on the sand. We took time to park our bikes, sip a fresh juice, and enjoy the sea. The open horizon made it easy to linger.

Finally, in the south, the terrain became more uneven. The sandy path sometimes required us to walk beside our bikes before riding again. This last stretch, less developed, is also part of the island’s charm. You move at your own rhythm, between sea and greenery, until you loop back to where you started.

An Unexpected Moment: An Earthquake on Gili Trawangan

As we were strolling along the coast of Gili Trawangan, enjoying the laid-back atmosphere and browsing local handicraft stalls, a sudden tremor disrupted the calm of the moment. Within seconds, the ground began to shake, wooden statues wobbled on their stands, and people exchanged glances—caught between surprise and disbelief.

It only lasted a few seconds, but the sensation was striking. Watching objects move, feeling that invisible force beneath our feet, made the experience as unexpected as it was memorable. On the island, no one seemed alarmed—as if such events were simply part of daily life. Everything quickly returned to normal, and conversations picked up again among the makeshift beachfront markets.

Though mild, the tremor reminded us that Indonesia—perched on the Pacific Ring of Fire—is regularly affected by these natural phenomena. A surprising experience, now forever linked to our stay on the island.

Diving and Snorkeling in Gili Trawangan: Exploring the Underwater World

Gili Trawangan is renowned for its rich marine life. Turtles, tropical fish, colorful corals, and occasionally reef sharks—here, underwater exploration is possible both by snorkeling and diving, in clear waters accessible to all levels.

Snorkeling: Spotting Turtles from the Shore

On Gili Trawangan, you often only need to swim a few meters from the beach to discover a fascinating underwater world. With just a mask and snorkel, you can easily reach several spots directly from the shore.

Turtle Point (East Coast): One of the best places to swim with turtles. They move slowly near the surface, among the corals.
Bounty Wreck (West Coast): A shallow wreck, covered in marine life, easy to spot for snorkelers.
Northern Reefs: Less crowded, offering a wide variety of tropical fish and corals.

Boat excursions also allow you to explore Gili Meno and Gili Air. One of the highlights is the underwater statues at Gili Meno, set at shallow depths, attracting visitors for both their uniqueness and the marine life growing around them.

Diving: Sites for All Levels

For a deeper experience, scuba diving offers full immersion into Gili’s biodiversity. Several dive centers offer courses and guided dives.

Shark Point: A site where reef sharks and large schools of fish are often seen.
Manta Point: Depending on the season, manta rays can sometimes be spotted here.
Turtle Heaven: Ideal for beginners, this site is famous for its constant presence of turtles.

Protecting the Marine Ecosystem

The Gili marine ecosystem is delicate, and a few simple actions can help protect it. Biodegradable sunscreen allows you to enjoy the sea while preserving coral health. Observing turtles and fish without touching or feeding them shows respect for their natural environment. As for the reefs, admire their beauty from a distance—they grow slowly and are highly sensitive to contact.

Sunset in Gili Trawangan: A Moment Not to Miss

On Gili Trawangan, the end of each day brings a suspended moment, as the sun slowly dips below the horizon, painting the sky in warm, shifting tones. From the island’s west coast, your gaze stretches across the ocean to the distant silhouette of Mount Agung—a breathtaking natural scene.

We chose Sunset Beach to experience it. Seated by the sea, cocktail in hand, we simply let time slow down. As the sky turned gold, pink, and violet, the atmosphere grew softer, almost hushed.

Where to Watch the Sunset on Gili Trawangan?

Sunset Beach: The most popular spot, with an open view of the horizon and beachfront bars for a comfortable sunset experience
Sandy Beach: A quieter alternative, perfect for enjoying the moment in a more peaceful setting
Northwest Coast: Ideal for those who prefer to escape the buzz—this area offers a calm, wide-open view of the sea and sky

Tips for Enjoying the Sunset:

Arrive early to find a good spot and settle in comfortably
Bring a flashlight or a bike with lights—paths back to the center are poorly lit after dark

Exploring the Three Gili Islands in One Day

From Gili Trawangan, we set off on a full-day boat trip to discover all three Gili Islands. It’s the perfect outing to combine snorkeling, relaxation, and exploration—while experiencing the contrasting atmospheres of the archipelago.

Gili Meno: Silence and Submersion

First stop: Gili Meno, the quietest of the three. From the moment we arrived, the contrast with Trawangan was striking—empty beaches, crystal-clear water, and a peaceful ambiance. We put on our masks and snorkels to explore the island’s famous submerged statues. Sitting at shallow depth, these coral-covered sculptures attract vibrant marine life. Floating above them, suspended between art and nature, was a simple yet deeply beautiful experience.

Gili Air: Local Flavors with Your Feet in the Sand

Next up was Gili Air, a perfect balance of tranquility and local charm. The atmosphere shifted: quiet cafés, beachfront warungs, soft music. We stopped for lunch with our feet in the sand, facing the turquoise sea. On the menu: simple, flavorful local dishes served in a setting that made us want to linger without reason.

Gili Trawangan: Turtles and a Last Glimpse of Blue

In the afternoon, we returned offshore from Gili Trawangan for a final snorkeling session. The water was clear and the reef shallow. Just a few minutes after diving in, we spotted a turtle gliding slowly through the corals. Then another, a bit farther out. These close encounters with marine life were among the highlights of the day.

Back on dry land by late afternoon, we returned to Gili Trawangan’s lively atmosphere. The sky began to turn orange—a gentle close to a day rich in discovery.

Gili Trawangan: An Island Escape Between Sea and Light

Staying on Gili Trawangan is an invitation to slow down—a time when everything flows naturally, in rhythm with the sea. A stay shaped by leisurely bike rides, swims in clear waters, fleeting encounters with turtles, and late afternoons spent watching the sun disappear beyond the horizon.

Here, there’s no need to overdo anything. The island reveals itself effortlessly, through simple moments and luminous landscapes. Whether you’re extending your adventure after Bali or seeking the ease of island life, Gili Trawangan offers just the right balance—between movement and stillness, exploration and letting go.

Our guides to exploring Bali

Articles by destination

Want to explore different sides of Bali? Each region has its own rhythm, scenery, and atmosphere. To help you fine-tune your itinerary, we’ve dedicated a full article to each stop on our journey:

Ubud: A Blend of Culture, Rice Terraces, and Balinese Traditions
Munduk: A natural haven filled with waterfalls and plantations
Sidemen: Far from the crowds, a deep dive into rural Bali
Nusa Penida: Dramatic cliffs and unforgettable viewpoints
Uluwatu: Surf, temples, and sunsets over the ocean

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