You know what, more and more people come from Bali to Gili Trawangan or Gili T. This small island is become a quick escape from busy and hectic Bali. There is three small island, but people especially come to Gili T, the biggest and liveliest of the trio. Known for its nightlife, this island is often seen as a party island, but it’s far more than that. This guide covers whatever you need to know before visiting the largest of the Gili Indah islands.

Where Is Gili Trawangan?

Gili Trawangan sits just off the northwest coast of Lombok, together with Gili Air and Gili Meno. Locals call these the “Gili Indah” or “beautiful islands.” Although the word “Gili” simply means “island,” these three have come to define the name. Permanent settlement only began in the 1970s, long after the islands were used by Japanese forces during World War II. Tourism in the 1980s helped shape the communities that live there today.

How to Get to Gili Trawangan from Bali

People from Bali typically take a fast boat (sometimes marketed as a “ferry,” though it’s not a traditional ferry). Boats depart from Padang Bai, Amed, Sanur, and Serangan, with Padang Bai being the most common. The journey takes around 1.5 hours, and most departures are in the morning. Booking ahead is highly recommended during high season. Be prepared for choppy seas, as the crossing can be rough when the weather turns. If you’re prone to seasickness, take a tablet before boarding.

How to Get to Gili Trawangan from Lombok

If you fly into Lombok International Airport, you’ll need to travel 1.5–2 hours by taxi or private car to Bangsal Harbour (around $20–30 USD). The drive is scenic, and you may see groups of monkeys along the roadside — keep a respectful distance as they are wild animals.

From Bangsal, public fast boats depart hourly from 9 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. for 85,000 IDR. A slow boat is also available for 22,500 IDR, leaving only when full and taking roughly 30 minutes. If you miss the public boats, private boats can be rented for about 180,000 IDR. Staying overnight in Bangsal is also an option.

How to Get Around Gili Trawangan

There are no motorised vehicles on Gili Trawangan. You can only move around by:

• Walking – The island is small enough to circle in a few hours.
• Horse-drawn carriage – A novelty option, though expensive and bumpy.
• Bicycle – The most popular and practical way to explore.

When Is the Best Time to Visit Gili Trawangan?

Gili Trawangan is a year-round destination, but the seas are calmest during the dry season from April to October, making the boat transfer from Bali much smoother. Rainy season still brings warm weather and plenty of sunshine, but if you want a reliable crossing, aim for the morning fast boat during the dry months.

So, this short guide should be enough as a quick heads-up before you visit the island. There are many activities and experiences you can enjoy on this small island, and with no motorised vehicles, the calm and peaceful atmosphere becomes a real highlight — perfect for escaping the noise and rush of the city.