You need to know that Gili Trawangan is small touristic island. It is flat, and blissfully free of cars. Life moves at a slower pace here, shaped by bicycles, beach walks, sunsets, and saltwater days. Whether you’re here to relax, explore, or stay out far later than planned, these are the experiences that define Gili T. We list down all the things you can do at Gili Trawangan.

Cycle Around the Island

The island is compact enough to circle in about an hour, making cycling the easiest and most enjoyable way to get around. Bike rentals are everywhere, with daily rates usually around IDR 50,000, or much less if you only need one for an hour.

The roads can be uneven in places, so it’s best to ride slowly and stay alert. The upside is that there are no cars or scooters, making cycling far safer than on the mainland. As Gili Trawangan is part of a predominantly Muslim community, wearing a shirt and covering your legs is appreciated—and it also helps protect you from the sun.

Walk the East Coast

The East Coast is where the island comes to life. Boats line the main jetty, beach bars open early, and the shoreline is perfect for a relaxed stroll. You can walk from the south to the north in under 30 minutes, passing shops, cafés, and restaurants along the way.

Swimming here isn’t recommended due to boat traffic, but it’s a great area to sit back with a drink, people-watch, and ease into island time. You may be offered snorkelling tours along the way, but a polite “no thanks” is usually enough.

Spend the Day on Gili T’s Beaches

One of Gili Trawangan’s biggest draws is its white-sand coastline, which feels calmer and less crowded than many beaches in Bali. Every stretch has nearby bars or restaurants, so food and cold drinks are never far away.

• North East Beach is close to the jetty yet surprisingly quiet, and turtles are often spotted just offshore.
• Sunset Beach is famous for golden-hour views and remains beautiful throughout the day.
• Malibu Beach, on the southwest coast, is lined with beanbags and bars, perfect for lazy afternoons with cocktails.
• South Beach (Good Heart Beach) is the island’s party hub, popular with backpackers and known for early starts and late nights.

Chase the Sunset on the West Coast

Anywhere along the west side of the island offers a clear view of the sun dropping behind the ocean. You don’t need to go far—many beach bars and hotels provide front-row seats. Places like Ombak Sunset are popular for a reason, combining sea views with well-made cocktails.

Visit the Gili Swings and Sea Hammocks

Swings and hammocks suspended over the sea have become one of Gili Trawangan’s most photographed sights. While Sunset Beach is home to the most famous ones, you’ll find similar setups scattered around the island. They’re busiest at sunset, so arriving slightly earlier—ideally at high tide—makes the experience more relaxed.

Go Snorkelling Around the Gili Islands

Snorkelling is one of the easiest ways to explore the waters around Gili T. Half-day tours usually visit all three islands and include coral reefs, turtles, and the underwater sculpture garden by Jason deCaires Taylor. You can join a group tour or hire a private boat, depending on your budget.

Learn to Scuba Dive

While the Gilis aren’t known as a world-class diving destination, they’re an excellent place to learn. Visibility is generally good, conditions are calm, and turtle sightings are common. Expect to pay around IDR 500,000 per dive, including equipment and instruction, which is fairly standard across the island.

Visit the Turtle Hatchery

Located just north of the main jetty, the Gili Trawangan Turtle Hatchery is a small non-profit dedicated to protecting sea turtles. If you’re lucky, you may witness a release ceremony, where hatchlings are guided back into the ocean.

Eat at Gili T Night Market

For affordable and satisfying local food, the night market is hard to beat. Grilled seafood, satay, and Indonesian classics are cooked fresh each evening. Arrive early, as stalls close once they sell out.

Take a Spa Break

Gili Trawangan’s laid-back atmosphere makes it ideal for a massage or spa treatment. Many hotels offer in-house spas, and there are also independent options around the island. A beachfront massage as the sun sets is a simple luxury worth experiencing.

Party After Dark

Gili T is known for its nightlife, especially around Good Heart Beach, where bars and parties run late. It’s lively, social, and unapologetically fun—but it’s important to remember that drugs, including magic mushrooms, are illegal in Indonesia and carry serious penalties.

Sail Into the Sunset

Sunset cruises are easy to arrange near the jetty and offer a different perspective of the island. With drinks on board and the coastline glowing in the evening light, it’s a relaxed way to end the day.

Join a Cooking Class

If you want to take a piece of Indonesia home with you, a cooking class is a great option. Sweet and Spicy Cooking School is a popular choice, offering hands-on lessons and a chance to enjoy the dishes you prepare.

Take a Side Trip to Lombok

From Gili Trawangan, Lombok is just a short boat ride away. A day trip is enough to explore nearby beaches or villages, but if Mount Rinjani is on your list, plan for a multi-day trek—it’s not something to rush.