Gili Trawangan Travel Guide – Imagine white sandy beaches, the sound of waves lapping at your feet and horse-drawn carriages driving in the distance. No cars, no motorbikes, just you, clear sea water and summer. Gili Trawangan, the largest of the 3 Gili islands in Lombok- INDONESIA and your new dream destination for 2025 LEZ GO!
However, this car-free paradise has a completely different magic, although it doesn’t get the same attention as Bali.
Whether you’re looking for the best place to enjoy Instagram-worthy sunsets, dive with turtles 🐢 or a lively beach bar where you can rock out until dawn, Gili T (as the locals call it) has a lot to offer.
The best part? The entire island can be circumnavigated by bike in just two hours!
So, are you ready to see why Gili Trawangan should be at the top of your travel bucket list in 2025?
From how to get there to where you should stay directly on the beach, to some hidden gems for snorkeling and trying all the delicious food found on Gili T – this is your complete guide to everything from A-Z on how we do it.
Let’s dive! 🌊
Where is Gili Trawangan?
Gili Trawangan, commonly known as Gili T, is one of the three Gili Islands located just off the northwest coast of Lombok, Indonesia. Its geographic coordinates are approximately 8.3485° S latitude and 116.0383° E longitude. The island is accessible via a fast boat from Bali or a short boat ride from Lombok, making it a popular destination for travelers seeking tropical charm.
A Brief History of Gili Trawangan
Historically, Gili Trawangan was sparsely inhabited until the 1970s when people from Sulawesi moved to the island for farming and fishing. The island later gained popularity among backpackers in the 1990s, becoming a hub for laid-back travel. During World War II, the Japanese established bunkers on the island, remnants of which can still be seen today on the southern hill. Over the years, Gili Trawangan evolved into a vibrant tourist destination, known for its unique charm and mix of natural beauty and nightlife
How to Get to Gili Trawangan
Fast Boat Options from Bali
Getting to Gili Trawangan from Bali offers you several fast boat options, each with its own advantages. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of the main fast boat services:
| Company | Departure Points | Duration | Price Range (USD) | Included Services |
| Eka Jaya | Padang Bai | 2.5-3 hrs | $28 | 1 Way Ticket & Insurance |
| Semaya One | Padang Bai | 2-3 hrs | $16 | 1 Way Ticket & Insurance |
| Ostina | Padang Bai | 2-2.5 hrs | $18 | 1 Way Ticket & Insurance |
| Golden Queen | Padang Bai | 2 – 2.5 hrs | $20 | 1 Way Ticket & Insurance |
| Eka Jaya | Lembongan, Penida | 2.5-3 hrs | $39 | 1 Way Ticket & Insurance |
| Inami | Padang Bai | 2.5-3 hrs | $19 | 1 Way Ticket & Insurance |
| Blue Water | Serangan | 3-3.5 hrs | $ | 1 Way Ticket & Insurance |
| Starfish | Sanur | 3-3.5 hrs | $25 | 1 Way Ticket & Insurance |
You’ll find most fast boats departing from these main ports:
- Padang Bai
- Most popular departure point
- Located about 1.5 hours from Kuta/Seminyak
- Multiple daily departures between 8:30 AM and 1:30 PM
- Pick up / Drop Hotel Bali with Hey Bali : IDR 350.000 / Car / One Way
- Sanur
- Convenient if you’re staying in South Bali
- Fewer daily departures
- Usually more expensive than Padang Bai options
- Pick up / Drop Hotel Bali with Hey Bali : IDR 210.000 / Car / One Way
- Serangan
- Less crowded harbor
- Limited operators
- Good option during low tide
- Pick up / Drop Hotel Bali with Hey Bali : IDR 210.000 / Car / One Way
Pro tip: Book your fast boat ticket at least 2-3 days in advance during peak season (July-August, December-January) to secure your preferred departure time.
Transport from Lombok Airport
When arriving at Lombok International Airport, you have several options to reach Gili Trawangan:
- Duration: 2 hours
- Cost: $30-40
- Includes air-conditioned car with driver
- Most comfortable option
- Hey Bali Price : Lombok International Airport – Bangsal Only IDR 400.000 / Car (Direct Order Only)
- Public Transport
- Local bus to Bangsal Harbour
- Duration: 1-4 hours
- Cost: IDR 20.000 (Approx $ 1.5 USD)
- Schedule : 06.AM – 10.00 PM
- Less comfortable but more authentic experience
- For Make Sure Check Damri Website
From Bangsal Harbor, you’ll need to take a boat to Gili Trawangan:
Public Ferry
- Duration: 40-50 minutes
- Cost: IDR 25.000 / Pax (Approx $ 2 USD)
- Operates 7:30 AM – 4:30 PM
- Can be crowded
- Traditional Wooden Boat
Public Speed Boat
- Duration: 15-20 minutes
- Cost: IDR 90.000 / Pax (Approx $ 6 USD)
- Scheduled Departures, Not Every Hour
- Better for those prone to seasickness
Private Speed Boat
- Duration: 15-20 minutes
- Cost: IDR 350.000 / Speedboat (Approx $ 20 USD)
- Every Time – But booking is needed
- Better for those prone to seasickness
- Call Hey Bali For Booked
Combined Transport Options From Hey Bali :
| Package Type | Duration | Cost (USD) / Pax | Includes |
| Premium | 2.5 hrs | $ 25 – Min 2 Pax | Private Car + Private Speed boat |
| Standard | 3 hrs | $20 – Min 2 Pax | Private Car + Public Speed Boat |
| Budget | 3-4 hrs | $15 – Min 2 Pax | Private Car + Public ferry |
Next Page : Best Time to Visit Gili Trawangan
