If you’re thinking of hopping over to the Gilis for a few days, Gili Trawangan is the island I always recommend for first-timers.
There’s something about Gili Trawangan that just puts you in a good mood. It has that perfect mix of turquoise water, sandy paths, good food, beach bars, quiet corners and warm island energy that makes you settle in almost instantly.
Whether you’re going with friends, travelling solo, or squeezing in a weekend escape from Bali, here’s everything I’d personally recommend to help you plan the perfect Gili Trawangan trip!
What’s Gili Trawangan like?
Gili Trawangan is the biggest of the three Gili Islands, and it’s the one with the most going on. Think cafés, boutique resorts, beach bars, and a long east-coast strip lined with restaurants and colourful boats.
But don’t worry! It’s not a non-stop party island unless you want it to be. If you stay on the north or west side of the island, you’ll find quieter beaches and a calmer pace, perfect if you want easy swims and slower mornings.
It might be the most crowded of the Gili Islands, but you can still set your own pace here.
Where to stay in Gili Trawangan
Pondok Santi Estate
Peaceful hideaway with one of the calmest beachfronts on the island.
Pondok Santi feels like its own little world on Gili Trawangan. It sits on a huge coconut grove, so it’s quiet, spacious and breezy. The bungalows are spread out (which I love), the pool is calm, and the beach out front is one of the nicer, quieter parts of the island. There’s also an open-air restaurant by the sand, which adds to the slow island rhythm and makes the whole place feel like a real escape.
Best for: Couples or families who want a laid-back luxury stay.
Address: Dusun Gili Trawangan, Gili Indah
Price per night: Starting from IDR 1,300,000
Cocana Resort Gili Trawangan
Modern, design-forward resort with stylish villas.
Cocana Resort feels modern and polished without being pretentious. Think clean, minimalist villas, lots of white and wood, and big pools you actually want to spend time in. It’s tucked away in the quieter north, so you’re not stuck in the busy centre, but still close enough to grab dinner or cycle out for sunset.
It’s a good mix of comfort, privacy and island ease, especially if you like the feel of a proper “holiday hotel”.
Best for: Groups of friends or travellers who like the villa/resort combo.
Address: Jl. Pantai Gili Trawangan, Gili Indah
Price per night: Starting from IDR 2,200,000
Kuno Villas
Beautifully crafted wooden villas with a relaxed boutique feel.
Kuno Villas feels like a little design-led hideaway on the quieter side of Gili Trawangan. The villas and rooms are built from restored antique Javanese houses (hence the name “kuno”, Indonesian for antique/ancient) and old timber, so everything has character. Think high wooden ceilings, carved details, and that slightly rustic-but-considered look.
Inside, it’s all modern comforts: private pools in some villas, rain showers, generous bathrooms, and proper sleep-worthy beds. It’s set slightly back from the main strip near the north-east, and it feels like somewhere you actually slow down and stay a while, rather than just crash for the night.
Best for: Solo travellers or groups on a budget, laid-back stays.
Address: Jl. Ikan Kima, Gili Indah
Price per night: Starting from IDR 1,200,000
Where to eat: My top cafes & restaurants in Gili Trawangan
Gili Teak
Breezy seaside spot for grilled dishes, cold drinks and quiet golden-hour dinners.
Gili Teak sits right on the beach with open-air tables and a relaxed, breezy feel. The menu is straightforward, grilled fish, salads, burgers and Indonesian favourites. Everything tastes even better at sunset when the sky turns warm and the beach quietens down. It’s an easy, calm place for a good meal by the water.
Best for: Couples looking for casual beachfront dinners and sunset meals.
Must-try dishes: All their Indonesian dishes
Price: Mains start from IDR 70,000++
Opening hours: Daily, 7am – 11pm
Kayu Café
A warm, welcoming place for brunch and light meals made with fresh ingredients.
Kayu Café is a go-to for breakfast and brunch, think smoothie bowls, wraps, sandwiches, good coffee and plenty of plant-based options. The space has that cosy, slightly rustic feel that makes you want to linger longer than planned.
If you’re the type who loves starting the day with something fresh and wholesome, this will probably be your favourite dining place on the island.
Best for: Brunch lovers and travellers who want a relaxed café atmosphere.
Must-try dishes: Pan-seared snapper scallopini, breakfast burrito, smoked salmon
Price: Mains start from IDR 65,000++
Opening hours: Daily, 7am – 6pm
Scallywags Seafood Bar & Grill
Popular dinner choice with BBQ seafood and hearty plates.
Scallywags Seafood Bar & Grill is one of the island’s popular dinner spots, especially if you’re craving grilled seafood or something hearty after a day of swimming. They’re known for their BBQ dinner setup, pick your seafood or meat, choose your sides, and enjoy it right by the beach. It’s relaxed, lively enough, and always has a mix of locals, solo travellers and families.
Best for: Groups or families looking for a seafood dinner
Must-try dishes: Seafood BBQ (build-your-own plate style)
Price: Mains start from IDR 65,000++
Opening hours: Typically open from lunch through dinner (often until late)
Scallywags Seafood Bar & Grill Menu
Bonus: The Market Square (Night Market)
The island’s go-to night market for casual eats and local dishes.
The Market Square is Gili Trawangan’s busiest and most atmospheric food spot at night. Dozens of stalls serve Indonesian comfort dishes, grilled seafood, satay, mie goreng, fried snacks, nasi campur, and the occasional sweets corner that changes daily. It’s loud, crowded and full of character. You grab your plate, find a seat, eat, and give up the chair when you’re done so the next group can sit.
Best for: Travellers wanting to try authentic Indonesian dishes
Price: Full meals start from IDR 25,000++
Opening hours: Stalls open around sunset
Things to do in Gili Trawangan
1. Snorkel with sea turtles
Gili Trawangan is one of the easiest spots in Indonesia to see turtles without needing a boat. Many tours take you around the island for reef and turtle sightings (you can even spot them right off shore!)
2. Cycle around the island
No cars, no motorbikes, just bikes and sandy paths. Grab a bicycle and circle the island at your own pace.
3. Catch a west-side sunset
The west coast is calmer and quieter, and the sunsets are absolutely beautiful.
4. Dive the reefs
Gili T is a diving hub with plenty of dive schools. Whether it’s your first time or you’re already certified, the marine life here is worth checking out.
5. Beach- and café-hop
The east side has lots of places for brunch, smoothies and casual bites. The west side is quieter and more about long beach days and sunbathing.
A One-Day Itinerary for Gili Trawangan
8:00 AM – Slow breakfast by the beach
9:00 AM – Rent a bicycle and explore the island
10:00 AM – Snorkel with turtles
12:30 PM – Come back to the east coast for lunch
2:00 PM – Chill time (pool, beach, or café)
4:00 PM – Cycle to the west side for sunset
6:30 PM – Dinner at the night market
8:00 PM – Optional: gentle nightlife or live music
10:00 PM – Head back for a quiet night
Whether you’re here for a weekend escape or a longer reset by the sea, Gili Trawangan has a way of making you slow down in all the best ways!
If you’re planning the rest of your trip, here are a few guides to help you explore even more:
- The Ultimate Guide to the Gili Islands
- Best Restaurants in Gili Trawangan
- Best Hotels and Villas in Gili Trawangan
FAQs About Gili Trawangan
Is Gili Trawangan safe for solo travellers?
Yes! Gili Trawangan is generally very safe for solo travellers, including women. The island is small, easy to navigate, and most people get around by bicycle. Just take the usual precautions at night and stick to the busier paths if you’re heading back late.
Can you walk or cycle around the whole island?
You can. Cycling takes around 45–60 minutes depending on the tides, and walking takes about two hours (with photo breaks!). Some parts of the path get sandy, so you may need to push your bike for a bit.
Are there ATMs on Gili Trawangan?
There are several ATMs on the island, but they occasionally run out of cash, especially on weekends. Bring some spare rupiah just in case.
How reliable is the Wi-Fi on Gili Trawangan?
Wi-Fi has improved, but it can still be patchy in some areas. Most cafés and hotels have decent enough speeds for basic work or calls, but don’t expect big-city-level connectivity.
Do I need to book accommodation in advance?
If you’re travelling in July–August or over Christmas/New Year, definitely book ahead as the island gets busy. Outside peak season, you’ll usually find something on arrival, but the best-value places fill up fast.