I didn’t exactly plan to end up in Gili Trawangan. It all started with a casual “Wanna come with me to Gili?” that slid into my Instagram DMs one random morning. No plans, no overthinking—just a spontaneous yes, sweetened by the fact that boss offered to cover the flights and everything else. What followed was a whirlwind escape to one of Indonesia’s most beautiful islands, and whether or not the boss stayed in the picture, Gili T. definitely did.
WHERE TO STAY IN GILI T.
When I said yes to that spontaneous Gili getaway, I didn’t even think to ask where we’d be staying—turns out, boss had it all sorted. Accommodation? Booked for the entire stay. All I had to do was show up (and maybe pack a swimsuit). But if you’re not relying on someone else’s travel plans, it helps to know where to stay on the island—because each side of Gili T comes with its own vibe. Whether you’re after parties, peace and quiet, or sunset views straight out of a postcard, here’s a quick guide to help you pick your perfect spot.
Best Areas to Stay
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| East Side - Gili Trawangan |
East Side (Main Strip)
This is where all the action happens. The east coast is Gili T’s lively front yard, lined with dive shops, beach bars, tour kiosks, and restaurants that go from smoothie bowls to seafood BBQs real quick. If you’re the type who thrives on energy, music, and meeting people from everywhere, this is your playground. Bonus: most fast boats arrive here, so it's the most convenient spot for quick check-ins.
Vibe: Social, vibrant, and just the right amount of chaos.
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| North Side - Gili Trawangan |
North Side (Where We Stayed)
The further north you go, the quieter it gets. Think bamboo villas tucked behind palm trees, hammocks by the beach, and sunsets that feel like they were made just for you. It’s a bit of a bike ride away from the main strip (around 15–20 minutes), but the peace is worth every pedal stroke.
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| Cinta Cottage - Tiny Details of the Villa |
We stayed at one of the private villas of Cinta Cottages on the north side of Gili Trawangan, nestled about 200–600 meters back from the beach along Jalan Kelapa. It’s a quiet, leafy lane just a few minutes' walk from the best snorkel spots and close to local restaurants and the Turtle Hatchery. What I liked most? The villa had its own little dip pool, a proper hot and cold shower (rare win on the island!), and Starlink internet that actually worked. A solid combo of comfort and seclusion. You can book this villa on Booking.com below:
Vibe: Serene, secluded, and barefoot bliss.
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| West Side Accommodation in Gili Trawangan |
West Side
This is the golden hour zone. Known for its dreamy sunsets, the west side is home to boutique resorts and luxury villas that offer serious Bali-who? energy.
It’s less crowded, less commercial, and majorly photogenic—expect swings in the water, beachfront bean bags, and uninterrupted views of the sun dipping into the sea. Just note: it’s not the most convenient if you plan on partying every night.
Vibe: Luxe, slow, and super Instagrammable.
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| Central Area - Gili Trawangan |
Central Area
If budget is your top priority, head inland. The central part of Gili T is where you’ll find most hostels, homestays, and warungs serving up nasi goreng for less than ₱100. It’s a bit of a maze with narrow dirt paths, chickens crossing the road, and the occasional prayer call echoing through the village—but it’s full of character. That said, it can be noisy, especially at night.
Vibe: Backpacker-friendly, chaotic-good, and a little rough around the edges.
WHAT TO DO IN GILI T
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| Chill by the beach - on a swing |
If there’s one thing you must do in Gili Trawangan, it’s… absolutely nothing. No really—this island has a way of slowing you down in the best possible way. Between the sea breeze, the laid-back locals, and the total absence of cars or motorbikes, Gili T is built for chill. You can fill your days with snorkeling, biking, and sunset hunting, sure—but some of the best moments happen when you’re doing sweet, sun-kissed nothing. Here's a mix of easy-going activities and local experiences that let you soak it all in, island-style.
Bike and Chill by The Beach
One of the best (and most Gili-approved) ways to explore the island is by bike—rentals go for around IDR 50k for the whole day, and a slow ride around the coast takes just 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on how often you stop to take photos or pet the beach cats. Around late afternoon, find your way to the west side and claim a beachfront swing to catch the famous Gili sunset—it’s cheesy in the best way.
After that, park yourself on a daybed at any beach bar (most just ask for a minimum spend, like one bottle of Bintang), and enjoy happy hour with a sea view. If you time it right, you can snag a cold one for as low as IDR 60k. No rush, no rules—just you, the sand, and the slow life.
Snorkelling + Diving
If you’re in Gili T and want a guaranteed turtle sighting, head straight to Turtle Point, right in front of Wah Resort Trawangan. I spent a full day snorkeling here and it was magical—turtles just casually swimming alongside people like it’s no big deal. The water’s clear, the vibe’s relaxed, and you don’t even need to go far from shore to spot them. Snorkeling gear rentals start from IDR 25k–50k for the whole day, and if you want to capture the moment, you can rent a GoPro for as low as IDR 250k an hour. Trust me, seeing these gentle creatures up close is the kind of memory you’ll replay in your head long after you’ve left the island.
For those who want to take it a step further, Gili T is also one of the most affordable and accessible places to get scuba certified—or level up your skills. My top pick? Manta Dive. It’s where my boss got his dive master course, and the people here are just awesome—friendly, professional, and super passionate about the underwater world. Whether you’re doing your Open Water, Advanced, or specialty courses, the training is top-notch, and the dive sites around Gili are perfect for beginners and seasoned divers alike.
Catch the Sunset (And the Famous Swings)
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| Stunning sunset in Gili T. |
Sunsets in Gili T aren’t just a view—they’re a whole event. The best place to watch the sky turn into a pastel masterpiece is along the west side of the island, where the sun sinks straight into the ocean. Time it right (around 5:30–6:30 PM depending on the season) and you’ll see the beach fill with beanbags, happy hour cocktails, and people waiting for that golden-hour magic.
We picked a spot near Villa Gili Bali Beach, and it was perfect—rows of colorful beach bags right on the sand, the sound of the waves in the background, and nothing but open sea ahead. I was in awe, just watching the sun melt into the horizon. And of course, you can’t leave without snapping a photo on one of Gili T’s famous swings, half-submerged in the water. Yes, it’s touristy. Yes, it’s worth it.
Gili Nightlife
When the sun goes down, Gili Trawangan turns up—especially along the main strip on the east side of the island, where bars, beach parties, and live music spill right onto the sand. You can keep it chill with a cold beer under the stars or dance barefoot until the early hours. The best part? Everything’s within walking (or biking) distance, so no need to worry about cabs or long rides home.
One of the liveliest spots is Lava Bar, which draws a mixed crowd but definitely leans toward the younger, backpacker scene. Fridays are extra fun here thanks to their Bingo-themed night, where you can win free drinks—or, if luck’s really on your side, up to 5 million IDR in bar credit (yes, really). For something a little quieter, The Irish Bar is a solid choice. It’s a cosy, laid-back spot, but Mondays get competitive with their pub quiz nights, where trivia champs can score drinks and other prizes. No matter your vibe, there’s a spot on Gili T where the night’s just getting started.
Pamper by Day, Chef by Night
Gili T isn’t just about sunsets and parties—it’s also a great place to slow down and treat yourself. The island has plenty of spas, but if you’re leaning toward the luxe side, You Spa Gili T is a must. Just walking past it is an experience—the air is filled with their signature relaxing scents that make you want to book a massage on the spot. They use their own blends of oils, and the atmosphere is exactly what you’d imagine for an island escape: calm, soothing, and the perfect antidote to too much sun (or too many Bintangs).
If you’d rather get hands-on, join a class at Gili Cooking School – Sweet and Spicy, where you can learn how to whip up local-style dishes. The sessions can be a bit fast-paced, so you’ll need to keep up—but it’s a fun, interactive way to bring a taste of Gili T back home. Plus, once you’ve mastered a few recipes, you’ll have the ultimate party trick: hosting your friends with home-cooked Indonesian meals, island style.
Wrapping It Up
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| Gili Trawangan allowed me to slow down |
Gili Trawangan is one of those places where you can do as much or as little as you like—and either way, you’ll leave with a happy heart and sandy toes. Whether you came for the sunsets, the swings, the turtles, or the tequila shots, this island has a way of making you slow down, breathe, and just live in the moment.
But let’s be real—half the fun of travelling is the food, and trust me, Gili T does not disappoint. From beachfront grills to night market eats that won’t break the bank, I’ve got a whole list of must-try spots and dishes. So stay tuned—next week, I’m spilling the tea (and probably some sambal) on What and Where to Eat in Gili Trawangan.
xOxO,
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