Gili Trawangan, one of the three Gili islands located northwest of Lombok, is a popular tourist destination for both local and international tourists.
The island is famous for its natural beauty, vibrant nightlife, and stunning underwater treasures. Here are five interesting aspects to enjoy when visiting Gili Trawangan.
The Beauty of Gili Trawangan's Underwater Nature
Gili Trawangan is a paradise for divers and snorkel enthusiasts. Its clear waters and preserved coral reefs are home to a variety of tropical fish, green turtles, and other marine life.
Some of the best snorkeling spots around Gili Trawangan include Turtle Point, Coral Garden, and Shark Point.
One of the main attractions is the easy access to snorkeling sites just by swimming from the shoreline.
Additionally, Gili Trawangan is part of a marine conservation area, ensuring that its biodiversity is well-preserved.
8 Popular Tourist Activities in Gili Trawangan
Here are eight popular tourist activities that you can enjoy on Gili Trawangan:
Watching Sunrise & Sunset
Gili Trawangan offers two stunning moments for sunrise and sunset. To enjoy the sunrise, visit the eastern side of the island, such as along Jalan Pantai Timur.
Meanwhile, to enjoy the sunset, the west coast is the place to be. From here, you can see the sun setting behind Mount Agung in Bali.
While enjoying the view, you can also sit in a beach chair or hammock and listen to relaxing music.
Water Sport
For water sports enthusiasts, Gili Trawangan offers a diverse range of adrenaline-challenging activities. Some of them are:
- Banana Boat: Have fun riding a banana boat pulled by a speedboat.
- Jet Ski: Ride a jet ski in the crystal clear waters of Gili Trawangan.
- Kayak: Rent a kayak to explore the beach and enjoy the underwater scenery.
- Paddle Board: Stand on a board and paddle for a different kind of thrill.
- Water Skiing: Water skiing in calm waters.
- Surfing: Challenge the waves by surfing at selected beaches.
You can enjoy these activities at various rental points around the island.
Hopping Island Snorkeling
Enjoy the underwater beauty by taking a snorkeling tour to three Gilis: Trawangan, Meno, and Air. This package typically includes visits to popular spots such as Coral Garden, Turtle Point, and the Bounty Wreck.
Here, you can swim with turtles, tropical fish, and beautiful coral reefs. Service providers usually provide masks, snorkels, buoys, and sometimes underwater cameras (depending on the service provider).
Diving
For those seeking a more immersive experience, diving is the ideal choice. Gili Trawangan has several famous diving spots, such as:
- Turtle Heaven: A meeting place for many turtles.
- Coral Fan Garden: A stunning fan-shaped coral reef.
- Sunset Point: A diving spot with beautiful sunset views.
- Biorocks: Artificial structures that support coral reef growth.
- Bounty Wreck: A shipwreck that is home to a variety of marine life.
- Shark Point: A meeting place for small sharks.
For beginners, a brief training course is available before diving in.
Glass Bottom Boat Tour
For those who want to enjoy the underwater beauty without getting wet in Gili Trawangan, a glass-bottom boat tour is the right choice.
These boats allow you to see coral reefs and tropical fish through transparent glass at the bottom of the ship.
Some tours even visit Gili Meno to see the shipwreck known as the "Titanic of Lombok".
Get Around the Island Using a Cidomo or Bicycle
Gili Trawangan is an island free of motorized vehicles. Instead, you can get around the island using a bicycle or cidomo (traditional horse-drawn carriage).
By bicycle, you can get around the island in about 1 hour. Cidomos are also available for a more relaxed experience.
Horse Riding on the Beach
Horse riding along the coast of Gili Trawangan is a unique activity worth trying. By renting a horse, you can enjoy the sea view while feeling the sensation of riding a horse.
Rental prices range from Rp 100,000 to Rp 250,000 per hour.
Culinary Tour
After a long day of activities, indulge your taste buds with a variety of delicious dishes on Gili Trawangan.
The Night Market, located near the main harbor, offers a variety of food, including chicken satay, mixed rice, and fresh seafood such as grilled fish seasoned with Indonesian spices.
In addition, many warungs and restaurants serve Lombok and Balinese specialties.
Complete Guide to Snorkeling in Gili Trawangan
Snorkeling in Gili Trawangan can be done in various ways: independently from the beach or by joining a snorkeling tour. Here's a quick guide:
Snorkeling package
- join trip package: Starting from IDR 100,000 to 150,000 per person for a 3 to 4-hour tour to the three Gilis.
- Private boat package: Around IDR 700,000 to 1,200,000 per boat, suitable for small groups.
- Include: Mask, snorkel, life vest, and sometimes underwater camera (depending on the service provider).
Required Equipment
- Mask and snorkel (available for rent).
- Buoys for those who are not proficient swimmers.
- Fin (frog legs) for swimming comfort and efficiency.
- An underwater camera to capture underwater moments.
- It is recommended to use a rash guard (UV-protective clothing) due to the high level of sun exposure.
How to Get to Gili Trawangan
There are several transportation options to Gili Trawangan, depending on the starting point of departure:
From Lombok:
- Bangsal Harbor (North Lombok): take a public boat (Rp 20,000 to 30,000) or speed boat (Rp 85,000 to 150,000).
- Private speedboat from Teluk Nare: more convenient and flexible, prices start from IDR 350,000 (one-way).
From Bali:
- Fast boat directly from Bali (Padang Bai or Serangan): price ranges from IDR 350,000-600,000 depending on operator and season.
- Via Lombok (airplane to Lombok, then continue to Bangsal): suitable if you want to explore Lombok first.
If you're looking for a vacation with a relaxing atmosphere, beautiful ocean views, and plenty of fun activities, Gili Trawangan is a great choice!
