After you’ve had your moment — sitting on a bean bag, sipping mango juice, staring at the endless blue sea — you might ask, “What else is there to do in Gili Trawangan?”
The answer? Plenty. But at your own pace.
- Cycle Around the Island
Gili Trawangan is small enough to circle on a bicycle in under an hour. But trust me — you won’t rush it. The path loops along the coastline, passing beach bars, cozy villas, quiet cafes, and stunning viewpoints. You’ll stop more than you ride, and that’s exactly how it should be.
Pro tip: go early in the morning or during golden hour. The light is soft, the air is cooler, and the ride feels magical.
- Snorkel in Crystal Waters
In many spots around the island, you can snorkel straight from the shore. The water is so clear you can see tropical fish and coral even in the shallows. No need for a boat — just grab a mask and dive in.
But if you join a snorkeling tour, you’ll be taken to special spots like Turtle Point, where there’s a good chance you’ll swim with sea turtles in their natural habitat.
- Try Scuba Diving — Or Go Deeper
Gili Trawangan is one of Southeast Asia’s best diving destinations. There are many certified dive centers offering beginner courses and PADI licenses.
If you’re already experienced, you’ll find dive sites like Shark Point, Deep Turbo, and Manta Point — each one offering something uniquely beautiful under the surface.
- Watch the Sunset on the West Side
If you only have one evening in Gili Trawangan, make it count — head to the island’s west coast. That’s where the magic happens. Swing sets in the water, soft music from beach bars, bean bags on the sand, and drinks in hand as the sun dips below the horizon.
The colors are unreal: gold, orange, deep pink, and purple — all melting together across the ocean.
- Gili Night Market: Feast Local-Style
When night falls, don’t head straight to bed. Walk over to the Gili Trawangan Night Market, just near the main harbor. You’ll find fresh seafood, satay, grilled corn, nasi campur, and all kinds of flavorful local dishes — at affordable prices, too.
It’s lively but chill, with warm lights, friendly vendors, and the hum of multiple languages being spoken at every table.
- Sunrise Moments on the East
If you’re an early riser, sunrise in Gili is a quiet kind of magic. Head to the east side of the island. The beach is usually empty, the ocean is still, and the sun slowly paints the sky as fishing boats begin their day.
It’s the kind of peace that makes you feel like you’ve stepped out of the world for a moment.
So, Who Is Gili Trawangan For?
Gili Trawangan is for everyone. Couples looking for romance, solo travelers seeking space, friends wanting to reconnect, even digital nomads escaping the screen for a while.
You can choose to do absolutely nothing — nap in a hammock, read by the beach, float in the sea. Or you can stay active — explore, snorkel, cycle, dive, eat, and repeat.
In the end, Gili doesn’t ask much of you. It simply offers beauty, stillness, and freedom — and lets you take what you need.