Gili Trawangan, the largest of the three Gili Islands, is a sun-soaked paradise filled with laid-back charm, white-sand beaches, and unforgettable underwater adventures. But unlike other touristy spots, Gili T has no cars, limited ATMs, and a totally different pace of life. That’s why knowing what to pack before you go—and securing your ticket fast boat to Gili Trawangan in advance—can make a huge difference in how smooth and enjoyable your trip will be.
Before we jump into the packing list, it’s important to make sure your transportation is booked and sorted. If you haven’t decided how to reach the island yet, we highly recommend reading our Fast Boat from Bali to Gili Islands: What You Need to Know — it covers everything from schedules and prices to which ports in Bali are best for your route.
Light Clothing & Sun Protection
Gili Trawangan is hot, humid, and beautifully sunny most of the year. Keep your outfits simple and lightweight—think beachwear meets casual streetwear. Pack breathable shirts, tank tops, a couple of swimsuits, and shorts. Flip-flops are the island’s official footwear, and a pair of water shoes can help if you’re planning to snorkel in rocky areas. Don’t forget a sun hat, sunglasses, and reef-safe sunscreen, which is a must if you’re planning to snorkel or dive.
Beach & Snorkeling Gear
You’ll be spending a lot of time in the water, so having the right gear helps. A quick-dry towel, dry bag, and waterproof phone pouch are super useful. If you already own a snorkel mask that fits your face comfortably, bring it—although rentals are widely available on the island for about IDR 30,000–50,000/day.
Gadgets & Connectivity
Electricity in Gili is stable, but Wi-Fi can be patchy. Bring a power bank, universal adapter, and a SIM card (Telkomsel works best). If you’re planning to work remotely or share your adventures in real-time, you’ll want to preload playlists, maps, and Google Translate while you’re still in Bali.
Toiletries & First-Aid Basics
While small shops and pharmacies exist, the selection is limited and prices are higher than in Bali. Essentials to bring include mosquito repellent, pain relievers, diarrhea medication, and any personal prescriptions. Also useful: band-aids, aloe vera gel (for sunburn), and a compact travel-size first-aid kit.
Travel Documents & Cash
Bring your passport, booking confirmations (printed or digital), and enough cash in small denominations. There are a few ATMs on the island, but they often run out of money, especially during high season.
Already booked your boat? If not, we recommend checking out our Complete Transport Guide: How to Get from Bali to Gili Trawangan. It compares fast boats, combo shuttle packages, and even the flight-to-Lombok alternative—so you can choose what works best for your budget and timeline.
What You Can Skip
To travel smart, it’s just as important to know what not to bring. You won’t need high heels, heavy jackets, or more than one “dressy” outfit. Hair dryers and straighteners are unnecessary—most accommodations don’t provide them, and the salty air makes styling irrelevant anyway. Keep it simple, breathable, and light.
Can You Buy Things on Gili?
Yes, but expect to pay more. You can find essentials like flip-flops, toiletries, SIM top-ups, and snacks at mini-marts, but don’t count on finding your favorite sunscreen brand or specialty medication. Save yourself the hassle by buying these in Bali before you go.
Packing Smart = Easier Island Travel
Remember, Gili Trawangan has no cars or taxis—you’ll be walking or cycling, and sometimes carrying your bag across sand. A backpack is far more practical than a suitcase with wheels. Keep your bag lightweight, especially if your fast boat requires you to board directly from the beach (yes, your feet will get wet!).
Pack After You Book
Your packing will also depend on how you’re traveling. For example, if you’re taking an early morning fast boat from Padangbai, you might want to pack motion sickness pills and a light breakfast. If you’re using a combo shuttle from Ubud or Canggu, have your essentials easily accessible.
To simplify everything, book your ticket fast boat to Gili Trawangan online at:
www.bliputu.com — compare boat companies, prices, and schedules in one place.
The site allows you to compare boat companies like Eka Jaya Fast Ferry and Semaya Darmajaya Jet Fast Boat, while offering secure payment and multi-language support.
Final Packing Checklist
- Light clothes, swimsuits, flip-flops
- Reef-safe sunscreen, sunglasses, sun hat
- Snorkel gear (optional), dry bag, towel
- Power bank, SIM card, universal adapter
- Basic meds, mosquito repellent
- Passport, booking confirmation, cash
Ready for Gili?
Packing for Gili Trawangan is easy once you know what to expect. Pack smart, travel light, and you’ll be exploring island life without unnecessary weight—literally and figuratively.
Don’t forget to book your ticket fast boat to Gili Trawangan and secure your hotel ahead of time at www.bliputu.com — so when it’s time to zip your bag, all you need to think about is where to watch your first Gili sunset.