February 27, 2024
Things To Do In Gili T
Best Things To Do In Gili T
Gili Trawangan Island is nestled just moments away from Lombok. It’s the largest among the renowned trio of the Gili Islands and is brimming with natural allure and a plethora of activities. It’s no wonder Gili T stands as one of Southeast Asia’s most enchanting islands with visitors typically spending three to seven days exploring the Gili’s.
Excited to explore this guide for things to do in Gili T? Follow along to uncover 6 of the most exciting activities on the island and gather all the tips you need to craft the perfect Gili Trawangan itinerary.
Take it slow
Once you get off the ferry and pass through the harbour onto the tropical island of Gili T, you’ll immediately notice the pace of life slowing down. This is the beauty of visiting the Gili Islands and should be cherished.
Get off your phone and laptop, take off your shoes and grab a book or board game. Wander the town with no place to be, see where it takes you and chat to friendly tourists and locals. There are many cafes and restaurants along the beachside where you can chill out in a beanbag or hammock and just watch the world go by.
Scuba Dive in warm waters with vibrant marine life
Exploring water activities? Scuba diving is a popular choice given Gili Trawangan and its surrounding islands are teeming with many species of corals, tropical fish and turtles.
There are numerous dive shops on the main road of Gili T, offering trips on small dive boats to the nearby reefs. Scuba diving options are diverse, catering to various preferences and experience levels, so it’s important to choose the right excursion; introductory dive, a full PADI course, or a partial day diving package for certified divers.
Diving around Gili T stands out due to its close proximity, with dive sites just a short 10-20 minute boat ride away. This convenience enables divers to explore, return to the mainland for a quick break, and dive again—all without spending the entire day on a boat travelling between locations. With pristine diving conditions year-round, Gili T is hailed as the Mecca of scuba diving.
Top dive spots include Shark Point, Halik, Simon’s Reef, Meno Wall, Air Wall, and Manta Point. Among the many diving companies on the island, consider highly-rated options such as Gili Divers. Prices vary depending on the operator and excursion chosen.
Enjoy a beach side dinner and night out
After a day in the sun and water you may decide to spend the night in and reserve your energy for the following day. If you are feeling well rested and are keen to go out for dinner, the main street on Gili T boasts numerous places to dine and enjoy the evening.
La Cala is a boho beach club that ticks all the boxes. They offer a delicious BBQ and seafood menu along with signature cocktails, a relaxed atmosphere and great music. Jali Kitchen is another popular restaurant that serves home-style Asian and curries and is also worth visiting.
In terms of nightlife, Gili Trawangan has an outdated reputation as the party hub among the Gili Islands, with some visitors seeking Gili Trawangan mushrooms and late-night beach parties – this perception only holds true in a small pocket of the island. Gili T has evolved into a more sophisticated holiday destination, it now offers much more than just a party scene.
For those seeking a late night party vibe, you can find this at The Irish Bar, Rabbit Jump and Sama Sama Bar, open late into the night.
Take a bike ride around the island
If you are feeling a little more active, try bicycling around the island. With no vehicles on Gili T, the primary modes of transportation are walking, biking or taking a Cimodo (horse and cart). Renting bicycles is incredibly convenient, with options available across the island for as little as IDR 50,000 per day or your accommodation may offer a complimentary bike use.
Gili T is compact and relatively flat, making it possible to explore the entire island in an hour or two going at your own pace. Beyond its practicality, biking is also a delightful way to navigate and take in the scenery of the island. Discover cozy spots to relax, take a refreshing dip in the waters, stop for an ice cream or cold drink or simply enjoy moments under the shade of a palm tree before moving on to the next destination.
Snorkelling day cruise with Utopia Catamaran
A day cruise on Utopia Catamaran is rated as one of the best things to do on Gili Islands as it gives guests an opportunity to snorkel with turtles and statues and cruise around the Gilis in style. The pace is more relaxing than a Scuba trip and no special training is required. Premium snorkel gear is provided and the snorkelling guides will lead you to the best spots to enjoy life under the water.
An impressive international food buffet is provided, so you won’t go hungry after enjoying the activities. Beverages are also included in the package so you can enjoy a beer or signature cocktail whilst you’re relaxing on deck to a chilled soundtrack and observing the breathtaking views – expect floating beach club vibes! Suitable for a squad of friends, couples and families and it is an all inclusive package, priced at IDR 1,600,000 per person.
Unique Day Spa Experience
If you’ve looking for a slower paced activity, we recommend a visit to You Spa. A unique day spa experience in Gili Trawangan, You Spa is unlike any other on the island. Inspired by nature, ancestral techniques, and local ingredients, You Spa provides a journey to rediscover your connection with the Earth, life, and yourself through massage and beauty treatments.
Relax in the semi-open cabins, nestled within lush tropical gardens and equipped with private showers. Choose from the comprehensive menu of massages, nails, hair and facials performed by experienced therapists to the soothing sounds and delightful aromas of essential oils and beauty products. Massages are priced from IDR 270,000 and there are various pampering packages to choose from.
For more great things to do in Gili Trawangan and surrounding the islands, as well as deals, events and Gili Trawangan activities, visit My Gili Trip, your insiders guide to discovering the Gili Islands.