If you're thinking of spending 4 days or more on Gili Islands, that's the ideal duration to fully experience everything these islands have to offer!
From relaxing on the beautiful white sand beaches to snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters and checking out the underwater statues, you'll have it all covered!
I'm Marlin, and I'm here to guide you through it all with my local expertise, so you're in good hands! P.S. I speak their language 👌🏻
Enjoy the beach on Gili Trawangan
The first destination is undoubtedly Gili Trawangan, known as the best island among the three.
Unlike typical Bali destinations, the first day on Gili Islands won't start early in the morning, instead, it kicks off around 12 PM, considering you'll spend half the day getting there.
While waiting to check in at the usual 2 PM hotel time, guess what? You can enjoy the nearest beach from your hotel.
Since you have plenty of days to spend, there's no need to rush! Just sit back, relax, have lunch, and take a break before the upcoming activity at 6 PM.
Wherever you're staying on the island, I've got a list of the best Gili Trawangan beaches below. Check out the one near your hotel 👇🏻
As you head to the beach, you can grab a selfie on one of the beach swings! Check my list below for locations, and go to the closest one for now.
Given the hot and humid weather, it's also a good time for a refreshing bath before continuing your journey.
Watch sunset at the sunset point
Gili Trawangan offers the best sunset views as there's no island to the west blocking the scenery.
Catching the sunset is a bit like gambling, you might witness the entire sun setting through the horizon, or it could be cloudy, and you miss it.
That's why on your very first day, don't miss the sunset at what's known as the sunset point! There are a couple of beaches with the same name, but the authentic one is on the southwest.
Here's the exact location 👇🏻
The golden hour vibes start rolling around 5 PM, and the sunset? Well, it does its thing between 6 - 7 PM, depending on the month.
Take your time, relax, and enjoy. The next item on the list starts at 8 PM, so feel free to head back to your place before that if you want.
Have dinner at the night market
Ever seen this online? The famous Gili Trawangan night market (not that famous really) is a hotspot for fresh and budget-friendly seafood feasts.
It's the liveliest spot on the island come nighttime. Families gather, especially around 8 PM when dinner is on. Skip the hotel's pricey Western options and definitely grab your dinner here.
You'll discover a variety of seafood cooked with local flavors that'll set it apart from the usual Bali fare. Open from 6 PM to 11 PM. Here's the exact location.
Read all about it in my guide right here:
Take a nighttime stroll down the main street
After you finish your meal, I suggest taking a walk down the main street while you're on the east side (the night market is on the east).
I love the vibe there, it's so lively, it feels like a big city. The main street is unique, you won't find any other part of the island like it. So while you're there, just take a stroll and chill.
And I don't recommend using a bike, I want you to walk and enjoy every moment on Gili Trawangan at night.
It's not long, the main street is just a small portion of the eastern side, so spend about 30 minutes here before moving on to the last activity for the day which is 👇🏻
Enjoy the live music performance
Still on the main street, you'll come across a few cafes right by the beach with live music performed by local artists.
If you're in the mood for more entertainment, grab a chair and enjoy the show. You can even request a song, though these folks aren't the best musicians, so maybe stick to 2000s hits.
I tried suggesting a Korean love song but no luck. Hopefully next time they can nail my all-time favorite Indian song instead.
Don't tire yourself out too much, it's best to hit the hay early because tomorrow is when the real adventure kicks off, and it starts bright and early in the morning.
And that wraps up all the activities of day one!
Take a snorkeling tour
It baffles me when people visit the Gili Islands but skip the water activities. It's like missing out on a piece of paradise! Snorkeling is a must in these crystal-clear waters.
You've probably seen those famous underwater statues online, definitely something to experience here. No need to worry about deep waters because it's right by the shore.
Because you're on Gili Trawangan, you must take a tour to see it as it's located on Gili Meno. Not just that, they'll show you the underwater Vespa scooter too along with colorful fish and turtles!
The tour includes all the snorkeling gear, so no need to bother with rentals. Plus, they throw in lunch! You can book the tour here:
Just a reminder, this itinerary skips Gili Meno as there isn't much happening there. Take advantage of this tour to explore Gili Meno, even if just for a short visit.
Get set at 8:30 in the morning, that's when it starts. I suggest booking this tour right from the day you arrive to lock in your spot and seamlessly follow this itinerary.
Bike around the island
You'll be back from the snorkeling tour around 1 PM, giving you a chance to shower and take a break. I'm all about that midday shower, makes me feel brand new.
Fast forward to 2 PM and it's biking time around Gili Trawangan! The island is a stunner with its unique and beautiful buildings, and you should definitely circle the island to catch its beauty from every angle.
For instance, if you're staying on the east, you probably don't know what the west side looks like. I always encourage folks to pedal around, you'll find cool spots for those Insta-worthy pics.
It's a quick trip, just 20 minutes to circle the island by bicycle. Here's your route 👇🏻 no need to venture all the way north, it's a dirt road and pretty sandy, not worth the view.
Why 2 PM? That's when the sunshine still looks fantastic, setting the perfect scene for a bright summer beach vacation theme. Even if it starts to look a bit golden, you can tweak it later on Lightroom for free.
Relax at another beach
Not sure where you'll kick off and wrap up your bike adventure, but don't end up back at a beach you've hit before.
Got like 14 beaches on my list for Gili Trawangan and you should check out another one. Each has its own vibe, so pick the one that clicks for you.
My favorite is the northeast side, super chill atmosphere there.
Ride a horse on the beach
For over 20 years, horseback riding has been a must-do activity on the Gili Islands during sunset. And this time while you're on the island, why not hop on one yourself?
Don't hesitate to ride one, these horses are well taken care of and mostly chill during the day. Get your horse in the shallow water and it's like it's walking on water.
Book your horse here 👇🏻
Watch movie at the outdoor cinema
I know you might be thinking of heading to the night market after the sunset, but this time, it's not for dinner.
The next and final activity for the day is catching a movie at one of the two outdoor cinemas on the west side of the island. After your horse ride, make your way here ASAP.
Here are their locations, and if you're not sure which one to choose, check out my separate guide about it.
Two movies play every night, with the first starting at 7:30 PM and the second at 9:00 PM. You can grab dinner here, or later head back to the night market for another round of tasty options you haven't tried yet.
Walk down the main street
I get it, you've strolled down the main street at night, but how about taking another walk in the morning to find breakfast?
I love wandering along the main street in the morning when most tourists are still in dreamland, and there's hardly anyone in sight.
If you're up for trying local breakfast, check out these two local restaurants below, I suggest starting with Warung Sasak, their food is tastier.
These restaurants are tucked away on the inner streets. If you're up for more exploration beyond the main street, why not pay a visit to the cat cafe?
I love grabbing local snacks from the beach vendors near the boat office that shuttles between the islands. My favorite is the meatballs that I usually buy them for 10K.
There's also a gelato ice cream shop nearby, definitely worth a try. Sometimes when you burn out from work, embracing your inner kid can be the quickest path to healing.
Join a cooking class
Don't just visit Bali and leave without a takeaway! How about picking up some Balinese cooking skills to delight your family back home?
Let a local chef guide you! Join a cooking class and master the art of preparing Balinese food like a pro. You'll learn six different menus, and the class lasts for 2 and a half hours.
Click the button below for more info.
Enjoy another beach
This marks your final beach day on Gili Trawangan because tomorrow, it's time to explore Gili Air.
I recommend hitting the east beach if you haven't been there yet — just chill and play in the water. It's the perfect spot to relax and have a good time.
Please avoid swimming to the other island, the currents are strong, and there have been incidents in recent years.
If you don't feel like chilling at the beach, maybe just swimming in the pool at your hotel.
Take pictures at the underwater swing
Another thing that makes Gili Trawangan famous is the underwater swing! Have you ever seen it online? That's what you need to try too!
Apparently, there is only one underwater swing left on the island because everything else was destroyed. It's located in the northwest, follow this direction:
Visit the night market
I won't go into details anymore. Just go out there and feast! Maybe give a shot to something new this time? If you feel like you missed something on your last visit, check out my guide here:
Sometimes when the market is too crowded, I skip having my dinner there and head to the beach just across the street. Right behind those stalls, I set up a little picnic mode on the sand.
And that wraps up all the activities of day three!
Visit Gili Air
Your last day in paradise will be mostly spent on Gili Air, and it's the perfect time to check it out! Is it really as laid-back and less crowded as people say? Find out for yourself!
Read my guide on how you can get there:
The last boat from Gili Air back to Gili Trawangan usually leaves at 5 PM, but it might change. Once you arrive on Gili Air, go to the boat office and ask them about the last boat to Gili Trawangan, so you don't end up staying overnight.
Chilling at the east side
I think the east and west sides of Gili Air are the coolest spots to crash. The south side, where you first step in, is chill but gets pretty crowded.
The north side is a bit of a trek and not really worth the view. So, for your first go-around on Gili Air, I'd say just kick back on the east side of the island.
The beach is shallow, waves are calm, and there's a gentle breeze on the eastern side. There's a magical tranquility that just makes everyone want to take a nap.
Have lunch at Padang restaurant
Have you heard about Rendang? It's one of the most delicious foods globally and originally from Indonesia, the country of Bali and the Gili Islands.
While you're here, why not give it a try? I always encourage people to explore local flavors because it's rare to find Bali food elsewhere, most places usually offer Thai, Japanese, or Chinese cuisine.
Rendang is also a bit of a gem even in Indonesia, you'll typically find it at Padang restaurants, and guess what? Gili Air has one too.
Enjoy the west beach
Don't head back to the east side, give the west side a shot this time. The beach there's kinda like what you find on Gili Trawangan.
It's your last bit of Gili Air fun before bouncing back to Gili Trawangan around 4:30 PM. I recommend checking out this place 👇🏻
Since there's only a tiny bit of good beach on the west side, it can get pretty packed during the high season.
Back to Gili Trawangan
If you're staying for more than 4 days and thinking about extending your time on Gili Air, it's time to decide whether to head back to Gili Trawangan or not.
Many people I've met here end up spending the rest of their vacation days on Gili Air. skipping the trek back to Gili Trawangan.
But I'll assume you've got 4 days to spend, so let's stick to this itinerary until the end. To head back, just grab a ticket at their office:
Make sure to snag your ticket before 5 PM since the final boat takes off at that time.
Walk down the main street
Once more, I'd recommend strolling down the main street on your last night here. Grab some grub at the night market, catch some live tunes, do whatever floats your boat.
I want you to soak it all in before heading back home. Maybe you'll swing by again in a year, or five, and everything might be totally different. Who knows..
Created with ❤️ by Marlin — Wishing you a world of joy!
A 3-day stay is the perfect duration on the Gili Islands as it allows you to experience most of what these islands have to offer!
From relaxing on the beautiful white sand beaches to snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters and checking out the underwater statues, you'll have it all covered!
I'm Marlin, and I'm here to guide you through it all with my local expertise, so you're in good hands! P.S. I speak their language 👌🏻
Enjoy the beach on Gili Trawangan
The first destination is undoubtedly Gili Trawangan, known as the best island among the three.
Unlike typical Bali destinations, the first day on Gili Islands won't start early in the morning, instead, it kicks off around 12 PM, considering you'll spend half the day getting there.
While waiting to check in at the usual 2 PM hotel time, guess what? You can enjoy the nearest beach from your hotel.
Since you have plenty of days to spend, there's no need to rush! Just sit back, relax, have lunch, and take a break before the upcoming activity at 5:30 PM.
Wherever you're staying on the island, I've got a list of the best Gili Trawangan beaches below. Check out the one near your hotel 👇🏻
As you head to the beach, you can grab a selfie on one of the beach swings! Check my list below for locations, and go to the closest one for now.
Given the hot and humid weather, it's also a good time for a refreshing bath before continuing your journey.
Take pictures at the underwater swing
Another thing that makes Gili Trawangan famous is the underwater swing! Have you ever seen it online? That's what you need to try too!
Apparently, there is only one underwater swing left on the island because everything else was destroyed. It's located in the northwest, follow this direction:
Watch sunset at the sunset point
Gili Trawangan offers the best sunset views as there's no island to the west blocking the scenery.
Catching the sunset is a bit like gambling, you might witness the entire sun setting through the horizon, or it could be cloudy, and you miss it.
That's why on your very first day, don't miss the sunset at what's known as the sunset point! There are a couple of beaches with the same name, but the authentic one is on the southwest.
Here's the exact location 👇🏻
The golden hour vibes start rolling around 5 PM, and the sunset? Well, it does its thing between 6 - 7 PM, depending on the month.
Take your time, relax, and enjoy. The next item on the list starts at 8 PM, so feel free to head back to your place before that if you want.
Have dinner at the night market
Ever seen this online? The famous Gili Trawangan night market (not that famous really) is a hotspot for fresh and budget-friendly seafood feasts.
It's the liveliest spot on the island come nighttime. Families gather, especially around 8 PM when dinner is on. Skip the hotel's pricey Western options and definitely grab your dinner here.
You'll discover a variety of seafood cooked with local flavors that'll set it apart from the usual Bali fare. Open from 6 PM to 11 PM. Here's the exact location.
Read all about it in my guide right here:
Take a nighttime stroll down the main street
After you finish your meal, I suggest taking a walk down the main street while you're on the east side (the night market is on the east).
I love the vibe there, it's so lively, it feels like a big city. The main street is unique, you won't find any other part of the island like it. So while you're there, just take a stroll and chill.
And I don't recommend using a bike, I want you to walk and enjoy every moment on Gili Trawangan at night.
It's not long, the main street is just a small portion of the eastern side, so spend about 30 minutes here before moving on to the last activity for the day which is 👇🏻
Enjoy the live music performance
Still on the main street, you'll come across a few cafes right by the beach with live music performed by local artists.
If you're in the mood for more entertainment, grab a chair and enjoy the show. You can even request a song, though these folks aren't the best musicians, so maybe stick to 2000s hits.
I tried suggesting a Korean love song but no luck. Hopefully next time they can nail my all-time favorite Indian song instead.
Don't tire yourself out too much, it's best to hit the hay early because tomorrow is when the real adventure kicks off, and it starts bright and early in the morning.
And that wraps up all the activities of day one!
Take a snorkeling tour
It baffles me when people visit the Gili Islands but skip the water activities. It's like missing out on a piece of paradise! Snorkeling is a must in these crystal-clear waters.
You've probably seen those famous underwater statues online, definitely something to experience here. No need to worry about deep waters because it's right by the shore.
Because you're on Gili Trawangan, you must take a tour to see it as it's located on Gili Meno. Not just that, they'll show you the underwater Vespa scooter too along with colorful fish and turtles!
The tour includes all the snorkeling gear, so no need to bother with rentals. Plus, they throw in lunch! You can book the tour here:
Just a reminder, this itinerary skips Gili Meno as there isn't much happening there. Take advantage of this tour to explore Gili Meno, even if just for a short visit.
Get set at 8:30 in the morning, that's when it starts. I suggest booking this tour right from the day you arrive to lock in your spot and seamlessly follow this itinerary.
Bike around the island
You'll be back from the snorkeling tour around 1 PM, giving you a chance to shower and take a break. I'm all about that midday shower, makes me feel brand new.
Fast forward to 2 PM and it's biking time around Gili Trawangan! The island is a stunner with its unique and beautiful buildings, and you should definitely circle the island to catch its beauty from every angle.
For instance, if you're staying on the east, you probably don't know what the west side looks like. I always encourage folks to pedal around, you'll find cool spots for those Insta-worthy pics.
It's a quick trip, just 20 minutes to circle the island by bicycle. Here's your route 👇🏻 no need to venture all the way north, it's a dirt road and pretty sandy, not worth the view.
Why 2 PM? That's when the sunshine still looks fantastic, setting the perfect scene for a bright summer beach vacation theme. Even if it starts to look a bit golden, you can tweak it later on Lightroom for free.
Relax at another beach
Not sure where you'll kick off and wrap up your bike adventure, but don't end up back at a beach you've hit before.
Got like 14 beaches on my list for Gili Trawangan and you should check out another one. Each has its own vibe, so pick the one that clicks for you.
My favorite is the northeast side, super chill atmosphere there.
Ride a horse on the beach
For over 20 years, horseback riding has been a must-do activity on the Gili Islands during sunset. And this time while you're on the island, why not hop on one yourself?
Don't hesitate to ride one, these horses are well taken care of and mostly chill during the day. Get your horse in the shallow water and it's like it's walking on water.
Book your horse here 👇🏻
Watch movie at the outdoor cinema
I know you might be thinking of heading to the night market after the sunset, but this time, it's not for dinner.
The next and final activity for the day is catching a movie at one of the two outdoor cinemas on the west side of the island. After your horse ride, make your way here ASAP.
Here are their locations, and if you're not sure which one to choose, check out my separate guide about it.
Two movies play every night, with the first starting at 7:30 PM and the second at 9:00 PM. You can grab dinner here, or later head back to the night market for another round of tasty options you haven't tried yet.
Visit Gili Air
Your last day in paradise will be mostly spent on Gili Air, and it's the perfect time to check it out! Is it really as laid-back and less crowded as people say? Find out for yourself!
Read my guide on how you can get there:
The last boat from Gili Air back to Gili Trawangan usually leaves at 5 PM, but it might change. Once you arrive on Gili Air, go to the boat office and ask them about the last boat to Gili Trawangan, so you don't end up staying overnight.
Chilling at the east side
I think the east and west sides of Gili Air are the coolest spots to crash. The south side, where you first step in, is chill but gets pretty crowded.
The north side is a bit of a trek and not really worth the view. So, for your first go-around on Gili Air, I'd say just kick back on the east side of the island.
The beach is shallow, waves are calm, and there's a gentle breeze on the eastern side. There's a magical tranquility that just makes everyone want to take a nap.
Have lunch at Padang restaurant
Have you heard about Rendang? It's one of the most delicious foods globally and originally from Indonesia, the country of Bali and the Gili Islands.
While you're here, why not give it a try? I always encourage people to explore local flavors because it's rare to find Bali food elsewhere, most places usually offer Thai, Japanese, or Chinese cuisine.
Rendang is also a bit of a gem even in Indonesia, you'll typically find it at Padang restaurants, and guess what? Gili Air has one too.
Enjoy the west beach
Don't head back to the east side, give the west side a shot this time. The beach there's kinda like what you find on Gili Trawangan.
It's your last bit of Gili Air fun before bouncing back to Gili Trawangan around 4:30 PM. I recommend checking out this place 👇🏻
Since there's only a tiny bit of good beach on the west side, it can get pretty packed during the high season.
Back to Gili Trawangan
That's all about Gili Air, it specializes in giving people a laid-back experience, nothing more than that. That's why I always recommend hitting Gili Trawangan first for first-timers.
And it seems you won't catch the sunset on Gili Air since it's time to head back to Gili Trawangan. To get there, just grab a ticket at their office:
Make sure to snag your ticket before 5 PM since the final boat takes off at that time.
Walk down the main street
Once more, I'd recommend strolling down the main street on your last night here. Grab some grub at the night market, catch some live tunes, do whatever floats your boat.
I want you to soak it all in before heading back home. Maybe you'll swing by again in a year, or five, and everything might be totally different. Who knows..
Created with ❤️ by Marlin — Wishing you a world of joy!
Visiting the Gili Islands for a 2-day vacation might not leave you enough time to explore Gili Air due to the short duration.
However, I can guarantee that you'll get to experience almost all the good things that Gili Trawangan has to offer.
From relaxing on the beautiful white sand beaches to snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters and checking out the underwater statues, you'll have it all covered!
I'm Marlin, and I'm here to guide you through it all with my local expertise, so you're in good hands! P.S. I speak their language 👌🏻
Enjoy the beach on Gili Trawangan
Unlike typical Bali destinations, the first day on Gili Islands won't start early in the morning, instead, it kicks off around 12 PM, considering you'll spend half the day getting there.
While waiting to check in at the usual 2 PM hotel time, guess what? You can enjoy the nearest beach from your hotel.
There's no need to rush! Just sit back, relax, have lunch, and take a break before the upcoming activity at 2 PM.
Wherever you're staying on the island, I've got a list of the best Gili Trawangan beaches below. Check out the one near your hotel 👇🏻
As you head to the beach, you can grab a selfie on one of the beach swings! Check my list below for locations, and go to the closest one for now.
Given the hot and humid weather, it's also a good time for a refreshing bath before continuing your journey.
Bike around the island
Since you have limited time, I've put together this itinerary so you can experience everything without missing out.
Now, it might get a bit toasty, but at 2 PM, it's bike time around Gili Trawangan! The island's got some cool, unique buildings, so take a spin and soak in its beauty from all sides.
For instance, if you're staying on the east, you probably don't know what the west side looks like. I always encourage folks to pedal around, you'll find cool spots for those Insta-worthy pics.
It's a quick trip, just 20 minutes to circle the island by bicycle. Here's your route 👇🏻 no need to venture all the way north, it's a dirt road and pretty sandy, not worth the view.
Why 2 PM? That's when the sunshine still looks fantastic, setting the perfect scene for a bright summer beach vacation theme. Even if it starts to look a bit golden, you can tweak it later on Lightroom for free.
Watch sunset at the sunset point
Gili Trawangan offers the best sunset views as there's no island to the west blocking the scenery.
Catching the sunset is a bit like gambling, you might witness the entire sun setting through the horizon, or it could be cloudy, and you miss it.
That's why on your very first day, don't miss the sunset at what's known as the sunset point! There are a couple of beaches with the same name, but the authentic one is on the southwest.
Here's the exact location 👇🏻
The golden hour vibes start rolling around 5 PM, and the sunset? Well, it does its thing between 6 - 7 PM, depending on the month.
Take your time, relax, and enjoy. The next item on the list starts at 8 PM, so feel free to head back to your place before that if you want.
Have dinner at the night market
Ever seen this online? The famous Gili Trawangan night market (not that famous really) is a hotspot for fresh and budget-friendly seafood feasts.
It's the liveliest spot on the island come nighttime. Families gather, especially around 8 PM when dinner is on. Skip the hotel's pricey Western options and definitely grab your dinner here.
You'll discover a variety of seafood cooked with local flavors that'll set it apart from the usual Bali fare. Open from 6 PM to 11 PM. Here's the exact location.
Read all about it in my guide right here:
Take a nighttime stroll down the main street
After you finish your meal, I suggest taking a walk down the main street while you're on the east side (the night market is on the east).
I love the vibe there, it's so lively, it feels like a big city. The main street is unique, you won't find any other part of the island like it. So while you're there, just take a stroll and chill.
And I don't recommend using a bike, I want you to walk and enjoy every moment on Gili Trawangan at night.
It's not long, the main street is just a small portion of the eastern side, so spend about 30 minutes here before moving on to the last activity for the day which is 👇🏻
Enjoy the live music performance
Still on the main street, you'll come across a few cafes right by the beach with live music performed by local artists.
If you're in the mood for more entertainment, grab a chair and enjoy the show. You can even request a song, though these folks aren't the best musicians, so maybe stick to 2000s hits.
I tried suggesting a Korean love song but no luck. Hopefully next time they can nail my all-time favorite Indian song instead.
Don't tire yourself out too much, it's best to hit the hay early because tomorrow is when the real adventure kicks off, and it starts bright and early in the morning.
And that wraps up all the activities of day one!
Take a snorkeling tour
It baffles me when people visit the Gili Islands but skip the water activities. It's like missing out on a piece of paradise! Snorkeling is a must in these crystal-clear waters.
You've probably seen those famous underwater statues online, definitely something to experience here. No need to worry about deep waters because it's right by the shore.
Because you're on Gili Trawangan, you must take a tour to see it as it's located on Gili Meno. Not just that, they'll show you the underwater Vespa scooter too along with colorful fish and turtles!
The tour includes all the snorkeling gear, so no need to bother with rentals. Plus, they throw in lunch! You can book the tour here:
Just a reminder, this itinerary skips Gili Meno and Gili Air. Take advantage of this tour to explore Gili Meno, even if just for a short visit.
Get set at 8:30 in the morning, that's when it starts. I suggest booking this tour right from the day you arrive to lock in your spot and seamlessly follow this itinerary.
Walk down the main street
I get it, you've strolled down the main street at night, but how about taking another walk in the afternoon?
I love strolling down the main street during the day. The beaches near the jetty are fantastic, and the beachfront restaurants with their neat and charming vibes make it look even better.
It's a great spot to snap some pictures.
I love grabbing local snacks from the beach vendors near the boat office that shuttles between the islands. My favorite is the meatballs that I usually buy them for 10K.
There's also a gelato ice cream shop nearby, definitely worth a try. Sometimes when you burn out from work, embracing your inner kid can be the quickest path to healing.
Enjoy another beach
This marks your last day at the beach on Gili Trawangan as you'll be leaving tomorrow.
I recommend hitting the east beach if you haven't been there yet — just chill and play in the water. It's the perfect spot to relax and have a good time.
Please avoid swimming to the other island, the currents are strong, and there have been incidents in recent years.
If you don't feel like chilling at the beach, maybe just swimming in the pool at your hotel.
Take pictures at the underwater swing
Another thing that makes Gili Trawangan famous is the underwater swing! Have you ever seen it online? That's what you need to try too!
Apparently, there is only one underwater swing left on the island because everything else was destroyed. It's located in the northwest, follow this direction:
Ride a horse on the beach
For over 20 years, horseback riding has been a must-do activity on the Gili Islands during sunset. And this time while you're on the island, why not hop on one yourself?
Don't hesitate to ride one, these horses are well taken care of and mostly chill during the day. Get your horse in the shallow water and it's like it's walking on water.
Book your horse here 👇🏻
Watch movie at the outdoor cinema
I know you might be thinking of heading to the night market after the sunset, but this time, it's not for dinner.
The next and final activity of your 2-day vacation is catching a movie at one of the two outdoor cinemas on the west side of the island. After your horse ride, make your way here ASAP.
Here are their locations, and if you're not sure which one to choose, check out my separate guide about it.
Two movies play every night, with the first starting at 7:30 PM and the second at 9:00 PM. You can grab dinner here, or later head back to the night market for another round of tasty options you haven't tried yet.
Created with ❤️ by Marlin — Wishing you a world of joy!
A 1-day stay on the Gili Islands is too short, and you won't be able to fully experience everything these islands have to offer. In fact, you'll only be staying on Gili Trawangan.
But don't worry, this itinerary will guide you through all the must-not-be-missed experiences that you can do in just one day and night.
As a warning, you'll need a lot of energy because there's going to be a lot of things to do.
I'm Marlin, and I'm here to guide you through it all with my local expertise, so you're in good hands! P.S. I speak their language 👌🏻
Enjoy the beach near the jetty
Your destination island is Gili Trawangan because that's where most of the attractions the Gili Islands are known for are located.
Unlike typical Bali destinations, the first day on Gili Islands won't start early in the morning, instead, it kicks off around 12 PM, considering you'll spend half the day getting there.
While waiting to check in at the usual 2 PM hotel time, guess what? You can enjoy the nearest beach from your hotel.
The beach at Vila Ombak hotel is awesome, wide with super clear water, just a short stroll south from the jetty.
Or you can hit up the beachfront restaurant with its cool blue vibes for lunch and some nice pics. Just chill there until it's time to check into your hotel.
Bike around the island
Fast forward to 2 PM and it's biking time around Gili Trawangan! The island is a stunner with its unique and beautiful buildings, and you should definitely circle the island to catch its beauty from every angle.
For instance, if you're staying on the east, you probably don't know what the west side looks like. I always encourage folks to pedal around, you'll find cool spots for those Insta-worthy pics.
It's a quick trip, just 20 minutes to circle the island by bicycle. Here's your route 👇🏻 no need to venture all the way north, it's a dirt road and pretty sandy, not worth the view.
Why 2 PM? That's when the sunshine still looks fantastic, setting the perfect scene for a bright summer beach vacation theme. Even if it starts to look a bit golden, you can tweak it later on Lightroom for free.
Relax at another beach
Not sure where you'll kick off and wrap up your bike adventure, but don't end up back at a beach you've hit before.
Got like 14 beaches on my list for Gili Trawangan and you should check out another one. Each has its own vibe, so pick the one that clicks for you.
My favorite is the northeast side, super chill atmosphere there.
Or you can head over to what I like to call East Beach 2 which is everyone's favorite for sunbathing or playing in the water. It's the best beach on the island.
Ride a horse on the beach
For over 20 years, horseback riding has been a must-do activity on the Gili Islands during sunset. And this time while you're on the island, why not hop on one yourself?
Don't hesitate to ride one, these horses are well taken care of and mostly chill during the day. Get your horse in the shallow water and it's like it's walking on water.
Book your horse here 👇🏻
They'll guide you from the southwest all the way up to the northwest and back during sunset. Once you reach the northwest, don't miss the underwater swing! Take a moment to snap some pictures before heading back south.
Watch sunset at the sunset point
Gili Trawangan offers the best sunset views as there's no island to the west blocking the scenery.
Catching the sunset is a bit like gambling, you might witness the entire sun setting through the horizon, or it could be cloudy, and you miss it.
Don't miss the sunset at what's known as the sunset point! There are a couple of beaches with the same name, but the authentic one is on the southwest.
Here's the exact location 👇🏻
The golden hour vibes start rolling around 5 PM, and the sunset? Well, it does its thing between 6 - 7 PM, depending on the month.
Watch movie at the outdoor cinema
The next activity is catching a movie at one of the two outdoor cinemas on the west side of the island. After watching the sunset, make your way here ASAP.
Here are their locations, and if you're not sure which one to choose, check out my separate guide about it.
Two movies play every night, with the first starting at 7:30 PM and the second at 9:00 PM. Don't grab your dinner in here because the next activity is 👇🏻
Have dinner at the night market
Ever seen this online? The famous Gili Trawangan night market (not that famous really) is a hotspot for fresh and budget-friendly seafood feasts.
It's the liveliest spot on the island come nighttime. Families gather, especially around 8 PM when dinner is on. Skip the hotel's pricey Western options and definitely grab your dinner here.
You'll discover a variety of seafood cooked with local flavors that'll set it apart from the usual Bali fare. Open from 6 PM to 11 PM. Here's the exact location.
Read all about it in my guide right here:
Take a nighttime stroll down the main street
After you finish your meal, I suggest taking a walk down the main street while you're on the east side (the night market is on the east).
I love the vibe there, it's so lively, it feels like a big city. The main street is unique, you won't find any other part of the island like it. So while you're there, just take a stroll and chill.
And I don't recommend using a bike, I want you to walk and enjoy every moment on Gili Trawangan at night.
It's not long, the main street is just a small portion of the eastern side, so spend about 30 minutes here before moving on to the last activity for the day which is 👇🏻
Enjoy the live music performance
Still on the main street, you'll come across a few cafes right by the beach with live music performed by local artists.
If you're in the mood for more entertainment, grab a chair and enjoy the show. You can even request a song, though these folks aren't the best musicians, so maybe stick to 2000s hits.
I tried suggesting a Korean love song but no luck. Hopefully next time they can nail my all-time favorite Indian song instead.
And that wraps up all the activities, all in a day's work!
