Gili Trawangan is renowned for its vibrant all-night parties, but there's another delightful activity to indulge in before the festivities kick off: grabbing dinner at the lively night market.
The night market is essentially a traditional culinary haven packed with awesome food stalls selling all kinds of mouthwatering seafood.
I’ll go into details of where to find it, how to buy, and some insider tips. So stick around and let's dive in!
Pros & Cons
- Cheap prices
- Various seafood menu
- Fresh foods
- Tasty
- Poor service
- Unappealing ambiance
- Crowded
- Mostly seafood
Simply make your way to the jetty where you arrived and you'll spot the night market right there.
Now let me give you a glimpse of what awaits you when you pay a visit to this night market.
Food choices
You'll be thrilled to discover the extensive selection they offer. From fresh fish to delectable lobsters, they've got it all.
I'll spill all the delicious details below, including the prices, so you can plan your budget accordingly.
Rice
Rice is an absolute must when it comes to a meal in many Asian countries. Right here they've got you covered with rice as the main course.
It comes with a delightful assortment of side dishes like noodles, chicken, tempeh, tofu, boiled veggies, and a sprinkle of nuts. Sometimes it also comes with water spinach which is totally allowed in Bali.
For a full plate of rice, you can expect to pay around IDR 20,000. However, if you're craving an extra dose of those tasty side dishes, the price may go up to around IDR 25,000.
Skewers
Prepare to be amazed by the culinary stars of the market - the irresistible skewers! They command attention with their enticing variety, offering a delightful selection that includes:
- Tuna
- Squid
- Shrimp
- Cuttlefish
- Snapper
- Baraccuda
- Clam
- Snail
- Duck
- Chicken
- Beef
Each skewer comes at a pocket-friendly price of IDR 25,000. And when you grab two skewers, you will get a plate of rice with four different side dishes for free.
Fishes
You'll find a wide variety of fish at the night market, with options for every taste. The medium-sized ones, about the length of an adult's lower arm, are priced at IDR 150,000.
If you're in the mood for something a bit bigger, the large ones will set you back IDR 300,000 per fish.
The best part? You get to choose how they're cooked. Whether you prefer them fried to a crispy perfection or grilled to bring out their flavors, the choice is yours.
Lobster
This one might make your wallet groan a bit. The magnificent lobster available at the night market! It does come with a hefty price tag.
A sizable 2 kg lobster will set you back IDR 950,000 per item, which is roughly around $65 USD.
If you've never had the pleasure of tasting lobster before, this is your chance to give it a try.
However, if you're looking for the ultimate lobster experience, I'd recommend checking out fancy restaurants for the best taste.
Drink choices
Not only does the night market offer a delightful array of food, but it also has a selection of beverages to choose from.
But don't get your hopes up for anything fancy like tequila or whatnot. After all, it's just a humble night market on an island.
Here's a list of drinks available and their prices:
- Mineral water: IDR 5,000
- Coke: IDR 10,000
- Juice: IDR 20,000
- Smoothie: IDR 25,000
- Beer: IDR 40,000
Dessert choices
Before you go, make sure you don't miss out on their yummy desserts! They have lots of options like muffins, cupcakes, donuts, and cakes. You can also try some local desserts if you want.
Most desserts cost around IDR 5,000 to IDR 25,000. They’re so cheap that you can enjoy a tasty treat without spending too much.
Things to watch out
Firstly, it's always a good idea to ask for the price before you buy anything. Even if you've seen the price on the list, it's possible that some items might have changed their prices.
So make sure to ask before you order, so you won't get surprised with a big bill.
Secondly, try to compare the prices at different stalls. Some not-so-nice people might charge more than what the food is actually worth.
For example, a lobster that should cost IDR 950,000 might be priced at IDR 1,500,000. If the staff whispers the price to you when you ask, you need to be extra careful.
Thirdly, always pay at the stall before you go to your table. If you wait until your food arrives to pay, there's a chance you won't get your change back.
Some staff might pretend to forget about it. So pay at the stall to make sure you get your change.
Night market gallery
I hope you have a fantastic time on Gili Trawangan! Lastly, I recommend visiting the night market at 9 PM or later when it's not too crowded.
FAQs
The night market on Gili Trawangan offers food at much lower prices compared to most restaurants on the island.
Unfortunately, they currently don't offer delivery services for orders, so you'll have to visit the market in person if you want to make a purchase.
