How to reach Gili Trawangan
The Gili Islands can be reached by sea both from the nearby Lombok and from Bali. From Lombok to Trawangan it takes about 15 minutes.
The ports that connect Bali to the Gili are two, Attack e Padang Bai. The former is closer to Kuta, and ferries take just over 2 hours to get to the Gili. From Pedang Bai, on the other hand, it takes just over 1 hour. Since the journey is not the most peaceful, I recommend a who suffers from seasickness starting from Pedang Bai.
There are many agencies that offer the crossing, I suggest you book at least the outward journey first. We have relied on Blue water express, booked on the gilibookings.com site where you can also find other companies.
We had a great time, really professional agency with pick-up service included in the price. For the return if you want you can buy an open ticket, the important thing is that you do not forget to confirm it the day before leaving.
Where to stay in Gili Trawangan
For accommodation, too, it is best to book well in advance. We have been to the Karma Kayak a nord in Trawangan. It is not close to the clubs and restaurants area, but it has many advantages:
- The part of the sea in front of Karma Kayak is the best on the island for snorkeling and seeing turtles.
- Karma Kayak is great for having an aperitif and admiring the Bali volcano at sunset.
- The area is very quiet, away from the mosque and there are also good restaurants nearby, including Karma Kayak itself.
However, almost every evening we went to the busiest area, walking pleasantly for about 20/30 minutes.
The Gili are three small islands located northwest of Lombok, with one of the most beautiful coral reefs in Indonesia.
Gili Trawangan it is the largest and most hectic, full of restaurants and clubs. Gili Meno it is the smallest and quietest, perhaps even too much, ideal for those looking only for relaxation and a Robinson Crusoe experience. Gili Air it is the closest to Lombok and is a cross between the other two islands.
Despite having spent the party period, I preferred stay in Gili Trawangan and I must say it was the right choice.
As you have already read elsewhere, the island is the favorite destination for young Australians ready to have nights between parties and rivers of alcohol, but this will not be an obstacle to those who like me prefer healthy and well-deserved relaxation. Just choose the right area to stay, in this way you can enjoy the white beaches and crystal clear waters, swim among giant turtles and colorful fish, without having to give up an excellent beach restaurant or a cold beer while listening to reggae music.
Gili Trawangan just as his sisters also have no asphalted roads and therefore neither cars nor motorbikes run, the only means are bicycles and carts pulled by ponies.
That's why I chose Gili Trawangan, one of the most beautiful places I have been able to visit, with incredible beaches, a crystal clear sea with unique backdrops and a party-like and relaxed atmosphere alike.
How to reach Gili Trawangan
The Gili Islands can be reached by sea both from the nearby Lombok and from Bali. From Lombok to Trawangan it takes about 15 minutes.
The ports that connect Bali to the Gili are two, Attack e Padang Bai. The former is closer to Kuta, and ferries take just over 2 hours to get to the Gili. From Pedang Bai, on the other hand, it takes just over 1 hour. Since the journey is not the most peaceful, I recommend a who suffers from seasickness starting from Pedang Bai.
There are many agencies that offer the crossing, I suggest you book at least the outward journey first. We have relied on Blue water express, booked on the gilibookings.com site where you can also find other companies.
We had a great time, really professional agency with pick-up service included in the price. For the return if you want you can buy an open ticket, the important thing is that you do not forget to confirm it the day before leaving.
Where to stay in Gili Trawangan
For accommodation, too, it is best to book well in advance. We have been to the Karma Kayak a nord in Trawangan. It is not close to the clubs and restaurants area, but it has many advantages:
- The part of the sea in front of Karma Kayak is the best on the island for snorkeling and seeing turtles.
- Karma Kayak is great for having an aperitif and admiring the Bali volcano at sunset.
- The area is very quiet, away from the mosque and there are also good restaurants nearby, including Karma Kayak itself.
However, almost every evening we went to the busiest area, walking pleasantly for about 20/30 minutes.
Where to eat in Gili Trawangan
Among the many restaurants there is plenty of choice, I personally recommend the very elegant for a romantic dinner Ko Ko Mo, superior class restaurant, with impeccable service and high level dishes. Of course it is not the typical Indonesian warung and costs more than average, but the dishes are unique and served very well, proof of a Master Chef.
Another excellent restaurant is Wilson's, located next to Karma Kayak, offers excellent French cuisine, to try.
Karma Kayak is also not bad, you can enjoy delicious tapas and drink a good sangria.
For those who do not want to give up typical Indonesian cuisine, there is the Night Market, stalls with fish, chicken, skewers, noodles, rice and other local dishes.
What to bring to Gili Trawangan
- A flashlight: the streets especially in the north are very dark, a flashlight or a smartphone with lighting can be useful.
- Sea shoes: some points are full of corals and rocks and to enter the water and reach the high water the sea shoes will be your salvation, we brought them and everyone envied them ...
- Snorkeling equipment, i.e. mask and snorkel, even if there are many places that rent them, bringing them to you will save a few Rupees.
I conclude the post with this video I shot during a Reggae concert at Same with Raggae Bar, to give you an idea of the air you breathe in these parts ...
The Sea of Gili Trawangan
As I have already said the area to the north, let's say between the Alma Gili and the Karka Kayak is the best for snorkeling, even the currents unlike other points are always towards the shore and not towards the outside.
It is also a good spot to relax on the sun lounger and enjoy a great Smuthie.
Another very beautiful beach is shortly after the Danima Resort, towards the north, the sea is fantastic, very clear, without boats and among other things the beach is free.
Instead, I do not recommend the central area, which is more chaotic and full of boats.
Where to eat in Gili Trawangan
Among the many restaurants there is plenty of choice, I personally recommend the very elegant for a romantic dinner Ko Ko Mo, superior class restaurant, with impeccable service and high level dishes. Of course it is not the typical Indonesian warung and costs more than average, but the dishes are unique and served very well, proof of a Master Chef.
Another excellent restaurant is Wilson's, located next to Karma Kayak, offers excellent French cuisine, to try.
Karma Kayak is also not bad, you can enjoy delicious tapas and drink a good sangria.
For those who do not want to give up typical Indonesian cuisine, there is the Night Market, stalls with fish, chicken, skewers, noodles, rice and other local dishes.
What to bring to Gili Trawangan
- A flashlight: the streets especially in the north are very dark, a flashlight or a smartphone with lighting can be useful.
- Sea shoes: some points are full of corals and rocks and to enter the water and reach the high water the sea shoes will be your salvation, we brought them and everyone envied them ...
- Snorkeling equipment, i.e. mask and snorkel, even if there are many places that rent them, bringing them to you will save a few Rupees.
I conclude the post with this video I shot during a Reggae concert at Same with Raggae Bar, to give you an idea of the air you breathe in these parts ...
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