Gili Trawangan is the largest and most developed of the three Gili islands. Over recent years this string of three tiny, rustic, paradise islands nearer to Lombok have really grown in popularity, especially with backpackers and budget travellers, and are now pretty much a Bali ‘must-see’.

Gili Trawangan, often referred to simply as Gili T, has the widest selection of more than 100 hotels, guesthouses and resorts, plenty of beach bars, pubs and reggae shacks. Most of them are centred around the village near the main boat landing and there is also a quieter scene on the northern tip of the island.

For those who want to relax rather than party, the beaches are picture postcard perfect. The other side of the island is much quieter and it’s just a quick walk to the other side of the island Gili T that offers the best of both worlds. Snorkelling and scuba diving is also popular and there is also a turtle hatchery on the island and you can hire a bicycle to ride leisurely around the island.

How to reach and where to stay
There are numerous boats that leave from various areas of Bali, Lombok and the Nusa islands to the Gili islands. Speed boats generally take between 2–3 hours; public boats are cheaper but take longer. Boats also run regularly between the 3 Gili islands so it’s easy to island hop. There is no motorized transport on any of the Gili islands so you can either walk, cycle or take a horse and cart taxi to your accommodation.
The most luxurious accommodation on Gili Trawangan is the Desa Dunia Beda Beach Resort; check out Scallywags, a popular upmarket resort; for good budget or backpacker accommodation, try Alexyane Paradise.