Gili Trawangan is one of those places you need to see for yourselves. When I’ve googled images of the place, they just don’t do it justice. You need to see to believe how cool this little, but busy island is. There’s lots to do, even if most of our ‘things to do’ revolve around ‘what we’re going to eat’, but Gili T also offered some cool activities, which I wouldn’t miss. Here’s a few of the things to do on Gili T.
Snorkelling Trip
It won’t take long when you walk down the main strip to be inundated with ‘tourism providers’ trying to lure you into their snorkelling and dive trips. I’m pretty sure each trip is exactly the same and unless you want to get flash and opt for a private tour, you’ll be paying IDR 100,000 for a half-day snorkelling trip with gear provided. For the price of a muffin and flat white you wouldn’t think to get your hopes up, but we were pretty impressed. Maybe not so much with the long boat they pile you into to take you out, or the crowds of snorkelers you’ll find once you’re in the water, but the amazing water and abundance of fish you’ll see. If you’re lucky like us, you’ll also see a turtle or two, this for us was an absolute highlight and quite a magical experience.
Hire bikes and ride around the island
This is pretty much a prerequisite activity as the island isn’t that large and has heaps to look at so there’s really no excuse. We hired bikes from our home stay (basically a motel) for around IDR 50,000 a day and headed out of the main hub and clock-wise around the island. There are heaps of places to stop at as you go around – bars, cafes, warungs and beaches. It was on this first day which we discovered the spots we would go back to for sunset and swims.
Going to visit the swings
You’ve probably seen the pictures on Pinterest and you want to get your own photo, right?! There’s a few swings to choose from as you head around the island. The first is a slightly rustic swing at Exile Bar (the closest to the main town), then the others (5 swings in total), are located just offshore from Hotel Ombak Sunset. Both spots offer a nice spot for a drink or some sunbathing, just be prepared to queue while you wait for your photos as some visitors like to take every photo they can. Peak time for these is Sunset, but anytime of the day makes for a nice photo.
Watch the Sunset
Before getting to Gili T, we weren’t aware just how important the sunset was to the island. There’s bars and restaurants set up pretty much just to give you the best vantage point and then there’s the famous ‘swings’ of Gili T to give you the best snapshot to remember the sunset. We took our photos earlier in the day, when the queues were shorter.
There’s bars offering bonfires and drumming, but for our sunset we opted for a classier option and settled in at the Malibu Beach Club. We ordered snacks and cocktails and watched as people arrived to share in the sunset with us. It was pretty epic.
Cooking Class
It’s probably not everyone’s cup of tea, but since we hadn’t got around to it in Bali, we thought we should try our hand at making the local cuisine. We signed up to a 4pm class at Sweet and Spicy and were joined by only one other couple. The class lasted a couple of hours and we were able to taste all our dishes. It set us back around IDR 350,000 each, but we enjoyed it and we didn’t have to buy dinner. It’s located on the main road so you can’t miss it.
Le Pirate Beach Club
On our bicycle trip around the island we came across Le Pirate Beach Club. There’s a couple of sister resorts dotted around Bali and the neighbouring islands, but this place on Gili T was like a real life postcard.
Just across from the beach, with cute little white bungalows was the pool area and bar. They’re open to outside guests as long as you partake in the drinks and my word was it worth it. Such a sweet spot, wish we’d stayed.
Apart from these ideas, just laze on the beach, drink cocktails and unwind. That’s why you came after all. Just enjoy, you won’t find another place like it.
Want to know more about this gorgeous island. Check out our guide to everywhere we ate here!