Gili Trawangan: a car-free island full of vibrant charm, adventure and relaxation.

Gili Trawangan, also known as Gili T. is the largest of the three Gili Islands and a paradise that leaves an indelible impression on many. Together with Lombok, Gili Meno and Gili Air, this island is a dream destination for travellers who love white sandy beaches, clear blue water, a vibrant nightlife and a relaxed atmosphere. With an area of ​​only 3.2 km² and a population of around 1,500 people, Gili Trawangan feels small and intimate, but it still has everything to make your stay unforgettable.

A car-free island: walking, cycling, horse and cart:

One of the things that appealed to me most about Gili Trawangan is that there is no motorized traffic. No cars, no scooters, just the soothing sounds of nature and the sound of the sea. Here you get around on foot, by bike or by a traditional "cidomo", a horse and cart that you can take on the island for some extra convenience. I personally loved taking the bike and riding around the entire island in about an hour. The center of the island is also surprisingly charming, with narrow alleys where you can cycle through and feel the local atmosphere even more.

From quiet beaches to vibrant beach clubs:

Gili Trawangan has something to offer for every type of traveller. On one side of the island you will find serene beaches where you can enjoy the sun and the gentle waves undisturbed. On the other side it is full of lively beach clubs and cosy bars where you can enjoy live music and tropical cocktails. What I liked was that I travelled in the low season, which made everything a bit quieter. I can imagine that the island is a lot busier in the high season, which might not be my thing as a 40-something.

Local flavours and relaxation

Eating on Gili T is an experience in itself. Everywhere along the streets are small stalls with local dishes, from delicious fish dishes to spicy Javanese delicacies. And the best part? It's all very affordable! You can easily and deliciously eat here without breaking your budget. Besides enjoying the local cuisine, I also couldn't resist treating myself to a relaxing massage. On almost every street corner you will find massage parlors where you can completely relax for a small price.

Diving and snorkeling in an underwater paradise:

For those who love the underwater world, Gili Trawangan is a true paradise. I have snorkeled here and seen beautiful sea turtles and colorful fish. The island is also the place to learn to dive. One of my tennis friends Britt from Belgium works here at Manta Dive and together with her team she teaches people to dive in the breathtaking waters around the islands. It was great to see her and her parents here again and to get to know her close and warm team.

Magical moments: sunsets, karaoke and snorkeling tests:

Gili Trawangan also has a lot to offer culturally. One of the highlights of my trip were the magical sunsets. And after a short boat trip you arrive at the smaller island of Gili Air, where the sunsets are truly enchanting. But there is also plenty to do on Gili T itself: from karaoke evenings to attending a snorkeling test or creative bingo evenings. There is always something to do.

Accessibility: how do you get to Gili Trawangan?

Gili Trawangan is easily accessible, although it requires some planning. From Lombok you can get there with a short boat trip, while from Bali you have to count on a longer crossing of several hours. Another option is to fly to Lombok and take a boat from there to Gili T.

An island to dream about:

Gili Trawangan in combination with Lombok is a destination I would recommend to everyone. The combination of car-free tranquility, beautiful beaches, delicious food, adventurous activities and warm encounters makes it a place where you immediately feel at home. These islands have now conquered my heart more than Bali.

If you want peace and quiet, Gili Meno, Gili Air or Lombok itself are the place to be. These places are ideal for those looking for a quiet atmosphere and relaxation. But if you also want to dive into the nightlife, Gili Trawangan is the place to go. The island has a vibrant nightlife with live music, bars and parties that go on until the early hours. It is the perfect place for a mix of peace and adventure, where you can enjoy the serene beaches during the day and feel the energy of the nightlife in the evening.

Photo: Casa Vintage Beach - Gili Trawangan - Lombok