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Gili Trawangan Day Trip

Fast boat to the car-free island of turtles and white sand · Gili Islands (off Lombok)

Gili Trawangan — the largest and liveliest of the three Gili Islands off Lombok — makes a spectacular day trip from Bali. A fast boat whisks you across to a car-free island of white sand, turquoise water and green turtles, where the only transport is bicycles and horse-carts.

About Gili Trawangan Day Trip

Gili Trawangan ('Gili T') is ringed by white-sand beaches and coral reefs and is famous for easy turtle snorkelling straight off the beach. With no cars or motorbikes, the whole island runs on bicycles and cidomo (horse-carts), giving it a uniquely relaxed, traffic-free feel.

A typical day trip includes the return fast-boat crossing (around 1.5–2.5 hours each way depending on the departure port), free time to snorkel, cycle the 7 km loop around the island, and lunch at a beach café before the afternoon boat back to Bali.

It's a long but rewarding day. Many visitors love it so much they return for an overnight — but the day trip is a great way to sample the Gilis if time is short.

Highlights

  • Turtle snorkelling. Green turtles are commonly seen just off the beach at Turtle Point on the island's east side.
  • Car-free island. No cars or scooters — get around by bicycle or horse-cart on sandy lanes.
  • White-sand beaches. Powder-soft sand and clear turquoise water ringing the whole island.
  • Beach bars & sunsets. The west side has swings, beach bars and famous sunset views back towards the Bali volcanoes.

Practical Information

  • Opening hours: Full day; fast boats typically depart in the morning and return late afternoon
  • Entrance fee: Return fast-boat day trips from ~IDR 700,000 (~US$50–70); snorkel gear hire extra
  • Suggested duration: Full day (10–12 hours including boat transfers)
  • Best time to visit: Dry season (April–October) for the calmest crossings
  • Bring photo ID (passport not required — it's a domestic trip)
  • Reef-safe sunscreen, swimwear and a dry bag
  • Crossings can be rough — bring seasickness tablets

Address: Gili Trawangan, North Lombok Regency, West Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia — view on Google Maps

Visitor Tips

  • Take the earliest boat out to maximise your time on the island.
  • Book fast-boat tickets in advance in high season — popular crossings sell out.
  • Snorkel at Turtle Point on the east side for the best chance of seeing turtles.
  • Rent a bike (~IDR 50,000/day) to loop the whole island in an hour or two.
  • Crossings can be bumpy — take a seasickness tablet if you're prone to it.

Getting There

  • Fast boats to Gili T leave from Serangan, Sanur, Padang Bai and Amed — choose the port nearest your base.
  • From Sanur / Serangan: about 2–2.5 hours each way.
  • From Padang Bai (East Bali): about 1.5 hours each way — the shortest crossing.

Nearby Attractions

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