Gili Islands Guide: 2 Day Gili Trawangan Itinerary

Two days on Gili Trawangan isn’t quite enough time to enjoy all that this island has to offer, but it’s enough to fall in love with this paradise. (And probably enough to make you extend your trip, as many travelers end up doing.) If you could only squeeze in a couple days on the Gili islands, we’ve created a two day Gili Trawangan itinerary so you can hit the best spots during your trip here! Read on for the best of Gili Trawangan:

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2 Day Gili Trawangan Itinerary - Gili Islands Guide: 2 Day Gili Trawangan Itinerary — *Gili Trawangan © Courtesy of Kirsten Muolic/Mad Monkey*

About Gili Trawangan

The Gili Islands are three islands just west of mainland Lombok and east of Bali. It’s about an hour and a half boat ride from Bali and 30 minutes from Lombok. For details on how to get to the Gili Islands, read more HERE. Gili Trawangan is the most popular and developed for travelers, with a vibrant night scene that the island is famous for. All three Gilis have perfectly clear, warm water, perfect for both snorkeling scuba diving. The beaches are pristine and the marine life is plentiful. The east side of the island is where boats will bring you from the nearby islands and is also home to most of the late night bars. The west side is a bit more mellow and has more of the upscale resorts.

Gili Trawangan Itinerary: Morning 1

Start your day off by experiencing Gili T at its best: in the water. Dive into the warm, crystal clear water as soon as the sun comes up to explore the diverse underwater world. You can jump on a boat tour that will bring you to several snorkel spots around the island. The two most popular snorkel areas are Turtle Heaven where you can see plenty of hawksbill and green sea turtles, and the Gili Meno statues. You’ve probably seen this installation on Instagram; 48 life-size statues set in a circular formation just 4 meters deep. This incredible underwater man-made reef isn’t just the perfect photo opp, it’s designed to be a home for coral to help the dying reefs around the Gili islands.

Gili Trawangan Itinerary: Afternoon 1

After getting your dose of vitamin sea, kick back at a quaint cafe. If you want to grab a smoothie bowl in a quirky, colorful treehouse-esque setting, head to Hellocapitano Lifestyle Cafe, where you’ll have ocean views and some friendly cats as company. If you prefer to get something quick and small, dine like the French and grab a pain au chocolat and coffee from La Boulangerie. Check out our other favorite cafes on our list of the Best Breakfast Cafes on Gili Trawangan.

Once you’ve refueled, rent a bicycle and make your way around the island. You’ll be joined with plenty of others, as there are no cars or motorbikes allowed on Gili T. The island is about 3 kilometers long and 2 kilometers wide. It’s possible to circumnavigate the island in its entirety, although there will be a few areas where you must push your bike through sand (particularly on the north end). Take in the ocean views and stop as you please at various shops, cafes, bars, and beach shacks.

Gili Trawangan Itinerary: Evening 1

End your bike ride on the west side of the island in time for sunset. Gili Trawangan sunsets tend to be spectacularly colorful and vibrant, so travelers and locals alike flock to the westside beaches to enjoy the show. Head to The Exile for live music, Malibu Beach Club for happy hour cocktails, Casa Vintage Beach for delicious desserts and a bonfire, or watch the sunset from our very own pool at Mad Monkey Gili Trawangan. Be sure to snap a photo at one of the many famous Gili Trawangan swings while you’re on this side of the island!

For dinner, head to the Gili T Night Market, where you’ll see dozens of vendors selling Indonesian dishes, seafood, and other types of BBQ skewers. With affordable prices, you’ll be able to feast on the cheap, all while meeting new friends on the picnic-style tables. Afterwards, check out the live music at one of the bars on the east side. Head to Sama Sama for reggae beats or check out one of the beachfront spots where there are often more mellow acoustic jams. If you fancy a night out, get your pregame on at Lava Bar, where there are always cheap drinks, and then head to Gili T’s popular nightclub, Jungle. There’s one bar a night that will stay open past midnight; there’s a large banner outside the bar of the night that you can’t miss!

Gili Trawangan Itinerary: Morning 2

Depending on how wild your previous night was, you may or may not be able to get up early enough for sunrise. If you saved yourself for your second and last night on Gili T and are feeling refreshed this morning, try out some sunrise yoga. You can try sunrise stand up paddle board yoga with Fly Gili SUP Yoga, or join Soraya Yoga on the beachfront of Pearl of Trawangan. Both spots are on the east side to get optimal views of the sun rising over Lombok. For more yoga options on Gili Trawangan, check out our article on Where to do Yoga on Gili Trawangan.

Gili Trawangan Itinerary: Afternoon 2

Grab breakfast or brunch at another cafe (we highly recommend Casa Vintage, Gili Bliss, and Kayu Cafe) and then head to the beach. Our favorite beach-lounging spot is Turtle Point, just on the northeastern side of the island. Walk or ride your bike north and you’ll see plenty of signs to direct you there. Grab a bean bag chair, an ice cold coconut, and admire the mesmerizing ocean views. Rent a stand up paddle board (usually around IDR 50,000, or ~3.50, a day) and try your hand at surfing the baby waves. The snorkeling here is also fantastic and you’re nearly guaranteed to spot multiple sea turtles sunbathing and grazing on the seagrass and reefs.

Gili Trawangan Itinerary: Evening 2

For your last night, grab dinner on the sand. Enjoy some BBQ, seafood, local dishes or western food; our favorite spots are Pearl of Trawangan and Egoiste. If you’re looking to have a mellow night, smoke some shisha at Egoiste or Pesona. You can also watch a film on the beach at various places around the island; the Aston Sunset Beach Resort on the west side is free and super cozy!

Gili Trawangan Accommodation: Where to Stay on Gili T

There are various types of accommodation to choose from on Gili Trawangan. If you’re looking for a resort style hotel, check out Pearl of Trawangan or one of the west side resorts where things are a bit quieter than the often rowdy east side. Couples will enjoy the serenity and vibes of Le Pirate, Coco Cabana and Sunset Beach Villas, while backpackers would enjoy the social scene at My Mate’s Place, La Favela, and Broken Compass (check out our full list of backpacker hotels HERE).

More information about Things to do on Gili Trawangan:

Did you enjoy this 2 day Gili Trawangan itinerary? Are you staying longer and looking for more things to do on the Gili islands? Then check out these other articles we’ve rounded up to help create your Gili Trawangan itinerary!