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No shame people, we know a huge draw of Gili Trawangan are the epic photo ops and Instagram opportunities. When stunning sunsets are a regular occurrence and sea turtle spottings are pretty much guaranteed, it’s no wonder backpackers and tourists flock to Gili T. If you’re looking for the prettiest places on Gili Trawangan, we’ve got your back. Read on for the most Instagrammable, picture-perfect spots on this beautiful island!

 

The Most Instagrammable Spots on Gili Trawangan - Casa Vintage Beach
Casa Vintage Beach © Courtesy of Kirsten Muolic/Mad Monkey

 

1. Gili Trawangan Swings

Let’s start with the most obvious: the famous Gili Trawangan swings. Cliché, but for good reason. There are plenty to choose from, both on the east and west side of the island, but like most people, we’re partial to the ones on the west. Choose from one of the many, slightly varying swings on the wbest coast to get that quintessential Gili T photo. Because there are so many options, you likely won’t be waiting in [too long of] queues to get your photo at sunset.

 

1. Gili Trawangan Swings - The Most Instagrammable Spots on Gili Trawangan
The Exile © Courtesy of Kirsten Muolic/Mad Monkey

 

1. Gili Trawangan Swings - The Most Instagrammable Spots on Gili Trawangan
Ombak Sunset © Courtesy of Kirsten Muolic/Mad Monkey

 

2. Sunset

Somehow, Gili T manages to have spectacular sunsets nearly every day. As expected, the west coast beaches get pretty packed with people watching the daily show. Grab a drink at a beach bar or find a stretch of beach to set up camp for your photoshoot.

 

2. Sunset - The Most Instagrammable Spots on Gili Trawangan
Sunset at Mad Monkey Gili Trawangan © Courtesy of Kirsten Muolic/Mad Monkey

 

2. Sunset - The Most Instagrammable Spots on Gili Trawangan
Gili Trawangan Sunset © Courtesy of Kirsten Muolic/Mad Monkey

 

3. Snorkeling with Sea Turtles

As we mentioned before, there’s a high probability that you’ll see sea turtles while snorkeling or diving on Gili T. Be sure to bring your GoPro so you can get that epic shot with these amazing creatures. Always be conscious of how close you are to the turtles and how they react. Many don’t mind humans but some become very visibly agitated. This can result in them drowning, as they are too scared to resurface for air with humans hovering over them.

 

3. Snorkeling with Sea Turtles - The Most Instagrammable Spots on Gili Trawangan
Snorkeling with sea turtles on Gili T © Courtesy of Kirsten Muolic/Mad Monkey

Read more: Guide to Snorkeling With Sea Turtles on Gili Trawangan

 

4. Kelapa Villas

Resembling an Italian flower-filled alleyway, this little road is too pretty not to photograph. Colorful flowers wind around and hang from wooden arbors, contrasted against the white walls. Tucked away in a quiet area in the middle of the island, this peaceful road is just a short bike ride from the west coast. Google Maps search “Kelapa Luxury Villas” — this road is off the northernmost street that cuts across the island.

 

4. Kelapa Villas - The Most Instagrammable Spots on Gili Trawangan
Kelapa Villas road on Gili Trawangan © Courtesy of Kirsten Muolic/Mad Monkey

 

5. Palm Trees

You can’t leave the island without getting some shots of the abundance of palm trees that populate Gili T. Head down Jalan Villa Kelapa (the aforementioned northern road that runs west to east) and when you approach the west coast, you’ll find plenty of photo ops with luscious greenery as your backdrop.

 

5. Palm Trees - The Most Instagrammable Spots on Gili Trawangan
Gili Trawangan Palm Trees © Courtesy of Kirsten Muolic/Mad Monkey

 

6. Casa Vintage Beach

This beachside restaurant boasts plenty of Instagram-worthy shots. From its hanging pineapples to the beach blankets and cushions just steps from the water, Casa Vintage Beach is every tropical beach-lovers dream spot. Cozy up on a swing or hammock and be sure to stick around for their nightly bonfires.

 

6. Casa Vintage Beach - The Most Instagrammable Spots on Gili Trawangan
Casa Vintage Beach © Courtesy of Kirsten Muolic/Mad Monkey

 

6. Casa Vintage Beach - The Most Instagrammable Spots on Gili Trawangan
Sunset at Casa Vintage Beach, Gili Trawangan © Courtesy of Kirsten Muolic/Mad Monkey

 

7. Horse riding on the beach

Another shot to capture at sunset: horseback riding on the beach. Head to STUD Horse Riding Adventures, where the horses are well cared for and you have to choice to ride through the island or at the beach.

 

7. Horse riding on the beach - The Most Instagrammable Spots on Gili Trawangan
Sunset Horseback riding on Gili Trawangan © Courtesy of Kirsten Muolic/Mad Monkey

 

8. Gili Trawangan Beach

You’ll obviously want a beach photo, and you’ll likely have plenty of opportunities to get them. Lay out on the pristine, white sand with the turquoise water as your backdrop. No filter needed, y’all.

 

8. Gili Trawangan Beach - The Most Instagrammable Spots on Gili Trawangan
Gili Trawangan beach © Courtesy of Kirsten Muolic/Mad Monkey

 

8. Gili Trawangan Beach - The Most Instagrammable Spots on Gili Trawangan
Gili Trawangan beach © Courtesy of Kirsten Muolic/Mad Monkey

 

9. Gili Meno Statues

The underwater statues at Gili Meno are a must-see sight. There’s no photo op more dramatic and remarkable than the “Nest” installation made up of 48 life-sized statues. Within swimming distance of the beach and only 4 meters deep, Nest is accessible to both divers and snorkelers. Avoid the crowds and come before 9am or after 1pm so you don’t have a swarm of life-jacket-wearing-swimmers in the back of your photos. Go here for everything you need to know about the Gili Meno Statues. 

 

9. Gili Meno Statues - The Most Instagrammable Spots on Gili Trawangan
Gili Meno Statues © Courtesy of Kirsten Muolic/Mad Monkey

 

 

10. Pink Coco

As you probably could’ve guessed, this resort has a plethora of pink decor to photograph. From the pink boat, to the pink swings, to the pink staircase, there are plenty of pretty places to get your picture taken here.

 

10. Pink Coco - The Most Instagrammable Spots on Gili Trawangan
Pink Coco Gili T © Courtesy of Kirsten Muolic/Mad Monkey

 

11. Underwater Vespas

For a unique photo op, definitely head to the bio rocks on the east side of the island in front of Villa Ombak Resort. These man-made reefs were created by Gili Eco Trust, a local non-profit, and sponsored by various local organizations. The bio rocks are a coral reef restoration project that has proven to boost coral growth. One of the installations includes two underwater vespas that you can sit on to get a unique underwater shot!

 

11. Underwater Vespas - The Most Instagrammable Spots on Gili Trawangan
Snorkeling at the underwater vespas at the Gili T biorocks © Courtesy of Kirsten Muolic/Mad Monkey

 

More information about Gili Trawangan Photo Ops

Did you enjoy this article about the most Instagram-worthy spots on Gili Trawangan? Are you looking to find more beautiful places in GIli T and beyond to up your Insta game? Then check out these other articles we’ve rounded up:

 

Pin now, read later:

Gili Trawangan Instagrammable Places

About the Author

Kirsten Joelle is the RevOps Marketing Director for Mad Monkey. When she’s not working, you can find her doing yoga while Netflix binging, or more so just the latter.