What to do on Gili Trawangan: 5 activities full of summer vibes

Heavenly scenes come to life on the Gili islands near Lombok. Gili Trawangan, among others, has summery things to do. Sunset swinging, for instance: watching the sunset from a swing out in the water. And there is more.

Bali, Lombok and the Gili islands

As a tropical holiday, the neighbouring island of Bali is perhaps the best known. But do not forget to visit unspoilt Lombok , or the tropical Gili islands .

• You know Bali for its rice fields, beach clubs en scooters.
• While Bali gets busier and madder, Lombok generally offers age-old authenticity.
• And then there are those heavenly Gili islands off the north-west of Lombok.

A tropical island group

Gili Air, Gili Meno and Gili Trawangan give this tropical Indonesian island group its name. The last of them positively buzzes.

You could almost divide the trio by audience and crowds. Note, almost, because it is always a little more nuanced.

• First, Gili Air falls into the ‘middle category’ for quiet and for ages.
• Second, older visitors usually go to Gili Meno, where it can be quieter still.
• And finally there is Gili Trawangan, the more touristy ‘party island’.

Do not expect teenage scenes as in Lloret de Mar in Spain; here you are more likely to find people in their twenties and thirties.

A pleasant ‘in-between’

The fairly visible tourism on Gili Trawangan can be read as an advantage and a drawback. Because many tourists come, it feels less special .

On the other hand, thanks to those tourists there are all sorts of pleasant terraces, little shops and more. And Gili Trawangan has a decent nightlife. So it comes down to what draws you personally to a destination.

We saw Gili Trawangan as a pleasant ‘in-between’ for a few days, and nights…

Activities: what to do on Gili Trawangan

1. Swinging out on the water at sunset
In several places swings are set up out in the water. Which lets you enjoy the sunset in a wonderfully relaxed way. Sunset swinging!

2. Cycling along the island’s coastline
Because after wild boat trips and foolish scooter rides you are ready for something civilised. And because cycling through these surroundings is rather different from the Netherlands.

(Oh, did we say civilised? The behaviour on a bike is a touch differenttoo. Even so, you can certainly have a fine ride along the coast. Inland there is plenty to see as well.)

3. Atmospheric dinners on the beach
Romantically dressed terraces along the beaches create an intimate setting in the evening light.

Stay calm if that is not your thing. You can also flop down anywhere with a slice of pizza from a takeaway. And there are plenty of other roads that lead to good food.

4. Watching films under the stars
On those same beaches you find open-air cinemas with beanbags. A drink alongside, and who can touch you?

5. Partying in the nightlife district
The summer vibes are everywhere. And those vibes carry on beautifully at the various parties in the nightlife district. This island offers freedom squared, with the mood turned all the way up.

Reopening to tourism, probably in 2021

At the moment nobody from the Netherlands can travel to Indonesia as a tourist. Because a negative travel advisory applies, due to the coronavirus. Reopening is expected somewhere in 2021, once COVID-19 has been sufficiently contained.