Gili Trawangan – Island Life
You must visit this island if you are in Bali. You won’t regret it!
Gili Trawangan is a tropical island filled with an amazing vibe, warm oceans that’s are the most beautiful blue and white picturesque sandy beaches.
Every year the Gilies attract tens of thousands of visitors from around the world. Gili T is often described as a party island but don’t be thrown off because there are so many quiet secluded resorts around the edges of the island away from the port, where you can relax and sun bake.
There are no cars on the island so the alternative is cycling or horse and cart. Beware this will take a while to get used to and you will have to quickly jump out the way when you hear the bell or the squeaky horn of carriages rattling past. Be careful and keep your eyes and ears open!
You can speed walk around the island in an hour.. although there is a good chance of being distracted by the beautiful views and taking anywhere between 2-3 hours (like me!). My favourite spots were the swings in the water – the perfect place for a dip in the water and a photo shoot on the swing!
The atmosphere is chilled on the island although after a couple of tasty happy hour cocktails, with my best friend, watching the sunset it was hard to resist a boogie on the dance floor after hearing the catchy, well-known tunes. There is a strip of bars and every night each have their own theme and some have cool live bands.You won’t get bored here. I personally recommend the sunrise yoga on the beach at Pearl of Trawangan. It is an amazing way to start your day! I think outdoor yoga should be more common around the world.
There are heaps of activities on Gili Trawangan including:
- riding bikes
- kayaking
- diving
- yoga
- massage & beauty treatments
- outdoor movie nights
- glass bottom boat trips & island hopping
- fishing
- sailing
- snorkelling
- paddle boarding and all kinds of water based activities
Many expats live on Gili T and have opened diving centres and yoga studios to make a living out there. About 10 years ago everything was cheap on the island but now it is very expensive to buy property or make a business on the island because of its popularity among tourists. If you fall in love with island life, being a yoga teacher or dive instructor or working in hospitality is the way to go. It is possible to live in paradise!
The island made me switch off – like i was escaping reality and everything else that is going on in the world.
Snorkelling is also very popular and you can see turtles and many other beautiful fish. The coral is so sharp and if you are a softie like me I recommend you wear little booties or flippers. It coral hurts!
Food wise being a yogi island there are many good healthy food options vegetarian and vegan friendly! Check out The Yoga Place or The Banyan Tree. Regina Pizzeria is also the best pizza I have had for a long time and a third of the price you would pay for a wood fired pizza back home (rated number 1 pizza place on trip advisor).
Everyone on the island is friendly which ties in the chilled island life. Mushrooms are advertised freely in venues around the island so if this is your cup of tea then you will have no problem finding a happy dealer.
There are no dogs on the island – it was explained by the locals that the water is heavily polluted and will kill any dog that enters the island within 2 days. There are however hundreds of cats with docked tails (apparently they all APPEAR docked but it is actually due to the fact that they are all inbred).
Fact – The word Gili means small island and has become known as The Gilies by travellers.
I will remember Gili T for its laid back charm and pristine warm waters, white sandy beaches & friendly locals.
Each Gili island has developed differently and at different paces, giving each a different personality and style.
Gili T is the most popular island. You can also island hop to Gili Air which is relaxed or Gili Memo the quietest of the three islands.
3 days is not enough here, I could spend weeks. I understand why people never leave. I love island life and happily could stay longer. No matter how long it takes to get here, its definitely worth it. I promise. xx
