Distance 4 km (2.5 miles) | |
Price range US$8-US$8 | |
Ride Duration Range 15m-30m | |
Earliest Departure 01:00 | |
Latest Departure 08:05 | |
Most Popular Operator |
Find up-to-date information on departure times, schedules, and prices so you can easily compare and book your tickets.
Trade the tiny island of Gili Air for its older sibling with a bigger party scene on Gili Trawangan.
The largest of the three Gili Islands, Gili Trawangan is situated west of Lombok and is just a 4-kilometer (2.5-mile) journey from Gili Air.
Unless you want to risk swimming, a ferry is the only way to get between the two islands.
Along the way, you'll pass by the middle sibling, Gili Meno.
Before you know it, you'll be sunbathing on another beach, ready to party the night away in one of Gili Trawangan's many bars.
It's easy to fall in love with the Gili Islands because they radiate natural beauty. The sparkling blue waters complementing the golden-sand beaches and untouched landscapes certainly help complete the magical picture.
The small island of Gili Trawangan can be circumnavigated on foot in less than two hours and by bicycle in just 45 minutes.
As it's so tiny and eager to retain its beauty, no motorized vehicles are allowed on its shores. The only transport available is a bicycle, a horse-drawn cart, or your own two feet.
The laidback lifestyle immediately sweeps visitors off their feet, and it's easy to see why so many people stay for years instead of their planned two-day trip.
Although most famous for its party scene, Gili Trawangan is equally beautiful and offers numerous serene spots to marvel at the sunset.
Because it's so tiny, it's easy to figure out what to do on Gili Trawangan. Luckily, its size means there is not enough room to pack it with time-wasting tourist bait.
Get underwater. If you come all the way here, passing over the sapphire-blue Bali Sea, you must dive beneath the surface. Get your PADI certification here, or use your existing skills to discover vibrant seascapes and swim alongside an array of sea life.
Book a snorkeling excursion to see manta rays, white-tip sharks, sea turtles, and tropical fish up close. You'll also stop by the Gili Meno Statue Ring Point to snap a picture among this iconic circle of underwater sculptures.
Learn to freedive. Thrillseekers can also learn to dive without any diving equipment. Test the limits of your lungs by holding your breath for up to five minutes.
Take a cooking class. Lots of local classes offer visitors the opportunity to master the art of Indonesian cuisine — and you get to keep all the food!
Take a leisurely bike ride around the island. Pop into the food markets for fresh, affordable food before picking a spa for a soothing massage or rejuvenating facial.
Party till the wee hours. When the sun dips beneath the horizon, venture out to discover the island's thriving nightlife. Pick between hostel and hotel resort bars and DJs, or find a beachside bar to party at until the sun rises again.
Unless you want to swim with all your luggage, the only way to get from Gili Air to Gili Trawangan is to take a ferry.
With at least a dozen departures per day and even more in the high season, there is usually a service that will fit your itinerary.
Passengers depart from Gili Air Harbor and arrive at Gili Trawangan Port.
Ferries between the islands of this archipelago are typically smaller boats with a single engine and open windows.
You'll have a luggage allowance of one 25 kg (55 lb) bag and one piece of hand luggage. Additional luggage is an extra charge payable at the port during check-in.
Visitors must pay a harbor tax when arriving and departing from Gili Air and Gili Trawangan. The fee is small (less than $1), so don't worry about breaking the bank. You'll pay an attendant at the port in cash.
On a direct ferry, the journey between Gili Air and Gili Trawangan takes approximately 15 minutes. Some services stop by Gili Meno along the way, stopping for between 10 and 15 minutes, which extends the total journey time to 30 minutes.
Pro tip: Bring waterproof shoes or ones that slip off easily. Some boats stop in the water, so you'll have to wade out to board and disembark. Make sure you can lift your bag over your head or be ready to recruit a helping hand because it might be the only way to get your bag onto the boat.
The journey between Gili Air and Gili Trawangan has spectacular views.
After pulling away from the teeny paradise of Gili Air, you'll float across crystal-clear waters with the sun on your face as you lean out of the open-air ferry cabin.
Watch the smallest of the Gili Islands, Gili Meno, pass by as you edge closer to the equally beautiful Gili Trawangan.
The dry season, from June to September and sometimes into October, is the best time to go. However, the island is blessed with year-round good weather.
These months benefit from the sunniest weather without too much overwhelming humidity to interrupt your adventures.
Visit in the wet season for cheaper accommodation and to experience a more serene version of the island.
July, August, December, and January bring the highest number of tourists to the island, so avoid visiting in these months if you find crowds overwhelming. December and January experience some rainfall and higher winds, which anyone who struggles with seasickness should remember when planning a ferry crossing.
You only need two to three days to enjoy Gili Trawangan to its fullest, but it'll never be a hardship to spend a few extra days.
The relaxing daytime atmosphere and thriving nightlife are an entrancing combination, and many people extend their island adventure here.
However, if you're short on time, move on to discover more of Indonesia's bountiful natural beauty.
Head to Bali to experience an Indonesian island on a grander scale. Continue your snorkeling and scuba diving adventures, or plan excursions into the jungle to discover some epic waterfalls.
If you've fallen in love with tiny island life, consider checking out the nearby Nusa Islands, another trio of islands blessed with epic beaches, incredible snorkeling opportunities, and spectacular views.
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