Swings and breathtaking sunsets – Those two things are guaranteed on Gili Trawangan. Unfortunately, I can’t promise you much more than that.

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Gili Trawangan

For some of the most picturesque landscapes of Indonesia, the reality is far more disappointing. The inhabitants of the area need to improve their waste management initiatives as the garbage is dumped literally everywhere and you will not find a beach that is as clean and pristine as the pictures show. There are countless locations that look amazing on the internet and in brochures, which are a total let down once you actually arrive there. Almost all of my favorite places have been the ones that I wasn’t expecting.

Instagram and social media is often a gallery of our best moments or at least the moments that are made to look like our best. It is most definitely not a representation of a place, an entire life or lifestyle, or even a person.

I have traveled all over Asia for months seeking out joyful, restful, life-affirming places. I approach every place with an open mind and doing so, I have found so many amazing places! Sadly, Indonesia and specifically the Gili Islands were a big disappointment for me.

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Getting to Gili Trawangan from Bali

From the start, navigating the den of thieves at the boat port that try to charge you outrageous rates and then try to take you to private docks claiming Bangsal port is closed before trying to milk you for 10 times the price for a legitimate boat ride. It’s very frustrating. I usually have patience when it comes to locals and being hustled, but this was beyond my patience level. You feel like you’re being attacked and they refuse to leave you alone. Make sure to book your ferry before you get there!

The ferry ride takes about 1.5 hours and they load it up so it warms up quickly. It’s not the most enjoyable ride so try just to nap, you’ll be probably be exhausted from dodging the port scams anyway. It’ll stop at all 3 Gili Islands and Lombok before returning to Bali.

Tip: If you’re staying in Bali before heading to the Gili Islands I recommend having your accommodation help you with arranging ferry transport and make sure you’re paying the right price.

Where to Stay on Gili Trawangan

The lodging on Gili Trawangan is diverse. There are resorts, villas, guesthouses, hostels, and little shacks around the island but do your homework and you’ll find a suitable place. There are some quiet beaches and accommodations on the far side of the island. I recommend staying on that side if you’re looking for any peace and quiet.

Don’t Come here for Nature and Marine Life

Make sure to take beach shoes as there is broken coral everywhere. All around the island the coral is dead, bleached white and in shards. The sharp fragments can make swimming unpleasant. The rental snorkel equipment is very poor, be sure to bring your own if you plan to snorkel.

Be aware: If you go snorkeling except to find garbage floating around the surface.

TIP: Buy Lonely Planet’s travel guide to Bali & Lombok and you’ll always have all the information you need right at hand! Maps, sights, public transport, restaurants, hotels etc. It’s a comprehensive guide and a great travel companion.

Getting Around Gili Trawangan

The only transportation here, if you have luggage too heavy to haul through the heat yourself, is pony cart. This will break your heart. The ponies look depressed and not well cared for. They stand in the heat without water. Be warned, the drivers will charge whatever they feel they can extort from you. Just rent a bike and bike your way around the island. It is very doable! It takes about 45 minutes to an hour to bike around the whole island.

Lack of Local Indonesian Culture

All the bars and restaurants seem to have lost all sense of Indonesian culture and sell Mexican or Italian cuisine, which isn’t terrible but I rather have more traditional food options! I found the locals to be very unfriendly, rarely or unenthusiastically returning a smile unless they are being paid to be friendly. It was hard for me to find any genuineness with the locals and that saddened me. The music is loud and thumping until about 3am, just a heads up!

This might only be a place for young backpackers who are not looking for local culture but instead want to party late into the night with terrible western EDM drowning out the sounds of nature. I found everywhere I went local people were trying to rip me off and or sell me drugs. Even at the store, the prices changed with each worker. That is a shameful act. They just want to drain our pockets.

Final Thoughts on Gili Trawangan

As a result of all these things, I will never return and never recommend this place to anyone. Sorry folks, just my very honest assessment. Gili Meno and Gili Air might be better options because they are known to be more chilled out and quiet, not so much of the party scene.

Maybe the Gili Islands were idyllic a few years ago, but with the ever-increasing number of tourists and new businesses lining up for you to spend your money, it’s quickly descending into a messy over commercial typical holiday destination. The primary focus does not seem to be about relaxing or tranquility. The only positive was the views out to sea; the sunsets and the cool swings surrounding the island.

Luckily, we are all different and lots of people have enjoyed their time on the island. If you’re hell-bend on going or already booked your trip, check out these blogs as well, for a more positive view on Gili Trawangan:

There’s a Little Islands Called Gili Trawangan – Adventurous Miriam

Paradise Found – Mapping Megan

4 Days in the Gili Islands, Lombok Indonesia – Ditch the Map

Gili Trawangan Travel Guide – We Like Bali

The Ultimate Gili Trawangan Travel Guide – The Fly Away Life

25 Things You Can do on the Gili Islands – Home is Where your Bag is

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Lombok Island

If you’re looking for more nature and culture then I suggest heading over to Lombok. It is a larger island and has much more to offer. There are different tours you can arrange from whichever island you are staying. I did a tour that took us through the Pusuk monkey forest and on hikes to see a couple different waterfalls, which were all stunning! The nature on this island is endless.

Note: The waterfalls require a bit of hiking. If you are not able-bodied this would not be a good tour for you.

I also visited a traditional village that seemed to be set up for tourists. Honestly, it felt a bit awkward and intrusive to sort of walk into people’s lives and watch them but they were friendly and seemed pretty used to having visitors. It was enjoyable to see the village and their way of life.

Sukurara Weaving Village – Lombok

We stopped at Sukarara Weaving village, another local village where they produce songket weaving crafts. You get to not only see the process of weaving but also practice how to weave traditionally. If you like taking photos like me you can try on their traditional clothes and become a queen!

An interesting story that was told is about how little girls are taught to weave at a very young age. It is one of the most important skills to learn because women cannot marry unless they can weave and bring in the bulk of the money then a man will kidnap who he wishes to marry, a part of the sasak culture for generations. There is a lot of work and time that gets put into every item made.

Be aware: Most of the places you stop are set up for tourism and with that comes a price. Be prepared, you will be asked for a ‘donation’ or to purchase something at almost every stop. They will get offended and sometimes bothered if you don’t, which is something I really didn’t agree with or like. The weave shop is very expensive, but you can bargain with them if there’s something you’re interested in!

Getting Around Lombok

There was A LOT of time spent in the car! Lombok is beautiful so it was nice to see the island. Take in the beautiful landscape and all the nature! You’ll notice many mosques as you drive, one almost every mile so I was told. There is a mixture of Muslims, Buddhism and Hindu throughout the island, Muslim making up the majority. I thought it was truly amazing how although there are multiple religions and different beliefs that everyone got along perfectly and there is peace between one another. That was so beautiful to me.

Religion can be wonderful but at the same time it can bring so much hate and hostility. I truly enjoyed experiencing the peace between the people there. I wish the rest of the world could learn from them and behave like this.

Note: If you don’t have prearranged transportation back to wherever you are staying, make sure you make it back in time for the last public ferry! I didn’t make it back in time and they tried to scam me into taking a very expensive private boat back to Gili Trawangan, just be aware of that.

Are you ready for your next adventure? Check out my recommendations for the best travel gear – Everything from bags, electronics and other practical gadgets for your travels!

Useful Links to Lombok Indonesia

Lombok in a Week: An Indonesian Travel Guide – Hopscotch the Globe

Secret Lombok, Indonesia. The Best Things to do – Be My Travel Muse

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