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Home » Destinations » Asia » Indonesia

Gili Trawangan: Indonesia's #1 Island Paradise

Modified: Mar 4, 2020 · Published: Jan 27, 2011 by Dave Lee |

Welcome to my Indonesia island paradise -- Gili Trawangan off the coast of Lombok.

Small enough to walk around in an hour and a half, it attracts a wide range of travelers seeking a little slice of heaven.

The island is packed with dive shops and has become a popular spot to get PADI certified.

Snorkeling is also an option, as is renting a bicycle, however, if you decide to simply spend your days lounging around, you'll be in good company.

Gili Trawangan
It only takes 1 hour to ride around the entire island of Gili Trawangan by bicycle.
Fresh seafood
This display of fresh seafood is what catches everyone's attention as they walk past The Beachhouse restaurant. Check out those lobsters!
The Beachhouse restaurant
On my first night, my friend and I met a bunch of people at The Beachhouse restaurant, and we returned several times during our stay.
Shrimp in garlic butter sauce
Shrimp doused in garlic butter sauce with rice.
A band of locals
A band made up of local island musicians entertain the patrons of Sama Sama bar.
Traditional wooden boats
Traditional wooden boats, with the nearby sister island of Gili Meno in the background.
Horse-drawn cart
For about $5, visitors can go for rides on horse-drawn carts, known as a cidomos. There are no cars or motorbikes on the island.
Internet shop
Despite the advertising, the internet speeds at this shop were not lightning fast, however, it's good enough to check e-mail.
Watch your favorite movie in a hut
These huts have a few mats, and little television and DVD players in the yellow boxes. Order a crepe or ice cream, and you can sit back, relax, and enjoy a movie. This is where I watched Superbad for the first time.
Chai tea and a croissant at Scallywags
Friends referred me to Scallywags restaurant for the best chai tea on the island.
Hut on a deserted beach - Gili Trawangan
I took this photo after enjoying a cup of tea with two British girls. It felt as though we had the whole side of the island to ourselves.

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About Dave Lee

Dave is the Founder and Editor in Chief of Go Backpacking and Feastio. He's been to 68 countries and lived in Colombia and Peru. Read the full story of how he became a travel blogger.

Dave at Ahu Ko Te Riku on Rapa Nui (Easter Island), Chile.

Hi, I'm Dave

Editor in Chief

I've been writing about adventure travel on Go Backpacking since 2007. I've visited 68 countries.

Read more about Dave.

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