Gili Trawangan

Gili Trawangan is one of three small islands just off the northwest coast of Lombok. Located 35km east of Bali, the Gili Islands have become a world-renowned destination for travellers looking to escape the hustle and bustle of Bali and to experience a true island paradise.

No motorised transport is allowed on Gili Trawangan, which has helped the island remain quiet and peaceful.

Gili Trawangan is the most popular of the three Gili Islands, due partly to the close proximity to world-class snorkeling and dive sites. The lack of development in the area has meant that the Gilis remain a haven for marine life including corals, reef fish and turtles.

White sand beaches, coral reefs and warm turquoise waters skirt the island. The main beach offers spectacular views of Mount Rinjani, Indonesia’s second-highest volcano located on the east side of Lombok. The island also offers visitors unique, friendly and relaxed hospitality and nightlife.

Things to know

Mosques & Island Etiquette

When most people think of Indonesia they often associate it with Bali and the Hindu religion. However, much of Indonesia, including Lombok and the Gili Islands, comprises a large Muslim population who are just as welcoming and accepting of tourists. The daily Calls to Prayer can be heard across the island from the local mosques.

It would be respectful of our local friends and neighbours to refrain from wearing bikinis in the village where many locals reside, even though others may not. Our Indonesian hosts are totally accepting of tourists and understand the cultural differences, however do please note that topless bathing is frowned upon.

Electricity supply & 'Mati Lampu' (Power Outages)

Gili Trawangan is largely powered by an undersea cable network from Lombok. To supplement the power supply, PLN, the state electricity company, has installed a 200kW solar array on the northern slope of the hill, which operates during good weather. Our island, like Lombok and Bali, experiences power outages from time to time, especially when demand is high.

Amalika Villa, like many of the most larger hotels and villas on Gili Trawangan, has ample power by way of a backup generator. Not all of the villagers have the luxury of a generator, so you may find the village tracks a little darker during these times.

Gili Eco Trust

The Gili Eco Trust is a local non-governmental organization created in 2000 initially to protect coral reefs from destructive fishing practices around the three Gili Islands of Gili Air, Gili Meno and Gili Trawangan.

The Gili Eco Trust has extended its activities through many other eco projects, in order to regenerate and to protect coral reefs; prevent soil and beach erosion; keep the three beautiful islands clean; educate and raise awareness of the population; organize garbage recycling and waste management; provide clinical care for the island’s animals; develop scientific research on coral reefs with universities; develop sustainable eco tourism using green energies and much more.

Delphine Robbe, a resident of Gili Trawangan has been a champion for the cause. You can find out about current and future projects by visiting the Gili Eco Trust Facebook page.

Animals

Geckos are endemic in Indonesia. They have become very much a symbol of Bali, however they can be found in most places in this beautiful archipelago, so it is likely you will see and hear them in or around the villa and in many places on the island. Geckos are small lizards, and are harmless. You may from time to time also come across a frog or two in the garden.

Throughout the village you may encounter chickens, goats and cats wandering freely. Journey to the centre of the island and you will find cows grazing peacefully in the coconut groves. Dogs are not permitted on Gili Trawangan – much to the relief of Gili's cat population.