Did you say you were looking for Asia’s ultimate party island? You want unforgettable weekends and beachside bashes with cool swag for your Insta-diary? In that case, you’ve come to the right place. Gili Trawangan is known as the Ibiza of the East – we couldn’t agree more.
Gili Trawangan (“Gili T” by the time you’ve been there a few hours) is the famed “party island” of the three Gilis – the others being tranquil little Gili Meno and laid-back Gili Air – and, though this isn’t the 70s anymore, is definitely up there with the world’s greatest backpacker paradises.
Some of the major bars on Gili T have a kind of oligopoly over the island’s late-night nightlife, with “the party” doing the rounds every week.
Don’t miss out on the action.
•Monday night – Blue Marlin•Tuesday night – Trawangan (Beach) Cottages•Wednesday night – Tir Na Nog •Thursday night – Sama Sama + Pool party at Gili Hostel + Quiz night at Trawangan Dive (Bar) •Friday night – Surf Bar + Rudy’s •Saturday night – Sama Sama •Sunday night – Evolution + Ladies’ night at the Irish
It’s all that and a spot of outstanding snorkelling thrown into a beautiful island getaway that’ll inspire your next blowout in paradise when you’re back in the real world.
“One of the best experiences in Gili T was working at the Jiggy Bar & The Jiggy Boat Party(rightfully called the Booze Cruise) It was working with them that I learned how crazy things can get on the island in both good and bad sense of the term. I learned that people who want to go on that boat will go on it. I didn’t have to really convince anyone, just answer questions about drinks and destinations. I also learned that people on holiday, even the heavy drinkers, are extremely friendly. So, approaching people in effort to sell them something I wouldn’t necessarily purchase was actually, at times, quite enjoyable. All in all, a win win.
Here’s some stuff to do that doesn’t (necessarily) involve getting drunk or partying:
•Movies on the beach opposite Jessica Homestay and also Vila Ombak. You can check showings a day in advance.•Climb to the viewpoint and World War Two bunker.•Swim in the impeccably beautiful turquoise waters.•Snorkel. (The best spot, if not taking a boat or tour, is the corner of the island, anywhere beyond Coral Beach 2.)•Dive. (Gili T’s one of the best places to learn in the world.)•Save yourself a trip to Meno or Air and walk around the island for some secluded beach spots and great sunsets.•There’s a turtle conservation centre. •Paddle-board.•Take a horse and cart, the only form of transport on the island.
The stay at Gili T was minimal for Siddharth, as being the smart person that he is, he worked at Jiggy Bar. This sorted his stay & occasional alcohol!! The expense covers travel, snorkel & kayak rents and majorly food.
Do you have a great travel tip for first time visitors to Gili Trawangan or want to experience this place yourself? Leave a comment below!