Gili Trawangan is the largest of three islets that make up the Gili Islands, Gili being Indonesian for small island. Located off the northwest coast of Lombok in the Flores Sea, Gili Trawangan, and its sister islands Gili Air and Gili Meno, are famous for their dazzling white sand beaches, and crystal clear blue water. First “discovered” some ten years ago by backpackers looking for a more unspoiled off-the-beaten-path experience, Gili Trawangan has since developed into a jewel of an island offering a gamut of comfortable tourist facilities without the commercial excesses of Bali, with the other two islands providing more of a Robinson Crusoe feel.

Gili Trawangan is becoming increasingly popular among people looking for a true tropical island experience. Regarded by many as Indonesia’s best kept secret, it is also a favourite getaway for Bali residents. Gili Trawangan is the perfect destination for all kinds of holidaymakers; families and honeymooners alike.
Activities
Scuba diving and snorkeling are incredible here, but even if that isn’t your thing, a boat trip is an absolute must.
The waters around Gili Trawangan abound with a diverse marine life, including harmless sharks, rays, giant clams and turtles. Other activities include surfing off the eastern tip of the island, horseback riding, sea kayaking, and of course the island’s most popular pastime, sunbathing. On Lombok you can also play golf or go hiking on Mount Rinjani (3726m).
Travel
You can be lying on the beach of Gili Trawangan within three hours of leaving Bali.
Lombok is easily accessible by air: several flights a day from Bali (20 min); domestic flights from Jakarta, Surabaya; direct international flights from Singapore (2 hrs), Kuala Lumpur (2 hrs). From the airport, take a taxi through the mountains to the tiny port of Bangsal, which takes under an hour. From there a speed boat/regular boat takes you across to Gili Trawangan in 10/35 minutes.

Several speed boats run daily from Bali to Gili Trawangan, the journey takes 1 hour with food and drinks served on board.

Hotel Villa Julius will help you to reach your lovely destination. Let us know in advance and we arrange all your bookings and can arrange pickup at the harbour or the airport.
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No motorized vehicles
As the authorities have wisely banned motorized vehicles on Gili Trawangan, transport on the island is by bicycle or cidomo, a kind of local horse and cart. With no cars or motorbikes, there’s nothing to disturb the tranquility of the island making for an exceptionally relaxing stay at Hotel Villa Julius.
Other interesting facts

The main activity on the islands is scuba diving and chilling out – the laid-back atmosphere of the island is a major part of the attraction. It has a 7 km (4,3 miles) circumference and no roads, just dirt tracks and sandy paths that crisscross the island. It takes 1 hour to walk around the island and 20 min to walk from far end to “town”. Island inhabitants number some 1200 people.


The Gili locals are also incredibly friendly – by your third day, the women selling fruit on the beach will not only know your name, but whether you prefer mangos or coconuts. Approximately 100 Westerners live permanently on the island. There are no recorded cases of malaria on the island. Talk to the staff at Hotel Villa Julius and they will give you more interesting facts.