Things to do in Gili Islands

1. Pearl of Trawangan

White sand beach of Gili T as your playground? Look nowhere else than Pearl of Trawangan. All seven room types, from the Suar Rooms to Ocean View Rooms, have outdoor showers and private balconies. If you need a little privacy, book the Lumbung Beach Cottages, where the beach huts are the textbook of what a romantic getaway should look like.

If sunbathing sounds bland, you can grab a snorkel from the watersports area and indulge yourself in the underwater paradise. Sip your margarita while dipping in the pool overlooking the ocean and Mount Rinjani. Bored with the sea view?  Pearl of Trawangan also has a private pool with an elevated jacuzzi surrounded by the garden for a change of scenery.

2. Gili Teak Resort

Gili Teak Resort may as well be the most exclusive eco-friendly villa in Gili T. All of the eleven cottages are, you guessed it, made of 120-year-old reclaimed teak wood. Wake up to the view of the ocean and Mount Agung, and sip your morning coffee on the private terrace. Spend your day lounging on the hammock by the beach. Don’t worry about the heat as many of the sunchairs and hammocks are under the giant tree, so whichever place you sit, chances are you will be under the shadow.

And if you need to break a sweat, head to the open gym for a bit of exercise. Have some laps on the resort’s 19-meter bespoke freshwater swimming pool to cool off. Hit the vibrant beach bar to get your cocktail dose of the day while waiting for the sunset. Then enjoy a seafood dinner where the freshest catch will get your mouth watering from looking at the menu.

3. Koho Air Hotel

Nothing says cuter than a chic boutique hotel on an island for honeymooners. Koho Air Hotel may not have a beachfront view, but the hotel is surrounded by palm trees and a garden, giving you enough tropical vibe without going overboard. The big swimming pool is literally a few steps from your room. Heavy on community and sustainability, Koho Air will make your stay far from uneventful.

The classic combo of white and blue paint will transport you to Mykonos — minus the sea view. After you cycle, walk around the island, or snorkel, pamper your body at Koho Air’s rooftop spa for a well-deserved rejuvenation. Then head to the bar to get the Koho Punch smoothies or take it up a notch with Kohojito while waiting for the day to end.

4. Coco Republic

When you stay at Coco Republic, you’ll think of the palm trees. The private villa with the thatched roofs makes a perfect love nest for newlyweds. But the beachfront view with the bonus of main Lombok Island in the background is the million-dollar view of the hotel. Though the beach vibe is strong at Coco Republic, the lush garden with coconut trees truly makes you want just to kick back and relax.

While you can have the ocean view to accompany your breakfast, it’s the prime location that makes us swoon. Coco Republic is just a few minutes from Turtle Point, one of the best diving sites in Gili Air. After marveling at the spectacular sight of the Hawksbill and green turtles, nothing feels better than having a cold beer.

5. L'Archipel

L’Archipel may not have the beach view, but the nine individual villas will get you head over heels for the place. Each villa has a wooden terrace to boost your morning spirit while enjoying breakfast and coffee. The garden feels like an oasis, and we bet you won’t miss the ocean view much because the beach is less than a five-minute walk from the villa.

Combining the island’s style with a thatched roof and natural stone elements, each corner of L’Archipel brings out the French elegance. When hunger strikes, the in-house restaurant will make your tummy happy. Whether you crave Nasi Goreng, a bowl of pasta, or fresh tropical fruits, you can have them all at the restaurant with fresh juice or a cold Bintang beer.

1. Scallywags Restaurant

Can you find a better combo than devouring the savory garlic-butter prawns under the stars and by the beach? That’s what Scallywags does best. Saying the place is only a seafood paradise is an understatement. Among many restaurants you can find on the map of Gili Trawangan, Scallywags probably has the most extensive menu. Whether you crave Tuna Pepper Steak, Grilled Teriyaki Mahi-Mahi, Chili con Carne, or Thai Curry, expect Scallywags to pamper your taste buds.

Come dinner time, it’s not only the freshest seafood delivered to your table. You get the most stunning golden hour and the occasional live acoustic to make your dining under the wooden pergolas even more tropical! Add Cosmopolitan and Pina Colada to complete your dinner, and we guarantee you will want to come back the next evening for another good time at Scallywags.

2. Coffee & Thyme Gili Trawangan

You won’t expect to find a chic cafe like Coffee and Thyme in Gili T. The moment you walk in the morning, get ready to smell the freshly and strong brewed coffee. Wait until you taste the Golden Crispy Pancake or Nestled Egg (it’s poached eggs, by the way), then you know why the place always brims with people. Are you looking for a vegan menu? There is nothing that Vegan Bolognese cannot fix on your lunch menu.

The cafe’s rustic décor with hanging ferns will fit right into the Canggu vibe. And while you have a spoonful of the colorful Avocado Choco or Sunrise smoothie bowl, every corner is Insta-worthy. Head to the second floor to get a full view of the beach and the ocean. Don’t blame us if you want a second serving of the Carrot Cake or the cafe’s signature Crème Brulee Coffee.

3. Pearl Beach Lounge

Think of sitting inside a grand bamboo structure with the turquoise water and white sand beach below and having a Spanish Potato Tortilla. Pearl Beach Lounge prides itself in delivering organic and locally sourced ingredients, whether you go for an Egg Benedict for breakfast or an Asian Bruschetta Platter for lunch. Fancy for a pizza slice? The thin crust of chicken curry will allow you to finish a portion by yourself.

Once the evening falls, Pearl Beach Lounge shifts from a chic beach club to an intimate dining destination. While you cannot see the ocean, the warm lights in the lounge set the mood while you sip Singapore Sling or Lady Killer. Once you finish the smoky Roasted Tiger Prawns, don’t skip the Coconut Cheese Cake to make your evening even sweeter.

4. Gili Teak Beach Club

Gili T is full of beach bars, but for us, nothing comes close to the quintessential beach bar vibe like Gili Teak Beach Club. Go barefoot before you sit on the bar stool, snacking Gambas Al Ajillo with a beer in your hands and chatting with the bartender. As the sun dips, it’s your cue to order the Sizzling Fajita Plate or Coconut Chicken Wrap along with the lychee mojito to start your evening.

Hit the dance floor — still barefoot, we hope — as the Gili Teak Beach Club attracts more people. Imagine dancing under the moonlight with the ocean breeze, dimmed fairy lights, and Pina Colada. Nothing says tropical holiday in paradise like spending your evening at Gili Teak Beach Club, even if you need to order a Chicken Burger afterward, but who cares, right?

5. The Banyan Tree

Set your worry aside about finding vegetarian and vegan restaurant food in Gili T. The Banyan Tree will casually serve you Buddha Bowl or Polenta Fries as if you sit in a cafe in Ubud. Set your eyes on The Pulled Pork Sandwich, which is made of jackfruit and served with sweet potato fries. If you crave something warm and spicy, you can never go wrong with Ramen.

The open-air space, green paint, and exposed bricks are already iconic in Gili T. Add the giant banyan tree — thus the name — and you get a mix of rustic décor, beach vibe, and healthy food rolled into one. And before you finish the Lemongrass Cooler, bury your toes in the sand, close your eyes, and you’ll know Gili T can also be peaceful.