Today, the island has transformed into a lively hub of activity, but the memory of those quiet days, the untouched beauty and the pure tranquillity remains forever clear in my heart. Enjoy my story from 2013. Take a walk around an island: Gili Trawangan (2013)A few days ago, I found myself in Gili Trawangan, one of the three small Gili islands just off the coast of Lombok in Indonesia. You can easily reach Gili Trawangan by fast boat from Bali and hop between the 3 Gili islands using local boats. However, this convenience comes at the cost of losing some of the island’s charm. A more authentic way to get there is by taking a traditional boat from Bangsal on Lombok. Getting your feet wet is part of the experience. If you time it right and sprint through the waves toward the boat floating a few metres from the shoreline, you might stay relatively dry. If not, no worries, you'll dry off quickly. After all, in Indonesia, the temperature hovers around 30°C every day.  What surprised me most was how many tourists stayed near the pier where the boats docked, sticking close to the bars, restaurants and hotels in that area. Yet, you can walk around the entire island in about two hours – almost in complete silence. And that’s when I discovered the breathtaking beauty of the other side of Gili Trawangan. But don't be afraid, the lively stretch near the pier is definitely also worth to be. You can sip on freshly squeezed fruit juices, indulge in delicious grilled seafood and enjoy cocktails as the sun dips below the horizon. In the evening, dining by candlelight at the water’s edge, listening to the waves kissing the shore under the moonlight, is pure magic.  But during the day, it’s absolutely worth to take a walk to the quieter side of this small yet stunning island. Every now and then, I stumbled overthere also upon charming little cafés and restaurants – perfect spots for a leisurely lunch or a refreshing drink to cool off. And take your time to enjoy. Look out towards the horizon where the sea and sky merge, blurring the line between heaven and earth. Sink into the warm sand and lose yourself in the whispers of the wind and the soft murmur of the waves. Watch as people stroll hand in hand along the endless shore, while solitary wanderers embrace the salty touch of the ocean. Feel the sand and tiny shells clinging to your legs and toes. Marvel at the drifting clouds and the birds soaring effortlessly, as if time itself has paused.  But most importantly, don’t rush. Stay long enough to witness the sea shift colours, melting into the sky as the sun takes its final breath. What could be more beautiful than that? Hanan: text, photo • 18 April 2013, updated 21 March 2025 You Might Like This Loved this one? Hanan picked a few more you might like. Your voice!
4 Comments
Kamal
21/3/2025 05:45:33
The quiet side of Gili Trawangan seems interesting to explore. I like the idea of walking around the island. Is it still possible to find peaceful spots? Gili Trawangan has changed a lot since 2013 and finding truly quiet spots is harder now. You csn find still some more peaceful places, but they’re not as untouched as before. Walking or cycling around the island is still possible, though the atmosphere is livelier than it used to be.
Giorgos Ionannidis
21/3/2025 06:00:05
Gili Trawangan feels like a dream. The quiet side makes me want to sit there and watch the sea. I can almost hear the waves, feel the breeze and smell the salty air. It must be so peaceful. Your comment will be posted after it is approved.
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