Port information & tips for Gili Trawangan
Gili Trawangan is the radiant jewel of the Gili Islands off the coast of Lombok and embodies the ultimate Indonesian island paradise. The car-free island impresses with its relaxed flair, crystal-clear water and powdery white sand beaches that invite you to dream. Cultural and natural highlights include the fascinating underwater sculptures of "NEST", the lively Gili Trawangan Night Market with its culinary delights and the turtle sanctuary directly on the beach. As there is no deep-water harbor on site, cruise ships anchor at sea and bring guests safely to the central Gili Trawangan Jetty by tender boat. From this landing stage, travelers are right in the heart of the action, where the entire island can be easily explored on foot or by bicycle.
Gili Trawangan, the largest of the three Gili Islands, is a picturesque cruise port primarily accessible by plane followed by a boat trip. Since the island is car-free, a relaxed island atmosphere awaits you, with the port serving as the central hub on the eastern side of the island. It is functionally designed and provides the necessary infrastructure for speedboats and ferry connections.
Airplane
For guests from the DACH region, travel to Gili Trawangan is usually a fly-and-cruise journey. The most popular international destination airport is Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) on Bali, located about 105 kilometers away, which is served from Germany, Austria, and Switzerland with stopovers. An alternative is Lombok International Airport (LOP), which is closer to Gili Trawangan at around 53 kilometers, but offers fewer international direct connections.
Onward journey by boat
From Bali, the journey continues by speedboat from various ports such as Padang Bai, Serangan, or Sanur. The crossing to Gili Trawangan takes about 1.5 to 2.5 hours depending on the departure port, with many speedboat providers including a hotel shuttle service on Bali. From Lombok (LOP), you first travel for about 90 minutes to 2 hours by car or taxi to one of the coastal ports like Teluk Nare or Bangsal, followed by a short 10- to 15-minute speedboat ride directly to the island.
Pre-cruise hotel
Due to the long international flight times and the required boat crossing, it is strongly advised to arrive at least one day before the planned embarkation and to schedule an overnight stay in a pre-cruise hotel in Bali or on Lombok. This allows for a relaxed start to your cruise, as you can react flexibly to any flight delays or changing weather conditions for the boat crossing. Although the port facilities on Gili Trawangan are well-equipped with ticket counters and waiting areas, it can happen upon arrival that you have to wade through shallow water at low tide.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that with your travel documents, you will generally receive a fixed time slot for check-in, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for the journey to the port accordingly and take into account that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination - is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The following also applies during the journey: for shore excursions, you should be back on board no later than one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements as well as the notices on board, as mooring and departure times can change at short notice.
Gili Trawangan, the largest of the three Gili Islands, is a picturesque cruise port primarily accessible by plane followed by a boat trip. Since the island is car-free, a relaxed island atmosphere awaits you, with the port serving as the central hub on the eastern side of the island. It is functionally designed and provides the necessary infrastructure for speedboats and ferry connections.
Airplane
For guests from the DACH region, travel to Gili Trawangan is usually a fly-and-cruise journey. The most popular international destination airport is Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) on Bali, located about 105 kilometers away, which is served from Germany, Austria, and Switzerland with stopovers. An alternative is Lombok International Airport (LOP), which is closer to Gili Trawangan at around 53 kilometers, but offers fewer international direct connections.
Onward journey by boat
From Bali, the journey continues by speedboat from various ports such as Padang Bai, Serangan, or Sanur. The crossing to Gili Trawangan takes about 1.5 to 2.5 hours depending on the departure port, with many speedboat providers including a hotel shuttle service on Bali. From Lombok (LOP), you first travel for about 90 minutes to 2 hours by car or taxi to one of the coastal ports like Teluk Nare or Bangsal, followed by a short 10- to 15-minute speedboat ride directly to the island.
Pre-cruise hotel
Due to the long international flight times and the required boat crossing, it is strongly advised to arrive at least one day before the planned embarkation and to schedule an overnight stay in a pre-cruise hotel in Bali or on Lombok. This allows for a relaxed start to your cruise, as you can react flexibly to any flight delays or changing weather conditions for the boat crossing. Although the port facilities on Gili Trawangan are well-equipped with ticket counters and waiting areas, it can happen upon arrival that you have to wade through shallow water at low tide.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that with your travel documents, you will generally receive a fixed time slot for check-in, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for the journey to the port accordingly and take into account that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination - is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The following also applies during the journey: for shore excursions, you should be back on board no later than one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements as well as the notices on board, as mooring and departure times can change at short notice.
As the idyllic island of Gili Trawangan is completely car-free, your shore excursion begins right in the heart of the action at the central pier. Onward travel is particularly natural and uncomplicated thanks to the short distances and relaxed atmosphere.
On Foot
The center, with its charming restaurants and shops, is located directly at the pier and can be reached within a few moments. A relaxed stroll along the coastal road also leads you quickly to the island's most beautiful swimming spots.
Cidomos (Horse-drawn carriages)
These traditional horse-drawn carriages serve as a local taxi substitute and wait for arriving guests directly at the port. They offer a comfortable way to reach even more remote resorts or quieter stretches of beach on the west side of the island with ease.
Bicycles
Directly in the port area, you will find numerous rental stations offering bicycles for the duration of your stay. Thanks to the flat paths and the absence of motorized traffic, this is an ideal option for flexibly circling the entire island in about one hour.
To experience the car-free idyll of Gili Trawangan at its best, exploring the coastal highlights by bicycle or horse-drawn carriage is recommended, allowing you to enjoy the paradisical nature and charming island flair directly from the pier.
The Port Center on the East Coast
The lively arrival point impresses with its colorful mix of inviting cafes and small boutiques directly on the turquoise sea and, thanks to its central location, is the perfect starting point for an initial stroll across the island.
Turtle Point
This famous coastal section in the northeast is a true paradise for nature lovers and, thanks to its clear, shallow water, offers the ideal opportunity to observe majestic sea turtles and colorful fish while snorkeling directly from the beach.
The West Coast and Sunset Point
The quieter side of the island fascinates with its iconic swings in the shallow water and extensive white sandy beaches; furthermore, the relaxed atmosphere allows for an unforgettable view of the Indian Ocean and the silhouette of the neighboring islands.
Turtle Point
The famous Turtle Point on the northeast coast of Gili Trawangan is easily accessible from the pier in about a fifteen-minute walk or a short ride in a traditional horse-drawn carriage and offers the fascinating opportunity to observe sea turtles directly while snorkeling in crystal-clear water. Thanks to the excellent infrastructure with cozy beach clubs, shaded sun loungers, and first-class gastronomy directly on the white sandy beach, you can enjoy an exclusive island experience in a relaxed atmosphere. It is best to visit this section of the coast in the morning to experience the gentle sea creatures in optimal visibility conditions, and ideally plan your return journey to the harbor sixty minutes before the last tender ride.
The way back to the central port on the east coast of Gili Trawangan is extremely relaxed and safe thanks to the car-free zone and the short distances.
Horse-drawn carriages (Cidomos)
The traditional horse-drawn carriages are the island's official taxis and are available at any time at the central port square and in front of larger resorts such as Villa Ombak. Thanks to the fixed stands and local drivers, you can reach the pier comfortably and on time, while also being able to have heavy bags or souvenirs transported directly to the dock with ease.
Bicycles and E-bikes
Since most visitors explore the island by rental bike, you can simply drop your bicycle off at one of the numerous rental shops along the main road Jalan Pantai or in the immediate vicinity of the port. The drop-off stations are often just a few steps from the pier, allowing you to remain flexible until the last moment and start your way back to the tender boat quickly and easily.
On Foot
The return journey on foot is particularly straightforward due to the flat paths along the lively waterfront promenade and offers perfect orientation thanks to the constant visual connection to the sea. From the popular night market or the art market Pasar Seni, you can stroll directly to the harbor pier in just a few moments, which, as the central meeting point of the island, is easy to find at any time.
