Tranquility meets epic parties on Gili Trawangan. Usually referred to as Gili T, the island is part of Lombak off the coast of Bali, Indonesia. The three Gili islands are among the few remaining beach destinations that are still somewhat preserved. Investors are developing the Gilis at a dizzying pace. But for now, Gili T remains an island paradise for backpackers and nature lovers.
Pristine coral reefs surround the island and offer incredible opportunities for diving and snorkeling. Only four miles around, Gili Trawangan remains closed to motorized vehicles. You can spend your days biking around the island, practicing yoga right on the beach, and snorkeling with sea turtles.
Relax and refuel after all of that activity with fresh seafood, tropical fruit, and an ice-cold Bintang at one of the many beach-side restaurants. Then, hit the west coast to watch sunset views of the volcanoes on Bali. When chill time ends, head to Gili T’s legendary party zone on the east side of the island.
At night Gili T lights up with live music, DJs, and major blow-out parties, many of which take place in the island’s most celebrated hostels. Let’s take a look at some of our favorite hostels so that you can relax and find your groove on the island of Gili Trawangan.
Broken Compass is one of the busiest hostels on the eastern coast of Gili T. It won gold in the recent Hoscars in the ‘Most Popular Hostel in Gili Trawangan’ category, so no wonder many travelers opt for it.
Yet, the atmosphere is very chilled thanks to the spacey communal areas. They feature two pools, bean bags to laze around, table tennis, and a restaurant with a bar. The food there is amazing and the breakfasts are free. They include toasts, pancakes, fruits, coffee, and tea. And even though they are simple, they are a perfect way to start your day.
However, the highlight of the hostel is definitely the staff. They will make you feel at home right upon your arrival and are happy to assist you with anything you might need during your stay. What’s more, the whole hostel is always spotlessly clean.
Hostelworld awarded My Mate’s Place the 2019 prize for Best Hostel in Indonesia. My Mate’s Place even has its own app for direct bookings. The hostel offers special Mate’s Rates discounts when you book directly from their website or app. If you reserve seven days directly through the app or website, you can claim a free My Mate’s Place t-shirt. Guests also receive discounts on diving expeditions and courses.
The hostel’s in-house Jungle Bar boasts the cheapest Happy Hour drink specials on Gili T. The Jungle Bar is a popular pre-party spot for its safe, mixed drinks and frequent beer-pong tournaments.
Mad Monkey is one of the most popular hostel chains throughout Asia. Mad Monkey’s motto is, “No stress, no worries.” Mad Monkey Gili Trawangan offers guests exactly that. The hostel’s comfortable dorms and private tepees delightfully combine luxury with rustic island details. Think glamping on steroids.
Mad Monkey’s enormous infinity pool looks out over the ocean. Rest with a cold Bintang by the pool or party the night away at the hostel bar. Mad Monkey offers a wide array of daily events, including snorkeling tours, game nights, live music, beer-pong tournaments, and much more.
If your plans change, the hostel won’t charge you a cancellation fee. No worries, no stress. Plus, travel bloggers and influencers have the chance to pitch for free stays.
Gili Castle mixes old-school island charm with a serious party atmosphere. Gili Castle boasts plenty of spacious common areas. If that’s not enough, guests get free access to the facilities of the sister hotel, Gili Mansion.
Adventurous travelers can take the plunge from the top of a 6-meter climbing wall into the hostel’s enormous pool. You can practice for the big jump from a wooden bridge above the pool. Guests who book expeditions with Gili Divers get discounts on accommodation.
The lively hostel bar hosts rowdy parties featuring specialty cocktails and potent, Joss shots. If you’re a hard-core party animal, Gili Castle is the place for you. When you’re ready to ring out the toxins, you can book an on-site yoga class.
Gili Castle’s sister hostel, Gili Mansion, has a slightly more upscale vibe. Guests enter through huge castle doors opening into an opulent pool area. Realistic murals of stunning beach-scapes flank the spacious pool. Tropical plants and custom details give Gili Mansion the feel of an authentic luxury resort.
But don’t let all this luxury talk fool you. Gili Mansion hosts killer throw-downs. The bar features daily happy hours and raging nightly events. Every Sunday afternoon, the hostel hosts weekly Beats and BBQ Pool Parties with DJs and drinking games. You can try your hand at the drink discount on Wheel of Fortune, but watch out for that free-shot space.
The Exile Bar nearby hosts evening aerial yoga classes for travelers looking for a more mellow experience.
Gili Beach Bum attracts artists and musicians from all over the world. An enormous portrait of Jimi Hendrix greets you as you enter the hostel. All of the dorms and private rooms have been masterfully painted by local artist, Daniel Emet.
Gili Beach Bum proudly claims to be the first hostel on the island. Originally called Gili Hostel, the “budget hotel” changed its name when the local government banned dorm rooms of more than three beds, among other restrictions.
After the changes, Gili Beach Bum became an even more popular hotspot for socializing and partying. In the evenings, the Lava Bar comes alive with locals, ex-pats, and tourists from around the world. A Turtle Conservation area lies just 300 meters away, which makes the hostel a perfect location for volunteers.
Rustic La Boheme retains that funky island vibe. Accommodations range from colorful three-bed dorms to thatch-roofed bungalows. La Boheme offers an abundance of shared spaces, including semi-private loft areas. Comfy bean bag chairs surround the luscious, outdoor pool area, and the garden area is the perfect spot for chatting over a communal barbecue.
The palapa lounging area has an authentic bohemian flair. Brightly-patterned oriental rugs and cushions combine with bean bags and hammocks. It’s the perfect spot for digital nomads who may need to squeeze in an afternoon snooze.
La Boheme has earned Trip Advisor’s Award of Excellence for getting stellar reviews. Guests love La Boheme for its laid-back, friendly vibe. The hostel even offers free banana pancakes from 7 am to 3 pm, every day.
Gili T offers some exciting opportunities for volunteers. Eco Trust Gili Trawangan runs a number of community programs. Every Friday, the organization hosts a beach clean-up party and provides free beers to volunteers. Eco-friendly diving operations contribute funds to local fishermen to prevent coral damage and overfishing in reef areas. As a result, marine life around the island has made an astonishing comeback. Tourists who go on diving expeditions can help local divers remove illegal fishing nets.
When you’re ready for a break from Gili T, any of the hostels will be happy to book day trips to Gili Mele or Gili Air. The two smaller islands are less developed, but you’ll still find plenty to do.
