Wanting to hike Gili T is not usually at the top of the wish list for a visitor to the tropical island paradise that lays just off the west coast of Lombok. In reality, the vast majority of tourists are there for the pristine beaches, endless views and all night partying that the island provides. For those that are looking for something different, or even just to get the blood flowing, there are certainly a couple of options in the form of a Gili Trawangan hike.
Gili Trawangan Island Hike
For an island that is mostly flat, it’s pretty easy to find your way around. Just lace up the shoes and hit the road! A walk around the village area of the island can provide plenty to keep one occupied. Narrow, sandy gangs with walls on either side and trees to keep the midday sun at bay provide for a relaxing afternoon out.
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If a bit more of a blood rush is what you’re after, the best Gili Trawangan hike option is definitely the circumnavigation of the island itself. In distance, it is just over 6 kms around, but don’t be fooled. This hike will take you the best part of two hours to complete. The track, which follows the waters edge, is mostly sandy with areas that are cobbled or roughly paved. Be prepared to dodge tourists on pushbikes and the occasional horse and cart, but otherwise you should have the walk pretty much to yourself. This particular Gili Trawangan hike is best completed in the morning or late afternoon in order to miss the heat of the day, and be prepared for it to take extra time if you decide to stop for the inevitable cocktail or beer whilst soaking in some views!
Gili Trawangan Hill Hike
The hidden gem on Gili T, however, is a hike that is hardly mentioned on any guides for the island. As already mentioned, Gili Trawangan is mostly flat. What stands it apart from its neighbors of Gili Air and Gili Meno, however, is a hill on the southern side with a radio tower at the top. This hill is easily accessible, and shouldn’t be missed if you’re looking for a Gili T hike option.
The path itself is easy enough to locate on the southern side of the island. In fact, there are actually two paths, and any helpful local will assist if you can’t find them. A rough track will take you up the side of the hill, past an old wooden structure and a religious monument, before flattening out into a grassy area. The views are the best on the island and definitely the best place to catch both the sunrise over Mt Rinjani in the east, and the sunset over Bali in the West.
This Gili Trawangan hike is definitely worth the time to seek out. It will only take the average person 20 minutes to climb to the summit, but the views at the top make the trek worth the effort.
Insiders tip: Keep an eye open for an old Japanese bunker on the way up. A little known fact about Gili Trawangan is that during WW2 it was used as a convenient outpost and lookout. The name Trawangan is actually local for “Tunnel” and was used as such by the Japanese.
Getting there: Gili Fast Boats
Recommended for Tours: GetYourGuide
Where to stay: Agoda
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