Gili Trawangan Discover Lombok Hidden Gem

MTCMEDIA – Malang. Gili Trawangan, one of the most beautiful and popular tourist destinations on the island of Lombok, is a paradise for travelers. However, beyond its stunning beauty and popularity, there are many unique and interesting facts about Gili Trawangan that you should know before visiting. Many tourists only know Gili Trawangan as a small island with beautiful beaches and pristine marine life. Here, we reveal the unique facts about Gili Trawangan that you must know.

Explore Gili Trawangan

History of Gili Trawangan

Many visitors to Gili Trawangan may not be aware of its rich history. Originally, the Karang Asem Kingdom of Bali sought to expand its territory to Lombok. The Balinese king sent Patih AA Gede Alit to occupy Lombok, and during this time, around 350 Sasak rebels (the indigenous people of Lombok) were exiled to Gili Trawangan. Another reason for this exile was the lack of prisons for these rebels.

In 1870, during the Dutch colonial period, a sailor from South Sulawesi named Wak Sokna from the Mandar Balanipa Kingdom, along with several Bugis sailors, arrived on this small island. They settled and intermarried with the Sasak people, creating a unique blend of cultures that still exists today.

The Name “Gili Trawangan”

There are two popular versions of how Gili Trawangan got its name. The first version states that in the Sasak language, “Gili” means “small island,” while “Trawangan” is derived from “Terangang,” meaning “turtle nesting place,” due to the abundance of turtles on the island at that time. Over time, “Terangang” evolved into “Trawangan.”

The second version dates back to the Japanese occupation during World War II. The Japanese used Gili Trawangan to spy on enemy ships. The Sasak people, who struggled to pronounce the word “menerawang” (spy), began calling the island “Trawangan.”

Indigenous Tribes of Gili Trawangan

The history of Gili Trawangan reveals that three main tribes inhabit the island: the Bugis, Sasak, and Mandar Balanipa. However, according to journalist Budi Hermana, the Bugis and Sasak tribes are now the dominant groups. Over time, these tribes intermarried, creating a new tribe known as the “Busak” (Bugis-Sasak).

Gili Trawangan. Photo: Traveloka.

Strategic Location of Gili Trawangan

Gili Trawangan’s strategic location makes it easily accessible and has significantly boosted tourism in both Bali and Lombok. Tourists from Bali and Lombok frequently visit Gili Trawangan, making it a favorite destination. The island is easily accessible from Bali via fast boat, with thousands of international tourists arriving daily.

Access to Gili Trawangan

From Lombok Airport

If you’re traveling from Lombok Airport, you can take the Bypass road to Mataram, continue to Senggigi, and then head to Bangsal or Teluk Nare harbor. From there, a 20-minute boat ride will take you to Gili Trawangan. Alternatively, you can book a Lombok tour package that includes a visit to Gili Trawangan.

From Bali

After enjoying your time in Bali, you can take a fast boat from Padang Bay to Gili Trawangan. The journey takes about two hours and costs around IDR 350,000 one-way per person. You can find detailed information on various websites offering fast boat services between Bali and Lombok.

From Lembar Harbor

For backpackers arriving at Lembar Harbor, public transportation is available to Senggigi. From there, you can take a shuttle bus to Bangsal or Teluk Nare harbor and then a boat to Gili Trawangan.

Unique Marine Life and Activities

Gili Trawangan, covering approximately 338 hectares, was developed as a tourist destination in the 1980s. The island is renowned for its beautiful beaches and underwater gardens. It is home to a diverse range of marine life, including various corals, colorful fish, turtles, and manta rays. Snorkeling here feels like swimming in a giant aquarium. Snorkeling equipment rental is IDR 75,000, and you can join daily snorkeling trips.

Diving and Blue Coral

Gili Trawangan is a hotspot for diving enthusiasts, famous for its rare blue coral, found only in two places worldwide: Gili Trawangan and the Caribbean Sea. The island boasts numerous dive centers offering equipment rentals and international diving certifications.

Gili Trawangan. Photo: Traveloka.

Transportation on Gili Trawangan

One of the unique aspects of Gili Trawangan is its lack of motorized vehicles. The only modes of transportation are bicycles and cidomo (horse-drawn carts). This makes the island a pollution-free zone, perfect for those seeking a fresh, clean environment. Bicycle rentals cost IDR 30,000 per hour, and a cidomo tour around the island costs IDR 150,000.

Prestigious Awards

Gili Trawangan has received several prestigious awards, including the Travellers Choice Island award from Tripadvisor, placing it among the top 100 islands globally and the top 10 in Asia. Additionally, the island set a MURI record for displaying red and white umbrellas along its main road during Indonesia’s Independence Day celebrations.