🚫 Things Not To Do on Gili T (Unless You Enjoy Regrets and Sunburns)
Gili Trawangan is a little slice of paradise. It has beaches that look like postcards, sunsets that deserve applause, and coconuts that taste better than anything from your local supermarket. But even paradise comes with a few traps for the unprepared traveler. To make sure your trip is all smooth sailing (and no lobster-red skin), here is a list of things you really should avoid doing on Gili T.
Quick answer: On Gili Trawangan, skip the crowded 30-person group snorkel tours, never touch the turtles or coral, do not try to swim between the islands (the currents are dangerously strong), do not leave without diving or snorkeling, never forget reef-safe sunscreen, and remember there are no cars or motorbikes, while electric scooters are illegal and cause accidents. Get around by bicycle, on foot, or by horse cart instead.
1. Do NOT book the 30-person snorkel tour (also known as the Sardine Experience) 🐟
Cheap group snorkel trips might sound like a good deal until you find yourself squashed between thirty people in bright life jackets all leaping into the water at once. Imagine chaos, fins in your face, and a turtle wishing it could swim far, far away. If you actually want to enjoy the reef, book a private snorkel trip or go diving instead.
2. Do not touch the turtles (or anything else underwater) 🐢
We are so lucky to have hundreds of turtles around the island, but remember, they are not pets, they are not props for your Instagram story, and they definitely do not want you poking them. Watch them, admire them, take all the photos you want from a respectful distance. Let the turtles live their best chill island life.
3. Do not try to swim between the islands 🌊
From the beach it looks like the other Gilis are just a short swim away. It is not. The currents around the Gilis are famously strong, and even Olympic swimmers would struggle. Stick to the boats unless you want to become tomorrow’s headline: “Confused tourist rescued at sea.”
4. Do not skip diving or snorkeling 🤿
Some visitors come to Gili T, party for days, and leave without even dipping their face in the ocean. That is like going to Paris and ignoring the Eiffel Tower. The underwater world here is incredible, with turtles, shipwrecks, and colorful reefs. Don’t miss it, and our roundup of the best snorkeling spots in Gili T shows you exactly where to start.
5. Do not forget sunscreen ☀️
The equatorial sun is not your friend. Forgetting sunscreen means turning into a “bule goreng” which literally translates to fried foreigner. Protect yourself, reapply often, and save the lobster look for actual lobsters.
6. Do not expect cars or motorbikes and please do not rent electrical scooters 🚲
There are no engines on Gili T except your own legs, bicycles, and the occasional horse cart. If you are in a rush, tough luck. This is island time. Recently a lot of electrical scooters started appearing. They are officially illegal on the island. The streets are not made for them and there have been a lot of accidents. The island is super small, so it is very easy to get around, even without electrical help.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there cars or motorbikes on Gili Trawangan?
No. Gili Trawangan is car-free and motorbike-free. You get around on foot, by bicycle, or by horse cart, and the island is small enough to cross easily without any engine.
Are electric scooters allowed on Gili T?
No. Electric scooters are officially illegal on Gili Trawangan. The narrow sandy paths are not built for them and they have caused a number of accidents, so stick to bicycles or walking.
Can you swim between the Gili islands?
No, you should not. The currents between the islands are famously strong and dangerous even for very strong swimmers. Always travel between the Gilis by boat.
Is it OK to touch the turtles when snorkeling on Gili T?
No. The turtles are wild animals, not props. Admire and photograph them from a respectful distance and never touch the turtles or the coral.
Life on Gili T is simple, but simple mistakes can turn paradise into a comedy of errors. Avoid these rookie moves and you will have more time for coconuts, sunsets, and the kind of memories you actually want to take home.
Ready to do it right? Book a private snorkel tour or message us on WhatsApp and we’ll sort out the rest.
