A Laid-Back Island Escape Full of Budget-Friendly Fun
Gili Trawangan is a perfect pick for families if you’re looking for a tropical getaway that’s both adventurous and easy on the wallet. This small island off the coast of Lombok, Indonesia, offers white sand beaches, warm turquoise waters, and plenty of ways to enjoy the outdoors — no pricey attractions or busy schedules required.
Although Gili T is the largest of the three Gili Islands, it’s still wonderfully small — you can bike the entire perimeter in just over an hour. No cars are on the island; instead, locals and tourists get around by bicycle, motor scooter, or horse-drawn carts. Its laid-back vibe, swaying palms, and kid-friendly beach spots make it a great stop for families looking to unwind while still having plenty to explore.
Here are our favourite free or low-cost activities to enjoy on Gili T with kids.
Visit Turtle Point
As the name suggests, Turtle Point is one of the best places to see sea turtles up close — and often just a few metres from shore! Turtles munch on sea grass in the shallows, and lucky swimmers can spot them surfacing for air or drifting along the current.
Finding the real Turtle Point can be tricky. Multiple signs point to different areas, but your best bet is to head to the island’s northeast side near the beach area with bean bags and snorkel rentals. (Tip: Search for “Turtle Paradise or Turtle Point” on Google Maps for better accuracy.) After a couple of tries — and some help from locals — we found the right spot. Within minutes, a turtle popped its head up from the water, and the boys were already racing for their snorkels!
Take a Snorkel or Dive Tour (Or Make Your Own)
The Gili Islands are part of a vibrant coral reef system filled with tropical fish, sea turtles, and underwater sculptures. While there are plenty of tours available — especially the popular island-hopping snorkel trips to Turtle Point, the Bask Nest statue, and Gili Meno — many can feel overcrowded, with people fighting to get a glimpse of a lone turtle, especially by mid-morning.
We opted for a DIY kayak-and-snorkel tour, and it was a highlight of our time on Gili T. We rented kayaks at 8:00 a.m. before the crowds, paddled twenty minutes across to Gili Meno to visit the hauntingly beautiful Bask Nest statue. As you swim close to the sculpture, the stunning figures embracing each other in a circle create a moving and almost eerie experience.
Afterward, we paddled to Turtle Point and snorkelled in warm, crystal-clear water. With no crowds around, we had an unforgettable experience — seeing turtles, pufferfish, a lobster, and a rainbow of reef fish in peace.
Not only was it more intimate, but it also cost half the price of the boat tours and gave us a great workout!
Bike Around the Island
Biking is one of the best ways to explore Gili T — and it’s fun for kids too. Rentals are cheap (around $3–4 USD per day) and easy to find. Many hotels offer bikes right on-site.
The perimeter trail offers scenic ocean views, beach stops, and plenty of little cafes and snack stalls to pop into. The interior roads can be muddy and rough, especially after rain, but they’re fun for short detours. Our favourite part? Hopping off to cool down in the ocean whenever we wanted.
Have a Classic Beach Day
Sometimes the best days are the simplest ones. With soft, white sand and calm, turquoise water, Gili Trawangan is perfect for beach fun. Build sandcastles, collect seashells, splash in the waves, or kick back and relax.
What makes Gili T especially great for families is that you can snorkel right from shore—pop on your mask and fins and swim out a few metres to spot colourful fish and maybe even a sea turtle or two. The beaches along the island’s eastern side tend to have the clearest water and gentlest waves for young swimmers.
Set up near a beach café so you can easily grab snacks or a cold drink while the kids play. Bring a bucket, a few shovels, and lots of sunscreen—and you have the perfect family afternoon.
Catch the Sunset at Sunset Point
Located at the southwest tip of the island, Sunset Point lives up to its name. Bring a blanket or grab a beachside seat at one of the local bars or cafes. Watching the sun dip below the horizon with the sky turning brilliant shades of orange and pink was a beautiful way to end the day.
Ferry to Lombok
If you’re looking for a change of scenery, consider a day trip to Lombok, the larger island just a short ferry ride from Gili Trawangan.
Unlike Gili T’s laid-back beach vibe, Lombok offers lush jungle landscapes, towering volcanoes, waterfalls, and vibrant local villages. You’ll find opportunities to explore local markets and take a short hike to scenic viewpoints and hidden waterfalls.
While we didn’t make this trip ourselves, it’s a great option for families looking to add a bit of cultural exploration or adventure to their beach holiday. Be sure to book through a reputable ferry company and check in advance to confirm return times, especially if you’re only going for the day.
Where We Stayed
We stayed at Villa Pine Tree, a gorgeous inland resort about a 20-minute walk from the ferry terminal. The staff, especially Ronnie, the manager, were warm and welcoming, greeting us with fresh orange juice and helping us settle.
The resort is designed with families in mind, with a large pool, clean modern rooms, and a peaceful atmosphere. As a splurge, we stayed in one of the two private villas, which featured a private pool, outdoor kitchen, and two suites. It felt like our own tropical hideaway.
How to Get to Gili T
Many fast boats run between Bali and the Gili Islands. Be sure to do your research — not all boats are created equal. Public ferries are not recommended. They are overcrowded, lack safety standards, and are slow, often taking up to 6 hours to arrive at the islands.
We chose Gili-Gili Fast Boat, which has a solid safety record and a travel time of approximately 1.5 hours from Padang Bai. It cost USD 25 per person and left us feeling much more confident than some of the other options we researched.
Note: The boat trip can be rough, especially on windy days. If anyone in your family is prone to motion sickness, plan ahead with medication.
A Great Stop for Families
Gili Trawangan is a perfect blend of relaxation and activity, with plenty of options for families who love the outdoors. Whether swimming with turtles, cycling the street, or kayaking between islands, Gili T offers big fun with a small footprint — and a price tag that won’t break your budget.
It’s a place where kids can run barefoot, spot fish from the shore, and end the day with a splash in the pool — and for us, that’s what travel is all about.
Ready to Explore Indonesia?
Check out these related posts to help plan your trip:
- Deep in the Sumatra Jungle: A Family Orangutan Trek in Indonesia
- A One-Day Family Adventure in Komodo National Park, Indonesia
