Gili Trawangan

Passengers tender to the island.

Gili Trawangan is Lombok's largest Gili and the only one rising significantly above sea level. It is 3km by 2km, with about 1000 inhabitants. Trawangan has the most tourist facilities of the Gilis; Tîr na Nôg pub claims it is the world's smallest island with an Irish pub. Its eastern side is most crowded.

The Gili islands are known for friendly people and a complete tropical-paradise feel. White coral beaches and warm inviting water suit snorkelling, sunbathing and diving. Aquatic life is extraordinarily diverse: turtles, sting rays, reef sharks, baracudas and countless large and small fish live just offshore.

Some early Gili Trawangan residents were Sulawesi fishermen and farmers. The island was once covered in forest and home to deer.

Gili Trawangan, like the other two Gilis, has no motorized vehicles. Locals rent bicycles to visitors, and cidomo, a small horse-drawn carriage, is another main option. Motorized boats and speedboats are usually used to travel between the Gilis.

Coral reefs create safe swimming lagoons and excellent snorkelling and diving, while white-sand beaches are ideal for sunbathing and relaxation. Tourism has diversified across the islands, from large family villas near fun-oriented beaches and secluded romantic interior getaways to energetic backpacker zones packed with nightclubs and all kinds of vices.

ATMs are common in Indonesia's major cities.

Use credit cards carefully because cloning and fraud are a major Indonesian problem. Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted, but American Express may cause difficulties. Smaller businesses commonly add 2-5% above cash prices.

Indonesian, or Bahasa Indonesia, is the sole official language.

Internet prices vary greatly and quality usually reflects the price, but expect around Rp 5,000 per hour. In major cities, some shopping malls, McDonald restaurants and Starbucks cafes have free hotspots. Some hotel lobbies provide them free too.

Mobile-phone emergency number: 112.