The Gili Islands in Indonesia are gaining their reputation as an alternative spot for those looking to party and have an exciting nightlife. With their growing popularity, choosing the best kind of nightlife you desire is just an easy task to do, but you still need to check this guide to make the most of your island party experience here.
In this article, we’ll share the ultimate guide for your best party island experience, help you to find the best Gili Island for parties, and take you through the best spots to experience the carefree nightlife in Gili Islands.
Which Gili Island is the Party Island?
Though each Gili has their own nightlife fun, Gili Trawangan is known as the party island among the three Gilis, with its wide choice of bars and clubs as well as its fun, laid-back atmosphere. This island is the perfect place to let loose and dance your night away with a buzzing nightlife scene, concentrated on the southeastern coast of this island around the main jetty.
And the best part? You can explore the island on foot, making it easy to hop from one bar to the next without worrying about transportation. You can definitely choose your level of nightlife with this easy access to whichever bar and lounge you want to go to, whether you want to simply enjoy the night breeze in the chilled out spots or you want to party out your night in the bars and beach clubs.
Party Schedule at Gili Trawangan
Though having a wide choice of nightlife and easy access, Gili T has a small and tight-knit community. Every night, there’s an unofficial “after party” at a designated bar, while others close around midnight. This system makes finding the action a breeze, and the late-night bar becomes a melting pot for both tourists and locals. Keep an eye out for banners on the main east side strip—they’ll point you straight to the party!
Here is the scheduled party scene you need to remember:
- Monday: Blue Marlin
- Tuesday: Tequila Sunrise
- Wednesday: Tir Na Nog (Irish Bar)
- Thursday: Pesona
- Friday: Sand Bar
- Saturday: Sama Sama Reggae
- Sunday: Evolution Bar
Live music and DJs keep the party going at the beachfront bars on Gili T’s east side. Each bar offers drink specials to quench your thirst, and many have sand seating so you can soak up the beach vibes. Other noteworthy bars include Jungle Bar, Lava Bar for Karaoke, and Rabbit Jump.
Top Spots on Gili Trawangan
- Sama Sama Reggae Bar: Reggae reigns supreme at Sama Sama! This iconic, two-story bar on Gili T is your go-to for live music almost every night. Grab a drink and mingle with the crowd – both locals and travellers flock here. With its central location, you won’t miss the jamming beats as you explore the town
- Tir Na Nog: This Irish bar, a Gili T favourite, is your one-stop shop for good times. Not only do they have a killer atmosphere, but they also boast the island’s best espresso martinis. This beachfront bar is the ideal spot to kick off any night. Want to turn your night into an epic adventure with a pre-made party plan? The Gili T Pub Crawl happens every Tuesday, Friday, and Sunday night. For 250,000 IDR, you’ll hit the hottest spots, from reggae at Sama Sama to beer pong at Evolution, and finish with live music at Tir Na Nog. Plus, you’ll even score a free shirt, shots, a bucket drink, and additional drink specials along the way. The crawl starts at 6:30 pm and ends with live music back at the Irish Bar—the perfect way to wind down.
- Pearl Beach Lounge: Forget plastic chairs and sandy toes—Pearl Beach Lounge brings a touch of luxury to Gili T’s beach bar scene. Think fancy cocktails, mouthwatering dishes, and an earthy-chic bungalow setting. Plus, the beachfront location means stunning ocean views and the sound of crashing waves as the night comes alive with music. They’re not just about drinks either—Pearl Beach Lounge serves up delicious main courses all day long.
Beyond the Nightlife: Daytime Activities and Recovery
Of course, partying all night can take its toll, so balancing it with some daytime activities and recovery time is important. It’s no secret that Gili Trawangan is a beautiful island with clear blue waters and marvellous marine life that are perfect for snorkelling or diving. You can also rent a bike and explore the island’s interior, or simply lounge on the beach and soak up some sun.
Ready to ditch the crowds and party in a unique style? Book a private cruise with Utopia Catamaran! It’s an open tour, so you will meet people on your trip, or you can book a package for up to 18 people, so gather your squad and get ready to dance the night away on the water. Plus, delicious food and drinks are included. Need some post-party pampering? Utopia’s upper deck is perfect for chilling, or treat yourself to a spa day at You Spa for ultimate recovery and relaxation.
In the Ramadan time, Gili T becomes quieter during the month, so it means there will be few to no parties that will be held at certain times. The island transforms into a tranquil haven, perfect for families, honeymooners, or anyone seeking some quality “me-time.” While solo travellers might miss the usual social buzz, it’s a fantastic opportunity to unwind and recharge. But don’t worry, your holiday wouldn’t be much affected as the business will keep open as normal except on the Eid day celebrations.
Looking for a bite to eat? No worries! Ramadan brings adjusted restaurant hours. Many local warungs focus on serving meals after sunset for breaking fast, so expect a rush around that time. Don’t fret if they’re closed during the day—you can still grab a delicious dinner later. Some warungs open before dawn to cater to the pre-fasting meal. The opening hours for the rest can vary, so it’s best to check directly with them. Western restaurants typically stick to their usual schedule, but again, a quick confirmation can prevent any disappointment.
