Are there cars or scooters on Gili Trawangan?

No — motorized vehicles are banned across all three Gili Islands. Getting around is done by bicycle, cidomo (horse cart), or on foot.

How do I get around Gili Trawangan?

Most visitors either walk (for the main strip) or rent a bicycle to cover more of the island, with cidomo carts available for luggage or longer distances.

Is Gili Trawangan easy to get around without a bike?

Yes, if you're staying near the main strip — it's compact and walkable — though a bike makes it far easier to see the quieter parts of the island.

Gili IslandsSun, Aug 9, 20265 min read

Getting Around Gili Trawangan: Cidomo, Bicycles & Walking

Gili Trawangan has no cars or motorbikes — it's one of the island's defining features, and it changes how you'll get around compared to most other destinations in Indonesia. Here's how travelers actually move around the island.

Why There Are No Motorized Vehicles

Gili Trawangan, along with Gili Air and Gili Meno, has banned cars and scooters for years, partly to preserve the islands' quiet, car-free character and partly for practical reasons — the islands are small enough that motorized transport isn't necessary for most trips. The result is a noticeably different pace than mainland Bali, with bicycles, cidomo carts, and walking covering nearly all local transport.

Walking

Gili Trawangan's main strip, where most restaurants, dive shops, and beach bars are concentrated, is entirely walkable, and many travelers staying near the harbour area get around almost exclusively on foot for day-to-day errands. A full walk around the island's coastline takes a few hours at an easy pace.

Bicycle

Renting a bicycle is the most popular way to see the whole island in a single outing. A full loop of the coastline takes roughly 1.5 to 2 hours at a relaxed pace, passing the busy east-side strip, quieter beaches on the west, and small local neighborhoods inland. Bikes are widely available for rent by the day from shops near the harbour and along the main strip, and the island's flat, mostly sandy-paved paths make cycling manageable for most fitness levels.

Cidomo (Horse Cart)

The cidomo is Gili Trawangan's traditional horse-drawn cart and doubles as both a practical transport option — particularly for luggage between the harbour and accommodation — and a novelty ride for visitors. Cidomos can be flagged down near the harbour and main strip, with fares typically negotiated on the spot.

Getting From the Harbour to Your Accommodation

If your accommodation is a short walk from the harbour, you likely won't need transport at all. For anything further, or if you're carrying luggage, a cidomo is usually the easiest option — many guesthouses and hotels can also arrange pickup.

Tips for Getting Around

Rent a bike on your first morning to get oriented before deciding where to base your time.
Cycle early in the day — the paths get warm and busier by midday.
Agree on a cidomo fare before you get in, since prices aren't fixed or metered.
Wear closed shoes or sandals with grip for walking on the island's mix of sand and paved paths, especially at night when lighting is limited away from the main strip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there cars or scooters on Gili Trawangan?: No — motorized vehicles are banned across all three Gili Islands. Getting around is done by bicycle, cidomo (horse cart), or on foot.
How do I get around Gili Trawangan?: Most visitors either walk (for the main strip) or rent a bicycle to cover more of the island, with cidomo carts available for luggage or longer distances.
How long does it take to cycle around Gili Trawangan?: A full loop of the coastline takes roughly 1.5 to 2 hours at a relaxed pace.
Is Gili Trawangan easy to get around without a bike?: Yes, if you're staying near the main strip — it's compact and walkable — though a bike makes it far easier to see the quieter parts of the island.

My Day Gili runs fast boat transfers to Gili Trawangan and can point you toward reliable bike rental once you arrive. Message our team on WhatsApp for tips.