Responsible Travel: Gili Trawangan

Cultural Respect

Maintain cultural respect during your visit.

Local Customs

Observing local customs makes for a more respectful and fulfilling visit.

Dress Modestly

General Modesty

Dress modestly when appropriate, especially when walking through local villages.

Religious Sites

Dress modestly when visiting religious sites.

Footwear Protocol

Remove your shoes before entering homes, some guesthouses, and shops.

Interaction Norms

Right Hand Use

Use your right hand for transactions, eating, and giving or receiving items. The left hand is impure.

Polite Bargaining

Bargain politely in markets, but do so with a smile and good humor.

Noise Levels

Be mindful of noise levels, especially at night, as locals live on the island.

Social Conduct

Drug Laws

Be aware of potential drug offers; Indonesia has extremely strict drug laws with severe penalties. Do not engage.

Vehicle Ban

Respect local customs and traditions, including the ban on motorized vehicles.

Local Phrases

Learn basic Bahasa Indonesia phrases to show appreciation for the local culture.

Giving Back to the Destination

Direct support for local endeavors benefits the community.

Support Local Initiatives

Support local businesses directly.
Choose locally owned guesthouses, restaurants, and tour operators.
Participate in beach cleanups or support local conservation efforts, like the Gili Eco Trust.
If you wish to contribute, donate to reputable local charities or schools focused on long-term community development.

Sustainable Travel Practices

Your choices contribute to the island's health.

Environmental Care

Minimize plastic waste by using Reusable water bottles (refill at water stations).
Carry reusable shopping bags.
Conserve water and energy in your accommodation.
Use reef-safe sunscreen to protect the delicate coral ecosystem.

Marine Protection

Specific actions for marine environment preservation.

Coral Reef Interaction

Do not touch corals when snorkeling or diving.
Avoid standing on corals at all times.
Do not disturb marine animals.
Observe marine life from a respectful distance.

Waste Disposal

Dispose of waste properly.
Use designated bins across the island.
Avoid littering, especially in coastal areas.
Keep plastics out of the ocean.

Water Conservation

Take shorter showers.
Turn off lights and AC when leaving rooms.
Report any leaks in your accommodation.
Be mindful of water usage, a precious resource.

Community Contribution

Your contribution directly supports the well-being of the local people and ecosystem.

Next Destination Recommendations

Gili Trawangan often serves as a springboard for further exploration of Indonesia.

Where to Go Next

For more diving/snorkeling:
Komodo National Park (Flores) or Raja Ampat (West Papua) offer world-class marine biodiversity.
For culture/adventure:
Explore Lombok further. Hike Mount Rinjani, discover its waterfalls, or visit Sasak villages.
Diverse Experience:
Combine the Gili Islands with Bali and Lombok for a diverse Indonesian experience.

Return Visit Suggestions

Wet Season Visit:
Consider returning during the wet season for quieter beaches and potential surfing opportunities.
Certified Diver:
If you came as a beginner, return as a certified diver to explore more advanced dive sites.
New Facets:
The island reveals new facets with each visit.

Complementary Skills

Photography Skills

Explore photography courses on Skillshare.

Capture your next adventure with artistry.

Travel Journaling

Document your experiences through writing.

Reflect on personal growth and cultural insights.

Indonesian History

Dive into Indonesia's rich history.

Gain a broader context for your journey.

Future Adventures

The Indonesian archipelago offers endless exploration for every traveler.

Practical Departure Tips

Ensure a smooth exit from the island and your journey home.

Departure Timing

Allow ample time for boat transfers from Gili Trawangan.
Delays can occur due to sea conditions or boat capacity.
For international flights, plan to arrive at the airport 2-3 hours before departure.
Confirm your return flights and transfers, including land transport segments.

Return Trip Logistics

Pack your belongings according to airline baggage rules.
Ensure you have all your important documents readily accessible for your journey home.
Purchase souvenirs a day or two before your departure to avoid last-minute rushing.
If buying large items, inquire about shipping options from Lombok or Bali.

VAT Refunds If Applicable

Points

Indonesia has a VAT refund scheme for tourists.
It applies to certain goods.
Not widely implemented or easy to claim for most general tourist purchases.
Do not rely on this as a significant saving, especially on Gili Trawangan.

Document Safekeeping

Keep digital copies of all important documents.
Have physical copies as well.
Store copies separately from your originals.
Include passport, visa, insurance, and reservations.

Smooth Journey

Double-check all final arrangements.

Responsible Travel