Among the three Gilis, Trawangan is the largest and features the most vibrant nightlife, attracting crowds of party-lovers from all over the world. Offering a range of pubs, beach clubs and lounges, here are our eight picks for the best bars in Gili Trawangan. Add these to your bucket list, STAT.
1. Malibu Beach Club
Head to Malibu Beach Club at sunset, when the sky is awash with incredible shades pink, red and gold. Besides the breathtaking scenery, this beach club also provides an elaborate cocktail menu and amazing light bites to complete your laid-back and sophisticated evening out on Gili Trawangan.
2. Pesona Indian and Shisha Lounge
Chill out on comfy cushions clustered around low-slung tables overlooking the Indian Ocean. Pesona is one of many shisha lounges located on the island, but Pesona Indian stands out with its relaxed and secluded ambience. There’s also a full menu of Indian cuisine and snacks if you feel like having something to eat as well.
3. Karma Kayak Tapas Bar
Karma Kayak Tapas Bar features stellar service, dramatic ocean vistas and delicious cocktails. As you’ve probably guessed by the name, Karma Kayak’s menu includes awesome Spanish tapas perfect for sharing with a groups of friends and various small fusion bites to sample once you start feeling hungry.
4. Pearl Beach Lounge
Nestled under a huge bamboo roof, Pearl Beach Lounges really catches the eye. The tropical elegance of the venue along with its amazing signature cocktails attract tourists of all ages. Despite its south-eastern position, you can still expect to witness jaw-dropping sunsets, so dress up and treat yourself to a sophisticated evening out at the Pearl, one of the chicest bars in Gili Trawangan.
5. Wilson’s Bar and Cuisine
Set in the northern part of the island, Wilson’s Bar and Cuisine is a cosy seafront venue offering a wide selection of fine wine and divine cocktails along with mouth-watering French cuisine. Relish the stunning views and laid-back ambience, and enjoy every moment of your paradisal getaway.
6. Sama Sama Bar
One of the most vibrant establishments on the island, Sama Sama Bar attracts young travellers to listen to reggae music and savour signature cocktails while hanging out and socialising with the cool kids. The bar throws regular parties and invites talented bands to play a wide range of music.
7. Paradise Sunset Bar
One of the pioneers on the island’s bar scene, Paradise Sunset Bar is a gorgeous spot to sip an ice cold beer, people watch and admire the incredible sunset that the sandy shores reflect like a mirror during low tide. If you’re feeling peckish, the venue serves delicious, authentic Indonesian cuisine at a superb value.
8. Diversia Restaurant and Lounge
What makes Diversia Restaurant and Lounge really stand out is its amazing homemade ginger beer – a real find for the beer lovers. There is also a great selection of cocktails and mocktails available and as ever in the tropics, an ample range of smoothies and fresh juices to quench your thirst with.
In addition to the great restaurants and cool bars in Gili Trawangan, the island offers stunning tropical scenery and far fewer tourists than neighbouring Bali.
If you’ve caught the travel bug, check out Ministry of Villa’s curated collection of villas in Gili Trawangan or contact our villa specialist to find out more about our service.
