Bad news for the shopaholics – Gili Trawangan is not the best place to enjoy retail therapy. But if you are wondering where to shop in Gili Trawangan, there are a couple of clothes stores nearby the pier, where the fast boats arrive from the other Gilis, Lombok and Bali.
Despite the rather limited selection of goods, you can be still hunt out something unusual and unique. If you want to do some shopping while vacationing on the largest of the three Gilis, take a stroll along the main street running parallel to the beach, and browse through the street stalls and small shops. You can pick up various souvenirs, tropical apparel and handmade bags and accessories. Here our picks for the best places to shop in Gili Trawangan.
1. Casa Vintage
If you are looking for something unique, head to the Casa Vintage. This tiny store offers amazing vintage apparel and accessories. Quirky hats, lace dresses, weightless tops and vintage shoes make for a fantastic gift for you fashionista-friends back home. Before releasing your inner shopaholic though, do take into account that the clothes are rather pricey compared to similar items found in the stores in Bali and Lombok.
2. Street Stalls
There are numerous street stalls lining the main road of the island, offering bright sarongs, genuine pearl jewellery, traditional souvenirs, handmade carvings and beautiful art pieces. The price can be a bit inflated, so remember to try your hand at bargaining.
A tip for travellers planning to visit Bali and Lombok after their stay on the Gilis: avoid buying souvenirs, clothes and shoes on Gili islands, as the selection here is much smaller and the prices are significantly higher. Better to wait until you get to the mainland and enjoy some serious shopping in Bali or Lombok.
Shopping in Gili Trawangan is a rather low-key affair, with only a few stores dotted across the island. While the eastern coast of the islet houses several street stalls and a couple of tiny local boutiques, the western and southern parts remain rustic. Rather than manic shopping, Gili Trawnagan is ideal for a secluded beach retreat and long seaside walks.
