Gili Trawangan: No Motorbikes, First Scuba
A transition from Bali’s noise to the horse-drawn silence of the Gili Islands.
After three months in Bali, I needed a break from the constant noise of motorbikes. I chose Gili Trawangan for its slower pace and the unique absence of motorized transport.
The Gili islands feel like a world apart. You move between them by local boat, and horses are still the primary way to move heavy goods. I visited during the off-season, which meant fewer tourists and significant discounts on scuba courses and hotels. Even the occasional rain felt like a welcome break from the heat.
Getting to the Islands
I took a boat from Sanur, leaving the crowds behind for something much smaller. When I arrived, the first thing I noticed was the silence. Life on the island is dictated by the water, and everything from beaches to dive centers is within easy walking distance.
