The Gili Islands are three beautiful small islands near Lombok, Indonesia. Lots of people visit them for their clear blue water, sunny beaches, and to just chill out. When we planned our family trip to this paradise, making a list of Gili Islands things to do was super exciting. We wanted to snorkel with turtles, ride bikes on paths with no cars, and just relax. If you’re wondering about how to get to Gili from Bali, we’ve shared our fast boat journey too! But my oldest kid really, really wanted to try paddleboarding. We didn’t just want to paddleboard anytime, though. We wanted to do it at the most magical time of day. We found a company called “Island Guide” on Gili Trawangan, and it turned into an amazing adventure our family will never forget – they even took cool drone photos! This wasn’t just something to check off our list; it was one of the very best Gili Islands things to do for anyone, especially families.
Picking the Best: Why Island Guide is Great for Gili Trawangan Fun
Gili Trawangan, or ‘Gili T’ for short, is the biggest and busiest of the three Gili Islands. Its east side, there are lots of dive shops, cafes, and places offering fun Gili Islands things to do. You can rent paddleboards pretty easily, usually for about IDR 150,000 (that’s like $10 USD) for an hour. But usually, you just get the board and that’s it.
We read online, especially on a Korean travel site, about a place called ‘Island Guide.’ What made them special? They offered a sunrise paddleboarding trip with a guide and cool drone photos and phone pictures, all for the same IDR 150,000 per person! Sometimes special trips cost a lot more, so this felt like finding a secret deal. If you’re looking for great value and awesome Gili Islands things to do with your family, Island Guide is a top choice. They didn’t just offer an activity; they offered a way to make amazing memories.
Island Guide
Jalan Raya Gili Trawangan, Gili Indah, Kec. Pemenang, Kabupaten Lombok Utara, Nusa Tenggara Bar. 83350 Indonesia
Just a tip: their sign is super small! You could easily walk right by it. We went to find it the day before, just to make sure. The people there were friendly and said we didn’t need to book ahead – just show up the next morning. That easy-going style is part of what makes the Gilis fun, and it makes planning your Gili Islands things to do nice and simple.
Early Morning Magic: A Sunrise Paddleboard Trip Like No Other!
Waking up before the sun on vacation isn’t always fun, but we were so excited for this Gili Trawangan activity. By 5:45 AM, when Gili T was still cool and quiet, we got to Island Guide. It was already busy with people! There were about 20 of us, including our family. It showed that when something is really good, people find out about it. This is definitely one of those popular Gili Islands things to do.
We got a quick safety talk and some easy tips on how to paddleboard (it’s not too hard to learn!). Then, we were ready. My wife got her own board, our 11-year-old son got his, and our 6-year-old daughter sat on the front of my board.
Pushing off from the beach. At first, we were a bit wobbly, but we got our balance fast. We started on our knees, but soon most of us were standing up, gliding on the water. The sea was so calm, like glass. But the best part was the sunrise. The sun started to come up, painting the sky with amazing colors – bright oranges, soft pinks, and deep purples. You could see the mountains of Lombok far away. It was so beautiful it made you quiet. This wasn’t just exercise; it was like being part of a beautiful painting. It’s a top reason why people love the Gili Islands things to do here. And, to make it even more special, we saw sea turtles swimming under us in the clear water! Seeing turtles is a common treat when you’re enjoying water Gili Islands things to do.
Sometimes someone would fall in (even me!), but it was just funny. The water was warm and not deep near the beach, so getting back on the board was easy. They offered life vests if needed, so it is totally safe. The whole time felt safe and fun, not hard. The sound of the water, the cool morning air, and everyone smiling – it was just pure happiness. Did you know? According to research highlighted by sources like the Blue Health Initiative, spending time in nature, especially near water, is proven to reduce stress and boost happiness!
Two super friendly guides from Island Guide paddled around with us. They helped us and were always taking cool photos and videos with their iPhones. High above us, a drone was flying, taking amazing videos of our adventure from way up high. This photo service is what makes Island Guide’s trip one of the most special Gili Islands things to do.
Saving Our Memories: The Awesome Photos and Easy Payment
Our amazing hour on the water, which included the learning time, went by so fast. When we paddled back to the beach, we were so happy, and the guides’ cameras were full of pictures. Island Guide was still impressing us. Since we have iPhones, the guides Airdropped the photos to us right away – so easy! (Android users had other ways to get their photos).
But the best photos and videos came from the drone. They were super high quality and they put them right onto our phone. They showed us, the amazing Gili Trawangan sunrise, the big ocean, and us looking like tiny adventurers. These weren’t just regular holiday photos; they were “life shots” – pro-level memories of a family trip we’ll never forget.
We only paid after we saw all our photos and videos. For our three boards, it was IDR 450,000 (about $30 USD), and we paid in cash. For a guided trip, good gear, safety, and that incredible photo and video package, it was an amazing deal. If you’re looking for Gili Islands things to do that give you a lot for your money, this is it.
Everyone Loved It: A Must-Do for Families (and Anyone!) Visiting the Gili Islands
As soon as we got off the boards, my kids were shouting, “Dad, can we do this again tomorrow?” They loved it so much! To be honest, waking up that early again was a bit much for me, but if we had more time and energy, we would have done it again and again. This is for sure one of the best Gili Islands things to do for making family memories that last.
I think kids about 9 or 10 years old can handle their own board just fine. But younger kids can ride with a parent, like our daughter did. This makes it a great choice when you’re looking for fun Gili Islands things to do that the whole family can really do together. It’s good for teamwork, makes kids feel brave, and everyone gets to see how beautiful the Gili Islands are. In fact, Gili Trawangan is a popular spot for family vacations, with many visitors looking for safe and engaging activities like this. If you’re planning a stay, we’ve reviewed some great Gili Trawangan accommodation options like Cinta Cottage and another family-friendly stay at Jambuluwuk.
Island Guide Sunrise Paddleboarding: What You Need to Know for Your Gili Trip
Here’s some info to help you plan this awesome part of your Gili Islands things to do:
- Who: Island Guide
- Where: East Beach, Gili Trawangan (look for their very small sign!)
- How Much: IDR 150,000 per person (for each board) – this includes the guided trip, drone photos/videos, and iPhone photos.
- When: Starts around 5:45 AM (might change a little with the sunrise time). The whole thing takes about 1 hour, including the learning part.
- Booking: You can usually just walk in, but it’s good to get there a few minutes early. You don’t have to pay before.
- What You Get: Good paddleboard and paddle, life vest (if you want one), safety talk and how-to, great guides on the water, and lots of photos and videos. This full package is hard to find for other Gili Islands things to do.
- Getting Photos: Phone photos by Airdrop (or other ways for Android); Drone videos/photos on your USB drive.
- Paying: Cash, after the trip and you get your photos.
Who Should Do This?
Everyone! Couples will find it romantic. Friends will have a blast. If you’re traveling alone, it’s a beautiful way to start your day. And if you’re a family looking for amazing Gili Islands things to do, this is something you’ll talk about for years.
Top Tips for Your Sunrise Paddleboarding Trip:
- Find Them Early: Really, find that tiny Island Guide sign the day before. It’ll save you stress in the morning.
- iPhone Users: Airdrop makes getting photos super fast.
- Bring Cash: Have Indonesian Rupiah money ready.
- What to Wear: Swimsuits or rash guards are a must.
- Sunscreen: Even early in the morning, the sun is strong. Put on sunscreen before you go.
- Waterproof Pouch (Maybe): The guides take great photos, but if you want your own phone for quick pictures (be careful!), a waterproof pouch is smart.
- Just Enjoy It: Forget your worries and just enjoy how beautiful everything is.
Giving up a little sleep for the Island Guide sunrise paddleboarding trip was one of the best choices we made on our whole Bali and Gili Islands vacation. If your list of Gili Islands things to do includes making memories that touch your heart, seeing an amazing sunrise, and getting awesome photos of it all, then this is for you. It’s not just something to do; it’s pure joy. Go try it – you’ll see why everyone loves it!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Is paddleboarding hard for beginners?
A: Not really! Island Guide gives you a good lesson before you start. Most people get the hang of balancing and paddling pretty quickly, especially on the calm morning water. You can start on your knees and stand up when you feel ready.
Q2: What if I fall in? Is it safe?
A: Yes, it’s safe! The water, especially near the shore where you start, is quite shallow. The guides are also there to help you. Plus, falling in the warm Gili water can be refreshing and part of the fun! They offer life vests if you’d like one for extra peace of mind.
Q3: Do I need to be a strong swimmer?
A: You don’t need to be an Olympic swimmer, but it’s good to be comfortable in the water. Since life vests are available and the guides are close by, it’s very safe. The main thing is enjoying being on the water.
Q4: Are there age limits for kids?
A: There isn’t a strict age limit. Younger kids (like our 6-year-old) can ride on the front of an adult’s board. Older kids (around 9-10+) can often manage their own board after the instruction. The guides can help you decide what’s best for your child.
Q5: What’s the best time of year to do this in the Gili Islands?
A: The Gili Islands are great most of the year! The dry season (May to September) generally has the calmest seas and sunniest skies, which is perfect for sunrise paddleboarding. However, even outside these months, mornings are often calm.
Q6: How early do I really have to wake up?
A: You’ll need to be at Island Guide around 5:45 AM. So, depending on where you’re staying on Gili Trawangan, you might need to wake up between 5:00 AM and 5:30 AM. It’s early, but trust us, watching that sunrise from your paddleboard is totally worth it!