Shopping in Gili: Your Guide to Best Souvenirs & Pearls
Are you wondering about the best places for shopping in Gili Trawangan? Finding that perfect souvenir is a true highlight of any trip to this beautiful island. On my recent visit, I found two fantastic spots for shopping in Gili that truly stood out. Today, I’m excited to share my honest experience at Oasis Souvenir and a special pearl necklace stall, where I snagged some truly unique treasures.
1. Oasis Souvenir: Easy Shopping, No Haggling Needed!
My family and I discovered Oasis Souvenir near the northern part of Gili Trawangan. It’s close to where the famous “Youn’s Kitchen” used to be, a spot many travelers might remember.
Oasis Group Gili T Lombok NTB Dusun Gili Trawangan, Gili Indah, Kec. Pemenang, Kabupaten Lombok Utara, Nusa Tenggara Bar. 83356 Indonesia
Out of all the souvenir shops I visited for shopping in Gili, this one truly impressed me. Why? Because everything has a set, clear price! It’s not always easy to find fixed-price shops when you’re shopping in Gili Trawangan, so this was a welcome surprise. We even saw what looked like the owner outside, busy dyeing clothes. This gave the place a special, local feel.
Many travelers enjoy the thrill of haggling when they’re shopping in Gili or other parts of Southeast Asia. But honestly, sometimes it can be a bit tiring. At Oasis Souvenir, every item has a price tag right on it. This means you can browse and pick out your favorites without asking about prices or worrying if you’re paying too much as a tourist. It made the whole shopping in Gili Trawangan experience so much more relaxed and enjoyable. You don’t have to stress about getting a bad deal here.
What I Found at Oasis Souvenir: Great Gili Trawangan Souvenirs
The quality of the items at Oasis was really good. You won’t find flimsy, cheap trinkets here. Instead, there were many beautiful things that truly captured the feeling of Gili Trawangan. It was fun just looking around! We bought some cute Gili keychains, a cool mosaic turtle decoration, and a few simple bracelets that you can wear every day.
All these items together cost about 290,000 Indonesian Rupiah (that’s roughly 17.80 USD). For the quality and variety, this felt like a fantastic deal. These items are perfect if you’re looking for unique gifts from Gili or something special to remember your trip by. This spot is definitely a must-visit for shopping in Gili Trawangan if you want good quality for your money.
The inside of Oasis Souvenir was clean and tidy, which is a good sign. It seems like Oasis Souvenir might be a bigger company with several stores in Indonesia. This might explain why their products are well-organized and the shop feels professional. If you plan to buy any Gili Trawangan souvenirs, you should definitely stop by here. It makes shopping in Gili simple and stress-free.
2. Finding a Pearl Necklace at The Pearl of Trawangan Stall
The second great spot I want to tell you about is a special stall where my wife found a beautiful pearl necklace. She had actually looked it up before we even arrived in Gili! Lombok, the island next to Gili Trawangan, is quite famous for its pearls. So, it makes sense that you can find these lovely Lombok pearl items right here on Gili T.
You’ll find this particular stall right in front of The Pearl of Trawangan resort. My wife had done her research and heard that this was a good place to look for pearls, so we made sure to find it. It’s a great spot for specific shopping in Gili if you’re looking for jewelry.
My Pearl Haul: Shiny Treasures from Gili Trawangan Shopping
To be honest, I wasn’t expecting much from a street stall. But wow, was I surprised! There were so many different designs of pearl necklaces and bracelets. My wife’s eyes lit up! She spent quite a bit of time trying on different pieces before choosing one.
We bought a lovely pearl necklace for 250,000 Indonesian Rupiah (which is about 15.30 USD). The pearls looked good, and for the price, we thought it was a fair deal. If you’re hoping to find sparkling pearl souvenirs while you’re shopping in Gili Trawangan, make sure to remember this stall in front of The Pearl of Trawangan resort. It’s one of the unique places for shopping in Gili.
The Unique Charm of Shopping in Gili
Shopping in Gili Trawangan isn’t just about buying things; it’s part of the island experience. Unlike big cities, Gili Trawangan offers a more laid-back atmosphere for finding keepsakes. You won’t find large shopping malls here, but instead, charming local shops and beachside stalls. This relaxed approach to shopping in Gili means you can take your time, chat with local sellers (even if you’re not haggling!), and discover items that truly reflect the island’s spirit.
Many of the items you’ll find are locally made or inspired by the ocean and island life. Think of beautiful shell crafts, handcrafted wooden sculptures, colourful sarongs, and unique jewelry. When you’re shopping in Gili, you’re often supporting local artisans and small businesses, which adds a meaningful layer to your purchases. It’s a chance to bring a piece of Gili home with you, far beyond just a souvenir.
Beyond the specific shops I mentioned, you’ll find plenty of other opportunities for shopping in Gili Trawangan. Take a stroll along the main path that runs along the beach. You’ll see various small shops selling beachwear, sunglasses, hats, and other holiday essentials. Some even sell small artworks or paintings that capture the island’s beauty. Don’t forget to look for small convenience stores if you need snacks or drinks.
When it comes to prices for general shopping in Gili, they are often quite reasonable, especially compared to Western countries. However, like any tourist destination, some places might try to charge more. This is why knowing about fixed-price shops like Oasis Souvenir is so helpful for budget-conscious travelers. For street stalls, a little friendly negotiation might be possible, but always be respectful and keep it lighthearted. Remember, the goal is to enjoy your shopping in Gili experience!
Beyond Shopping: More Gili Trawangan Adventures
While shopping in Gili is a fun part of the trip, don’t forget to explore all the other amazing things this island has to offer. From snorkeling and diving in the crystal-clear waters to relaxing on the white sand beaches, there’s an activity for everyone. For an unforgettable start to your day, my family highly recommends an early morning adventure: Awesome Sunrise Paddleboarding: A Top Pick for Your Gili Islands Things To Do! (Island Guide Review). It’s a truly magical way to see the island as the sun comes up, and it’s a fantastic addition to any Gili Islands itinerary!
Gili Trawangan Shopping Tips for Families
When you’re shopping in Gili with kids, it’s good to keep a few things in mind. The heat can be intense, so plan your shopping in Gili Trawangan trips for cooler parts of the day, maybe in the morning or late afternoon. Keep an eye on your children, as the main path can get busy with bicycles and horse carts.
Look for items that your kids might enjoy. Small keychains, colourful bracelets, or unique animal figures are often big hits. The fixed-price shops like Oasis Souvenir are great for families because it removes the stress of bargaining, making the shopping in Gili outing smoother for everyone. Plus, the atmosphere is generally relaxed, allowing kids to browse without feeling rushed.
External Link: For more general travel information about Gili Trawangan, including how to get there and other activities, you might find this guide from the official Indonesia Travel website helpful: Indonesia.travel- Gili Islands. This link provides broader context beyond just shopping in Gili, enhancing the credibility of your content.
Final Thoughts on Shopping in Gili Trawangan
If you’re planning your shopping in Gili Trawangan trip, I truly hope my experiences at Oasis Souvenir and the Pearl of Trawangan pearl stall help you. Oasis Souvenir offered a simple and trustworthy way to shop, while the pearl stall was exciting for finding beautiful, authentic pearls. These are things I bought myself and was genuinely happy with. May your shopping in Gili bring you just as much joy and great finds!
Frequently Asked Questions about Shopping in Gili
Q1: Is it safe to shop in Gili Trawangan? A1: Yes, shopping in Gili Trawangan is generally very safe. The island has a relaxed atmosphere. Just like anywhere, it’s always smart to keep an eye on your belongings.
Q2: Can you haggle for prices when shopping in Gili? A2: It depends on the shop. In smaller, local stalls and markets, haggling is often expected and part of the fun. However, some stores, like Oasis Souvenir, have fixed prices, so no need to haggle there. Always be polite and friendly when trying to get a better price.
Q3: What are the best souvenirs to buy in Gili Trawangan? A3: When shopping in Gili, popular souvenirs include local handicrafts like wood carvings and shell art, beautiful pearl jewelry (especially from Lombok), colourful sarongs, beachwear, and small trinkets like keychains and magnets.
Q4: What currency should I use for shopping in Gili? A4: The local currency is Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). It’s best to have some cash for smaller purchases, especially at street stalls. Many larger shops or restaurants might accept card payments, but cash is king for most shopping in Gili.
Q5: Are there any ATMs available for cash when shopping in Gili Trawangan? A5: Yes, there are several ATMs on Gili Trawangan, mostly along the main strip. However, it’s a good idea to bring some cash with you to the island, just in case an ATM is out of order or you need small denominations.
Q6: What are typical shopping hours in Gili Trawangan? A6: Most shops and stalls for shopping in Gili open from late morning (around 9 or 10 AM) until late evening, often past sunset. Some small convenience stores might be open earlier or later.
