Trawangan Night Market

The Gili Trawangan Night Market is widely considered the culinary heart of the island for travelers on a budget or those looking for an authentic local experience. It transforms from a quiet square during the day into a bustling, smoke-filled food haven every evening.

1. Essential Information

  • Location: Conveniently located right in front of the main boat jetty (harbor) on the eastern side of the island.

  • Opening Hours: It typically starts setting up around 6:00 PM and stays open until about 11:00 PM or 1:00 AM, depending on the crowd.

  • Atmosphere: Lively, chaotic, and social. You eat at long communal wooden tables, making it a great place to meet other travelers. Expect a lot of aromatic smoke from the many grills!

2. What to Eat

The market is famous for two main things:

  • Fresh Seafood BBQ: You can pick your own fish (snapper, tuna, barracuda), squid, prawns, or lobster. Vendors will grill it fresh on the spot with garlic butter or spicy local sambal.

    • Price: Skewers are often around IDR 25,000, while whole fish can range from IDR 150,000 to 300,000 depending on size.

  • Nasi Campur (Mixed Rice): This is the best value for money. You get a plate of rice and then choose from 4–6 different side dishes (tofu, tempeh, curried chicken, vegetables, etc.) from a buffet-style display.

    • Price: Usually between IDR 20,000 and 40,000 per plate.

The Gili Trawangan Night Market is widely considered the culinary heart of the island for travelers on a budget or those looking for an authentic local experience. It transforms from a quiet square during the day into a bustling, smoke-filled food haven every evening.

1. Essential Information

  • Location: Conveniently located right in front of the main boat jetty (harbor) on the eastern side of the island.

  • Opening Hours: It typically starts setting up around 6:00 PM and stays open until about 11:00 PM or 1:00 AM, depending on the crowd.

  • Atmosphere: Lively, chaotic, and social. You eat at long communal wooden tables, making it a great place to meet other travelers. Expect a lot of aromatic smoke from the many grills!

2. What to Eat

The market is famous for two main things:

  • Fresh Seafood BBQ: You can pick your own fish (snapper, tuna, barracuda), squid, prawns, or lobster. Vendors will grill it fresh on the spot with garlic butter or spicy local sambal.

    • Price: Skewers are often around IDR 25,000, while whole fish can range from IDR 150,000 to 300,000 depending on size.

  • Nasi Campur (Mixed Rice): This is the best value for money. You get a plate of rice and then choose from 4–6 different side dishes (tofu, tempeh, curried chicken, vegetables, etc.) from a buffet-style display.

    • Price: Usually between IDR 20,000 and 40,000 per plate.