The beauty of Gili Trawangan’s was first discovered on the backpacker trail in the late 1980’s, Gili Trawangan became a favorite amongst those looking for low-cost paradises to hang out in for a week or two. Back in those days, the island was unspoiled by development and just opening up for tourism. The beaches were spotlessly clean and the waters just off the white sands teemed with colorful coral and thousands of tropical fish.

By mid-1990, word had gotten around and more boats began arriving daily. The new breed of traveler had more money and a taste for “off the trail experiences”. Gili Trawangan fit perfectly, being easily accessible from mainland Lombok.
Today Gili Trawangan is a flourishing tourism destination, brings every type of traveler, from luxury to low budget.

Restaurants rival Bali in quality, if not numbers. There are beachside lounges and sophisticated bars, Internet cafés, movie “theatres” and dive centers galore. Accommodation ranges from basic home stays to luxury hotels; yet the island still maintains its charm and laid-back pace. No cars or motorbikes are allowed on the island and the main form of transport is by cidomo (local horse-carts). The beaches are still beautiful and, although the coral close to shore is mostly gone, a myriad of great diving locations exist further off-shore.

If you are planning to take a vacation in Gili Trawangan, you should consider staying at Hotel Villa Ombak. Hotel Vila Ombak, the first international hotel on the magical island of Gili Trawangan, is a place that balances the comforts of first class accommodation with the natural beauty that surrounds. The Hotel Vila Ombak features the traditional building style of Lombok, and its neighboring islands, to blend harmoniously with the island's landscape.