Initially, fishers from Sulawesi used the islands as a stop-off location for their voyages around the archipelago. Due to the limited resources of the Island, Gili Trawangan never been inhabited.

During the Second World War, the island was used as a lookout post by the Japanese forces to survey the boat traffic between Bali and Lombok during a short period. There are different stories concerning the origin of the name of Gili Trawangan, and one of them linked to this period: the word “Trawangan” is coming from the word “Terowongan” in Bahasa Indonesia that means “vision in the tunnel”. So Gili Trawangan, if we follow this story, means the “small island with tunnels » due to the bunker and underground tunnels built by the Japanese.

The second story concerning the name of Gili Trawangan is coming from its name in Sasak (the language of Lombok): the old name of Gili Trawangan in this story comes from the word in Sasak “Terangang”, the place where the turtles are coming to lay their eggs. So Gili Trawangan means, following this story, the tiny island where turtles give birth. Today Gili Trawangan has still named the island of turtles due to the many Green and Hawksbill sea turtles that we have all around in large numbers, which are the island’s pride. With time Gili Trawangan became a sanctuary for this kind of turtles which are species in danger worldwide but not around the Gili Trawangan

Both stories are presumably correct, so it’s up to you to choose the one you prefer.

In 1971, the governor of Lombok, Wasita Kusama, began to establish plantations and gave land rights to private companies. Three hundred fifty inmates from overcrowded Mataram prison were sent to help with the first harvests between 1974 and 1979, many of whom remained on the islands as permanent settlers. Following various difficulties with coconut harvests, the private efforts to exploit the island plantations were abandoned. The local population grew beyond their allocated bounds (100 hectares). It began to erect homes and businesses on the abandoned private land, which led to a land dispute that continues to the present.

In the 1980s, the islands started to be discovered by backpacker tourists, influenced by the exponential rise of tourism in neighboring Bali. At first, Gili Air (having the most infrastructure during that time) began to transform to cater to this new economy. However, Gili Trawangan soon surpassed it due mainly to its proximity to better dive locations.

During the 1990s, the Diving industry grew swiftly, and the islands began to develop into a world-class diving instruction location. This fed local tourism, and in the new millennium, a broader spectrum of accommodation and entertainment began developed that catered to a broader range of visitors.

In 2000, a non-profit organization called Gili Eco Trust was established in 2000 to help protect the coral reefs surrounding the islands and improve environmental education. It originated as cooperation between influential community members (Satgas) and the dive centers on Gili Trawangan. Many projects have been organized to protect and restore coral reefs, improve waste management, struggle against erosion, treat animals, raise awareness, and educate the environment as damages had occurred due to “El Nino”, a climatic phenomenon increasing water temperature and unsustainable local fishing methods.

In 2005, fast boat operations began from neighboring Bali. Several operators commenced services from various points around Bali and Nusa Lembongan to Gili Trawangan.

As of 2012, the islands continue to experience rapid growth and development related to the tourism industry. Efforts are being made to preserve marine habitats and remain culturally distinct from neighboring Bali in this process. The land, as mentioned above dispute remains unresolved until now.

Today, Gili Trawangan is a very balanced island offering many activities, improving its lifestyle quality and island vibes every day.