A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Similan Islands vs. Gili Trawangan for Scuba Diving & Snorkeling, Beaches, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Similan Islands or Gili Trawangan?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Similan Islands and Gili Trawangan can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Similan Islands

Similan Islands is a spectacular, idyllic, and remote island chain. Similan Islands is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking. See Similan Islands travel costs.

Gili Trawangan

Gili Trawangan is a idyllic, laidback, and tropical island. The beauty of Gili Trawangan is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches. See Gili Trawangan travel costs.

Similan Islands and Gili Trawangan: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Similan Islands or Gili Trawangan?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Gili Trawangan than Similan Islands, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Gili Trawangan is better known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, resorts, and shopping, while Similan Islands is more popular for its hiking and impressive beauty. Gili Trawangan is more touristy than Similan Islands and is known for its beautiful water and impressive scuba diving. Also, Gili Trawangan is famous for beautiful beachfront setting. Similan Islands is well known for its world class diving and remote setting.

How is Similan Islands different from Gili Trawangan?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Gili Trawangan and Similan Islands. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Similan Islands or Gili Trawangan?

Gili Trawangan is a decent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Similan Islands does not have museums and landmarks.

While most people don't head to Gili Trawangan specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There are a couple of art and cultural museums on the island, but most people spend their time soaking up the idyllic setting.

Similan Islands does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Similan Islands or Gili Trawangan? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Gili Trawangan is an excellent place to visit for its restaurants. Also, Similan Islands is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Gili Trawangan has a huge number of terrific restaurants. As the largest and one of the most touristy of the Gili Islands, you'll find a wide range of cuisines. There's everything from Mexican to Greek available. You'll also find plenty of tropical fruits and some local Indonesian cuisine as well.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Similan Islands area. Most people visit the islands as part of an organized tour, which usually provides meals as part of the package.

Is Similan Islands or Gili Trawangan Better for Nightlife?

Gili Trawangan is an amazing island to visit for nightlife and partying. However, Similan Islands is lacking in options for its evening party scene.

Gili Trawangan has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. This is the "party island" of the Gili Islands. It has a wild nightlife scene that is particularly popular with backpackers. There are tons of beach bars that have live music, DJs, and nightly parties. There are also regular boat parties. The party scene is pretty well coordinated across the bars, and one bar will stay open late each night while the others close around midnight. This keeps the partygoers concentrated in one location and keeps the energy high for everyone.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Similan Islands. Peace and tranquility is what makes these islands special, and you'll find very limited amenities and no nightlife on the islands.

Is Similan Islands or Gili Trawangan Better for Resorts?

Gili Trawangan is a island with good options for its luxury resorts. However, Similan Islands is not a resort destination.

With a selection of resorts, Gili Trawangan makes a nice vacation spot. The island was long known for its backpacker vibe which included poorly concentrated beach huts. More recently there's been an upswing in upmarket accommodation, particularly on the quieter western and northern sides of the island.

Similan Islands is not a resort destination.

Is Similan Islands or Gili Trawangan Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Both Similan Islands and Gili Trawangan offer amazing scuba diving or snorkeling.

Similan Islands is a world class destination for scuba diving and snorkeling. These islands offer one of the world's most famous and impressive diving spots. World class divers travel great distances to experience the undersea world here. There are liveaboard boat trips that range in length from 4 to 6 nights and leave from either Khao Lak or Phuket. These trips will take you to the many great dive spots in the area. Do take note that the islands close every year from May until October.

People travel from around the world to go scuba diving and snorkeling in Gili Trawangan. Snorkeling and diving are a highlight on the island, and a big draw for many visitors. The island is small, with a large concentration of tourists, so if you book a boat trip, you'll likely be surrounded by others. This doesn't mean you won't be able to enjoy colorful fish, a magical undersea world, and the occasional sea turtle.

Is Similan Islands or Gili Trawangan Better for Beaches?

Both Similan Islands and Gili Trawangan are considered to be amazing beach destinations.

Similan Islands is considered to be a world-class beach destination. The world class beaches have white sand and stunningly blue waters. The setting is challenging enough to reach that you'll likely have few people to share the beaches with. The undersea world is also among the best and most vibrant around.

Gili Trawangan offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. The island is filled with white sand beaches, most of which have restaurants and beachside bars nearby. One of the busiest beaches is near the port, but a quieter area is nearby Surf Point. The sunset side of the island is perfect in the evening when the sun starts to dip below the horizon, but the beaches on that side aren't as great as the other side of the island.

Is Similan Islands or Gili Trawangan Better for Hiking?

Similan Islands is very good for its hiking trails. However, Gili Trawangan is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting Similan Islands. There are hikes through the jungle and to various viewpoints on several of the islands.

Gili Trawangan is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Similan Islands or Gili Trawangan?

Gili Trawangan is a decent place to visit for its shopping opportunities. However, Similan Islands is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

If you're looking to go shopping, Gili Trawangan has some nice offerings. You'll find most things you need on the island, but this isn't a place people usually shop for fun.

Similan Islands is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Similan Islands or Gili Trawangan More Beautiful?

Similan Islands is a world-class destination for its scenery and beauty. Also, Gili Trawangan is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its scenery and beauty.

Similan Islands is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. The remote setting makes this one of the few truly pristine places left to explore. In addition to the white sand and blue water, the undersea world here is spectacular.

With stunning beauty, Gili Trawangan attracts visitors from all around. Crystal blue waters and white sand beaches make this an idyllic island paradise. The setting is perfect for hanging out by the water and soaking up the island vibe.

Is Similan Islands or Gili Trawangan Better for Families?

Gili Trawangan is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Similan Islands is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Gili Trawangan is very family-friendly. There are many kid-friendly activities like snorkeling, kayaking, and biking. There are also glass bottom boat tours and a great laidback island vibe that kids and adults alike will enjoy. Do note that this is one of the more popular islands for backpackers, so there is a big party scene.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Similan Islands. It's a remote setting, but it's spectacularly beautiful with great snorkeling and sandy beaches that kids and adults alike will enjoy.

Is Similan Islands or Gili Trawangan Better for Couples?

Similan Islands is a world-class destination for its romantic activities. Also, Gili Trawangan is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

For those traveling as a couple, Similan Islands has plenty to offer. Couples who want to escape the tourist crowds will appreciate this remote and beautiful beach setting. The blue water and sandy beaches make for a true paradise.

Couples visit Gili Trawangan frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. White sand, blue water, and a true tropical island paradise make this a wonderful honeymoon destination. It's one of the more energetic of the Gili Islands, so if you're looking for a calm retreat, there may be better options, but it still has wonderful resorts and great diving.

Is Similan Islands or Gili Trawangan Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Gili Trawangan is an amazing island to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Similan Islands is lacking in options for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Gili Trawangan is extremely popular for backpackers. It's the most popular of the Gili Islands for backpackers so you'll find tons of hostels and a great nightlife scene. The energy is high and the scenery and idyllic beaches are wonderful.

Similan Islands is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's remote setting makes it challenging to reach on a budget, but if you're willing to devote a day or more to travel, then you'll be well rewarded.

Is Similan Islands or Gili Trawangan Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Gili Trawangan is a island with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Similan Islands is lacking in options for its public transit.

Gili Trawangan has some public transit options. Many tourists enjoy getting around the island by cidomo, which are horse-drawn carts. Otherwise, walking or biking are your best options.

Public transit is generally limited in Similan Islands. The national park operates boats between the islands. You can also charter private longtail boats, however these must be secured in advance and availability is not guaranteed.

Is Similan Islands or Gili Trawangan a more walkable city?

Gili Trawangan is an excellent place to visit for its high level of walkability. Also, Similan Islands is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

Gili Trawangan is a very walkable island. While it's the largest of the Gili Islands, it still small enough to walk around in about two hours and it's relatively easy to explore on foot.

Similan Islands is a somewhat walkable island chain. There are footpaths that connect the points of interest on some of the islands.

For even more information, also check out Is Similan Islands Worth Visiting? and Is Gili Trawangan Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Gili Trawangan or Similan Islands?

How long in Similan Islands or Gili Trawangan?

It's fun to spend time in either Similan Islands or Gili Trawangan. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Similan Islands due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 4-7 days is a good amount of time for Similan Islands, and 2-4 days is enough time in Gili Trawangan.

Families should spend more time in Gili Trawangan than Similan Islands. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Gili Trawangan, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Gili Trawangan than Similan Islands. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Gili Trawangan that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Gili Trawangan than Similan Islands if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Gili Trawangan.

One day in Similan Islands or Gili Trawangan?

In Similan Islands, you'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and food. Most people come for the beaches. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

The laidback destination of Gili Trawangan offers food and scuba diving and snorkeling. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Similan Islands or Gili Trawangan?

Similan Islands is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

The island of Gili Trawangan offers scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

Five days in Similan Islands or Gili Trawangan?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Similan Islands. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. It offers something for everyone. Because of this, five days is usually enough time for a trip here.

Gili Trawangan is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. This island offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Similan Islands or Gili Trawangan?

In Similan Islands, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. It's also a great beach destination, too. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. One week is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting Gili Trawangan. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Bangkok, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Phuket, The Best Tours for Seniors to Indonesia, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Indonesia.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Similan Islands and Gili Trawangan, we can see that Similan Islands is more expensive. And not only is Gili Trawangan much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Gili Trawangan would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Gili Trawangan and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Similan Islands would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Similan Islands than you might in Gili Trawangan.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Similan Islands Expensive? and Is Gili Trawangan Expensive?.