There are no cars or motorbikes on Gili Trawangan, which means the island moves at the speed of bicycles, footsteps and hooves. Riding a horse along its shoreline fits the place perfectly, and for an hour you get a view of the island that almost nobody else has.
Your ride begins with pick-up from your accommodation anywhere on the island, followed by a short introduction at the stables. The team will ask about your experience, match you with a horse that suits your size and confidence, adjust the stirrups and run through the basics of steering and stopping. Beginners are led at a walking pace with a handler alongside, while riders with experience can take more control and pick up the pace where the ground allows.
From there you head out along the west side of the island, where the beach is wide, the crowds thin out and the water glows pale turquoise over the sand. Riding at the waterline is the highlight: the horses are used to the shallows, the sound of the surf sets the rhythm, and the view runs uninterrupted across the strait toward the outline of Bali’s mountains. The route also passes through shaded coconut groves and along sandy back paths where you get a glimpse of island life away from the main strip.
- One full hour of horse riding
- Pick-up and drop-off anywhere on Gili Trawangan
- Horse matched to your size and riding experience
- Handler or guide accompanying you throughout
- Beach and inland sections in a single ride
Late afternoon is the most popular time to ride. The heat drops, the light turns gold and the sun sets directly over the water ahead of you, which makes for extraordinary photographs. Morning rides are cooler and quieter, with the beach almost empty and the sea usually at its flattest. Either way, your guide is happy to stop and take pictures for you along the route.
The activity works for complete beginners, couples looking for something a little more memorable than another beach afternoon, families with children accompanied by an adult, and confident riders who just want to be back on a horse. Long trousers or leggings and closed shoes are more comfortable than shorts and flip-flops, and a hat and sunscreen are worth bringing.
The whole experience takes about an hour in the saddle, leaving plenty of your day free. Places are limited and sunset slots fill quickly during peak season, so it is worth reserving your preferred time in advance.
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