Picture this: you and your new spouse, hand-in-hand on the powdery white sands of Gili Trawangan. The sun is melting into the horizon, painting the sky in shades of orange and pink, and the only sound is the gentle lapping of turquoise waves. It’s the perfect start to your new life together. The absolute last thing you want clouding this idyllic scene is a medical mishap. But let’s be honest, a little bit of preparation can go an incredibly long way in ensuring your dream honeymoon on Gili Trawangan stays dreamy.
Gili Trawangan is, without a doubt, a slice of paradise. It’s an island where the fastest mode of transport is a horse-drawn cart, and the daily agenda revolves around snorkelling with turtles and sipping cocktails at sunset. However, that delightful remoteness means it has a different level of medical infrastructure than you’re likely used to at home. A minor issue that would be a quick fix back home can feel much more complicated when you’re on a tiny island in the middle of the Indonesian archipelago.
Don’t worry, though. That’s exactly why you’re here. Think of this guide as your ultimate medical companion and peace-of-mind checklist for honeymooning on Gili Trawangan. We’ve compiled all the essential Gili Trawangan medical info you need to save, from vital pre-trip checks to handling on-the-ground emergencies. So, let’s get you prepared, so you can switch off and soak in every magical moment.
Before You Go: Your Pre-Honeymoon Medical Checklist
The secret to a truly relaxing honeymoon is front-loading the preparation. Getting your medical ducks in a row before you even smell the sunscreen will make all the difference. Think of it as the least romantic but most important part of your wedding planning.
Your Doctor’s Visit: Vaccinations and Prescriptions
First things first, book a visit with your GP or a travel clinic at least 6 to 8 weeks before you fly. This isn’t a step to skip. A quick chat about your travel plans to Gili Trawangan is crucial.
- Essential Vaccinations: Your doctor will have the most up-to-date information from sources like the NHS’s Fit for Travel website. Generally, for travel to Indonesia, you should be up-to-date with your routine vaccinations. They will likely recommend or discuss:
- Tetanus: Essential for any trip, especially where you might get minor cuts or scrapes.
- Hepatitis A: Transmitted through contaminated food and water, it’s a wise precaution for many travel destinations.
- Typhoid: Also spread through contaminated food and water, this is another vaccination often recommended for the region.
- A Word on Malaria and Dengue Fever: This is a common point of confusion. The risk of malaria on the Gili Islands themselves is considered very low. However, it’s a different story in other parts of Indonesia, like Lombok and Flores. Always consult your doctor for the latest advice. On the other hand, Dengue Fever is a real risk throughout Southeast Asia, including the Gilis. It’s transmitted by mosquitoes that bite during the day. There’s no vaccine for travellers, so your best defence is a good offence: diligent mosquito bite prevention.
- Prescription Medications: If you or your partner take any regular medication, this is non-negotiable. Bring enough to last your entire trip, plus a little extra to cover any unexpected travel delays.Top Tip: Always keep medications in their original, clearly labelled packaging and carry a signed and dated letter from your doctor detailing the medicines and the condition they are for. This can save you a world of hassle at customs.
Why Travel Insurance is Non-Negotiable for Gili Trawangan
If you take only one piece of advice from this article, let it be this: get comprehensive travel insurance. It isn’t just a good idea; it’s absolutely essential for a destination like Gili Trawangan.
But don’t just tick a box on a comparison website. You need the right kind of insurance. Here’s what to look for:
| Coverage Feature | Why It’s Crucial for Gili Trawangan |
|---|---|
| High Medical Coverage | Covers costs for clinic visits, medication, and treatment for unexpected illness or injury. |
| Medical Evacuation | This is the big one. For any serious medical issue, you will need to be evacuated to a hospital in Lombok or Bali. This transfer, often by a private speedboat or even a helicopter, can cost thousands of pounds without insurance. Your policy must explicitly cover this. |
| Activities Cover | Planning on scuba diving, snorkelling, or taking a glass-bottom boat tour? Of course you are! Ensure your policy covers these honeymoon activities. Read the fine print, especially for diving. |
Think of it this way: the cost of good insurance is a tiny fraction of the potential cost of one serious medical emergency. It’s the ultimate peace of mind.
Packing Your Honeymoon First-Aid Kit: Gili Trawangan Essentials
While you can buy some basics on the island, it’s far better to arrive prepared. The selection is limited, and prices are higher. Packing a small, well-stocked first-aid kit is a game-changer. Here’s a checklist of what to include:
- The Pharmacy Basics:
- Painkillers like Paracetamol and Ibuprofen.
- Antiseptic wipes and a small bottle of hand sanitiser.
- A variety of plasters, sterile dressings, and some medical tape.
- Antihistamine cream and tablets for insect bites, stings, or minor allergic reactions.
- Gili-Specific Lifesavers:
- Oral Rehydration Salts (like Dioralyte): These are an absolute must-have. Dehydration from the heat or a bout of “Bali Belly” can hit hard and fast. These sachets help your body reabsorb fluids and essential salts far more effectively than water alone.
- Anti-diarrhoea medication (like Imodium): For providing quick relief and allowing you to function while you recover.
- Strong, DEET-based insect repellent: This is your primary defence against Dengue-carrying mosquitoes. Apply it religiously.
- Reef-safe, high-SPF sunscreen: The sun in the Gilis is powerful. Protect your skin and the delicate coral reefs at the same time.
- Soothing after-sun lotion (preferably with aloe vera): For the moments you accidentally miss a spot with the sunscreen.
- Motion sickness tablets: The fast boat from Bali can be a bumpy ride. If you’re prone to sea sickness, take one before you board.
- Small tweezers and medical scissors: For splinters or cutting bandages. Remember to pack these in your checked luggage!
On the Island: Your Guide to Gili Trawangan Medical Care
Okay, you’ve landed in paradise. Now, let’s get you acquainted with the local medical landscape. Knowing where to go and what to expect provides an invisible layer of comfort for your entire stay.
Understanding Gili Trawangan’s Medical Scene
Here’s the most important thing to know: there are no hospitals on Gili Trawangan. All medical care is provided by a handful of private medical clinics dotted around the main strip on the east side of the island.
These clinics are generally staffed by a combination of doctors, nurses, and paramedics. They are well-versed in dealing with the common ailments that affect travellers. Think of them as urgent care centres.
What can they handle?
- Traveller’s diarrhoea (“Bali Belly”) and dehydration (they can administer IV drips).
- Minor injuries like cuts, scrapes, sprains, and coral scratches.
- Infections (ear, skin, etc.).
- Initial assessment and stabilisation for more serious issues before evacuation.
The Best Medical Clinic Service in Gili: Your On-Island Lifelines
While there are several clinics, it’s reassuring to know there’s a network of highly professional and reliable centres ready to help. The Warna Medica and Pillar Medika group of clinics are widely regarded as the premier medical service on the Gili Islands. With multiple locations, including Pillar Medika Sunset and Pillar Medika Jambuluwuk, they offer a consistent and high standard of care. These clinics are your go-to for medical care on Gili Trawangan. They operate 24/7, are staffed with English-speaking medical professionals, and have direct lines of communication with insurance companies and evacuation services. Knowing their name and locations can provide immense peace of mind for your honeymoon. They are experts in tourist health and are fully equipped to handle everything from rehydration IVs to coordinating an emergency speedboat transfer to a hospital in Lombok.
Save These Numbers in Your Phone Right Now:
- Warna Medica Clinic: +62 878 6206 0247
- Pillar Medika Sunset +62 812 7354 5444
- Pillar Medika Jambuluwuk: +62 877-3021-3911
You can also find these clinics easily on Google Maps along the main eastern road of Gili Trawangan.
Pharmacies (Apotek) on Gili Trawangan
You’ll see signs for “Apotek” – this is the Indonesian word for pharmacy. You can find a few on Gili T, and they are useful for grabbing over-the-counter basics like painkillers, plasters, or sunscreen if you run out. However, be aware that the selection is much smaller and more expensive than in Bali or back home. For anything specific or prescription-based, you’ll need to visit one of the medical clinics first.
Common Honeymoon Health Hiccups (and How to Handle Them)
Even with the best preparation, things can happen. Here’s a no-panic guide to dealing with the most common health issues you might encounter while enjoying your Gili Trawangan honeymoon.
The Dreaded “Bali Belly” (Traveller’s Diarrhoea)
It’s the boogeyman of any trip to this part of the world, but it doesn’t have to ruin your honeymoon. It’s usually caused by consuming food or water contaminated with bacteria your stomach isn’t used to.
- Symptoms: You’ll know it when you feel it – stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea.
- Your Immediate Action Plan:
- Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate: This is the most critical step. Sip on bottled water constantly. This is where your oral rehydration salts become your best friend. They will replenish lost electrolytes and fluids much more efficiently than water alone.
- Rest: Your body is fighting something off. Don’t try to power through a snorkelling trip. Relax in your air-conditioned room.
- Eat Bland: When you feel up to it, stick to the BRAT diet (Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, Toast).
- When to See a Doctor: If symptoms are severe, you have a high fever, there’s blood in your stool, or it doesn’t improve after 24-48 hours, it’s time to visit a clinic. They can assess if you need antibiotics and an IV drip for dehydration is a common, fast-acting treatment that can make you feel a world better.
Sunburn, Sunstroke, and Dehydration
The sun here is no joke. It’s strong and can catch you out, even on a cloudy day.
| Condition | Key Symptoms | Immediate Action |
|---|---|---|
| Sunburn | Red, painful, hot skin. | Get out of the sun, take a cool shower, apply plenty of after-sun. |
| Heat Exhaustion | Heavy sweating, faintness, dizziness, rapid pulse, headache, nausea. | Move to a cool place, lie down, sip water, use a fan or cool cloths. |
| Heatstroke | This is a medical emergency. High body temp (40°C+), confusion, slurred speech, may stop sweating. | Call a clinic immediately. While waiting, move the person to a cool place and try to cool them down with whatever is available. |
Prevention is always better than cure:
- Drink way more bottled water than you think you need.
- Wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses.
- Seek shade during the peak sun hours (11 am – 3 pm).
- Apply high-SPF, reef-safe sunscreen every two hours, and after swimming.
Ouch! Cuts, Scrapes, and Marine Stings
With all the beautiful marine life and coral, minor injuries can happen.
- Coral Cuts: It’s incredibly common to get a small scrape from coral while snorkelling. The key is to clean it immediately and thoroughly with fresh water and antiseptic. Coral is a living organism, and cuts can get infected very quickly in the warm, humid climate. Keep it clean and dry.
- Jellyfish Stings:
- DO rinse the area with seawater (not fresh water, which can make it worse).
- DO carefully remove any visible tentacles with tweezers.
- DO visit a clinic. They might recommend applying vinegar or hot water, depending on the type of jellyfish.
- Sea Urchins: Stepping on a sea urchin is painful, and their spines are brittle and break off in your skin. Don’t try to be a hero and dig them out yourself. This often makes it worse. Head to a clinic where they have the right tools and expertise to remove them properly.
Specific Medical Info for Divers
Gili Trawangan is a world-class diving destination. If you’re planning on exploring the deep, you need to be aware of dive-specific health concerns.
- Decompression Sickness (“The Bends”): This is a serious condition that occurs when a diver ascends too quickly. The key is prevention: always dive with a reputable, PADI-certified dive school and follow their instructions and safety stops carefully.
- Where to Go in an Emergency: In the unlikely event of a suspected case of decompression sickness, the clinics on Gili Trawangan are equipped for initial assessment and to administer oxygen. However, the nearest hyperbaric decompression chamber is located in Mataram, Lombok. The clinic will coordinate this emergency transfer. This is another reason why both travel and specific dive insurance are absolutely critical.
In Case of a Real Emergency on Your Gili Trawangan Honeymoon
Knowing the step-by-step plan for a serious situation can turn panic into focused action.
The Emergency Action Plan
- Stay as Calm as Possible. Panic won’t help. Take a deep breath.
- Contact a 24/7 Clinic Immediately. Use the numbers you’ve saved in your phone. Explain the situation clearly. They will provide immediate advice and can send a team if needed.
- Contact Your Travel Insurance. Find your policy number and their 24/7 emergency assistance hotline. Call them as soon as possible. The clinic staff are used to this process and can often help facilitate the call or provide the necessary medical information.
All About Medical Evacuation from Gili Trawangan
This is the process that your travel insurance is for. It sounds daunting, but there is a well-established system in place.
- How it Works: If the doctors at the Gili T clinic determine that you need hospital-level care, they will contact your insurance provider’s emergency assistance team. Together, they will coordinate your evacuation.
- The Transfer: This typically involves a private speedboat transfer to Lombok, where an ambulance will be waiting to take you to a major hospital like the Siloam Hospital in Mataram. For critical cases, a helicopter evacuation to Bali is also possible.
- The Reassurance: You are not the first person this has happened to. The clinics and evacuation services are professionals who do this regularly. Knowing this system exists, funded by your insurance, is the ultimate safety net that allows you to truly relax and enjoy your honeymoon.
Key Takeaways for a Healthy Honeymoon
- Prep is Everything: Visit your GP before you go, get your jabs, and pack a comprehensive first-aid kit.
- Insurance is Your Lifeline: Get it. Make sure it includes high medical coverage and, crucially, medical evacuation.
- Know Your Clinics: Save the numbers for Warna Medica and Pillar Medika. They are your 24/7 go-to for any medical needs.
- Hydrate and Protect: Drink heaps of bottled water and be relentless with sunscreen and insect repellent.
- React Smartly: Clean coral cuts immediately, know the signs of heatstroke, and don’t hesitate to visit a clinic if you’re worried.
By taking these sensible precautions, you’re not inviting trouble; you’re banishing it. You’re freeing yourselves up to focus entirely on what matters: celebrating the start of your new life together in one of the most breathtakingly beautiful places on earth.
Now go on, enjoy that sunset. You’ve earned it.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Is there a hospital on Gili Trawangan?
No, there is no hospital on Gili Trawangan. Medical services are provided by several 24/7 private medical clinics that can handle common illnesses and injuries and stabilise patients for emergency transfer. The nearest major hospitals are in Mataram on the island of Lombok.
2. Can I drink the tap water on Gili T?
No, you should absolutely not drink the tap water on Gili Trawangan or anywhere in Indonesia. It is not potable. Drink only sealed, bottled water, and use it for brushing your teeth as well. Avoid ice in drinks unless you are sure it has been made with filtered water (most reputable bars and restaurants use filtered ice).
3. Is malaria a risk on the Gili Islands?
The risk of contracting malaria on the Gili Islands (Trawangan, Meno, and Air) is considered to be very low. However, you should still take precautions against mosquito bites to prevent other mosquito-borne illnesses like Dengue Fever, which is a known risk.
4. What are the most important emergency numbers to save for Gili Trawangan?
Instead of a single “999” equivalent, it’s best to save the direct numbers of the 24/7 medical clinics. We recommend saving Warna Medica Clinic at +62 878 6206 0247. Also, have the 24/7 emergency hotline for your travel insurance provider saved.
5. Do I really, really need travel insurance for my honeymoon?
Yes. We cannot stress this enough. For a remote island location like Gili Trawangan, where any serious medical issue requires an expensive boat or helicopter evacuation to another island for hospital care, travelling without comprehensive insurance is an enormous financial risk. It is the single most important thing you can arrange for your trip.
6. What happens if I have a diving emergency?
Reputable dive centres on Gili T are trained in emergency procedures. In case of suspected decompression sickness, they will administer oxygen and transport you to the nearest medical clinic. The clinic will then assess you and coordinate with your insurance for an emergency transfer to the hyperbaric chamber in Lombok. Ensure your travel insurance includes cover for scuba diving.
7. Are the clinics expensive on Gili Trawangan?
As they are private facilities, you will have to pay for treatment. Costs are higher than you might pay for local services in other parts of Indonesia. A simple consultation might cost around £30-£50, with treatments, medications, or IV drips adding to the cost. This is why having travel insurance is so important, as you can claim these costs back. Always ask for a receipt and any necessary medical documentation for your claim.
