You’ve pictured it all, haven’t you? The shimmering turquoise water, the powder-soft white sand between your toes, and those glorious, fiery sunsets that Gili Trawangan is famous for. It’s a postcard-perfect paradise. But in the back of your mind, a little voice might be whispering, “What happens if a jellyfish gets a bit too friendly, or that extra spicy sambal stages a protest in my stomach?”
Let’s be honest, thinking about getting sick or injured on a remote dream island can feel like a bit of a buzzkill. It’s the last thing you want to worry about when you’re planning your escape.
Well, I’ve got fantastic news for you. Here’s your peace of mind, all wrapped up in a neat little guide. While you won’t find a sprawling city hospital, Gili Trawangan has a brilliant network of professional, 24/7 clinics that serve as the island’s main medical hubs. These centres are experts in traveller health and are ready for anything. So, you can stop worrying and get back to the very important business of planning which cocktail to sip at sunset.
First Things First: Understanding Gili Trawangan’s Medical Scene
Before we dive in, let’s set the scene, because managing your expectations is key. The most crucial fact to know is this: there are no hospitals on Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, or Gili Air.
Don’t let that alarm you! The absence of a massive hospital is part of what preserves the island’s rustic, charming vibe. Instead of a single large institution, Gili Trawangan’s healthcare is built around several superb, privately-run medical clinics. Think of them as high-quality urgent care centres. They are staffed by qualified, English-speaking doctors and nurses who are absolute pros at handling the common (and not-so-common) issues that visitors face. From coral cuts and tummy troubles to more serious emergencies, they are the confident and capable first line of defence.
Meet Your Lifelines: The Main Medical Clinics on Gili Trawangan
You’ve got some excellent choices when it comes to medical care on the island. These clinics are the go-to medical hubs for tourists, expats, and locals alike. My top tip? Save their numbers in your phone right now. You’ll thank yourself later if you ever need help in a hurry.
Warna Medica Clinic: The 24/7 Central Hub
If there’s one Gili Trawangan medical clinic that everyone knows, it’s Warna Medica. Positioned strategically in the bustling heart of the island near the main harbour, you can’t miss it. It’s a clean, professional, and incredibly efficient first stop for many.
- Services: They offer a full suite of services including 24/7 emergency care, a doctor-on-call service to your hotel, expert wound management (perfect for those “Gili tattoos” from falling off a bike), and IV drips for rapid rehydration. They also have an on-site pharmacy, making it a convenient one-stop-shop.
- The Specialist Feature: This is a game-changer for the diving community. Warna Medica is the only facility on the Gili Islands with a hyperbaric chamber. This makes it the primary, non-negotiable centre for treating diving emergencies like Decompression Sickness (“the bends”).
- Contact Info:
- Phone: +62 878 6206 0247
Pillar Medika Clinics (Sunset & Jambuluwuk): Bringing Care Across the Island
Pillar Medika has a wonderfully clever approach to healthcare on Gili T, operating two main clinics to cover different parts of the island. This means you’re never too far from help, no matter where your tranquil villa is located.
- Pillar Medika Sunset: As the name suggests, this clinic is perfectly placed to serve the more relaxed, sunset-facing side of Gili Trawangan. It’s known for its calm, patient-focused environment, which can be incredibly comforting when you’re feeling unwell.
- Pillar Medika Jambuluwuk: Located at the well-known Jambuluwuk Oceano Resort on the quieter northern side of the island, this clinic offers a top-tier service away from the main hustle and bustle.
- Services: Both clinics provide a full spectrum of medical services, including 24/7 emergency care, general consultations, IV therapy, and an excellent doctor-on-call service that brings medical care directly to your hotel room.
- Contact Info:
- Pillar Medika Assist: +62 81139043043 (for insurance queries)
Blue Island Medical Clinic: The Experienced Original
As the very first medical clinic established on the Gili Islands back in 2011, Blue Island Medical Clinic has a wealth of experience. They have seen it all and have a long-standing, trusted reputation for providing immediate care for urgent injuries and illnesses.
- Services: They offer 24/7 medical services, including a hotel on-call doctor, and are well-practised in arranging seamless medical evacuations.
- Special Feature: Their long history on the islands means they have a robust network of contacts and partnerships with major hospitals in Lombok and Bali, ensuring smooth transfers for patients who need a higher level of care.
When Things Get Serious: The Gili Trawangan Medical Evacuation Plan
Okay, let’s talk about the big stuff. What happens in a serious emergency that the island clinics can’t handle? This could be a major road accident, a severe diving incident, a suspected heart attack, or any condition requiring surgery. The good news is, there is a very clear and well-practised procedure.
The Gili Islands emergency evacuation process is designed for speed and safety:
- Stabilisation is Key: Your first stop is always one of the Gili Trawangan medical clinics mentioned above. Their immediate job is critical: to provide emergency first aid, manage pain, and stabilise your condition for travel.
- The High-Speed Transfer: The clinic team will then coordinate a medical evacuation. This is typically a private speedboat staffed with medical personnel, which will transport you across the strait to the neighbouring island of Lombok. In the most critical cases, a helicopter evacuation to a hospital in Bali is also an option.
- Advanced Hospital Care: Upon arrival in Lombok, an ambulance will be waiting to take you to a fully-equipped hospital in the capital city, Mataram. Reputable hospitals like RSUP NTB, Siloam Hospital, or RS Harapan Keluarga are common destinations where you can receive advanced diagnostics, surgery, and specialist care.
“You don’t need a massive hospital for a coral cut or a case of Bali Belly. The Gili clinics are experts at that. But knowing they can get you to one for something serious is what truly matters.” – A long-term Gili Expat.
The Single Most Important Tip: Your Travel Insurance is Non-Negotiable
If you take only one piece of advice from this entire article, let it be this: get comprehensive travel insurance, and make sure it includes a high level of medical evacuation cover.
A medical evacuation is not a simple ferry ride. It’s a complex, coordinated effort that comes with a hefty price tag. Without insurance, a speedboat evacuation to Lombok can cost thousands of pounds, while a helicopter to Bali could set you back tens of thousands. It’s a holiday-ruining, life-altering expense that is completely avoidable.
Case Study: The Cost of Skipping Insurance
Alex, a 28-year-old traveller, decided to save a bit of money by skipping travel insurance. While riding a scooter, he swerved to avoid a chicken and crashed, suffering a complex leg fracture. The Gili clinic stabilised him, but he needed urgent surgery in Lombok. The uninsured cost for the emergency speedboat, ambulance, surgery, and a week-long hospital stay topped £12,000. It was a financially devastating lesson.
When you buy your policy, check the fine print for:
- High Medical Evacuation Cover: Look for a policy that covers at least £5 million. This sounds like a lot, but it’s the standard for good international cover.
- Adventure Activities Cover: Planning to scuba dive, snorkel, or even just ride a bicycle? Make sure your policy specifically covers these activities. Many standard policies exclude them, so you might need to buy a “sports” or “adventure” add-on.
- 24/7 Assistance Line: A good insurer will have a global assistance number you can call from anywhere in the world to get advice and help coordinate care.
Let’s Talk Money: The Cost of Medical Care on Gili Trawangan
To give you a realistic picture, here’s a breakdown of typical costs for private healthcare on the island. While minor issues are quite affordable, you can see how quickly costs could escalate for something more serious.
| Service / Treatment | Estimated Cost (IDR) | Estimated Cost (GBP) |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Clinic Consultation | 600,000 – 1,200,000 | £30 – £60 |
| Doctor Visit to Your Hotel/Villa | 1,000,000 – 1,700,000+ | £50 – £85+ |
| Professional Wound Cleaning | ~750,000 – 1,300,000 | ~£40 – £70 |
| IV Drip for Dehydration | Varies, but highly effective | Varies, often from £50 |
| Medical Evacuation (Speedboat) | Potentially tens of millions | £1,000s |
Source for cost estimates: Empat Pillar Medika, 2025.
The takeaway here is crystal clear: while a routine check-up won’t break the bank, a serious incident without insurance could be financially catastrophic.
Be Prepared! Your Essential Gili Trawangan First-Aid Kit
While the island pharmacies are well-stocked, it’s always smarter and cheaper to bring your own basics. Packing a small kit means you can deal with minor issues instantly without having to leave your sun lounger.
Here’s your ultimate Gili Trawangan first-aid checklist:
- Painkillers: Paracetamol and/or Ibuprofen are must-haves for headaches or minor aches.
- Antiseptic Wipes & Hand Sanitiser: Essential for cleaning hands and minor wounds on the go.
- Plasters & Sterile Dressings: A variety of sizes for cuts and scrapes. Coral cuts, in particular, need to be cleaned and covered immediately to prevent infection.
- Antihistamine Cream/Tablets: For soothing insect bites and minor allergic reactions.
- Anti-Diarrhoea Medication: Such as Imodium or Loperamide, just in case you fall victim to the infamous “Bali Belly.”
- Rehydration Salts: These are brilliant for quickly replenishing fluids and electrolytes if you get dehydrated from the sun or an upset stomach.
- Personal Prescription Medications: Bring enough for your entire trip, plus a little extra, along with a copy of your prescription.
How to Avoid a Trip to the Gili Trawangan Medical Clinic
Of course, the best way to handle a medical issue is to avoid it in the first place! A little bit of prevention goes a long way to ensuring your trip is memorable for all the right reasons.
- Conquer the Sun: The tropical sun here is intense. It’s glorious, but it can catch you out. Seek shade during the peak hours (11 am – 3 pm), wear high-SPF sunscreen, and drink way more water than you think you need.
- Win the War on Tummy Troubles: This is a big one. Only drink sealed bottled water. Don’t even use tap water to brush your teeth. Be sensible about food—stick to busy restaurants where the food turnover is high and be cautious with raw salads or unpeeled fruit.
- Dodge the Mosquitoes: While the risk of malaria is very low on the Gilis, Dengue Fever, which is transmitted by day-biting mosquitoes, is a real risk. Use a good insect repellent containing DEET, especially during the day and around dusk.
- Be Ocean Smart: The currents around the islands can be strong. Always be aware of your surroundings. And a golden rule: look but don’t touch the coral. Not only is it vital for conservation, but coral scrapes are notorious for getting infected in the tropics.
The Top 3 Main Medical Hubs on Gili Trawangan
When you need help, you want clarity, not confusion. Based on facilities, reputation, and strategic locations, these three clinics represent the best healthcare hubs on Gili Trawangan.
- Warna Medica Clinic: For its unbeatable central location and, crucially, as the only clinic with a hyperbaric chamber, it is the definitive choice for all diving-related emergencies and a top-tier option for any general medical issue.
- Pillar Medika Sunset: Offering premium care on the quieter, western side of the island, this clinic is perfect for those staying near the sunset beaches. It provides a calm, professional environment with the full backing of the reputable Pillar Medika group.
- Pillar Medika Jambuluwuk: Situated within a major resort on the northern coast, this clinic brings expert medical care to another key area of the island, ensuring comprehensive coverage no matter where you stay.
Together, these three clinics form a robust safety net, ensuring that expert medical help is always within reach on Gili Trawangan.
Gili Trawangan Medical Hub: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are some quick-fire answers to the most common questions travellers have.
1. So, to be 100% clear, is there a hospital on Gili Trawangan?
No, there are no hospitals on any of the Gili Islands. Instead, you’ll find excellent 24/7 private medical clinics that function like urgent care centres.
2. Can I drink the tap water?
Absolutely not. It is not treated to be safe for consumption. Stick to sealed bottled water for everything, including brushing your teeth.
3. What about dental emergencies? Is there a dentist on Gili T?
While the medical clinics can help with pain relief or infections, there isn’t a dedicated dental surgery on the island. For any complex dental work, you would need to travel to Lombok or Bali.
4. Are the pharmacies well-stocked?
Yes, the main clinics have their own on-site pharmacies that are well-stocked with common medications like antibiotics and painkillers. However, if you rely on specific prescription medication, you must bring your own supply.
5. What is the emergency number to call?
The best course of action is to call the nearest main clinic directly. For example, Warna Medica’s emergency number is +62 878 6206 0247. If you’re at a hotel, the staff can also make the call for you.
6. Do the clinics accept credit cards and travel insurance?
Yes, the main private clinics are accustomed to dealing with international travellers. They generally accept major credit cards and will provide all the necessary documentation for you to make a claim on your travel insurance. Many can also work directly with major insurance providers for cashless service.
7. How do I get to a clinic if I can’t walk?
Since there are no motorised vehicles, you can get a cidomo (horse-drawn cart), which is the island’s version of a taxi. In a true emergency, clinic staff can also arrange transport to come and get you.
Key Takeaways
In a hurry? Here are the most important things to remember for a safe and healthy trip to Gili Trawangan.
- No Hospital, Great Clinics: Gili Trawangan has no hospital but is served by excellent 24/7 private medical clinics that are experts in traveller health.
- Warna Medica is #1 for Divers: It is the only clinic with a hyperbaric chamber, making it the essential medical hub for the diving community.
- Evacuation for Serious Issues: For any major medical emergency, a well-organised speedboat evacuation to a hospital in Lombok is the standard, safe procedure.
- Insurance is Your Golden Ticket: Comprehensive travel insurance with high medical evacuation cover is not just a suggestion; it’s an absolute necessity. It is your financial and medical safety net.
- Be Prepared: Pack a basic first-aid kit and take simple precautions with sun, food, and water to prevent common holiday ailments.
Conclusion: Relax and Enjoy Gili Trawangan, Knowing You’re in Safe Hands
Gili Trawangan is a beautiful, enchanting, and remarkably safe destination. While its remote location is a huge part of its charm, it’s also incredibly well-prepared with a network of professional medical hubs ready to handle the unexpected.
The recipe for a completely worry-free island holiday is simple: be informed about your options, take a few sensible health precautions, and, most importantly, invest in good travel insurance.
Now that you’re armed with all the knowledge you need, you can truly switch off. Go and have the incredible, sun-drenched, turtle-filled adventure you deserve. Paradise is waiting.
