Gili sunrise stand-up paddle boarding (drone photoshoot)

If you’re looking for an authentic way to start your Gili Islands visit, this sunrise stand-up paddleboarding experience might just be what you need. While we haven’t done it ourselves, the reviews and details paint a picture of a calm, scenic, and memorable morning on the water. It’s a chance to escape the bustling beaches and enjoy Gili’s natural beauty in a quiet, intimate setting.

Two things stand out about this tour: the exceptional views of sunrise over the three Gili Islands and the chance to capture stunning drone footage—a real bonus for those looking to document their trip. However, it’s worth noting that the activity is primarily a photoshoot with some paddleboarding, so don’t expect long, vigorous paddling sessions. This experience is best suited for travelers who want a peaceful start to the day, love photography, or simply wish to see Gili from a different perspective without the crowds.

Key Points

• Peaceful early start: Experience the island before the crowds arrive, enjoying a serene sunrise on the water.
• Perfect for beginners: The guide provides a lesson, making it accessible even if you’ve never stand-up paddleboarded before.
• Photogenic moments: Drone photos and videos are included, capturing the stunning scenery and your moment on the water.
• Value for money: At $19, it’s an affordable way to combine activity, scenery, and memories.
• Limited paddle distance: The activity focuses more on the photoshoot than on extensive paddling, which may suit some better than others.
• Flexible cancellation: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing peace of mind with your booking.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Overview of What You Can Expect

This 1 to 2.5-hour experience begins early, with most tours starting around 5:30 am — just as the first light begins to break. Your meeting point is conveniently located in front of the Trawangan Dive Center at Moana Bar. The tour starts with a brief lesson from a professional guide, who will ensure everyone feels comfortable on the board, whether you’re a complete novice or have some experience.

Once briefed, you’ll paddle out to the best spots around Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, and Gili Air, three small islands offering calm, crystal-clear waters perfect for a sunrise photoshoot. While the paddle itself may be gentle and manageable, the true focus is on capturing the perfect shot of the sunrise. Our sources note that even if clouds obscure the sun, the experience remains magical due to the tranquil waters and stunning surroundings.

The drone footage and photos are a highlight, with reviews praising the professional photographer guide who doubles as a drone pilot. Many travelers mention how the drone shots turned out to be some of the best souvenirs of their trip. When the session concludes, you’ll return to the starting point, feeling refreshed and with a trove of beautiful images.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Start at SUP GILI — your meeting point in front of the Trawangan Dive Center, where you’ll meet your guide and receive a short lesson. This initial step is crucial for those new to paddleboarding, as it ensures everyone can confidently stand on the board before heading out.

Next, you’ll paddle to M22V+87P, the designated spots for your sunrise session. Here, the focus is on enjoying the calm waters and capturing stunning drone photos, rather than covering miles on the water. Many reviewers mention that the activity is ideal for those seeking a peaceful experience rather than a workout.

Finally, you’ll return to your starting point, with plenty of time to enjoy the morning light and enjoy your photos and drone footage. This loop keeps the activity short and manageable, making it a great early-morning treat.

What’s Included and What’s Not

Included in your $19 are a local guide, professional instruction, and drone photos/videos, making it a very good value for such a memorable experience. The guide is praised for being friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful, often making the difference between a good and great outing.

What’s not included are other expenses, so you might want to budget separately for any additional activities or meals. Also, since this is a sunrise activity, alcohol and drugs are not permitted—obvious, but worth noting if you’re planning your early morning.

Meeting Point and Logistics

The meeting point in front of the Trawangan Dive Center (Moana Bar) is straightforward to find, right on the island’s main area. The tour ends back at the same point, making logistics simple. The activity duration is flexible, ranging from 1 to 2.5 hours depending on the start time and how long you want to stay on the water.

Booking is flexible too — with free cancellation up to 24 hours before your scheduled start, giving travelers peace of mind.

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What Travelers Say: Authentic Feedback

Reviewers consistently praise the professionalism of the guides. Britney, who left a glowing review, called the experience a “peaceful perfect morning,” highlighting the opportunity to enjoy the island’s tranquility away from busy beaches. She also called out the guide’s dual role as a photographer, which added extra value.

Freya found herself so captivated by the experience that she booked more activities with her guide, emphasizing how much she enjoyed the friendly atmosphere and overall vibe.

Another reviewer, Shaun, appreciated having only two participants, which meant more personalized attention and freedom. Although clouds prevented seeing the sunrise on one day, the fun and photography still made it worthwhile.

Many rave about the drone footage, calling it “amazing” and “great,” with some noting they saw turtles in the water — an unexpected bonus in such a short activity.

The Value of This Experience

At $19, this experience offers a surprising amount of value. You get a guided lesson, scenic paddling, drone photos, and the chance to enjoy Gili’s calm waters early in the morning. It’s priced right for travelers who want a peaceful, picturesque start rather than a high-energy water sport.

If you’re someone who appreciates capturing memories with good photography or simply enjoys quiet mornings on the water, this tour hits the right notes. It also suits those who are beginner-friendly, as the guide provides lessons, and the paddleboarding is kept manageable.

However, if you’re looking for a long, vigorous paddle or a full-on water sports session, this might not satisfy your appetite. Remember, most of the activity is dedicated to photos and enjoying the sunrise, not covering large distances on the water.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This paddleboarding experience is perfect for photographers, early risers, and travelers seeking a tranquil escape from the busy Gili Trawangan. It’s ideal for those new to paddleboarding, as the guide ensures everyone is comfortable. Nature lovers will enjoy the chance to see turtles and take in the calm waters of the three Gili islands.

It’s also a great choice for couples or small groups wanting a private, quiet moment on the water, especially if they like drone footage to remember the trip. If you’re after a quick, budget-friendly, and scenic activity that offers a different perspective of Gili Islands, this is definitely worth considering.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this activity suitable for beginners? Yes. The guide provides a short lesson before heading out, making it accessible for those new to paddleboarding.

What time does the tour start? Most tours start around 5:30 am, aligning with sunrise, but check availability for exact times.

How long does the activity last? The activity duration ranges from 1 to 2.5 hours, depending on the start time and your pace.

What should I bring? Bring swimwear, as you will be in the water. Sunscreen and a hat might be useful, although early mornings are cooler.

Are the drone photos included? Yes, the tour includes drone photos and videos, which many reviews praise as high quality.

Is this activity suitable for people over 70? No, the activity is not recommended for those over 70 years old.

Where do I meet? You meet in front of the Trawangan Dive Center at Moana Bar, on Gili Trawangan.

Can I cancel if my plans change? Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Final Thoughts

For a modest price, this Gili sunrise stand-up paddleboarding experience offers a peaceful way to start your day, with the added bonus of stunning drone imagery. It’s an activity that emphasizes serenity, scenic beauty, and a chance to see Gili’s waters in a new light—literally.

The guides’ friendliness and professionalism shine through in reviews, making it a reliable choice for solo travelers, couples, or small groups. While it’s not for those seeking intense paddle sessions or long-distance paddling, it’s a superb way to enjoy the calm early hours and capture unforgettable moments.

If you value authenticity, tranquility, and great photos over adrenaline, this tour is well worth considering. It’s a quiet, memorable start to any Gili adventure—one that might just become a highlight of your trip.

You can check availability for your dates here: