I have just returned from the most relaxing, but also fun holiday I've ever been on. It was on a little island a two-hour boat ride off Bali.

I almost didn't want to write this because it wasn't busy… like not even at all. And I don't want it to be busy the next time I go back (because I am already dreaming of returning). But, I fell in love with the place and the people — and tourists are their lifeline. Plus, it's a destination too good not to share.

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And it's the hedonistic little slice of paradise known as Gili Trawangan or 'Gili T' for short. It's the largest of three tiny islands a two-hour boat ride off Bali and a few kilometres off the northwest coast of Lombok.

Before I arrived, I spent two nights in Seminyak visiting friends and it was chaotic, busy, noisy, crazy, and a sensory overload. Then stepping off the boat at Gili T was like a breath of relaxing fresh air. The water was clear, aqua-blue and clean. The crowds were non-existant. With white sand beaches, the most captivating sunsets, snorkelling with sea turtles (yes, turtles), rainbow tropical fish everywhere and the most breathtaking coral, I literally felt like I was on the set of The Little Mermaid.

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As it's known as a bit of a 'party island', there were more local kids than tourist ones who were all adorable and friendly.

There weren't people hawking fake designer swag in the street or getting in your face trying to sell you anything (other than the occasional beautiful handmade pearl jewellery, but they weren't pushy.)

And then, of course, there was the plethora of beach bars and restaurants everywhere you looked. I was there for New Year's Eve, which on this particular night was busy with many people arriving that day just for the party. They were selling fireworks on the streets (eek), but this also meant the fireworks display outperformed Sydney's. It went on for hours (and still days later) much to my squealing delight.

The hectic-ness of New Year's Eve aside, it was very chill. The party people left. The restaurants and bars were never full.

There are also no cars on the island. Not a single one. The preferred mode of transport is the humble bicycle, which you can rent for the equivalent of $5 AUD a day and it only takes one hour to cycle around the entire island.

Then there are the horse and cart rides if you need to transport your suitcases or, if you're a little more daring, you can hire an electric scooter.

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The people who work on the island are pure joy. Everyone is so happy, friendly and loves to have a chat.

And now I know why they are permanently so happy. They live there.

So here's my guide to island life and what you can do on this little slice of paradise.

Best things to do on Gili Trawangan.

Where to stay.

I stayed for six nights at Kokomo Resort. It was the perfect place to 'get there fast then take it slow'. They have one to three-room villas available, all with their own private pools.

I found this little gem via Airbnb. It was the best location, right on the beach and close enough to the action but also far enough away, so it was peaceful.

The staff were the loveliest, most welcoming and helpful people. There was one night, let's just say, I had a 'turn' and they made me a fresh ginger and water shot that did the trick (that they wouldn't take money for).

They have private lounges available on the beach for guests, a delicious restaurant menu and a rooftop terrace where you can enjoy your happy hour drinks and free bar snacks.

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According to Booking.com prices, you can expect to pay around $88 AUD per night at a three-star hotel. Moving up the scale, four-star accommodation averages $207 AUD nightly. For those seeking the ultimate in luxury, five-star properties on the island command approximately $298 AUD per night. Still a bargain!

Where to eat.

The Night Markets start at around 6pm each night. It's hot, smoky and bustling. They have so many seafood options available and they barbecue your order freshly for you. Accompanied by the most delectable authentic Indonesian salads with veggies and combinations I had never seen or tasted before.

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As well as authentic Indonesian food, there is pretty much every possible food option and cuisine available you can think of for tourists. The food, by Australian standards, is of course cheap. But slightly dearer than Bali because of its remoteness. A main meal ranges anywhere from $5 AUD up to $25 AUD at the fancier places with most sitting in the middle.

We found a resting and eating place near Turtle Point off the beaten track that quickly became the favourite. They don't even have a website, but Casa Bonita has a large deck built out over the sea, with bean bags and lounges. They serve delicious and cheap authentic Indonesian food (Mee Goreng for $5 AUD). They even give customers free use of their snorkels, masks and rock shoes. And they don't kick you out even after five hours of lounging, reading and sipping Bintangs.

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A sunset that needs to be seen to be believed.

Head to the west or southwest side of the island for the best sunset views. You'll get to watch the sun sink into the ocean or drop behind a volcano and marvel as the water quite literally turns pink and orange. Check Google for the sunset time, arrive an hour before and nestle into a bean bag or outdoor lounge at one of the many beach bars with the best vista (and two-for-one happy hour cocktails).

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Snorkelling with turtles on Gili Trawangan.

You can snorkel almost anywhere around the island, which is surrounded by coral reefs, but the best spot for turtles is aptly called 'Turtle Point.' You can see turtles anywhere from five to 25 metres offshore. Lined with rustic reggae pop-up beach bars, you can hire a snorkel and mask and go it alone or get a guide for as little as $5 AUD with a 'see a turtle or money-back' guarantee!

You can also take a tiny boat with guides to the smaller Gili Mano Island for two or four-hour trips. We were taken to three locations: underwater statues, the sea turtles and then a spray of tropical fish and coral with GoPro footage for around $50 AUD per person for the four-hour option.

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There's live music everywhere.

There is live music at nearly every turn at one of the many bars and restaurants on the Island. Karaoke at Lava Lounge was very fun after happy hour. Or, if you prefer to leave it to the professionals, my favourite was a very talented singer at The Sasak. He takes requests (but don't request Dancing Queen by ABBA, he made me come up on stage and sing it instead…)

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What to do… is do nothing.

One of my favourite things to do was 'doing nothing'. Reading books on the beach on bean bags, lounges, or in a hammock with table service and a million dips in and out of the bath-like warm water.

Or, riding a bike, just exploring the island and stumbling upon markets or little shops. We called it 'Gili Time' because you quite literally lost track of time. We could leave the villa at 10am, potter around and, before we knew it, it was 5pm, and we were bar-hopping happy hour before dinner.

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So, next time you are planning a trip to Bali, I recommend skipping the stay in Bali altogether. Just escape, relax and lean into 'Gili Time' instead.

You will quite literally never want to leave.

Feature image: Supplied.