What is Magic Mushroom and Where to Find It in Gili Trawangan
If you’ve been traveling around Lombok or the Gili Islands for a while, you might have heard fellow travelers gushing about a certain type of mushroom that makes them “see magic.”
Or maybe you were walking down the street one day when someone approached you and asked if you’d like to try some of these “magic” mushrooms.
So, what exactly are these mysterious fungi, and what makes them so magical?
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What are "magic mushrooms"?
“Magic mushroom” is the colloquial name for psilocybin mushrooms, also widely known as psychedelic mushrooms.
Mostly used recreationally, their effects can include euphoria, altered thinking, visual hallucinations (both with eyes open and closed), a distorted sense of time, and even spiritual experiences.
The hallucinations are caused by a compound called psilocybin, which activates serotonin receptors in the brain. People often compare its effects to LSD, though generally milder.
How long do the effects of magic mushrooms last?
Like many psychedelics, the effects of magic mushrooms can vary greatly from person to person.
They usually last between 3 and 8 hours, depending on dosage, preparation, and personal metabolism. The first 3–4 hours are often called “the peak”, during which hallucinations and reality distortions are most intense.
Are magic mushrooms dangerous?
Because magic mushrooms grow in the wild, they’re sometimes seen as a “natural drug” or a safer alternative to harder substances, and to some extent, that’s true.
- Minimal side effects: Unlike cocaine or cannabis, magic mushrooms don’t increase the risk of long-term mental health problems.
- Less harm to the body: They’re far less damaging to organs than substances like heroin or cocaine. In fact, some studies suggest psilocybin may even benefit people with depression.
- Non-addictive: Magic mushrooms are not habit-forming, so you won’t experience withdrawal symptoms if you stop using them after regular consumption.
The bad news is that there’s still a risk of getting a ‘bad trip’ (keep reading to learn how to minimze this).
There’s also the danger of accidentally consuming a toxic look-alike, like Amanita muscaria, which can damage your kidneys or even be fatal.
Are magic mushrooms legal?
Technically, magic mushrooms are illegal in Indonesia. But the Gili Islands have become a well-known safe haven for those seeking mushroom-induced pleasure. Cafes there often openly list magic mushrooms on their outdoor menu boards without apparent consequence.
There’s no formal police presence on the islands beyond local “island security.” I’m not sure if they’re being paid to look the other way, but as far as I know, no one has been arrested for selling or consuming magic mushrooms on the Gilis. That said, we don’t know how long this situation will last.
On other islands, like Bali or Lombok, magic mushrooms can be found, but caution is crucial. Sellers could be undercover officers, or someone pretending to be. Either way, it can cause you a lot of trouble.
Where to find magic mushrooms on Gili Trawangan
Almost every bar / restaurant / guesthouse on Gili Trawangan sells the magic shrooms — if not on the menu, then under the table.
But the best spot is Sunrise Beach on the northeast side of the island. There’s a cluster of small bars there that proudly sell magic mushrooms as their specialty, making it easy for visitors to find them.
My experience with magic mushrooms
The first time I encountered magic mushrooms was in Lake Toba (Medan, Indonesia) on a small island called Tuk Tuk. But I was too scared to try them.
I was solo traveling in Indonesia for the first time, and I had heard a story about a fellow traveler having a bad trip from a mushroom shake. I didn’t know exactly what a bad trip was, but it didn’t sound very enjoyable.
The second time was again in Lake Toba, but this time I was with my mom. So trying the mushroom (or anything remotely adventurous, for that matter) was completely out of the question.
The third time was in Amsterdam. I still couldn’t summon the courage, because I was traveling alone and staying with a host I didn’t quite trust.
So, when I went to Gili Trawangan with a friend a couple of years later, I knew I wouldn’t pass up the opportunity. I had someone reliable to look after me if anything went wrong.
Unfortunately, she was down with the flu and had to stay in bed. But I was still determined to venture out on my own in my quest to find the magic mushroom.
The hunt for the mushroom shake
I planned to buy a takeaway mushroom shake and enjoy it safely back in our room. Near where we stayed, there were lots of expensive bars, but only a few advertised shroom shakes.
The cheapest one was Rp200,000. I kept walking clockwise around the island, hoping to find something more affordable.
Gili T is a small island — to walk all the way around it would take just over an hour if you move quickly. There are no cars, only bicycles and horse-drawn carriages.
On my way to Sunset Beach, I spotted a lonely shack with a few local guys loitering outside. They sold a shake for Rp150,000. I tried to bargain, but they said that was the going price. I thanked them and continued walking in search of something cheaper.
Finally, I found one at Gili Boys Bar. Prices ranged from Rp100,000 for the “low magic level” to Rp500,000 for the “f***ing bloody super-duper strong” one.
I asked for the cheapest, but he said it was sold out. Besides, he told me, for “someone my size”, I would need at least a medium one to feel the effect. Rude, but okay.
He offered me one for Rp150,000, but I said I was only willing to spend Rp100,000. I was about to walk away when he finally relented.
The mushroom came wrapped in banana leaves shaped into small cones. Each cone cost Rp100,000 and could be bought individually if you wanted to make your own concoction at home.
Mushrooms can be blended with any fruit, but pineapple and soda water are said to work best.
The first dose
The drink itself was underwhelming. I couldn’t taste the mushroom at all. For all I knew, it could have been plain pineapple juice.
I finished my drink, paid, and left. The vendor was surprised I was leaving so quickly, but my hotel was on the other side of the island. I needed to get back before the effects kicked in.
I walked and walked — nothing. About twenty minutes passed. I even stopped at the beach, dipped my feet in the water, and photographed the sunset.
I was beginning to think I’d been duped. Maybe the guy had chucked the mushrooms away because I had haggled too much.
I continued walking, and then, gradually, I started to feel a familiar buzz. It felt a little like being tipsy — different from alcohol, though, because it seemed to last longer.
My head felt big but light, as if it were a balloon. I was still functional — I could check my phone and figure out where I was. I was certain I could handle more.
The second dose
As I reached another part of the island, I noticed a row of small bars, each advertising magic mushrooms and claiming to be “Dr. Feel Good — taking you to heaven and back.”
I stopped at one and ordered a cone, this time asking them to mix it with Coke. When I finished the drink, a few tiny bits of mushroom were left at the bottom. I fished them out and nibbled them. Not gonna waste any. It tasted rather bland though.
The bartender and a couple of local guys started chatting me up, inviting me to stay until sunrise. That was at Sunrise Beach, by the way. I told them I had a friend waiting for dinner.
They spoke in their local dialect, which I couldn’t understand, but I got the sense they were talking about me. Feeling uneasy, I said goodbye and left. I knew I had about half an hour before the second dose would fully kick in.
What do magic mushrooms do to you?
Long after I reached my room, I still felt excitable, though a little jittery. I could hear my heartbeat in my head. I felt warm, fuzzy, happy… but a bit lonely.
In the bathroom, the tiles seemed to move. No, they throbbed. The patterns danced in circles and appeared luminescent. At one point, I thought there was an aquarium behind the walls with fluorescent fish swimming inside. I stared and smiled in awe for who knows how long.
Then, I started laughing at my hands. They looked like knobbly carrots growing from my arms — one bigger than the other. I think the effect lasted a couple of hours, but then again I lost track of time.
My advice? Do it with a romantic partner or a group of close friends — it can make for a memorable night. 
Tips for taking magic mushrooms safely
Legal note: Magic mushrooms are illegal in Indonesia and most of the world. Exercise extreme caution when buying or consuming them. This post is not promoting drug use.
Your existing state of mind is key. Psilocybin can lift depression, but it can also cause anxiety or make you “crash” afterward, i.e. feel even worse after the effects wear off. Seek medical advice before using it therapeutically.
Reactions vary from person to person. First-timers should start small and stay with trusted company who will stay sober and alert in case anything goes wrong (preferably someone who has tried it before, so that they can reassure you that you’re not going mad).
Magic mushrooms themselves are not physically harmful, but they can impair judgment. Avoid high-risk environments like roads, rooftops, or areas with hazards.
Have you tried magic mushroom? Did you enjoy it? Share your experience in the comment section below.
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this is not how magic mushroom make u feel so either this article is not true or u were not given psilocybin mushrooms.. it lasts much longer and takes longer to start
Do share your personal experience then, Paul :-). And I encourage all other readers to do the same. For me, it took about 40 minutes to take effect, and lasted for a few hours but then I fell asleep afterwards, so I don’t know if it would have lasted longer had I stayed awake.
From my readings: “As with many psychedelic substances, the effects of magic mushroom are subjective and can vary greatly from one user to another.
They can last anywhere from 3 – 8 hours, depending on dosage, preparation method, and personal metabolism.”
Thank you for sharing! We are currently on Gili T and loved your detailed report about your experience. It was really entertaining to read 🙂
Thanks so much! I’m glad you enjoyed the Gili Trawangan guide 🙂 It’s such a beautiful island. The beaches, local food, and sunset spots really make it special. Hope you had an amazing time exploring Gili T!