Gili Beach
Beach in Gili Trawangan (Islands).
Gili Beach is the quiet stretch of sand along the south coast of Gili Trawangan, the largest of the three Gili Islands, with views across the strait to Lombok. The water is shallow over a wide coral reef, so swimming is awkward, especially at low tide, and reef shoes help for wading. When the swell is up, a fast right-hand wave breaks over sharp reef about 300 meters out; it suits experienced surfers, is best at higher tides, and boards can be rented nearby.
Gili Beach at a glance
- For children: Fair (2/5). Shallow reef with sharp stones underfoot, and waves and currents on swell days: fine for sand play, not for paddling.
- Swimming: Fair (2/5). The coral reef flat is too shallow for easy swimming, worst at low tide; waves and currents near the reef break.
- Surfing: Fair (2/5), for experienced surfers. Fast right-hander over sharp, shallow reef about 300 m out; it works only on big southwest swells, best at higher tide.
- Snorkeling: Good (3/5)
- Sunset: Good (3/5)
- Scenery: Very good (4/5)
- Peace & quiet: Very good (4/5)
- Food & facilities: Good (3/5)
- Easy to reach: Excellent (5/5)
- Sand: White sand
Rated from 0 (none) to 5 (excellent), compared with the other beaches on our list.
Where to stay near Gili Beach
- Pearl of Trawangan: Lombok, from about $100 a night (400 m in a straight line)
- BASK Gili Meno: Lombok, from about $300 a night (2.1 km in a straight line)
- Kuno Villas: Lombok, from about $200 a night (2.3 km in a straight line)
More to see nearby
- Gili Trawangan Beach (beach) (1.5 km in a straight line)
- Gili Trawangan Sunset Beach (beach) (1.6 km in a straight line)
- Turtle Beach (beach) (1.9 km in a straight line)
- Gili Meno Underwater Statues (landmark) (2.0 km in a straight line)
- Gili Meno Salt Lake (nature) (2.3 km in a straight line)
- Gili Meno Beach (beach) (2.8 km in a straight line)
Photo: macronix, CC BY 2.0