Best Beaches and Snorkeling Spots at Gili Trawangan
Sunset Beach
Sunset Beach, located on the western side of Gili Trawangan, offers you one of the most spectacular coastal experiences on the island. This pristine stretch of white sand provides you with the perfect vantage point for witnessing breathtaking sunsets over Bali’s Mount Agung.
What to Expect:
- Crystal clear waters with visibility up to 20 meters
- Soft, powdery white sand ideal for sunbathing
- Gentle slopes perfect for swimming
- Beachfront bars and loungers for rent
- Peak viewing hours: 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM
Best Times to Visit Sunset Beach
- Morning: Perfect for swimming and snorkeling
- Late afternoon: Ideal for sunset viewing and photography
- Evening: Beach parties and social gatherings
The beach features several comfortable sitting areas where you can relax and enjoy the scenery. During low tide, you’ll find excellent opportunities for beach walking and shell collecting.
Turtle Point
Turtle Point, situated on the northeastern coast, lives up to its name as your premier destination for swimming with sea turtles. This renowned snorkeling spot offers you guaranteed turtle sightings throughout the year.
Best Times to Visit:
| Time of Day | Activity Level | Turtle Sighting Probability |
| Early Morning (7-9 AM) | Low | Very High |
| Mid-day (10 AM-2 PM) | High | Moderate |
| Late Afternoon (3-5 PM) | Medium | High |
Marine Life You’ll Encounter:
- Green sea turtles
- Hawksbill turtles
- Blue spotted rays
- Various tropical fish species
- Occasional reef sharks
For the best experience, you should:
- Maintain a respectful distance from the turtles
- Avoid touching or chasing marine life
- Use reef-safe sunscreen
- Bring an underwater camera
Coral Garden
The Coral Garden presents you with an underwater paradise featuring some of the most diverse coral formations in the Gili Islands. Located on the southeastern coast, this spot offers excellent visibility and calm waters perfect for both beginner and experienced snorkelers.
Coral Species You’ll Find:
- Brain coral colonies
- Fan corals
- Table corals
- Staghorn corals
- Soft corals in various colors
Best Snorkeling Practices:
- Enter the water during high tide
- Follow the marked snorkeling trail
- Use reef-safe fins
- Stay horizontal while swimming to avoid damaging corals
Best Time For Visit Coral Garden:
- High tide periods: Best for snorkeling
- Morning: Clearest water conditions
- Afternoon: Warmest water temperatures
Marine Life Highlights:
| Species | Best Viewing Time | Depth |
| Clownfish | All day | 1-3m |
| Parrotfish | Morning/Evening | 2-5m |
| Moray Eels | Early Morning | 3-6m |
| Lionfish | Afternoon | 4-8m |
Conservation Notes:
The Coral Garden is part of a protected marine area. You should:
- Never stand on or touch the corals
- Avoid collecting marine life or coral fragments
- Report any damaged areas to local authorities
- Support local conservation efforts
Things to Consider for Best Beaches and Snorkeling
Essential Equipment for All Locations:
- Snorkeling Gear:
- Quality mask and snorkel
- Fins (preferably reef-safe)
- Rash guard or wetsuit
- Mesh bag for equipment
- Safety Items:
- Reef-safe sunscreen (SPF 30+)
- Water bottle
- First aid kit
- Waterproof bag for valuables
- Documentation:
- Underwater camera
- Waterproof phone case
- Marine life identification guide
Transportation Between Spots:
You can easily access all locations by:
- Bicycle rental (most eco-friendly option)
- Horse-drawn cart (traditional transport)
- Walking along the coastal path
- Water taxi services
Weather Considerations:
| Season | Water Conditions | Visibility | Crowd Levels |
| Dry (Apr-Oct) | Calm | Excellent | High |
| Wet (Nov-Mar) | Variable | Good | Moderate |
| Shoulder (Mar-Apr) | Mixed | Very Good | Low |
Photography Tips:
For capturing the best moments:
- Use natural light when possible
- Shoot during golden hours
- Get close to subjects (while maintaining safe distance)
- Use wide-angle settings for underwater shots
Local Etiquette and Customs:
Remember to:
- Respect local customs and dress codes
- Support local businesses
- Follow posted guidelines
- Participate in beach clean-ups
Environmental Protection:
Your role in preserving these locations:
- Use eco-friendly products
- Properly dispose of waste
- Support local conservation initiatives
- Educate others about marine protection
Emergency Information:
Keep these contacts handy:
- Local emergency: (0370) 632733 – Police
- Nearest medical facility: +62878-5894-1440 (Trawangan Medical Service)
- Dive shop emergency services: +62821-4789-0017 (Gili Divers – Gili Trawangan)
Before heading to these stunning beach and snorkeling locations, ensure you check the daily weather and tide conditions. Local dive shops and tour operators can provide you with up-to-date information about water conditions and marine life sightings. Renting equipment from reputable providers ensures both quality and proper sizing for your comfort and safety.
Now that you’re familiar with the best beaches and snorkeling spots, let’s explore the exciting must-try activities that will make your Gili Trawangan experience even more memorable.
Next Page : Must-Try Activities in Gili Trawangan (Things To Do)
