Gili Trawangan Surf Spot
Gili Trawangan is a hidden gem just off of the northern coast of Lombok.
Expect easy access to diving, snorkeling, fishing, and surfing. The waves tend to be a little finicky and it can be tough to time your visit with a swell. Gili Trawangan is the largest and most developed of the Gili islands. When it does break at Trawangan you can expect a fast-breaking right reef break with a square barrel section straight from the take-off at times. When the surf isn’t breaking, you’re still likely to find secluded snorkeling, incredible sunsets, and a true desert island experience. Read on for info on what to do, where to crash, and when to surf!
Gili T
Gili Meno
Gili Air
WAVE INFO
Wave type:
-
Gill T: Reef Break
Wave difficulty:
-
Gill T: Intermediate
Wave direction:
-
Gill T: Right
Wave bottom:
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Gill T: Reef
Booties:
Gill T: Optional
Surfboard type:
Gill T: Fish or shortboard
Crowd factor:
-
Gill T: Empty
Hazards:
Gill T: Low tide reef, fast waves, sea urchin’s
Best swell direction:
Gill T: SSW
Best wind direction:
Gill T: NW
What tide is best:
Gill T: High
Best tide movement:
Gill T: Rising
Wave consistency:
Gill T: Inconsistent
Best time of year:
Gill T: January – June
Lineup vibe:
Gill T: How do you feel about surfing by yourself?
Other names for spot:
Gill T: Gili T
How do you get in and out of the surf?
The paddle out from the beach is short but keep to the channel. If you’re not staying on Gili Trawangan, it’s not a short boat ride from Lombok and worth it for an empty line-up for a day or two. While you’re traveling make sure you have a first aid kit on hand for those reef cuts. Getting medical attention is even more difficult to find outside of Bali.
Regardless of your experience, reef-related injuries are not a matter of if, but when. Proper planning prevents unnecessary time out of the water, and the best place to start is a first aid kit.
What is the beach like?
The beaches all around the island are white sand opening up to crystal clear water. The island is bordered on all sides by a stretch of reef before dropping off into deep blue water. Great for snorkelling, swimming, or SUPing.
Where should I stay?
Affordable Price Range – Scallywags Resort
Scallywags Resort is far more than you’d expect from the name. Located directly on the beach on the south-west tip of Gili T, you can’t get much closer to the surf break than Scallywags Resort. A two-story collection of bungalows and simple comfortable rooms sit adjacent to a small pool and restaurant/bar. You can access partying, snorkelling, or diving, just as easy as the surf. For couples, groups, and single surfers looking for an upgrade without breaking the bank, Scallywags Resort is a great place to start.
Mid Price Range – Vila Ombak
You wouldn’t be mistaken if you thought you were staying at a 5-star resort at Vila Ombak. For a true resort level, luxury experience, check out the wide array of spacious modern bungalows to private traditional villas. Vila Ombak is located close by to the surf break at Gili T with a private dock, pools, restaurants, bars, and everything from dive instruction to bike rentals. Vila Ombak is a great place for families looking to hide away from rowdy partiers, couples looking for a bit more privacy, and anyone looking for an amazing surf accommodation.
Luxury Price Range – Pondok Santi Estate
The biggest difference between surf accommodation like Pondok Santi Estate and Hotel Vila Ombak is price and space. At Pondok Santi, private, simple bamboo and thatch villas are spaced among grassy palm gardens. Located directly on the beach on the southwestern-most tip of the island, and you won’t have to walk far for waves! A great place for families, couples, or single surfers looking for a taste of luxury on the Gili Islands.
Faq
Is there food nearby?
Gili Trawangan Night Market is a great snapshot of local food and culture. With everything on showcase from fresh seafood, veggie, or meat dishes, you’ll have a chance to dive into Indonesian cuisine without breaking your budget. In addition to general staples, you’ll have a sneak peek into local pastries, fresh fruit, and live music on occasion. A great place to stock up on calories post-surf and pre-party.
Santi Lounge is the onsight restaurant for Pondok Santi Estate. With everything from fresh fruit smoothies and local cuisine to tacos and empanadas, Santi Lounge showcases a wide array of flavours. Open to guests and other travellers in the area, Santi Lounge is a great spot for romantic meals on the beach or families dinners.
Pearl Beach Lounge – Located just steps from the surf break at Gili Trawangan, Pearl Beach Lounge is a great option for filling hungry bellies after hours in the line-up. Decent food with cuisine inspired by local traditions and wayfaring travellers, you’ll find a mix of European and Asian dishes. As far as venue, you’ll have your choice of sipping cocktails on bean bags beachside or under the shade of the mix of beautiful bamboo and thatch structure. Pearl Beach Lounge is a great place to start out your evening with a nice meal and couple of bintangs before diving into the Gili T party scene.
What else is there to do in the area?
Scuba & Snorkeling – There are about as many dive and snorkel guide services as there are places to dive and snorkel in Gili Trawangan. While you’ll discover that swimming straight off the beach just about anywhere on Gili T is a great option for snorkelling, if you’re looking for a more technical, or “wild” experience, it’s worth looking for a qualified guide service. The best part about so many available dive services is you’ll be able to shop around for an experience that suits your taste and budget. Take some time on the internet to explore or rent a bike and find your own service when on the island.
Bars, Boat Parties & Nightlife – When the surf is flat or you’ve surfed your brains out and need a rest day, there’s nothing wrong with a little indulgence. Gili T is a great place to stumble upon flat seas and find yourself partying. There’s a wide array of bars and beach clubs to check out across the island. Check out our recommendations on where to party during your stay on Gili T.
Paradise Sunset Bar is one of the many beachside bars where you can grab a cocktail on Gili T. The biggest difference is Paradise Sunset Bar, as listed in the name, is aptly located for taking in the amazing sunsets on Gili Trawangan. Be sure to hit up the swing located in the tidepools during mid and low tides. Great place to start your evening after a long day of surfing, snorkeling, diving, or partying.
Jiggy Boat Party is one part bar, one part swimming pool, and one part nightclub. The Boat is a sailboat turned party boat outfitted with two large nets that skim along the water near the back of the ship. Bikini and swim trunk clad backpackers, who populate the boat in high numbers, are often seen jumping overboard to cool off in the warm water. Whenever exploring somewhere new, be sure to be careful of your personal limits and bring a friend in tow, otherwise let loose and have fun!
Sama Sama Reggae Bar – Somewhere along the line, surfing and reggae crossed paths and they’ve been inseparable ever since. It could be Jeff Spicoli’s love for self-medication, and it could be Bob Marley’s desire to grow closer to nature, but somethings the world will never know. As a result, you’ll find reggae just about anywhere you’ll find waves. The same is true of Gili T with Sama Sama Reggae Bar. You’ll find a relaxed atmosphere with live music, like minds, and good times. A bit of a walk from the line-up Sama Sama Reggae Bar is a great option for your post surf Bintang.
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Location
Where is Gili T?
Gili T is the largest of the 3 Gili islands situated off the far northwest coast of Lombok.
How to get around?
By foot or bicycle are the preferred methods of travel on Gili T. You can walk around Gili Trawangan in about 2 hours.
Is there parking fees?
On Gili T you won’t have anything to park up except for your surfboard and thongs.
How to get to Gili T?
From Bali, the quickest way to get to Gili T is by a fast boat from Serangan or Padang Bai.
