Welcome to the Indonesian Gili Islands. Gili Meno, Gili Air, and Gili Trawangan. Found off the northwest coast of Lombok, each of the Gili Islands has a distinctly different vibe catering to every type of traveler.
The most relaxing of the three, Gili Meno is found between Air and Trawangan. Less developed, it offers untouched nature and a very low-key nightlife, equating to a perfectly quiet, laidback getaway. Gili Air is known to attract honeymooners, family trips, and travelers who want to escape the action of Gili Trawangan but need more energy than in Gili Meno. Because it has more restaurants than Meno but less partying than T, it’s almost a hybrid retreat of the two. Leaving us with the infamous Gili Trawangan. One of the easiest places in the world to swim with sea turtles.
Gili Trawangan Island
Gili T is the largest and most popular of the Gilis with around 800 permanent residents. It’s easily accessible from Lombok’s main island by a 30-minute boat ride. You’ll even find tour companies offering day trips. As soon as the ferry pulls up to the dock, you’ll understand why it’s called a party island. It’s filled with beach bums polishing off Bintangs and drinking happy shakes, looking for fun in the sun. The contagious vibe is found across the island because we’re not here for a long time, we’re here for a good time. And Gili T is certainly filled with travelers ready to kick back and let loose. Sometimes travelers can’t help but bring the party anywhere they go.
In the early ’90s, Gili Trawangan was the first of the three islands to attract visitors in any kind of numbers. It was the hippie backpackers who led the way, in search of an untouched paradise, seeking a destination beyond the guidebooks. As Bali’s popularity grew, those who landed on Gili T wanted more than what Bali had to offer. In an attempt to find their own version of “The Beach” they claimed Trawangan.
The island developed a reputation as a wild party destination with recreational drug use, cheap accommodation, and no police. Nowadays, Gili T has matured into a destination that has a far wider appeal. This is due to its incredible snorkeling and diving opportunities in the surrounding area. However, as it is a party island, some things remain unchanged like the magic mushroom shakes that are still available. 🍄
The thriving SCUBA dive industry of the Gili Islands is centered at Trawangan. Since the early 2000s, the island has gone through massive development. Residents saw a large number of restaurants, bars, and boutique lodging pop up all around the island.
One of the top experiences you can have on the island is a swim with sea turtles. Warm waters, vibrant reefs, and crystal clear visibility certainly make it a swim you won’t forget.
Where is the Best Place to Swim with Sea Turtles on Gili T?
The best place to snorkel and swim with the sea turtles on Gili Trawangan is the northeast corner, perfectly named “Turtle Point”. The name couldn’t be a better fit and it will soon be obvious why. Turtle Point is just a short walk or bike ride from the Trawangan Sign or the center of town.
There’s a small Turtle Point sign where you’ll find the wide sandy beach between Villa Almarik and Damina Restaurant. It’s a seagrass covered lagoon that’s relatively shallow surrounded by a coral reef. If you don’t see any turtles at the start, spend an hour or so in the water.
You will be amazed at how many new shelled friends will come by to hang out with you. The turtles feed on seagrass in the lagoon and are known to chill here all day. It’s best to snorkel here at high tide because during low tide it’s easy to slip on the rocks.
What Kinds of Turtles Will You See?
Sea turtles have inhabited the ocean for 100 million years, damn! The most common sea turtles you’ll see around the Gili’s are the Green Turtle and the Hawksbill Turtle. The Green Turtle is considerably more popular, identified by the scales on its cheeks and ‘blunt’ mouth for eating seagrass. Turtle Point is one of their favorite places to snack on seagrass surrounding the island.
Hawksbills have a darker colored shell, more of a beak, and two claws per flipper vs the one claw per flipper the Green has.
Remember to…
- Never feed the turtles. Let’s try to keep the natural ecosystem, well, natural.
- Leave no trace. Try to take 3 pieces of trash with you when you leave the beach. A little clean-up will make a big difference. Turtles love a good jellyfish snack and plastic bags floating in the ocean can look like jellyfish. Anything helps when it comes to environmental conservation.
- Keep a 2-meter distance. Turtles need air too! Getting too close will cause distress and panic. Also, keep an open eye out for passing boats while being mindful of the currents!
Happy Snorkeling!
Check out a video of The Bro’s experience below!
READY TO SWIM WITH THE TURTLES OF GILI T?
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