I have visited all the beaches on Gili Trawangan and they're all right here for you to check out! So you can pick the one that suits you the best.
Before you scroll down to see what each beach looks like, let me give you a heads up on where they are on the map, so you won't have any trouble finding them when you're exploring the island.
I divided the beach into 14 sections, starting from the upper east side, heading south, and then going back up to the north from the west.
East Beach 1
Alright, let's talk about the first beach on the map, which is located on the upper east side. I'd say this beach is perfect for those who prefer a more laid-back experience and are traveling on a tight budget.
It's an ideal spot to just relax, take it easy, and enjoy the beautiful view of white sand and crystal clear water. It's like a little slice of paradise for introverted folks or anyone looking for a peaceful escape.
About half of the tables and chairs belong to the beachside restaurants, but the other half is provided by the kiosk owners. So all you need to do is grab a cheap drink from one of the kiosks and you're good to go!
I personally really liked this beach as I felt like I was home when I was there. This one is my favorite ✨
East Beach 2
The second beach on the east is actually everyone's favorite. It has the longest stretch of beach and that's where most people hang out.
This beach is hands down the best when it comes to the view. The water here is shallow and super clear, maybe even the clearest among all the other beaches.
It's absolutely perfect for all kinds of water activities like swimming, snorkeling, and stuff.
This beach is actually the most visited one, but don't let that make you think it's overcrowded. It's just fine, nothing too overwhelming.
Southeast Beach
This is where things start to get a bit fancy. Southeast beach is right in front of the old famous Villa Ombak hotel, so you can expect a touch of class here.
It's the spot for folks who like to splash some cash, and that definitely gives it a fancy vibe. Aside from all the fancy stuff, this beach is simply stunning!
The sand is wide (probably the widest around), and the water is so clear and the color is baby blue.
The best part? It's not too crowded. You can have a great time sunbathing here without feeling overwhelmed by other people.
It's definitely the go-to spot on the island for catching some rays and enjoying a relaxed beach experience.
South Beach 1
The beaches on the south side are all bunched up together, with just some trees in between. They basically form a single line, so you won't find much difference between them.
The first beach on the south side looks pretty much like the southeast beach, just slightly narrower. Funny thing is, not many folks flock to this beach.
Actually, as you head north from the south, you'll notice fewer and fewer people hanging around.
This beach even has a swing right in front of Ponte bar. It's a sweet spot to chill out and take in the view.
South Beach 2
Right in the heart of four other beaches, you'll find South Beach 2. It's definitely the fanciest-looking beach among the two other southern beaches, just take a look at the seating area.
Compared to South Beach 1, this one boasts a wider stretch of sand. If you ask me, I'd recommend checking out South Beach 2 instead of South Beach 1 or 3.
South Beach 3
The third beach on the south side is more like a beachside restaurant than a place to lay back and relax, like the ones closer to the jetty.
The sand here is white, but it's quite narrow, not really the best spot for soaking up the sun.
By this point, the water still looks clear, but it starts to resemble a regular beach rather than a picture-perfect paradise.
Southwest Beach
Next up on the map is the southwest beach, also known as the sunset point.
The western side of Gili Trawangan is famous for its upscale hotels and restaurants, so you'll find a more polished and well-maintained appearance of the beach here.
They really go the extra mile with the decorations and upkeep.
This beach is the go-to spot for witnessing breathtaking sunsets between November and April.
However, from May to October, people head to West Beach 4 as the sun's path shifts to the northern part of the Earth.
So, depending on the time of year, you'll find sun-seeking crowds at different spots.
West Beach 1
Who needs to sail off to Gili Meno or Gili Air for some peace on their vacation? Not anymore! Just head over to the west side of Gili Trawangan, and you'll find your serenity right there.
The first beach on the west side is absolutely amazing! It's incredibly wide, and the water is still so clear. You won't believe it from the pictures I took though, because it was gloomy when I snapped them.
West Beach #1 has the second longest stretch of sandy shoreline, and it's one of my favorite hangout spots. I even spotted a few campfires there, adding to the cozy vibes.
This is the last beach where you can see through the water. The next one doesn't have that same clear view but the sand is still pure white.
West Beach 2
It’s starting to get fancy and fancier people! This is where you'll find the most upscale hotels and restaurants on the entire island, so get ready to spend some more to enjoy all it has to offer.
This beach also has the biggest swing you'll find on the entire island. It's a must-try experience for some fun and thrill!
By the way, if you've seen anything about the outdoor cinema on Gili Trawangan floating around the internet, this is one of the two spots where you can catch it.
West Beach 3
Based on what I've seen, the third beach on the west side is still a work in progress and not fully up and running yet. The street hasn't been paved, and there are a few buildings being constructed.
But everything will be in good shape by the time you visit it, I guess.
The third beach is where you'll find another outdoor cinema on Gili Trawangan. And this one feels like the real deal because the screen is rectangular, unlike the cube-shaped screen at West Beach 2.
West Beach 4
West Beach #4 is a cozy stretch of beachfront cafes, but to be honest, it's not necessarily better than the other beaches.
The reason I mention it here is because it's also known as the sunset point on Gili Trawangan.
Northwest Beach
As you make your way from West Beach 3 towards the north, you'll notice that the road isn't paved. But don't worry, you can still ride your bike along the dirt path.
The Northwest Beach is pretty awesome! It's where things start to quiet down and get really peaceful.
You won't find many folks wandering around this area, so it's a great spot to escape the crowds and enjoy some tranquility.
The Northwest Beach is also home to that famous in-water swing you've probably seen all over social media. Grab your camera and capture some epic shots!
North Beach 1
A bit of a distance away from Northwest Beach, this particular beach holds the third spot on my list of favorite hangout spots.
It's not because it's cheap (still quite expensive guys, I warn ya!), but the peaceful vibes of the place that really got me hooked.
They've got a swing here too, although I can't quite remember where exactly it is. Just keep your eyes open and you’ll find it. You can blink if you need to though 😜
North Beach 2
Just before reaching the dead end of the island, you'll come across the last beach. I have to admit, it's my least favorite one.
This beach is incredibly narrow, and the waves can be quite strong. It's the total opposite of East Beach 2, where the water is shallow, calm, and crystal clear.
So, if you're looking for a more tranquil and serene swimming experience, East Beach 2 would be a better choice.
