The Gili Islands are not Indonesia's most famous surf destination, and that is exactly their charm. When the swell lines up, a handful of reef breaks offer fun, uncrowded waves in a relaxed atmosphere, far from the busy line-ups of Bali or southern Lombok.
On Gili Trawangan, the main wave breaks off the southern end of the island: a fast right-hander over a shallow reef, best with a solid south-south-west swell and a higher tide. Gili Air has its own reef break off its southern tip, also mostly a right, short and hollow on good days, with strong currents to respect.
The Gilis sit in the shelter of Lombok and Bali, so swell has to be big to wrap in, and surf here is fickle. The dry season generally brings the most consistent swells to the region, but it is always worth checking the forecast and asking local surfers before heading out. Booties are a good idea: the reef is shallow, with coral and sea urchins.
Boards can be rented on Gili Trawangan and Gili Air. Paddle out with respect for the locals and the reef, and you will usually find a friendly, unhurried crowd in the water.
On flat days, the calm north beach of The Gili Beach Resort is perfect for swimming and snorkelling instead, with Halik Reef and its turtles just offshore.
Choose your dates
Enter your dates to see which villas are free and what they cost. You book directly with us.
Ask us a question