Nothing says paradise like crystal-clear turquoise waters, sugar-white sand and balmy 31C weather on a tropical island that is free of all cars.

The beautiful island of Gili Trawangan in Indonesia is nothing short of perfect, and it was fittingly named the ‘world’s most swimmable sea’, thanks to its calm azure waters and sheltered coast. It has thriving tropical marine life and vibrant coral reefs, making it the perfect destination for avid snorkellers who want to swim among turtles or clownfish.

Gili Trawangan topped the list of the world’s most swimmable coastal destinations, following research by CV Villas that compared sea temperature, wind speeds, cloud cover, and UV indexes throughout the year at various areas worldwide. Yet its pristine waters and powdery-sand shores are just the start of the island’s irresistible appeal.

The island, often known as Gili T, is accessible only by boat, with a short journey available from the nearby island of Lombok, or a longer boat trip from Bali, which lies to the east. Due to its location, Gili Trawangan is popular among travellers visiting Bali and those who want to explore the nearby small islands of Gili Air and Gili Meno.

Notably, motorised vehicles are not permitted on Gili Trawangan, but visitors can walk or cycle around the serene island within an hour. The remote island offers an escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life in a blissful, picture-perfect setting with a bohemian atmosphere.

Yet, it’s also renowned for its vibrant nightlife. There is a selection of beach bars and restaurants scattered around the island that offer plenty of places to dance, enjoy live music or sample the local delicacies. 

It’s often been dubbed the ‘party island’ compared to its neighbouring Gili islands, but travellers can still find a more laid-back approach if they’d rather watch the sunset in a chilled beach bar, or catch an early night ahead of a busy day of snorkelling. And there’s plenty to do on the island, with an array of watersports, boat trips, cycle tours, cooking classes, spas, or simply a stroll around paradise.

The weather is another pull to the island, with basking sunny rays of 31C in March, which only makes a dip in the swimmable sea that much more enticing. Plus, with Bali and Lambok nearby, the island is the ideal haven before exploring more of Indonesia and its tropical landscapes.

Following a visit in December last year, one traveller shared on TripAdvisor: “It was really amazing, initially I planned for one day and when we reached there we realised that one day is not sufficient or in justice with this beautiful place, so later we extended our stay two more days.

“Beautiful beaches, breathtaking sunset, clean atmosphere, especially the snorkelling experience was amazing, food on the island is also available with a large variety from local to continental to Asian cuisine and delicious seafood.”

Another shared: “I spent two days on the island! I relaxed, swam in crystal clear waters, bought crafts at night fairs, went to excellent restaurants, and there is plenty to do at night: bars, restaurants and nightclubs. A paradise that is about 20 minutes by boat departing from Lombok. Imperdible!!!”

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