🇮🇩 Indonesia Bali & Gili Trawangan
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A Unique Snorkeling Experience with Turtles
During my recent trip to Bali, I decided to include Gili Trawangan in my itinerary, even though it was logistically challenging. The main reason? The opportunity to experience snorkeling Gili Trawangan and see turtles up close.
Typically, you’d need to venture into deep waters to spot turtles, but at Gili Trawangan, they appear just off the beach. The water is incredibly shallow, often only reaching waist to chest height, making it accessible even for someone like me who isn’t a strong swimmer. The thought of seeing turtles so close was enough to convince me to make the trip.
Gili trawangan turtle point
After breakfast, we headed to Turtle Point around 10 AM. Located on the northeastern side of the island, Turtle Point isn’t a specific spot but rather an area where snorkelers gather. If you see a crowd in the water, chances are there’s a turtle nearby.
As you approach the northeastern beach, you’ll notice signs with turtle illustrations, and Google Maps even marks a few beach bars with names like “Turtle Point.” We settled at a place called Hello Malalo Bar, which didn’t charge a seating fee as long as you ordered drinks. You could even order after swimming, so we decided to get our drinks later and rented fins for 50,000 IDR for a pair.
In April, Gili Trawangan was humid but not overly hot. The morning sky was slightly cloudy, making the weather perfect for snorkeling—not too hot, and the UV rays weren’t too intense. However, the ocean didn’t look as clear as I had hoped. The water was incredibly shallow, never deeper than shoulder height, which made it safe for snorkeling, especially for families with young children.
The seabed at Gili Trawangan is mostly covered with dead coral, and in sandy areas, you’ll find small seaweeds growing. Despite the seemingly barren environment, there are fish to be seen. I spotted parrotfish, whose colors blended perfectly with the tropical waters, reminding me that I was indeed in a tropical paradise.
Not long after starting to snorkel, I saw my first turtle. Just as I had seen in YouTube videos, the turtle was busy munching on seaweed, completely unfazed by the snorkelers around it. It was my first time seeing a turtle in the wild, and it was truly magical. Shortly after, I spotted another turtle. In about 1.5 to 2 hours of snorkeling, I saw two turtles.
A Few Drawbacks
One slight disappointment was the water clarity near the beach. While the water wasn’t dirty, the area where turtles are often seen is sandy, and with so many people walking around, the water easily became murky, making it look dirty in photos. I thought going early in the morning might help, but even at 7 AM the next day, the water was still shallow and murky, possibly due to the tide.
A Special Experience Worth Repeating
Overall, the experience of snorkeling Gili Trawangan is not just an adventure but an ideal activity for anyone seeking a mix of relaxation and excitement. Beyond spotting turtles, the island itself offers plenty of opportunities for leisurely strolls, enjoying sunsets, and connecting with nature in a serene environment. The snorkeling experience here is unique not only because of Gili Trawangan turtle point but also due to its accessibility for visitors of all ages and skill levels. Families, couples, and even solo travelers will find something special to cherish on this picturesque island.
The sense of peace and wonder I felt during this experience will stay with me for a long time. I can’t wait to return in a year or two, hopefully with my child, to relive this magical adventure.
