ARTICLE UPDATED October 2024. Surfing is a popular water sport that attracts many enthusiasts to the beautiful beaches of Indonesia. The Gili Islands, located off the northwest coast of Lombok, are a popular destination for tourists seeking a relaxed atmosphere, crystal-clear waters, and pristine beaches. But can you surf in the Gili Islands? Well, we’ve got the inside word, and you’d be BONGKAs not to give it a try!
The answer is yes, but with some caveats. While the waves in the Gili Islands may not be as consistent or as big as those found in other Indonesian surf spots, there are still fantastic opportunities for surfers of all levels to catch some waves, and it is still one of the best things to do on the Gili Islands. The best time to surf in the Gili Islands is during the dry season, from May to September, when the waves are at their most consistent and the winds are offshore.
The surf break on Gili Air and Gili Trawangan is called Bongkas. It’s confusing that both islands breaks have the same name, but the local guides assured us this is correct. Local guides on Gili Air reckon when Bongkas reef is firing at Gili Air – it’s a much better wave. At times it has even attracted Kelly Slater and Steph Gilmore! Bongkas at Gili Trawangan is also a great surf spot on the Gili Islands, but, as you know – we have a bias towards Gili Air 🙂
Overview of Surfing in Gili Islands – Best Surf Spots in and around the Gili Islands
Bongkas Surf Break (Gili Air)
Bongkas Surf Break is a lesser-known surf spot located on the island of Gili Air, which is part of the Gili Islands, just off the northwest coast of Lombok, Indonesia.
We have used Aquaholic surf guides to take us out to Bongkas each time we’ve visited Gili Air. The Aquaholic guys have an awesome boat, set up for a day of checking out the surf. All the guys are keen local surfers and will be able to take you to the best spot that day, but all of them tell us that Bongkas on Gili Air is the best wave in the Gili islands. Make sure you send them a message if you want to surf anywhere on the Gili islands – you won’t find a better boat, better guide and better local surfers to get the low down from.
Here’s what you need to know about Bongkas and its surf conditions:
Location:
- Gili Air is one of the three Gili Islands (along with Gili Trawangan and Gili Meno), and it’s known for its relaxed vibe, clear waters, and beautiful coral reefs.
- Bongkas is on the southwestern coast of Gili Air, facing the Lombok Strait, which makes it exposed to swells coming from the Indian Ocean.
Surf Conditions:
- Type of break: Bongkas is a reef break, meaning that waves break over a coral reef. The break can be sharp and shallow, so it’s recommended for surfers with some experience navigating these conditions.
- Wave quality: The waves at Bongkas can be fast and powerful, but the spot is generally not as crowded as other breaks in the region, which adds to its appeal for intermediate to advanced surfers.
- Wave direction: Primarily a right-hander, although there can be some left-hand sections depending on the swell and wind conditions.
- Best swell direction: It works best with southwest to west swells. The swell size tends to be more moderate than some other Indonesian surf spots, typically in the 2-6 foot range.
- Tide considerations: Like many reef breaks, Bongkas is tide-dependent. It tends to work best on mid to high tide when there’s more water covering the reef. Low tide can expose the reef too much, making it dangerous.
- Wind: Ideal conditions often come with light offshore winds. Mornings tend to be the best time to surf before the winds pick up later in the day.
Who is it for:
- Skill level: Bongkas is best suited for intermediate to advanced surfers due to the reef break, which requires some level of confidence in navigating shallower waters. Beginners might want to proceed with caution or explore other surf schools on the island for gentler breaks.
Hazards:
- Sharp reef: As with most reef breaks, wipeouts can be risky. The reef is shallow and sharp, so wearing booties might be advisable to protect your feet.
- Currents: There can be strong currents around the Gili Islands, so surfers should be mindful of the conditions on the day.
Surf Culture on Gili Air:
- Gili Air, though quieter than neighboring Gili Trawangan, has a small but growing surf scene. There are a few surf schools and board rental shops on the island where you can rent equipment or take lessons if you’re unfamiliar with the local breaks.
- The island offers a laid-back vibe, and after a surf session, many enjoy the chilled-out beach bars and restaurants that line the shore.
Getting There:
- Access: You can reach Gili Air via boat from Bali or Lombok. Once on the island, you can either walk or bike to the surf break, as there are no motorized vehicles on Gili Air.\
Best Time to Surf:
- Dry season (May to October) is generally the best time for consistent swells, with smaller, cleaner waves ideal for surfing.
While Bongkas may not be as famous as Bali’s surf spots, it offers a unique, less-crowded experience for surfers looking to ride quality waves in a more peaceful setting.
Playgrounds Surf Break (Gili Trawangan)
Location:
- Playgrounds is located on the eastern side of Gili Trawangan, relatively close to the shore. It gets its name because it is generally considered a more user-friendly surf break compared to some of the more challenging reef breaks in the area.
Wave Type:
- Playgrounds is a right-hand reef break with gentle, fun waves, making it suitable for a range of skill levels, especially intermediate surfers.
- It offers fairly consistent waves that are less intimidating than the bigger, more powerful breaks, which is why it’s called Playgrounds – it’s an approachable spot for those looking to have a fun session rather than a highly challenging one.
Wave Quality:
- The waves here tend to be mellow, rolling in gradually rather than breaking fast and hard. They offer a longer ride, which is great for working on technique or just cruising.
- During a good swell, the waves can get 2-4 feet and sometimes bigger, but it remains relatively easy to handle.
Best Swell Direction:
- Southwest to west swells work best for Playgrounds, bringing in consistent, ridable waves.
Tide Considerations:
- The break works best on a mid to high tide. At low tide, the reef becomes more exposed, making it dangerous to surf.
Wind:
- Ideal conditions are with light offshore winds, typically in the morning before the wind picks up.
Who is it for:
- Intermediate surfers will find Playgrounds enjoyable, but beginners can also surf here on smaller days with some care due to the shallow reef.
- Experienced surfers may use Playgrounds as a warm-up spot before heading to more challenging breaks, but it’s less intense compared to the bigger breaks nearby.
Hazards:
- The reef is still sharp and shallow, especially at low tide, so caution is needed, particularly during wipeouts.
- There can be currents in the area, though they are not as strong as at other breaks.
Bongkas Surf Break (Gili Trawangan)
Yes it has the same name as Bongkas on Gili Air! Go figure!
Location:
- Bongkas is located on the southern part of Gili Trawangan, near the main harbor area. This break is more exposed to swells coming in from the Lombok Strait.
Wave Type:
- Bongkas is a left-hand reef break that offers fast, hollow waves, making it more challenging than Playgrounds.
- It has a reputation for being a heavy wave with sharp, quick take-offs, so it is better suited for experienced surfers who are comfortable with reef breaks and can handle faster, more powerful waves.
Wave Quality:
- Bongkas can produce waves ranging from 2-6 feet, but it becomes especially challenging during bigger swells. The waves are powerful and can be hollow, offering barreling sections at times.
- The break can get fairly shallow, and the take-off is often steep, requiring good timing and skill.
Best Swell Direction:
- Southwest to west swells generate the best waves at Bongkas, making it more consistent during the dry season when these swells are more common.
Tide Considerations:
- As with many reef breaks, Bongkas works best on a mid to high tide. At low tide, it becomes very shallow and dangerous due to the exposed reef.
Wind:
- Morning sessions are often the best due to lighter offshore winds. The wind can pick up in the afternoon, making the waves choppier.
Who is it for:
- Bongkas is best for advanced surfers due to the fast and powerful nature of the wave. The shallow reef makes it risky for beginners, and intermediate surfers should approach with caution.
Hazards:
- The shallow reef is the biggest hazard at Bongkas, especially on lower tides. It’s easy to get caught in a wipeout and come into contact with the sharp coral below.
- The currents in the area can also be strong, especially during larger swells, so surfers need to be aware of their positioning.
General Surfing Information for Gili Trawangan:
- Both Playgrounds and Bongkas are reef breaks, which means the waves break over coral reefs. This makes for great wave quality but requires caution, as the reefs can be sharp and dangerous.
- Gili Trawangan is a smaller island, and surfing here is relatively uncrowded compared to spots in Bali. You can easily walk or cycle to the surf breaks, as the island doesn’t allow motorized vehicles.
- Best time to surf: The dry season (May to October) is the best time to surf in the Gili Islands, as this is when the southwest swells and offshore winds are most consistent.
Getting There:
- To reach Gili Trawangan, you can take a fast boat from Bali (1.5-2 hours) or a short ferry from Lombok (about 30 minutes). Once on the island, the surf breaks are accessible by foot, bicycle, or horse-drawn carts (locally called “Cidomos”).
Local Amenities:
- Board rentals and surf schools are available near the breaks if you need to rent equipment or take lessons. The island is also home to plenty of beach bars, restaurants, and accommodations, making it a perfect destination for surf travelers.
- Post-surf, there’s a laid-back vibe on the island, with sunset bars offering the ideal spot to relax after a session in the water.
Summary:
- Playgrounds is the more relaxed and approachable surf break, ideal for intermediate surfers looking for fun, cruisy waves, while still providing a challenge on bigger days.
- Bongkas is for the more experienced surfers, with faster, hollow waves that require skill and confidence, especially due to the shallow reef and powerful take-offs.
Turtle Point Surf Break (Gili Meno)
Turtle Point is a surf break located off Gili Meno, one of the three Gili Islands in Indonesia. While Gili Meno is generally known for its tranquility, snorkeling, and diving (especially for turtle spotting, hence the name “Turtle Point”), it also offers a surf break that caters to surfers looking for a unique experience. Although it’s not as famous as surf breaks in Bali or Lombok, Turtle Point offers a more relaxed, off-the-beaten-path surfing experience. Here’s everything you need to know:
Location:
- Turtle Point is located on the northwestern side of Gili Meno, close to the island’s coral reef systems. It’s just a short paddle from the shore.
- Gili Meno is situated between Gili Trawangan and Gili Air, and it’s the quietest and least developed of the three Gili Islands, making this break more serene and uncrowded.
Surf Conditions:
- Type of break: Turtle Point is a reef break, with waves breaking over a shallow coral reef. Like most reef breaks in the region, this requires skill in managing the sharp reef and navigating the shallow water.
- Wave quality: The waves at Turtle Point can be fast and hollow, but they are generally not as powerful or intimidating as other nearby breaks. This makes it more suitable for intermediate surfers or those who are comfortable with reef breaks but don’t want to tackle the bigger swells found on Bali or Lombok.
- Wave direction: Turtle Point offers both right and left-hand waves, depending on the conditions. The right-hander tends to be more consistent.
- Wave size: Swell size can range from 2-6 feet, though on smaller days, it can be mellow and cruisy. When the swell is larger, the waves get faster and more challenging.
- Best swell direction: The break works best with southwest to west swells, which are common during the dry season.
Tide Considerations:
- The break tends to work best on a mid to high tide when the reef is less exposed. At low tide, the water can be too shallow to surf safely, and there is a higher risk of injury from the sharp coral.
Wind:
- As with most surf spots around the Gili Islands, mornings are typically the best time to surf Turtle Point, as the offshore winds are lighter, creating cleaner conditions. In the afternoon, the wind can shift, making the waves choppier.
Who is it for:
- Intermediate surfers will enjoy Turtle Point for its relatively mellow but sometimes hollow waves. The shallow reef means it’s not ideal for beginners, but it’s not as aggressive as some other reef breaks in Indonesia.
- Advanced surfers may still enjoy Turtle Point on days with larger swells, but it’s generally considered a more relaxed surf spot compared to the likes of Desert Point (on Lombok) or Uluwatu (in Bali).
Hazards:
- Shallow coral reef: Like most reef breaks, the biggest hazard is the shallow coral reef, especially during lower tides. The reef is sharp, and wipeouts can lead to cuts and scrapes, so it’s important to surf with care.
- Currents: There can be strong currents in the area, especially on bigger swell days, so it’s important to be mindful of your positioning in the water.
- Marine life: While it’s thrilling to spot turtles in the water, there can be other marine life around the reef, such as sea urchins, which pose an additional hazard if you come into contact with the reef.
The Surf Culture on Gili Meno:
- Quiet and relaxed: Gili Meno, being the least developed of the Gili Islands, has a much more laid-back vibe. There is no strong surf scene here, so it’s ideal for surfers who want to escape the crowds. However, this also means there are fewer surf schools or board rentals available on the island.
- Turtle Point is uncrowded: The surf break is often quiet, and on many days, you may be the only surfer in the water. This is a great draw for surfers looking for solitude.
Best Time to Surf:
- The best time to surf Turtle Point is during the dry season (May to October), when the southwest swells are more consistent and the winds tend to be offshore in the mornings. This time of year also brings more predictable, clean waves.
- Wet season (November to April) can still offer surfable waves, but the conditions are less predictable, and the winds can be stronger, leading to choppier water.
Getting There:
- Gili Meno is easily accessible by boat from Gili Trawangan or Gili Air. You can also take a fast boat from Bali or a short ferry ride from Lombok. Once on the island, the surf spot is a short walk or bike ride away, as Gili Meno is a small island with no motorized vehicles.
- Paddle out from the shore, and you’ll be at the break within minutes.
Local Amenities:
- Accommodations: Gili Meno has a range of accommodations, from budget hostels to mid-range bungalows. The island is quieter and less commercial than its neighboring islands, so don’t expect a busy surf culture or nightlife.
- Board rentals: Unlike Gili Trawangan, there are limited surf shops on Gili Meno. You may need to bring your own board, or rent one from Gili Trawangan or Gili Air if you’re planning to surf here.
Nearby Surf Spots:
- If you’re staying on Gili Meno, you can easily access other nearby surf breaks on Gili Trawangan (Playgrounds, Bongkas) or even take a boat trip to Lombok for more advanced breaks like Desert Point or Mawi.
Can You Surf in the Gili Islands
As we explored the Gili Islands, we wondered if surfing was possible in this tropical paradise. After some research and talking to locals, we discovered that surfing is indeed an option in the Gili Islands, but it’s not the main attraction.
Gili Trawangan is the most popular island for surfing, with a few spots that can provide decent waves. However, the waves are not consistent and can be affected by the wind and tide. The best time to surf in Gili Trawangan is during the dry season, from May to September when the waves are bigger and more consistent.
Gili Meno and Gili Air are not known for surfing, but that doesn’t mean it’s impossible. On rare occasions, there might be some waves, but it’s not worth planning a surf trip to these islands.
It’s important to note that the Gili Islands are not a surf destination, and the waves are not suitable for beginners. If you’re an experienced surfer looking for a new challenge, you might find some fun waves in Gili Trawangan.
In our experience, surfing is possible in the Gili Islands, but it’s not the main attraction. Gili Trawangan is the best option for surfing, but even there, the waves are not consistent. If you’re planning a surf trip, it’s better to go to other destinations in Indonesia that are known for their waves.
Overall, while Gili Air may not be the best destination for hardcore surfers, it’s still a great place to catch a few waves and enjoy the laid-back island vibe. Our sons are both mad-keen surfers in Australia, and they both loved the gentle and fun waves to be found on a good day on Gili Air. That said, their overall preference for surfing was Gili T.
The Gili Islands offer a great surfing experience for both beginners and experienced surfers. With its warm waters, beautiful beaches, and consistent waves, it’s no wonder why the Gili Islands are becoming a popular destination for surfers.
Although the surf season is limited to the dry season, which runs from May to October, the waves during this time are consistent and can reach up to 10 feet. The island’s three main breaks offer a variety of waves suitable for all levels of surfers. With the exceptional surf conditions just a short boat ride away in Lombok, the Gili Islands can still be a surfer’s paradise.
Aside from surfing, the Gili Islands also offer a range of other activities such as snorkeling, scuba diving, and island hopping. With its laid-back island vibe, it’s the perfect destination for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of modern life.
We highly recommend visiting the Gili Islands for a surfing adventure. With its warm waters, proximity to Lombok’s consistent waves, and beautiful scenery, it’s a destination that should not be missed.
