Gili Trawangan Named World's Best Swimming Spot for 2026

Gili Trawangan has won the award for the world’s best swimming spot in 2026, defeating more than 100 other destinations worldwide.

According to Forbes on Saturday, 28 February 2026, the list of the world’s best swimming spots for 2026 was compiled by CV Villas, a London-based luxury travel company with over 50 years of experience.

CV Villas researched more than 100 popular coastal destinations around the world to determine the best swimming spot year-round.

The ranking was then compiled based on several factors, including sea water temperature, wind speed, and UV index. It also referenced the recommended water temperature for swimming based on the World Health Organisation (WHO), which ranges from 26-30 degrees Celsius.

Forbes described Gili Trawangan as a small island off Lombok famous for its relaxed atmosphere and clear waters.

The sea water temperature at Gili Trawangan is warm and stable, with calm conditions throughout the year.

“This is the perfect choice for tourists seeking health benefits and beautiful scenery,” wrote Forbes.

The shoreline of Gili Trawangan is filled with many restaurants, cafés, and beach clubs. Additionally, the majority of people there are foreign tourists, creating an atmosphere as though one is abroad.

If visitors wish to explore the island, tourists can rent bicycles for the day or ride a traditional horse-drawn cart with a maximum capacity of four passengers.

To enjoy snorkelling at Gili Trawangan, tourists can register with one of the tour operators at a rate of approximately 150,000 Indonesian rupiah per person.

Snorkelling at Gili Trawangan runs from morning until evening, exploring three spots and two islands.