A small island off the coast of Lombok has just earned a big global title. Gili Trawangan has been crowned the world’s best swimming spot for 2026, outperforming more than 100 beach destinations across the globe.
The ranking was reported by Forbes on Saturday (28/2/2026). The list was compiled by CV Villas, a London-based luxury travel company with over 50 years of experience in the industry. To determine the best year-round swimming destinations, the company evaluated more than 100 popular beach locations worldwide.
Several factors were taken into account. These included sea water temperature, wind speed, and UV index. The assessment also referred to the World Health Organization (WHO) guideline for ideal swimming conditions, which recommends water temperatures between 26 and 30 degrees Celsius.
Gili Trawangan came out on top with a final score of 78.6 out of 100. Forbes described the island as a small destination in Lombok known for its relaxed atmosphere and clear waters. The sea temperature around Gili Trawangan is warm and stable, and the waters remain calm throughout the year.
“It is an ideal choice for travelers seeking health benefits and beautiful scenery,” Forbes wrote.
Located in West Nusa Tenggara (NTB), Gili Trawangan is already a well-known natural attraction for visitors traveling to Lombok. Tourists can reach the island by taking a boat ride of around 30 minutes from Bangsal Harbor in Pemenang District, as reported by Kompas.com.
Along the island’s shoreline, visitors will find numerous restaurants, cafés, and beach clubs. The majority of people in the area are foreign tourists, giving the island an international atmosphere that often feels like being abroad.
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Getting around the island is simple. Visitors can rent bicycles for a full day or ride a traditional horse-drawn carriage known as a dokar, which accommodates up to four passengers. For those interested in underwater exploration, snorkeling trips are available through local operators at prices starting from around Rp150,000 per person. These excursions typically run from morning until late afternoon, covering three snorkeling spots and two nearby islands.
Gili Trawangan was not the only destination recognized in the 2026 ranking. Sharm El Sheikh in Egypt secured second place with a score of 77.1 out of 100, just slightly behind Gili Trawangan.
Hurghada, also in Egypt, followed closely in third place with the same score of 77.1 out of 100.
Fethiye in Turkey claimed fourth place, earning a score of 70.8 out of 100. The area is widely known for its naturally protected coves and scenic sheltered bays.
With calm waters, warm temperatures, and year-round swimming conditions, Gili Trawangan has now gained global recognition, standing above dozens of renowned beach destinations worldwide.
