LombokBeaches / East Lombok / Gili Petelu
EAST COAST - SEKAROH
Gili Petelu
An uninhabited island named for its three hills, and the best snorkeling stop on the Pink Beach island hopping circuit
SAND
Clean white sand
SWIMMABLE
Yes, calm bay
BEST TIME
Morning, calm water
ACCESS
Boat only
CROWD LEVEL
Low, day trip only
OVERVIEW
Named for its three hills
Gili Petelu takes its name from Sasak, "gili" meaning small island and "petelu" meaning three, a reference to the three hills on the island that, seen from a distance, look like a small cluster of separate islands rather than one. It sits just off the coast near Pink Beach, in the same Sekaroh tourism area as the rest of this island hopping cluster.
The island itself is uninhabited, home only to a population of wild monkeys, and is visited exclusively as a day trip stop rather than anywhere to stay. Turquoise water and a clean white sand beach ring the island, with well preserved coral making this the strongest snorkeling stop in the whole area.
Island hopping
Snorkeling
Marine life
SAND & WATER
Conditions on the ground
This is the best snorkeling stop of the Pink Beach circuit. The reef stays genuinely healthy and colorful, with clownfish, octopus, starfish, and a good variety of coral visible without needing to dive deep, easy snorkeling for any skill level. Certified divers can go further out for a proper dive if the group and operator support it. Morning is best, when the water is calmest and clearest before the day heats up.
At a glance
Village
Sekaroh, Jerowaru
Entry fee
Usually bundled in boat tour
Parking
N/A, boat accsess
Toilets
None, uninhabited island
Shade
Non, bring your owne
Water entry
Sandy, coral reef offshore
Nearest Town
Pink Beach, ~30-45 min by boat
GOOD TO KNOW
No lifeguard on duty, and this is a remote, boat-access-only island. Avoid stepping on or touching coral while snorkeling, and keep a respectful distance from the resident monkeys.
GETTING THERE
Access & parking
Gili Petelu is reached exclusively by boat, either from Tanjung Luar Harbour or from Pink Beach 1 & 2 roughly 20 to 45 minutes depending on departure point. It's rarely visited on its own, almost every visitor arrives as part of a broader day tour that also takes in Pink Beach, Pulau Pasir, and often Gili Gambir nearby, with snorkel gear typically included in the package.
WHAT'S THERE
Facilities
Nothing in the way of built facilities, this is an uninhabited island. Snorkel gear is usually provided by the tour operator running the trip rather than available to rent on site, and there's no shade, food, or water beyond what you bring or what's included in your tour package.
TIMING
When to visit
Morning is best, calmer water gives clearer visibility for snorkeling before wind and boat traffic pick up later in the day. Most organised tours are timed to hit this stop earlier in the day for exactly that reason.
COMPARISON
Gili Petelu vs Kura-Kura
WHY CHOOSE THIS ONE
Kura Kura is defined by its turtle shaped rock and a quieter, more secluded cove. Gili Petelu is the stronger choice specifically for snorkeling, healthier coral, more visible marine life, and a genuine highlight of the day if reef and fish are the priority over scenery alone.
