The Secret Lives of Shells: What You Find on Gili Beaches and Why They Matter

Take a barefoot walk along the beaches of the Gili Islands, you’ll quickly realize the shore has more to offer than soft white sand and postcard-perfect views. If you stop and look down, you might spot a glint of something small but extraordinary: seashells. These modest fragments carry fascinating stories from the underwater world and play an important role in keeping healty the coastal ecosystems.

More Than Just Beach Trinkets

Seashells aren’t just decorative bits washed ashore, they were once the homes of mollusks like sea snails and clams. After these creatures die, their shells are left behind and often swept onto the beach by the tide. Over time, they become part of the shoreline, each one shaped by waves, weather, and time at sea.

The Gili Islands’ Most Common Finds

If you’re curious about what you’re stepping over, here are a few shells you may spot:

• Cowrie Shells – Smooth and shiny with rounded edges, these have been used in jewelry and even as currency in the past.
• Conch Shells – Large and spiral-shaped, these often serve as a home for hermit crabs once abandoned.
• Scallop Shells – Their familiar fan shape and ridged surface make them easy to spot.
• Olive Shells – Small, sleek, and tube-shaped, these are usually half-buried in soft sand.

Why Leaving Shells Behind Matters

While collecting shells can be fun, it’s important to remember that they serve several ecological purposes:

• Shelter for marine creatures: Hermit crabs, among others, rely on abandoned shells for protection.
• Beach stability: As shells break down, they add to the sand and help preserve the natural shape of the beach.
• Environmental clues: The variety and number of shells found can be a subtle indicator of the sea’s health.

Responsible Shell Collecting

If you do want to keep a shell or two as a souvenir, it’s best to do it thoughtfully:

• Avoid taking shells that still house living animals.
• Don’t collect from protected or conservation areas.
• Take only a small number and leave the rest behind.

A Family-Friendly Activity

Shell hunting is a simple and fun activity for all ages. Kids especially enjoy searching for unique treasures hidden in the sand. Bring a guidebook or look up species online to identify what you find. You might be surprised by the diversity waiting at your feet.

How You Can Help

Local conservation groups in the Gili Islands are working hard to protect the ocean and its shoreline. Tourists can support their efforts by joining beach clean-ups, choosing eco-conscious accommodation, and spreading the word about sustainable travel.

The next time you’re walking the shore in Gili Trawangan, stop to admire what the tide has left behind. Seashells may be small, but they’re powerful storytellers connecting us to the ocean and reminding us how closely we’re tied to nature.