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10 Hidden Gili Islands in Lombok: Must Visit in 2024
Lombok Island, a tropical paradise in Indonesia, is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty. Apart from the three most famous Gili islands – Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, and Gili Air – there are numerous smaller islands that offer equally enchanting natural charm. Here, I will share the places I have visited in Lombok that I believe you should try. Oh yes, my vacation in Lombok was accompanied by an excellent guide who provided me with a lot of interesting information.
If you plan to visit Lombok, I personally recommend using a local guide for a more exciting experience. This time, I chose 17Tour Agency to accompany my vacation in Lombok. Here are ten Gili islands in Lombok that you should consider visiting.
1. Gili Nanggu
Famous for its tranquility, Gili Nanggu captivates visitors with its white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters. Snorkeling activities around the island are highly recommended.
To reach Gili Nanggu, you must take a local boat that docks at Tawun Harbor, West Sekotong Village. The island is only a 30-minute drive by car or motorcycle from Lembar Harbor, 45 minutes from Mataram City, and just one hour from Senggigi. Despite its proximity to the hustle and bustle, Gili Nanggu offers serenity without air pollution, as there are no motorized vehicles, hotels, or restaurants on the island. doing Gili Nanggu tour and surrounding must be once in your life.
2. Gili Kedis
Located not far from Gili Nanggu and Gili Sudak, Gili Kedis is a small island that offers romantic beauty. Not larger than a futsal field, Gili Kedis is an ideal place for couples seeking tranquility. Its beautiful beach and secluded atmosphere make it perfect for a romantic getaway.
Many local tourists visit Gili Kedis to enjoy the beauty of the white sandy beach, and the place is also suitable for camping.
3. Gili Sudak
Still in the Sekotong area, Gili Sudak is one of the three Gili clusters in West Sekotong. Gili Sudak doesn’t have hotels, but there is one restaurant where tourists usually take a break after enjoying the beach or snorkeling.
Gili Sudak is the largest among Gili Nanggu, Gili Kedis, and Gili Sudak. Its clear water and gentle waves make these three islands a favorite spot for snorkeling. The beauty of the underwater garden is truly spectacular; come here and see for yourself.
4. Gili Gede
Gili Gede is also located in the Sekotong region. From Tawun Harbor in West Sekotong, it takes only 20 minutes to reach the main gateway harbor of Gili Gede, Tembowong Harbor. Unlike its neighbors Gili Nanggu, Gili Kedis, and Gili Sudak, Gili Gede has many hotels, ranging from star-rated hotels to budget accommodations.
As the largest Gili in Lombok, Gili Gede offers charming beaches and an authentic fishing village. The most famous attraction on Gili Gede is its stunning and untouched underwater ecosystem, attracting many divers for vacation. In Gili Gede, there are also many snorkeling trip providers who will take you to interesting snorkeling spots in Gili Gede, Gili Asahan, Gili Layar, and others.
5. Gili Kondo
Moving to East Lombok, specifically in the eastern corner of Lombok, Sambalia. Gili Kondo is often searched on the internet by divers due to its fascinating underwater garden. The beauty of coral reefs and diverse marine life attracts tourists to visit. Like most Gilis in Lombok, Gili Kondo is an uninhabited island, and its natural beauty is well preserved.
To reach Gili Kondo, you have to take a local boat from Padak Guar Sambalia Harbor. Usually, you will also visit other Gilis such as Gili Kapal, Gili Bidara, and Gili Petagan, each with its own beauty and uniqueness.
6. Gili Kapal
Gili Kapal is a small white sandy island that only appears during low tide. Still located in the Gili Kondo area, Gili Kapal is a favorite destination for tourists. Being on Gili Kapal feels like being in the Maldives; clear water surrounded by a vast ocean creates a beautiful atmosphere. Try wandering around looking for stranded starfish or collecting shells to make beautiful accessories; everything can be done on the cute island of Gili Kapal.
7. Gili Bidara and Gili Petagan
If you choose to rent a boat from Padak Guar, the first destinations you will visit are Gili Petagan and Gili Bidara before heading to Gili Kondo. Passing through Gili Petagan, you will be treated to lush mangrove forest views on both sides of the boat, resembling the Amazon River version of Lombok, but with clear seawater views.
Gili Petagan is also famous for its very natural coral reef ecosystem, making your boat ride views very special.
Gili Bidara is the best snorkeling spot besides Gili Kondo. If you take a Gili Kondo trip package, one of your snorkeling destinations will be Gili Bidara. The clear seawater in Gili Bidara allows you to see the beauty of the underwater nature while you are still on the boat.
Lombok Island is indeed blessed with charming underwater beauty, and Gili Bidara is one of them. Make sure to bring your snorkeling equipment, as although the boat provides snorkeling gear, from our experience, the equipment they provide is still inadequate.
8. Gili Pasir
Gili Pasir is located in the eastern part of Lombok, specifically in Tanjung Luar, East Lombok. It is a long, sandbar-shaped island that emerges during low tide. Typically, Gili Pasir appears from morning until evening.
The beauty of Gili Pasir lies in its sand, which changes color to a rosy hue every mid-Hijri month (Islamic month), usually coinciding with the full moon. In Gili Pasir, you can enjoy the beauty of both sunset and sunrise. Don’t be surprised to find many marine animals stranded here, such as starfish, jellyfish, seashells, and more.
The unique feature of Gili Pasir is its resemblance to a highway when it emerges, creating a captivating sight. This hidden gem offers a serene escape and a chance to witness the wonders of nature, making it an ideal destination for those seeking tranquility and the beauty of the sea. Explore Gili Pasir during your visit to Lombok for an unforgettable experience surrounded by the charm of the ocean.
9. Gili Petelu
Let’s move to the southern part of East Lombok, namely Gili Petelu. This small island is located far from the Lombok archipelago. Usually, tourists come to this island just for snorkeling. Tourists who come use boats from Tangsi Beach or Segui Beach, better known as Pink Beach Lombok.
Gili Petelu offers an extraordinary snorkeling experience; colorful fish and beautiful coral reefs will be a graceful sight when you snorkel here. We recommend using frog-foot snorkeling equipment so that you can swim more freely because the waves here are quite strong.
10. Gili Asahan
Let’s go back to Sekotong, namely Gili Asahan, the neighbor of Gili Gede. Realizing the tourism potential here, just like Gili Gede, Gili Asahan is also a priority tourist destination promoted by the West Lombok regency government. No wonder, there are already many luxurious hotels being built here.
Gili Gede and Gili Asahan can be accessed from Bali using a fast boat from Sanur Harbor to Gili Gede. It only takes less than two hours to arrive on this small island with a charming underwater paradise.
Now, travelers, after reading this article, we hope you have more tourist destinations in your holiday plans because Indonesia is beautiful, with diverse natural wealth, especially in Lombok. Before exploring these islands, be sure to check local rules and regulations and ensure your travel safety. With the natural beauty still preserved and the charm that captivates, the Gili islands in Lombok offer an unforgettable holiday experience for adventurers. Enjoy the wonders
