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The world may already know Bali. An Island of the Gods that holds stunning beach views with turquoise sea colors. Hearing Bali is probably a vacation for those who hear it. Sadly, because of its popularity for vacations, Bali has been crowded and inhabited by domestic and foreign travelers. But looking at the eastern part of Bali, there is another heavenly place. There is an island called Lombok, which is surrounded by stunning islands. Each of the islands is called Gili, which means island in the Lombok language.
Lombok Island is known for having small islands that line up beautifully. There are several Gilis around Lombok Island that are inhabited and uninhabited. However, all the Gilis offer turquoise and clear seawater. So travelers can see the marine life in them. Here are 11 islands in Lombok for a stunning scenic vacation.
Gili Air
The location of Gili Air is between the three Gili clusters in the easternmost part. The area of this island is only 150 hectares, which is the smallest compared to the two adjacent Gilis, namely Gili Trawangan and Gili Meno. Gili Air has very clean and natural seas with a very clear turquoise sea color. Even the seabed from the beach or on a boat can be seen very clearly. On the seabed, various types of marine biota thrive, such as colorful fish, turtles, coral reefs, and corals. It’s no wonder that many tourists come and try snorkeling and diving on this island to see firsthand how beautiful the seabed of this Gili is.
Besides the beauty of the seabed, Gili Air has very beautiful beaches. Fine white sand and waves will make tourists amazed. The beach on this gili looks very clean without trash because some of the beach areas have been arranged by the hotel to make it look more beautiful. Usually, at night, the beach is often used as a location for gathering and relaxing for hotel guests who come from all over. To enjoy Gili Air, it doesn’t take long. This island can be circled in just 30 minutes on foot. The beach on Gili Air is also perfect for seeing the beauty of the sunset.
To be able to go to this gili, tourists need to pass by land and sea routes. To go to the ferry port to the Gili at Bangsal Harbor, tourists can go through the Pusuk Gunungsari route or the Senggigi Beach route. But the crossing to the Gili islands is not only at Bangsal Harbor, Senggigi Beach and its surroundings are also available. However, Bangsal Harbor is only for crossing with public boats. The distance from Mataram City to Bangsal Harbor is 26 KM with a travel time of 45 minutes from the Pusuk Gunungsari route. Meanwhile, a trip to Senggigi Beach is enough with just 30 minutes. When entering the holiday season, this Gili area is usually crowded with local tourists. However, on normal days, this Gili is crowded with foreign travelers.
- Location: Gili Air
- Address: Desa Gili Indah, Kecamatan Pemenang, Kabupaten Lombok Utara, Nusa Tenggara Barat (NTB)
- Operational Hours: 24 hours
- Boat Tour: $1 per person (public boat), 32–$60 per person (speedboat)
- Amenities: Boats, public toilet, bike rental, snorkel equipment rental, hotels, resorts, homestays and villas, food and drink seller, café and bars, traditional horse carriage, information center
Gili Trawangan
Gili Trawangan is the largest Gili among the other small island groups–Gili Meno and Gili Air. Gili Trawangan is blessed with the extraordinary beauty of its beaches. On this island, there is a wide stretch of white sand with a very fine and soft texture. Tourists who walk can feel how the grains of beach sand are. The most enjoyable activity on Gili Trawangan is being able to see the unspoiled and lush underwater beauty. Many tourists do snorkeling activities on the beach towards the middle of the sea to see marine life and various coral reefs. Visitors can choose snorkel experts who are available around the Gilis.
Gili Trawangan is the right island to heal the mind because the atmosphere is not as crowded as the city of Lombok. This island is very free from smoke pollution because tourists and local people are not allowed to use motorized vehicles. They are only allowed to use bicycles. Besides bicycles, in this place, there is public transportation in the form of cidomo. Cidomo is a carriage using the help of a horse. On the Gilis there are also many jogging tracks in every corner of the island.
Gili Trawangan also has a beautiful beach atmosphere when the sun is rising. The sea is full of orange color blends with the blue seawater, so it looks very exotic. The best spots to enjoy the sunrise are on the east side of the island, while the best spots for sunsets are on the west side of the island. Tourists can only walk where there are jogging tracks on almost every side of the island. To go to this island, tourists need to cross from Bangsal Harbor or Senggigi Beach. The distance from Mataram City to Bangsal Harbor is 26 KM, with a travel time of 45 minutes from the Pusuk Gunungsari route. Meanwhile, if you go to Senggigi Beach, it only takes 30 minutes.
To buy an entrance ticket to Gili Trawangan, you can do it at Bangsal Harbor at the port counter every Monday–Sunday from 7 am–5 pm. If the public boat service is closed, you can order a boat outside the official counter at a price that adjusts to the number of passengers.
- Location: Gili Trawangan
- Address: Desa Gili Indah, Kecamatan Pemenang, Kabupaten Lombok Utara, Nusa Tenggara Barat (NTB)
- Operational Hours: 24 hours
- Boat Tour: $1.5 per person (public boat), 32–$60 per person (speedboat)
- Amenities: Boats, public toilet, bike rental, snorkel equipment rental, hotels, resorts, homestays and villas, food and drink seller, café and bars, traditional horse carriage, information center
Gili Meno
Gili Meno is one of the islands that is always targeted by foreign travelers from various countries. This place was also chosen as the best beach in Indonesia in the 2016 TripAdvisor Choice event. Its appeal lies in the beauty of its soft white sand and clear blue seawater. This island has calm waves, so travelers can snorkel or dive here. This small island offers extraordinary beauty under the sea. It consists of various types of coral reefs that thrive on thousands of small colorful fish. Gili Meno is well known for its underwater sculpture. The sculpture is the work of an artist named Jason deCaires Taylor. It is located at 13 feet of ocean depth.
To get to this island, travelers can drive from Mataram City to Senggigi Beach. Then, they can continue their journey by boat. It takes about 45 minutes to reach Gili Meno from Mataram. The crossing from the port to Gili Meno is only available in the morning and evening on Monday-Sunday. Gili Meno has various types of lodging at varying prices. All you have to do is set up and determine which accommodation fits your budget. Gili Meno is perfect for looking for serenity while on vacation. The atmosphere is still quieter than Gili Trawangan. It makes this island the best choice for those of you who want to relax. This island is also the best place for those who want to honeymoon.
- Location: Gili Meno
- Address: Desa Gili Indah, Kecamatan. Pemenang, Kabupaten Lombok Utara, Nusa Tenggara Barat (NTB)
- Operational Hours: 24 hours
- Entrance Fee/Boat Tour: $1.5 per person
- Amenities: Boats, public toilet, bike rental, snorkel equipment rental, hotels, resorts, homestays and villas, food and drink seller, café and bars, traditional horse carriage, information center
Related: Island Escape: These Are The 10 Most Beautiful Beaches In Bali
Gili Sudak
Gili Sudak is the right island for travelers who want to enjoy the harmony of nature for peace of mind. The island is popular for lunch stops and is often a stopover for a few hours. Because in Gili several stalls. They will serve several choices of food. It is ranging from crackers, instant noodles, and gado-gado, to seafood. But Gili Sudak is also suitable as a place to stay. Lodging on Gili Sudak itself has a price range starting at $32–$65.
In the early morning, travelers can take a walk to enjoy the sand. They can be inhaling the fresh sea breeze with a stretch of green-blue gradations of water as far as the eye can see. When the sun starts to rise, travelers can start exploring the underwater beauty of Gili Sudak. Even though the facilities on Gili Sudak are not as many as other Gilis, travelers can still paddle kayaks without extra costs from the inn. With kayaks, tourists can wade through the calm sea without waves to Gili Kedis. And right at sunset, travelers can sit on a wooden chair by the beach, enjoying the orange sky transitioning into a stretch of stars. Gili Sudak is suitable as a place to unwind before getting ready to face the day before returning to work.
To go to Gili Sudak, tourists will travel a distance of 33 KM from Mataram City. This distance can be covered in 1 hour. Travel time for this trip depends on the speed of the vehicle used. After traveling overland, tourists can cross the ocean to arrive at Gili Sudak. There are three alternative crossings: Lembar Port, Sekotong Tengah, and Tawun Port.
To be able to go to Gili Sudak, tourists need to go through 2 routes, the land route and also the waterway. For land routes, tourists can use private vehicles such as motorbikes or cars. Buses can also be used if you come with a group. If tourists do not have a private vehicle, they can rent a vehicle around the center of Mataram City. It is because there is no public transportation or online motorcycle taxi to arrive at this destination. After arriving at the crossing, tourists can park their vehicles. The vehicles are entrusted to the crossing port guard.
- Location: Gili Sudak
- Address: Dusun Batu Kijuk, Desa Medang, Kecamatan Sekotong Barat, Lombok Barat, Nusa Tenggara Barat (NTB)
- Operational Hours: 24 hours
- Boat Tour: $12.8 for public boat (8 people, go and back), $20 by speedboat (8 people, go and back)
- Amenities: Boats, camping area, food and drink stalls, seating area, tree area
Gili Tangkong
Gili Tangkong is one of the Gilis in the range of small islands southwest of Lombok Island. Even though Gili Tangkong is not as popular as Gili Trawangan and Gili Air, this Gili is no less when compared to its natural beauty. The panoramic beauty of the beach with white sand and waves is suitable for water sports activities. Gili Tangkong has a total land area of 24.2 hectares, and 7.2 hectares are managed by the Provincial Government of West Nusa Tenggara (NTB).
This Gili is one of the small uninhabited islands. Many travelers who come to visit call it a virgin island. Not only is it uninhabited, but there was also no plastic waste or used drink cans. Sometimes even footprints are not found on the shores of this island. This small island has a long coastline, surrounded by clean white sand. The sand in Gili is very clean and natural. Occasionally found fragments of coral fragments among the existing sand. Travelers can go around the island to feel the sensation of white sand barefoot while enjoying the scenery around the beach. During the day, the sun will highlight the beach sand and give an exotic impression because the sand will look shiny.
The main advantage possessed by Gili Tangkong is the beauty of the underwater scenery with various kinds of marine life. The view under Gili Tangkong is recommended. Under the sea of this island, there are so many types of coral and colorful fish. There can be found coral reefs that are still healthy and fertile and fish passing by such as Clown Fish, Tiger Fish, and so on. For travelers who have a penchant for taking underwater photos, the diving spot on Gili Tangkong is the right place. It is because it has a water visibility of around 25 meters. So it is clear enough to photograph various coral reefs and fish.
Being an uninhabited island makes this Gili so calm and suitable to be used as a camping place with friends to enjoy the beautiful natural beauty. The location of this Gili destination is far from the hustle and bustle of the city. Many people come to this destination to spend the night and build tents. For travelers who want to camp at this destination have to bring camping equipment such as tents, mattresses, and others. This destination does not provide camping equipment rental.
To go to the destination of Gili Tangkong is quite easy. Travelers need to pass through two routes, the land route and also the sea route. For land routes, tourists can use private vehicles such as cars or motorbikes to go to the Sekotong area. Tourists who do not have private vehicles can rent a rental vehicle in the city center. The road trip will cover a distance of 33 KM from Mataram City to Sekotong. This distance can be covered in 1 hour with paved roads. After traveling overland, the tourists must cross the ocean to arrive at Gili Tangkong. There are three alternative crossings Sheet Harbor, Batu Kijuk, and Tawun Port.
Gili Nanggu
Gili Nanggu is known as a turtle hatchery. This island is located in the Lombok Strait or on the west coast of Lombok Island. Gili Nanggu, Sudak, and Kedis are located in the warm water of the Pacific Ocean. This group of small islands from the Lesser Sundas also belongs to the Wallacea scope. An area with the richest natural laboratory in the world with extraordinary biodiversity. This Wallacea region is a meeting point for various organisms from various parts of the world. It is not surprising that Gili Nanggu has extraordinary natural beauty under the sea. This island is in the Sekotong District, West Lombok Regency. Like most other Gillis, Gili Nanggu also has a stretch of soft white sand with clear blue gradations of seawater. The atmosphere of Gili Nanggu is serene. No wonder Gili Nanggu is often chosen as a honeymoon destination for newlyweds.
Apart from its stunning natural panorama, travelers can also do several exciting activities in Gili Nanggu. Enjoying the splashing of the waves and sunbathing. Going on a trip to the small islands around Gili Nanggu. Hunting for cool photos. Trying water sports such as snorkeling or diving. The view of the sunset is the most beautiful moment on this 8-hectare island. For those who want to linger or want to be alone in Gili Nanggu, they don’t need to worry. Because on this island, there are adequate facilities.
To enter Gili Nanggu, travelers have to pay an administrative entrance fee of about $0.5. Thus, travelers can also hop on the island for about 15 minutes to see the turtle hatchery. If the travelers are lucky, they can attend the releasing turtle event to the sea that is held by Gili Nanggu’s superintendent. In this Gili, no one is allowed to fish. Gili fishing is not allowed to protect the underwater ecosystem. Of course, anyone should not feed fish because it will disrupt the fish food chain. To feed the fish, travelers must inform the island management first. Later, the island manager will provide special fish food by paying only $0.5.
Gili Bidara
Gili Bidara is one of several Gili clusters, Gili Petagan, Gili Bidara, and Gili Kondo. Gili Bidara can be a fun vacation spot for travelers because of its turquoise sea. This beautiful Gili is included in the ranks of small islands that do not provide lodging. There is only a pavilion for shelter, which is called Berugak. What’s more, there are no accommodations that travelers can use to get around. So, it is recommended that travelers bring supplies or tents to rest if they want to visit here.
Underwater tourism is the main attraction of Gili Bidara. Lots of curious snorkeling and diving enthusiasts then come to this Gili. The beauty of the underwater charm on Gili Bidara should be compared to other islands. The fish that swim here and there look very beautiful to look at. For tourists who want to do snorkeling, complete equipment has been provided, which can be rented at the entrance to the crossing location.
For mountain lovers from this Gili, travelers can enjoy the splendor of the highest mountain on the island of Lombok, Mount Rinjani. The beautiful blend of mountain strokes, ocean, and blue sky will spoil the eyes of travelers. To reach this location, travelers can start from Mataram and must first drive to Sambelia. From there, travelers can head to Gili Bidara by using a chartered boat that used to go back and forth.
- Location: Gili Bidara
- Address: Desa Labuhan Pandan, Kecamatan Sambelia, Kabupaten Lombok Timur, Nusa Tenggara Barat (NTB)
- Operational Hours: 24 hours
- Boat Tour: Free entrance fee, $16 per boat (10 people), $1 for parking area
- Amenities: Boats, public toilet, rubbish bin, food and drink stalls (at the port), snorkel equipment rental, parking area
Related: 10 Things To Explore In Bali (10 That Are Overrated)
Gili Petelu
Gili Petelu is located in Desa Sekaroh, Kecamatan Jerowaru, Kabupaten Lombok Timur, Nusa Tenggara Barat. This Gili is not far from Pink Beach, which is one of the popular choices of destinations in Lombok. Tourists can use the boats available at Pink Beach to go around the Gilis along with other destinations. The origin is called Gili Petelu because there are three clusters of small hills and “Telu” means the number three. So that sometimes ordinary people call it Pulau Tiga. This Gili is formed as a coral island with hilly contours that are not much wider. But anyone who comes to visit will be presented with a very beautiful and enchanting view. This uninhabited Gili is covered in grass and trees above the contours of the hills. Meanwhile, this Gili is surrounded by a blue ocean, so this island is like an emerald in the middle of the sea.
The main attraction of Gili Petelu is the underwater scenery with remarkable and enchanting marine life. Bright green coral reefs, huge starfish, clownfish, octopuses, and so on. Being one of the snorkeling spots, this Gili has very clear seawater that makes the eyes free to look under the sea. Seawater with calm waves and a depth of only 1.5-2.5 meters makes this place recommended for snorkeling. The beach that surrounds this tiny island has a clean white color with a texture like a grain of pepper. Travelers can go around the island on foot while feeling the sensation of the sand on this Gili. It didn’t take long to go around this island; it only takes about 10 minutes.
Being in Gili Petelu, travelers can stand and see the expanse of blue sea which of course will make anyone’s heart feel comfortable and at ease. The seawater that surrounds this island is very clear, and the underwater beauty is visible like a sparkling gem. Coupled with the sunlight exposure to the seawater, it will give a beautiful sparkling reflection. There is one of the interesting attractions of Gili Petelu. When the seawater is receding, a sandy road will appear that separates Gili Petelu from the small hill beside it. This Gili is one with a small hill beside it. However, during high tide, the sand that is in the middle between the Gilis and the hill will be drowned by seawater. Like a split sea, if tourists come when the seawater recedes, they will be lucky to be able to feel the sensation of walking in the middle of a split sea.
To get to this island, travelers need to use two routes–land and sea routes. To go to Gili Petelu, travelers need to rent a crossing boat at Tanjung Luar Harbor or Pink Beach.
Gili Asahan
Gili Asahan is located in Sekotong Tengah Village, Sekotong District, West Lombok Regency. The location is right next to Gili Layar and Gili Gede. To reach this island, travelers can take a boat from Tembowong Harbor for about 20 minutes. The fare is around $13 per boat that seats 6-8 people. Another option is travelers can order a tour service. It includes boat rental, guide, and snorkeling equipment, with prices starting at $10 per person. Depending on the facilities included in it.
There are several recommended snorkeling spots on Gili Asahan, in front of Pearl Beach Resort, around Eagle Rock, and at Dutch Rock. However, of the three spots, the spot which is located in front of Pearl Beach Resort has the best coral and is rich in marine life. There, travelers can find not only colorful coral but also turtles, moray eels, and various species of tropical fish. There are also starfish of various species, such as the spiny starfish and the pillow starfish. While the coral reefs are home to smaller animals, such as nudibranchs and sea slugs.
Travelers can do other activities like swimming and relaxing on the beach, walking to the top of the hill to enjoy the view from a height, or kayaking in the calm waters. Gili Asahan can also be used as a place to spend the night. There are several accommodations to choose from with varying prices and facilities.
- Location: Gili Asahan
- Address: Desa Batu Putih, Kecamatan Sekotong Tengah, Kabupaten Lombok Barat, Nusa Tenggara Barat
- Operational Hours: 24 hours
- Boat Tour: $20–$30 per boat (10 people)
- Amenities: Boats, public toilet, snorkel equipment rental, hotels and resorts, prayer room, café and bars, tour package sellers, tree areas, horse carriage rental
Gili Kedis
Gili Kedis is located in Sekotong Tengah, West Lombok, Gili Kedis. This island is also small. So it is perfect for those who seek tranquility. As the name implies, Kedis means “small” in the Sasak language. Gili Kedis is also right for those who want to be guerrilla and want to worship silence. So, travelers can bring camping equipment and spend the night here. Camping on Gili Kedis will present a very extraordinary view. Travelers can put up a tent on the very fine sand of the island under a tree because about 5 trees are growing tall and shady in the middle of this island, complete with two beautiful swings.
Not far from Gili Kedis, tourists can also find a stretch of coral filled with beautiful small fish. The underwater panorama is also tempting to explore. Thus, snorkeling is an activity that cannot be missed here. Apart from its unspoiled underwater beauty, the types of marine life on Gili Kedis are also more many and varied than in other Gili. Gili Kedis also has views of clear blue seawater. Coral reefs can be seen with the naked eye as far as 15 meters. Gili is also named a romantic island. It can be proven when viewed from above using a drone. Gili Kedis is in the shape of a heart when the seawater recedes.
The distance between Gili Kedis and Gili Sudak is only 10 minutes by kayak. On Gili Kedis, travelers can enjoy the beauty of God’s creation, a blend of clear blue seawater and green shady trees. Without noisy boat engines. And without humans passing by. Only soul and the open sea.
Gili Pasir/Kapal
Gili Pasir is a destination that is no less interesting to visit in Lombok. The area of this island is only about 1 hectare. This island has a unique natural phenomenon because it only appears when the water is receding. The sand on this island is not wide, so the lucky ones who land there can experience the sensation of having a private island in a day. The stretch of fine white sand combined with clear turquoise water makes the experience of marine tourism. As the name implies, Pasir means sand. Gili Pasir does have a stretch of white sand mixed with pink, which is so smooth. Its white color is so beautiful that it sparkles when exposed to the afternoon sun.
