The Secret Gilis of Southwest Lombok

The three northern Gili Islands of Lombok are deservedly famed for their beauty, laid back vibe and pristine beaches but they are just a fraction of Lombok’s numerous offshore islands have to offer. There are many idyllic specks of tropical paradise located right around Lombok’s coastline. If you have the urge to discover more by island hopping, the Secret Gilis in the southwest of Lombok is just the place to start.

The ‘Secret Gilis’

Just beyond the beaches of Sekotong are a dozen dreamy islands, fringed by pristine coral reefs and all of them have abundant soft white sand. Little more than tiny specks in the ocean, these secret Gili islands Lombok offer peaceful island living, receiving only a small fraction of visitors compared to Gili Trawangan. The main islands are Gili Asahan, Gili Nanggu, and Gili Gede while neighbouring islands of Gili Sudat, Gili Tangkong, Gili Genting and Gili Lontar offer a real-life castaway experience where you’ll get a whole stretch of pristine beach all to yourself.

Gili Asahan

The perfect example of the secret Gilis’ laid back charm is Gili Asahan. Just a short hop from the Sekotong mainland, it literally feels a world away from buzzing Gili T. You’ll be sharing this quiet place with a steady stream of day-trippers here to snorkel the clear waters and island hopping. It’s an idyllic spot to unplug, unwind and experience tropical island life as it really should be. Take your pick from several sugary white sand beaches that fringe the entire coastline and numerous snorkelling spots lie just offshore. Reefs are still pristine and brimming with fish. With a few days to spare, Gili Asahan is a great base to learn the basics of scuba diving on uncrowded reefs throughout Sekotong Bay and beyond.

It may be relatively small but natural diversity abounds. Aside from the beaches, there are shady coconut groves, dense tropical undergrowth and a few undulating hills which unlock awesome ocean vistas across to the other neighbouring Secret Gilis. A look up to the skies may be rewarded with a sighting of a sea eagle swooping down for food.

Gili Asahan also has a small but important pearl farming industry and a welcoming small village community. There are only a handful of places to stay but Gili Asahan has become something of a yoga hub for people looking to escape and unplug. Which Gili island is best? Gili Asahan is hard to beat for its quietude, superb snorkelling and natural beauty. In short, it ticks all the boxes as the archetypal secret island holiday haven.

Gili Gede

Gili Gede, appropriately translated as ‘big island,’ is the largest of the Secret Gilis and arguably the most naturally diverse. It has a scenic, hilly interior offering easy-going hikes to enjoy fine views across the neighbouring islands. There are several small village communities populated by fishermen and skilled boat builders – two industries that still sustain the island. Among the small number of places to stay, there are a few upscale resorts and Gili Gede boasts a small yacht marina where private boat charters are available.

Secret Gilis- Island Hopping

Only a small fraction of visitors actually stay overnight on one of the few inhabited islands. The vast majority explore the mini-archipelago by a day trip island hopping. While an overnight stay is recommended to really immerse in the laid back vibe, a day on the water with several island stops might be even better. Several different itineraries can be booked which invariably include a couple of hours snorkelling off the shore of Gili Nanggu, followed by a stop at peaceful Gili Sudak for a lunch of ocean fresh barbecued fish. A highlight for most is a short stop at tiny uninhabited Gili Kedis – also known as the ‘honeymoon island.’ It is also possible to camp here overnight as part of an organised trip.

Secret Gilis – Snorkelling

Options are virtually unlimited throughout Sekotong Bay with generally calm and crystal clear shallow waters just steps from the beachfront of most islands. There are abundant shallow snorkelling spots around Gili Asahan while Gili Nanggu is a favourite stop on the aforementioned island hopping trips for a spot of snorkelling. There are excellent coral gardens here as well as some mangrove coastline.

Secret Gilis – Scuba Diving

For those looking to go deeper, there are several impressive dive sites within easy reach. With far fewer divers here, the reefs are in tip-top condition and there is a huge variety of hard and soft corals, reef sharks, mantas and lots of small sea critters. Underwater visibility is excellent too. The fast flowing Secret Garden dive site is one of more than a dozen excellent spots dotted around the islands within Sekotong Bay, all of which are much less crowded than the northern Gilis.

Dive trips and snorkelling trips can be arranged directly at Amahelia Luxury Resort. Let us know and we’ll make sure you’ll have an incredible experience! Touch in touch.