Let us share our favourite secret island: Gili Asahan

There are many Gili islands around Lombok and the most popular, Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno and Gili Air, are located in the northwest of Lombok. When you travel south from there, you will stumble upon another cluster of lesser-known small islands: Gili Gede, Gili Asahan, Gili Layar, Gili Goleng, Gili Rengit, Gili Anyaran and Gili Lontar – most of which are uninhabited.

Gili Asahan is a little island where the inhabitants live close to nature. There are no roads, no cars, no motorcycles, and no mainland electricity, which makes it ideal for a relaxing getaway and reconnect with nature.

There is one fishing village on this island and life is very slow. Children are running on the beach and playing in the water. Local people are harvesting vegetables in their hillside garden. Cows are lazily grazing on grass, chickens walk freely wherever they want and goat are always looking for a chance to have a juicy snack.

Gili Asahan lets you into another world, so simple and peaceful that it seems surreal. Being able to immerse yourself in this atmosphere, gives a chance for a full reset: body, mind and spirit.

How to Get to Gili Asahan

Getting to Lombok: There are a few international airlines that fly straight to the airports of Lombok and Bali. If you fly to Bali, a 30-minute domestic flight from Bali to Lombok is available. Alternatively, you can take a fast boat. We can assist you with your transfer from Bali to Gili Asahan at Amahelia Gili. Please contact us for further information, and we will gladly assist you.

Public boat: Padang Bai (Bali) to Lembar Harbour (Lombok) has an hourly public ferry service that takes around 4-5 hours. From there it takes about 1 hour to get to Gili Asahan.

​From Lombok Airport: You can also travel by taking a taxi from Lombok airport to Pantai Kores. From there, it’s a 10 min boat ride to get to Gili Asahan.

Things to Do in Gili Asahan

Scuba diving in Gili Asahan

Secret Gili Islands have a lot to offer when it comes to scuba-diving. Even so, among domestic tourists, Gili Asahan remains a relatively unknown destination. On a good day, scuba divers can expect a moderately calm current, diverse and colorful underwater life, and clear visibility of up to 25 meters.

Snorkeling in Gili Asahan

A stay in Gili Asahan means that you’re only steps away from the beach, which features white sand and pristine blue ocean water with calm waves, making it ideal for swimming and snorkeling. At Amahelia Luxury Resort, we rent snorkeling equipment for you to use. We may also arrange for a boat trip to one of the island’s secret snorkeling places for a private or shared snorkeling session.

Easy Hiking

Gili Asahan is also blessed with small hills that can be hiked easily offering fantastic vistas of the surrounding area. Once you’ve reached the top, sit back and relax while you wait for the stunning sunset or sunrise views overlooking the ocean, Gili Asahan, and Lombok Island. Due to the geographical condition of Lombok Strait as the border of Asian flora and fauna, or better known as the Wallace Line, you may see several faunas that are typically found on the Australian continent during your trekking session.

Sailing to Gili Asahan

Gili Asahan is especially known among the sailing community and is a beloved destination when sailing in Indonesia. The island offers a safe place to moor the boat and a variety in the sailors routine as a couple of amazing restaurants are located right on the beach.

Amahelia Luxury Resort offers everything you dream of when looking for a break from routine: beachfront luxury villas, an outdoor swimming pool, air conditioning, furnished cottages and an on-site restaurant & bar. NAGA Restaurant serves Asian cuisine with a good selection of vegetarian and vegan dishes.

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.

Yacht charters Bali

The yacht charter industry is well established for sailing in Indonesia, the world’s biggest archipelago, and Bali has all the best options. When thinking of sailing Bali and a fully crewed Bali yacht charter, one immediately imagines gleaming luxury superyachts only affordable to A-list jet setters. Of course, this is true but a Bali yacht charter doesn’t need to cost the earth. There is a huge supply of very affordable day boats, catamarans and traditional Indonesian ‘phinisi’ schooners. In addition, there are further affordable options with shared charters (ideal for couples) and private charters that sail to a set schedule and route. For example, Barefoot Yachts offers an organized short itinerary sailing from Bali to Lombok’s Secret Gili islands.

Sailing Bali – where to learn

While a fully crewed boat charter gives you all the pleasure without any of the hard work, nothing beats learning sea craft yourself. The calm waters of Semawang beach in Sanur provide an easy, safe and hassle-free way to learn to sail in Bali. At East Bali Surf and Sail, you can earn your sea legs learning how to glide across the water in a small Hobiecat 16 boat. Smooth sailing Bali guaranteed. It also offers a dedicated entry-level sailing program for children on a fully certificated course with 30 hours of instruction. The company’s founder is Oka Sulaksana, a competitor at several Olympics and double Asian champion.

Day pleasure cruises

Bali Hai Cruises is arguably the most well-known and popular day pleasure cruise option from Bali but don’t just expect just a day of leisurely sailing on the open seas. It is a large modern catamaran, equipped for a full day of action. It offers day sailings to the islands of Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Penida, and docks next to a floating pontoon with a huge water slide for cruisers seeking an adrenaline rush. Other adventurous pursuits include parasailing, banana boat rides or more sedate snorkelling, island excursions, or chilling at the company’s own beach club. In short, it has a bit of everything to while away a day. Bali Hai also runs sunset cruises and sailing to the Gili Islands.

Sailing the Gili Islands

A visit to the three Gilis off the coast of northwest Lombok is an incredibly popular side trip from Bali, and a port of call for most private sailing itineraries out of Bali. Drop anchor and explore the laid back vibe of buzzing Gili Trawangan and then snorkel the reefs of Gili Meno and Gili Air. A sailing charter to get to the Gili Islands will give you all the freedom you need to explore the best reefs whenever you like or head back out on the water at a moment’s notice for an impromptu sunset cruise.

Lombok’s Secret Gili Islands

If the three Gilis have given you a taste for tropical island hopping, then a short cruise down Lombok’s west coast will unlock a whole new world of island adventures. Offshore from Sekotong are a dozen dreamy small islands fringed by pristine reefs and abundant soft white sand. These ‘Secret Gili Islands’ include uninhabited tiny specks of paradise, so sailing is by far the most rewarding way to go.
Explore the pristine reefs surrounding peaceful Gili Sudat, Gili Tangkong, Gili Genting and Gili Lontar or stay overnight on more established islands Gili Gede (which has its own yacht marina) and Gili Asahan. The latter is the ideal base in the Secret Gilis. Gili Asahan is an idyllic spot to totally unplug, and experience a near-castaway tropical island lifestyle. Reefs are still pristine and brimming with marine life and it’s not that difficult to find a stretch of sand all to yourself.

Are you interested in more information about sailing Bali and Gili Islands? We’re seasoned sailors here at Amahelia. Contact us and we’ll help you understand what to expect in Secret Gili.

1. Climb Mount Rinjani

Photo credit: @ayuukomeng

Soaring to a monumental 3,726 metres above sea level, Mount Rinjani is Indonesia’s second highest volcano and dominates the northern portion of Lombok. It doesn’t require expert mountaineering skills but expect a strenuous three or four-day climb to reach the summit and back. The big highlight is a dip in the huge crater lake nearly 3,000m above sea level, where you’ll camp overnight before reaching the summit to witness a mind-blowing early morning sunrise. You’ll be rewarded with simply awesome views as far across, Lombok, Bali, Sumbawa and even Java on a clear day.

2. Discover Secret Gilis

Photo credit: @lukemcameron

Spread across the calm waters of Sekotong Bay is more than a dozen dreamy islands – one of which is your base at Gili Asahan. Each of these ‘Secret Gilis’ offer pristine uncrowded beaches with soft white sand and a delightfully low key pace of life. Each can be easily reached by boat from Gili Asahan, such as the lush Gili Gede, Gili Nanggu for excellent snorkelling, rarely visited Gili Tangkong and the idyllic atoll of Gili Kedis. Expect a peaceful, back to basics ambience and pristine reefs to explore snorkelling.

3. Pristine Beaches

Photo credit: @clara_estrem

Lombok beaches come in a wide variety of colours, pristine white, volcanic black sand and even pink. A trip to Lombok’s southern coast unlocks several stunning beaches. Selong Belanak beach is one of the most eye-catching with a crescent shaped stretch of powdery white sand. There is also a mellow surf break perfect for beginners. Tucked between two large hills, Mawun beach is a picture perfect horse shoe shape. During the week you could be enjoying the soft white sands all to yourself. Tanjung Aan is another south Lombok beach that is both breath-taking to look at and also a popular hangout for surfers. Located at the extreme south east corner of Lombok Pantai Tangsi (Pink Beach) is very isolated. The sand really is pink thanks to the timeless ebb and flow of the water carrying tiny crushed particles of bright red coral, which over time has fused seamlessly into the white sand.

4. Surfing

Photo credit: @tinman72

Like its namesake in Bali, Kuta-Lombok is also a surfer’s paradise with a lively surfer-friendly vibe around town. It’s a gateway for exploring a series of secluded bays along the south coast with rolling, waves. There are consistent waves suitable for all levels at Tanjung A’an beach, which has established itself as one of the south coast’s most popular surf spots. Further east, Gerupuk offers boat rides out to surf consistent waves, or try the awesome barrelling waves at rugged Ekas Bay. Lombok’s top surf spot is just a relatively short journey from Gili Asahan. Legendary Desert Point has been attracting fearless surfers in search of the perfect wave. When the conditions are just right, it’s rated among the very best on the planet.

5. Scuba Diving

Photo credit: @amazingdive

There are small pockets of pristine dive sites all around Lombok’s coastline with the most established areas found in the northwest at the offshore Gili Islands. Despite the popularity, reefs remain in good condition (thanks to Biorock artificial reef regrowth) and its arguably the best place to learn the basics. For the most pristine, uncrowded reefs, you can enjoy scuba diving right on the doorstep in the Secret Gilis, just moments away by boat from Gili Asahan. There are very accessible dive spots perfect for macro divers, as well as encounters with rays, turtles and reef sharks. On the south coast, Belongas Bay is the go-to place for more adventurous divers with huge schools of big fish, including sharks, barracuda and hammerheads. The famed sites of Magnet and Cathedral are legendary adrenaline dives.

6. Chase Waterfalls

Photo credit: @passaporte_portugues

The topography of Mount Rinjani and its awesome crater lake create dramatic cascading waterfalls in the foothills. Sedang Gile is a highly photogenic sight and Lombok’s most popular waterfall, with water plummeting over 50 metres into fresh water pools. The nearby Tui Kelep waterfall is another captivating sight, which fills the mountain air with blowing mist. Further upstream is little known Betara Lenjang waterfall and hot springs – a hidden gem as it needs good climbing skills to reach. Near the village of Aik Berik are the falls of Benang Setokel and Benang Kelambu. They are about a 30 minute hike apart so can be visited together. Benang Kelambu is a true insta-worthy sight, with water cascading down a steep rock face which is covered in dense tropical flora.

7. Handicraft villages

Photo credit: @adi_saskara

Art and traditional crafts date back centuries in Lombok and are still part of everyday life in many ‘Sasak’ villages. ‘Ikat’ fabric weaving in particular is thriving and draws visitors from far and wide. One of the main centres is the village of Sukarara in Central Lombok, famed for songket’ garments with elaborate motifs made of cotton, gold and silver silk thread. Another key weaving village is Pringgasela. There is also a strong heritage of ceramic arts which is still alive in Banyumulek, Masbagik in East Lombok, and Penujak. Potters use simple kilns and each village has its own unique decorative style.

8. Hiking

Photo credit: @lombokfunhiking

Besides an arduous climb up Mount Rinjani, there are numerous rewarding soft trekking options across rural Lombok. In the shadow of Rinjani is the Sembalun Valley, which offers a number of hiking itineraries through rolling hills, rice fields, fruit plantations, fields of orchids and forests of bamboo. Located further south at the bottom of the foothills is the scenic village of Tetebatu. There are many easy hiking trails through the Tetebatu Monkey Forest to secluded waterfalls and mote extensive guided treks can be arranged. Closer to the city of Mataram, Sesaot Forest is a large tract of protected rainforest with established walking and biking trails, a campground and bathing ponds.

9. Traditional markets

Bustling and chaotic, Lombok’s traditional markets are a must-see. The Cakranegara market is the perfect introduction. Impossibly hectic at times, it is piled high with exotic fruits, spices and a warren of clothing stalls that seemingly goes on forever. The Cakranegara area has a strong Chinese and Balinese influence so expect traditional wares, handicrafts, herbal medicines and more alongside everyday household goods. Neighbouring Ampenan is home to the equally colourful Kebun Roek food market. This is a hot and humid indoor market crammed with all manner of exotic fruits, meat and fish.

10. River Rafting

Photo credit: @amangdwisupiyanto

While Lombok is famed for its scuba diving and surfing, there is also another little known water based adrenaline activity. The fast flowing Jangkok River is the place for high-octane river rafting which is a relatively new activity. It flows at speed down several levels along a meandering water course of about 7km, cutting through picturesque scenery with large boulders strewn across the river. Located not far from the famous Lingsar Temple, rafters are taken up to the start of the rafting course by 4X4 jeep so you get a short off-road adventure thrown in before you get on the water.