Sailing Bali and Secret Gilis

There is a multitude of ways to explore the islands of Bali and Lombok, but nothing quite comes close to cruising the coastline amid salty air, a sight of frolicking dolphins and the surprise of spotting a hidden sandy cove inaccessible by road. You get a whole new perspective from the water and it’s the ultimate in slow travel. There are numerous options to traverse the ocean waves from Bali, from a simple pleasure cruise, the freedom of a private crewed charter or a multi-day liveaboard voyage in search of the best surfing spots or scuba diving sites. Sailing Bali and Secret Gilis are some of the most gratifying things you can do when on holiday in Indonesia.

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.