Gili Menu Underwater Statues: the Bask Nest Sculptures
The Gili Islands, a trio of stunning islets off Lombok’s northwest coast, are well-known for their crystal-clear waters, vibrant marine life, and incredible snorkeling spots. While many visitors come for the serene beaches and laid-back vibes, one unique underwater attraction truly stands out—the Bask Nest Sculptures.
Created by renowned artist Jason deCaires Taylor, these 48 life-size human statues form a hauntingly beautiful circle beneath the surface. Resting at a depth of just four meters, the statues are fairly easy to swim down to when snorkeling if you are confident!
Although not part of our Lombok Loop itinerary, we believe these underwater statues are one of the coolest attractions on the Gili Islands, so let us show you how you can dive down and check them out for yourself!
Underwater Statues: The Bask Nest Story
The Bask Nest Sculptures on Gili Meno are a unique underwater attraction created by renowned sculptor and environmentalist Jason deCaires Taylor. This installation features 48 life-sized human figures arranged in a circle, designed to symbolize life, connection, and renewal.
Made from eco-friendly, pH-neutral marine-grade concrete, the statues also serve as artificial reefs to attract coral and marine life. Over time, these sculptures have become a thriving underwater habitat and many fish and other marine life tends to gather here.
The artist, Jason deCaires Taylor is famous for his underwater installations worldwide, including the Cancun Underwater Museum and Lanzarote’s Atlantic Museum. His works raise awareness about marine conservation while actively contributing to the health of ecosystems and encourages travelers to go out snorkeling to see his works!
How to Snorkel at the Gili Islands Underwater Statues
Snorkeling at the Bask Nest Sculptures on Gili Meno is a must-do for anyone visiting the Gili Islands. As Gili Meno is the quietest of the three islands, the best way to experience the underwater statues is by joining a group snorkeling trip.
These trips are not only affordable but also a fantastic way to explore multiple snorkeling spots, including vibrant coral gardens and areas frequented by sea turtles. It’s a great way to maximize your time and take in the beauty of the Gili Islands.
Book: Gili Statues Snorkeling Trip
DIY Option: Public Boat to Gili Meno
For those who prefer to explore on their own, reaching Gili Meno is straightforward. From Gili Trawangan or Gili Air, you can take a public boat or charter a private one to the island.
Public boats run every 30–45 minutes from the main piers and cost just 25,000 IDR per person. The ride is quick and scenic, taking about 10–15 minutes from Gili Trawangan to Gili Meno or Gili Air, and around 5–10 minutes between Gili Meno and Gili Air.
Once on Gili Meno, head to the western beach, where the Bask Nest Underwater Sculptures are located just a short swim offshore.
Be sure to bring your own snorkel gear or rent some on the island. You can barter and the going rate is around 25,000 IDR.
Read: How to Get to Lombok from Bali
What to Expect at Gili’s Underwater Statues
Visiting the Bask Nest Sculptures is one of the most popular activities in the Gili Islands, so it’s no surprise that it can get quite busy during the day. Most group snorkeling tours stop here,. However, for a more tranquil experience, we recommend booking a sunrise or sunset snorkeling trip. These quieter times are perfect for soaking in the beauty of the statues without the crowds.
The sculptures sit just 4 meters below the surface, making them fairly accessible if you can equalize.
What surprised us most during our first visit was their scale—48 life-sized human figures arranged in a circle, much larger than they appear in photos! Diving down and swimming through “The Nest” is an incredible experience, offering a close-up view of both the artistry and the marine life that now calls this spot home. It also makes for some awesome photos as well!
More Lombok Travel Guides
I hope this quick guide to Gili’s underwater statues has helped you plan your visit to one of the coolest attractions around our islands.
Looking for more things to do in Lombok? Check out our guides or join us from Senggigi every single Thursday from the Lombok Loop– an epic motorcycle journey around our island that we think is even better than the Ha Giang Loop in Vietnam 😉
