Lombok’s Secret Gili Islands: Complete Guide

Tucked away on the remote Sekotong Peninsula, the Secret Gili Islands offer an entirely different vibe from their more famous northern counterparts. Here, you won’t find crowded beaches, bustling resorts, or lively bars. Instead, you’ll discover some of Lombok’s best snorkeling spots, unbeatable white sand beaches, and a peaceful, laid-back island vibe.

Getting there might seem tricky, but with our help, it’s a lot simpler than you’d think. Let’s find out below.

Oh, and if you’re up for an unforgettable experience, we organize weekly camping trips on these islands every Sunday, right after the Lombok Loop trip. So, keep reading to learn how locals explore these stunning islands—and how you can too!

Quick Overview of the Secret Gilis

The Secret Gilis are a collection of four islands off the southwest coast of Lombok near Sekotong. We believe a trip out here is one of the best things to do in Lombok. Here’s an overview:

Gili Nanggu: The most popular of the islands, known for vibrant coral reefs and excellent snorkeling and swimming.

Gili Kedis: A tiny sandbar island perfect for a private escape (also known as Gili Bedis). This is also where we host our camping trips—think BBQs, sunsets, and stargazing.

Gili Sudak: Ideal for those seeking calm, shallow waters for swimming and relaxing. While coral is limited here, you’re guaranteed to have the beach to yourself.

Gili Tangkong: A remote island with just one local family. Perfect for exploring a coconut plantation or enjoying a quiet swim.

Quick Facts

• Location: Sekotong Peninsula, approximately 1.5 hours from Kuta Lombok or Senggigi.
• How to Get There: Boat trips departing from Sekotong harbor.
• Activities: Snorkeling, island hopping, camping.
• Book a Trip: Lombok Snorkeling Boat Trip.
• Entrance Fees: 5,000 IDR for Gili Nanggu and 5,000 IDR for Gili Kedis (typically included in tours).

Did you know? Dayat our cofounder was the first person to organize camping trips to Gili Kedis with Feel Lombok. While there are many copycats these days, this is the OG, first of its kind trip and we still go every weekend after the Lombok Loop 😉

How to Get to the Secret Gili Islands

The Secret Gili Islands are quite remote, making it easiest to join a guided tour for a seamless experience. You can book online or reach out to us and we’d be happy to help you organize a trip!

However, if you’re keen to explore like a local, you’ll need to plan a little extra.

First, arrange transport to Sekotong—whether by bus, rented moped, or taxi. From Sekotong Harbor, you can hire a local boat driver to take you to the islands. Bartering is common practice here, but remember, this region is relatively poor, so your support goes a long way in helping the local fishermen and their families.

From Kuta Lombok

If you’re staying in Kuta Lombok, Sekotong is approximately a 1.5-hour ride by moped. It’s a scenic journey and a great way to explore at your own pace. Alternatively, you can hire a taxi for around 30,000 IDR to take you directly to Sekotong. We recommend arranging for the driver to pick you up afterward, as finding a taxi in Sekotong can be challenging.

From Senggigi

If you’re staying in Senggigi, the journey to Sekotong will take around 1.5 hours as well, but you’ll be coming from a different direction. Keep in mind that if you’re traveling by moped, you’ll need to pass through Mataram, which can be quite busy with traffic. If you’re not confident navigating these roads, we suggest arranging transport or booking a guided tour for a smoother and safer trip.

What to Expect at the Secret Gili Islands

The Secret Gili Islands are all about tranquility and unique experiences. Each island offers something special, from snorkeling among vibrant coral reefs to secluded beaches where you’ll feel like the only person in the world. Here’s what you can look forward to:

Best time to visit

Dry Season: April/May to October Although the land surroundings aren’t looking as lush as you might find in the the wet season we agree that the dry season is the best time to visit the Secret Gili Islands. This weather offers calmer seas and hotter days. The sea is also much clearer for snorkeling during this time as there is less chance of rain.

The Local Boat Trip to the Secret Gilis

When visiting the Secret Gili Islands, we believe in supporting local communities. That’s why all our trips are arranged with local fishermen, giving them an opportunity to benefit from tourism while preserving their traditional way of life.

The boats used for trips to the Secret Gilis are traditional Indonesian outrigger fishing boats called “perahu.” These colorful, motorized vessels are equipped with long wooden outriggers on either side for stability.

• Comfortable and Spacious: Despite their simple design, these boats are spacious and comfortable, with enough room to stretch out during the short journeys.
• Snorkeling Bonus: The outrigger floats double as handy supports when you’re snorkeling, letting you relax and focus on the underwater beauty.
• Quick Trips: The boat ride to the islands and between them takes only about 15-20 minutes, so the journeys are short and enjoyable—you definitely don’t need a speedboat to reach the Secret Gilis!

Supporting the Community

By partnering with local fishermen, we ensure that your trip contributes directly to the Sekotong community. These fishermen, who traditionally rely on fishing for their livelihood, now have a chance to showcase the beauty of their region and engage with visitors.

Did You Know?

Don’t confuse the traditional perahu with the “bagan,” the massive bamboo fishing platforms you might spot along Lombok’s coastline. These bagan structures are used for large-scale fishing operations, often at night, and are equipped with bright lights to attract fish. While fascinating to see, they’re not designed for passenger use and are entirely different from the boats used for island hopping. If you come across one, feel free to admire it from afar—it’s a unique glimpse into Lombok’s fishing heritage!

Gili Nanggu: Snorkeling Heaven

Gili Nanggu is the largest and most popular of the Secret Gilis, and for good reason.

• Snorkeling: The southern tip is our top pick for underwater exploration. The coral reefs here are vibrant, and the marine life is incredible—think schools of colorful fish and even the occasional turtle! For more coral diversity, head to the northeast corner.
• Relaxing Beaches: The white sand beach is the perfect spot to unwind after snorkeling. It’s peaceful, with fewer crowds than most places in Lombok.
• Facilities: There’s a small resort where you can grab snacks or refreshments if needed. Entrance fee: 5,000 IDR (included in most tours).

Gili Kedis: The Honeymoon Island

A tiny sandbar surrounded by turquoise waters, Gili Kedis is the ultimate secluded escape.

• Tiny Island Charm: You can walk across the entire island in about 15 seconds. It’s small, but that’s what makes it so special.
• Camping Spot: This is where we host our Sunday camping trips after the Lombok Loop. Picture fresh BBQ dinners, watching the sunset over the horizon, and stargazing on a private island. It’s truly magical.
• Vibe: Expect total tranquility. With just a few trees and a swing, this is the perfect place to relax and soak up the peaceful atmosphere.

Gili Sudak: Shallow Waters and Quiet Beaches

Gili Sudak is ideal for swimming and relaxing.

• Swimming: The calm, shallow waters make this spot great for a refreshing swim, even if you’re not a strong swimmer.
• Beach Vibes: It’s not as developed as other islands, so you’ll often find the beach completely empty—just you, the sand, and the sea.
• Local Flavor: While there isn’t much coral here, the serene atmosphere makes up for it. You might even spot locals collecting coconuts or fishing nearby.

Gili Tangkong: A Remote Adventure

This island offers a truly off-the-grid experience.

• Coconut Groves: Explore the island’s small coconut plantation, tended by the single family who lives here.
• Swimming: The waters around Gili Tangkong are perfect for cooling off, and the lack of crowds means you’ll have it all to yourself.
• Authenticity: With no tourist facilities, this is the most raw and authentic of the Secret Gilis—a chance to see a slice of traditional Lombok life.

Another secret gili island – Gili Asahan!

Another island that has landed on the list for Secret Gili Islands is Gili Asahan. Although not connected to the Secret Gili island group it is still worth mentioning.

This small but beautiful island is a short boat trip from Kepo Beach which is 30 minutes drive from Sekotong harbor. In our experience this island is so worth the extra drive and a few extra days to spend exploring all it has to offer. From it’s secluded farming fields on one side and eco resort lined beaches on the other.

The island has some great snorkelling, short viewpoint hikes and can be walked around in about 2 hours. There is also an abandoned pearl farm which can be found on the corner of the East side of the island which is filled with coconut trees and offers some great photo opportunities. Did we mention that the island is home to cows, goats and rescue horses which makes it a really unique place to stay.

We stayed during the wet season February to April when the island see’s less tourists and we found ourselves with entire beaches to ourselves which beats any day fighting the crowds of Kuta in Bali.

The Gili Asahan Eco Lodge runs daily yoga classes at 8am and 5pm with a view that can’t be beat and also serves some of the best pizza we have had in all of Indonesia from their on-site restaurant Nautilus. They also light a nightly fire which is a great place to sit around and watch the stars.

If you need transport getting back to the airport from Gili Asahan be sure to contact our local friend Sapi on Whatsapp +62 853-3822-1844.

So, Should You Visit Lombok’s Secret Gili’s?

Now that you know how to visit the Secret Gilis—local style—let’s talk about whether they’re the right fit for your adventure.

If your idea of a perfect trip involves partying, sipping cocktails, and relaxing at a resort, then the northern Gili Islands—like Gili Trawangan, Gili Air, or Gili Meno—are probably more your scene. Plus, they have the famous Gili Islands underwater statues!

However, if you’re craving an off-the-beaten-path adventure, epic snorkeling, and the chance to experience a remote and stunningly beautiful region of Indonesia, then the Secret Gilis are calling your name. These islands retain their authentic charm, making them a must-visit for travelers seeking something unique and unspoiled.

No, the Secret Gilis aren’t part of our Lombok Loop itinerary, but here’s a tip: every Sunday after the Loop, many of our travelers join us for a Secret Gili camping trip on Gili Kedis. It’s the perfect way to wrap up an incredible week of adventure on Lombok. So, what are you waiting for? Come join us! ??️

Plan: Our Guide to Where to Stay in Lombok