The Secret Gili Islands –
East vs. West: Snorkeling, Sleepy Vibes, and a Splash of Adventure
Most travelers hear “Gili” and instantly think of the big three: Trawangan, Meno, and Air. They’re the celebrities of the family, complete with beach clubs, yoga retreats, and plenty of selfie sticks. But tucked away on the southwest coast of Lombok are the Secret Gilis. These little islands are quieter, less crowded, and still blessed with white sand, turquoise water, and coral gardens that make you want to hum the Little Mermaid soundtrack.
Welcome to the Secret Gilis. Let’s spill the coconuts:
The Eastern Secret Islands: Gili Nanggu, Gili Tangkong, and Gili Sudak
If you hop on a boat from the mainland near Sekotong, these are usually the first stops. They’re great for a day trip because they’re close enough that you’ll be snorkeling before your sunscreen even sets in.
The water here is calm, the coral is colorful, and the fish are bold enough to swim right up to you. Nanggu is especially popular for spotting schools of bright little reef fish, while Sudak is known for its beachside grilled fish lunches. Tangkong? It’s the quiet sibling where you can have a whole beach almost to yourself. These islands are ideal if you want snorkeling mixed with lazy beach time. These islands are not so secret anymore, but still worth visiting.
A Little Further West: Gili Gede, Gili Layar, and Gili Rengit
Now, if you are willing to drive a bit further, the snorkeling gets even better! Gili Gede is the largest of the secret islands, but still feels wonderfully sleepy. You’ll find a few boutique resorts here, some charming bungalows, and plenty of quiet corners to sip a coconut in peace.
Gili Layar and Gili Rengit are the real underwater showstoppers. The reefs are healthier, the water clearer, and the marine life busier. Imagine floating above hard coral gardens while colorful fish dart around like they have places to be. It is absolutely worth the extra boat ride if you are chasing that “untouched paradise” feeling.
On the boat tours you will stop on deserted paradise beaches and uninhabited islands that you can walk around in just 15 minutes. Sounds too good to be true? It is not.
Where to Stay
If you want easy access to the secret islands, you can stay on the mainland in Sekotong. There are small resorts, homestays, and eco-lodges where you can sleep with the sound of waves instead of motorbikes. Otherwise you can just take a taxi from wherever you are staying in Lombok.
For the further west islands, especially Gili Gede, you can actually stay right on the island. There are cozy boutique hotels, simple beachfront bungalows, and spots where the biggest decision of your day will be whether to snorkel before or after lunch. Staying on Gili Gede gives you that castaway feeling but with just enough creature comforts to keep it blissful.
If you just want to go for a day trip, you can just book your snorkeling tour around the secret Gilis with pickup anywhere in Lombok.
Final Splash
The big three Gilis might get all the attention, but the secret ones are where the real charm hides. The further west islands reward you with healthier reefs, clearer water, and that quiet, off-the-radar vibe. Whether you go for the easy hop or the longer ride, the secret Gilis prove that sometimes the best treasures are the ones just around the corner.
