Gili islands: Famous vs. Secret

The Two Very Different Gilis of Lombok

If you’ve ever heard someone rave about “the Gilis,” chances are they were talking about the famous trio off Lombok’s northwest coast, Gili Trawangan, Gili Air, and Gili Meno. But here’s a fun plot twist: Lombok actually has two sets of Gilis. There’s the Insta-famous northern ones, and then there are the mysterious, quiet Secret Gilis tucked away in the southwest.

Yes, they share the same name (Gili just means “small island” in Sasak), but they couldn’t be more different. So before you accidentally end up on the wrong side of Lombok with a confused taxi driver and your snorkeling gear, let’s break it down.

🏝️ The North Gilis: Famous, Fun, and Sometimes a Little Too Popular

Let’s start with the celebrities of the group — Gili Trawangan, Gili Air, and Gili Meno — also known as Air, Meno and T for short (because saying “Trawangan” three times fast is a tongue workout).

They’re the most popular islands near Lombok, and for good reason: crystal-clear water, turtles galore, amazing dive and snorkel sites, sunset beach bars, and enough trendy restaurants to keep your smoothie bowl addiction happy.

• Gili Trawangan: The biggest and most energetic. Think beach parties, live music, and sunsets that demand a Bintang in hand.
• Gili Air: The perfect middle ground: a little buzz, a little chill, and great snorkeling right off the beach.
• Gili Meno: The honeymooner’s favorite. Small, quiet, romantic… unless you go near the underwater statues, where everyone and their cousin seems to be snorkeling at once.

It’s all super easy to reach, too. 2 hour boat rides from Bali, or just a drive and short hop from anywhere in Lombok. You can book a daytrip from Lombok and Bali or stay the night on Gili T. The downside? In high season, they can get really busy. As in: “Did I just photobomb a stranger’s GoPro shot underwater?” busy.

🌴 The Secret Gilis: Quiet, Untouched, and Truly Off the Beaten Path

Now, drive about 2.5 hours south across Lombok (and don’t forget the car snacks), and you’ll reach the Secret Gilis, a cluster of tiny islands off the southwest coast.

They’re called “secret” not because you need a password, but because most tourists never make it this far. And honestly? That’s part of their charm.

Here, you’ll find peace, pristine reefs, and not a beach club in sight.

• Gili Gede is the main island, with a few lovely hotels and local warungs.
• The rest,  like Gili Asahan, Gili Layar, and Gili Rengit, are smaller, quieter, and surrounded by incredibly healthy coral reefs.

You won’t find big turtles or manta rays here. But if you love snorkeling and seeing beautiful reefs and plenty of fish or macro diving (the tiny stuff: nudibranchs, shrimp, colorful critters), this is heaven.

Getting there is easy if you’re already exploring South Lombok, especially if you’re staying in Kuta or Selong Belanak. They make the perfect day trip: just hop on a local boat and spend the day snorkeling in peace.

🧭 Which Gilis Should You Go To?

It really depends where you’re coming from:

• From Bali or North Lombok (like Senggigi)? Head to the North Gilis: quick, convenient, and full of action.
• From South Lombok (like Kuta or Selong Belanak)? The Secret Gilis are your best bet: peaceful, local, and beautifully untouched.

In short:

• North Gilis = Busy and buzzy (great for social vibes, nightlife, and sea turtles)
• Secret Gilis = Quiet and natural (great for relaxing, snorkeling, and pretending you’re on your own private island)

So next time someone says, “Let’s go to the Gilis,” you can coolly reply, “Which ones?” — and feel like the ultimate Lombok insider. 😎