The Famous Underwater Statues of Gili Meno: How to Find Them (Without Swimming Into Someone’s Selfie)
If you’ve scrolled Instagram for more than three seconds while researching the Gili Islands, chances are you’ve seen them: the mysterious circle of human statues underwater in front of Gili Meno. They look like something out of a fantasy movie: 48 life-size figures holding hands, hugging, or kneeling, slowly being claimed by coral and fish.
But here’s the thing: while the statues themselves are magical, the experience can be… less so if you arrive at the wrong time. Picture this: fifty snorkelers in bright orange life jackets bumping into each other, GoPros flying, selfie sticks poking. Not quite the tranquil, spiritual vibe you were going for, right? Don’t worry, I’ll tell you how to dodge the chaos.
Where Are These Statues Exactly?
The artwork, called Nest, sits just off the northwest shore of Gili Meno, in front of Bask Resort.
You’ve got two ways of getting there:
- By Boat: Almost every snorkel trip from Gili T, Air, or Meno includes a stop here. You’ll basically be tossed into the water right above the statues. I would recommend going with a private snorkel boat instead of going with the cheap group tour, so you can wait until the big groups have left and have the statues (almoast) to yourself. Book your private snorkeling boat here.
- From the Beach: If you’re staying on Meno or going there for a day trip, you can simply walk into the sea and swim about 30–50 meters straight out. Pro tip: look for where the boats are clustered, that’s your landmark.
When to Go (a.k.a. How to Avoid Snorkeler Soup)
This spot gets BUSY. Like, Disneyland-on-a-holiday busy. If you want to enjoy the statues without being photobombed by someone’s neon fins:
- Early Morning: Go before 8:30 AM, while everyone else is still having their smoothie bowls.
- Late Afternoon / Sunset: By then, most tours have left, and you’ll have softer golden light shimmering through the water. Magical.
Tips for a Smooth Visit
- Go with a private boat. The shared snorkeling tours are overcrowded and you will see nothing but bubbles and finns in your face. Book your private boat here.
- Bring fins and Masks. The swim is short, but currents happen, and nobody looks cool awkwardly doggy paddling in front of an art installation.
- Don’t touch. The statues are turning into a coral reef, and your sunscreeny fingers aren’t helping.
- Photos are better from below. Dive down, look up, and you’ll capture the full circle of statues in all its glory.
- Check the currents first. If the water looks like a washing machine or very white, maybe just grab a coconut and wait an hour.
Final Thoughts
The Gili Meno statues are one of those rare “Instagram-famous” places that actually live up to the hype, if you visit at the right time. Go early, go late, or go with a sense of humor if you show up at midday and find yourself in a snorkel traffic jam. Either way, floating among these silent figures with sunbeams streaming down is one of those surreal little moments that will stick with you long after you’ve dried off.
And just a heads up for my fellow scuba fans: this spot is way too shallow for diving. The statues sit in just a few meters of water, so it’s strictly a snorkeling stop. Save your tank for the deeper reefs and turtles around the islands, you’ll thank me later.
