Complete Secret Gilis Travel Guide (2023)

The Secret Gilis in Lombok Indonesia are a true hidden gem and an island paradise. We thoroughly enjoyed our time there – from our island hopping tour to our overnight stay!

We have compiled a complete Secret Gilis travel guide for you – including transport options, tours, and accommodations!

What Are the Secret Gili Islands?

The Secret Gili Islands or Hidden Gili Islands are a group of almost untouched paradise islands. Although they are super close to Bali, only very few travellers visit these hidden gems. They are an even less touristy alternative to the 3 “main” Gili Islands (Air, Meno, Trawangan).

We did some of the best snorkelling of our lives there. Additionally, they are filled with unspoiled paradise beaches.

You can stay on some while others are still completely undeveloped.

Where Are the Secret Gilis?

They are located off the southwestern coast of Lombok, Indonesia.

You can roughly group the Secret Gilis into two groups of four islands.

The 4 Eastern Secret Gili Islands:

• Gili Sudak Island
• Gili Tangkong Island
• Gili Nanggu Island
• Gili Kedis Island

The 4 Western Secret Gili Islands:

• Gili Gede Island
• Gili Asahan Island
• Gili Layar Island
• Gili Rengit Island

How Do I Get to the Secret Gilis?

Secret Gilis Speed Boat from Bali

The fastest and most hassle-free way to get from Bali to the Secret Gilis is via speed boat transfer from Bali to Gili Gede.

Secret Gilis Hotel Transfer

There are some accommodations on Gili Gede and Gili Asahan. The majority of them offer hotel transfers.

Currently, there is only one accommodation on 4 eastern Gili islands: Nirvana Gili Sudak – they offer a hotel transfer to Gili Sudak.

Secret Gilis Public Transport

You can reach Gili Gede, Gili Asahan, Gili Layar, and Gili Rengit through Tembowong port (marked on the map).

Boats to Gili Sudak, Gili Tangkong, Gili Nanggu, and Gili Kedis leave from Sekotong (marked on the map).

Be aware that there is little to no public transport in this area of Lombok. We wildly overpaid for our taxi from Lombok Lembar to Sekotong but we were out of options. Also, the boat prices depend on your haggling skills like crazy.

A guided tour will definitely save you a lot of nerves and quite possibly even money!

Where to stay in Sekotong

Secret Gilis Tour

The most convenient way to visit the Secret Gilis – especially if you don’t have the time to stay overnight – is a guided tour.

Secret Gilis Tour

1. Gili Nanggu, Gili Kedis, Gili Sudak Tour

⭐ Rating: 5.0 / 5 (59 reviews)

Why choose this tour? The Gili Nanggu, Gili Kedis, Gili Sudak Tour combines a visit to the eastern and western Secret Gilis!

1. Gili Nanggu snorkeling.
2. Gili Sudak snorkelling.
3. Gili Sudak lunch.
4. Gili Kedis relaxing on the beach or swimming/snorkelling in the turquoise waters.

Including:

• Private transportation.
• Air-conditioned vehicle.
• Use of snorkelling equipment.
• Lunch.
• Soda/Pop.
• Bottled water.

Best program in Lombok

We had a wonderful snorkelling/beach day with our guide, Dhany! Everything was perfect, especially the food which you can enjoy with a wonderful view on a deserted island. Dhany took really good care of us and made extra stops for us to make sure we are okay. I can only recommend this tour, for us it was the best choice we made!

2. Gili Nanggu, Sudak & Kedis Islands Full-Day Snorkeling Tour

Why choose this tour? The Gili Nanggu, Sudak & Kedis Islands Full-Day Snorkeling Tour is the most convenient way to visit the eastern Secret Gili Islands. From the hotel pick-up to the snorkelling gear, everything is included.

1. Snorkeling Gili Nanggu.
2. Lunch on the beach of Gili Sudak.
3. Visit the tiny island paradise of Gili Kedis.

Including:

• Boat charter.
• Snorkeling gear.
• Guided tour.
• Comfortable air-conditioned coach.
• Driver.
• Entrance fees.
• Hotel pick-up/drop-off in Senggigi and Mataram (surcharge applies for other areas).

We had pleasure to visit islands in May and it was amazing. Snorkeling at Nanggu is great and you can see a lot of different fish species. We were only ones at the boat so we could adjust schedule to our needs and spend more time at other islands where there were less people. Our drivers were also very friendly and helpful:) And also we got small souvenir from them so I can say it was a perfect day!

3. Gili Gede, Gili Rengit and Asahan Snorkeling Daily Tour

Why choose this tour? The Gili Gede, Gili Rengit and Asahan Snorkeling Daily Tour is the most convenient way to visit the western Secret Gili Islands.

1. Gili Rengit, a hidden gem known for its vibrant underwater world. Grab your snorkelling gear and dive into the crystal-clear waters.
2. Gili Layar, another picturesque snorkelling spot with calm and peaceful waters.
3. Gili Asahan where you can enjoy beaches, swim, and have lunch.
4. Optional stop: GIli Goleng if you want to snorkelling again.

Including:

• Hotel Pickup and drop-off.
• Private snorkeling boat.
• Snorkeling gear.
• Entry ticket to all Gilis.
• Standard underwater photo and video.
• Mineral water.

While this activity is new on GetYourGuide, it has great reviews on Google!

The 4 Eastern Secret Gili Islands

Gili Sudak Lombok

Gili Sudak is the only one of the eastern Secret Gilis that has an accommodation.

How to get to Gili Sudak

1. By boat from Sekotong.
2. Gili Sudak is the typical lunch stop on Secret Gili island hopper tours.

Gili Sudak Hotel

The only Gili Sudak accommodation:

Nirvana Gili Sudak On the beach Breakfast included Restaurant Airport transfer optional 8.0 / 10 rating Book Nirvana Gili Sudak

Gili Nanggu Lombok

Gili Nanggu is the snorkelling highlight of the eastern Secret Gilis.

How to get to Gili Nanggu

1. By boat from Sekotong.
2. By Gili Nanggu tour.

Gili Kedis Lombok

Is basically just a tiny spec of sand.

How to get to Gili Kedis

1. By boat from Sekotong.
2. It’s a highlight of your Secret Gilis island hopping tour.

Gili Kedis Camping

You can stay overnight on Gili Kedis in a tent!

⭐ Rating: 5.0 / 5 (3 reviews)

Why choose this tour? Waterfall, camping on Gili Kedis and snorkling on Gili Nanggu is the only option to sleep on Gili Kedis!

Day 1: Explore the beautiful Benang Kelambu and Benang Stokel at the foot of Mt. Rinjani.

Arrive on Gili Kadis and set up your tent to spend the night on a deserted island!

Day 2: After breakfast, head to snorkelling paradise Gili Nanggu.

Including:

• Pickup and drop-off.
• Driver.
• Local guide.
• Tent and equipment.
• Use of snorkelling equipment.
• Bottled water.

Jay is an awesome individual. His interactive interaction made our trip memorable. I will obviously recommend jay to my friends and Family.

Gili Tangkong Lombok

Most Secret Gili tours skip Gili Tangkong and there are also no accommodations.

The 4 Western Secret Gili Islands

Gili Gede Lombok

Gili Gede is the most developed of the Secret Gili Islands.

Gili Gede Snorkeling

There are two ways of snorkeling Gili Gede: Grab a mask and snorkel and head in from the beach or go on a boat tour.

How to get to Gili Gede

1. By boat from Tembowong.
2. On a Gili Gede, Gili Rengit and Asahan Snorkeling Daily Tour.
3. By hotel transfer.
4. Gili Gede fast boat from Bali.

Hotel Gili Gede

There are all types of Gili Gede accommodation from tents over hotels to luxury villas.

Gili Gede Hotels:

Super budget-friendly:	Khabita Beach Resort Private beach Swimming pool Sleep in a tent 9.8 / 10 rating (15 reviews) Book Khabita Beach Resort
Budget-friendly:	Pelangi Homestay Bungalow Gili Gede Private beach Breakfast included 9.0 / 10 rating (58 reviews) Book Pelangi Homestay Bungalow Gili Gede
Best rated:	Alam Karang Beachfront Super picturesque Fabulous breakfast included 9.8 / 10 rating (88 reviews) Book Alam Karang
Mid-range:	Thamarind Resort Gili Gede 3 stars Beachfront Exceptional breakfast included 8.6 / 10 rating (145 reviews) Book Thamarind Resort Gili Gede
Luxury:	Kokomo Gili Gede Resort 4 stars Private beach Swimming pool Villas with private pool available Breakfast included Hot water! 9.5 / 10 rating (62 reviews) Book Kokomo Gili Gede Resort
Extreme Luxury:	Villa Selalu 4 stars Private pool villa! Private beach Breakfast included 10 / 10 rating (4 reviews) Book Villa Selalu

Gili Asahan Lombok

Gili Ashan is the perfect option if you’re looking for a remote island getaway – in style.

How to get to Gili Asahan

1. By boat from Tembowong.
2. On a Gili Gede, Gili Rengit and Asahan Snorkeling Daily Tour.
3. By hotel transfer.

Hotel Gili Asahan

As of writing this blogpost, there are 4 options for a Gili Asahan accommodation:

Most budget-friendly accommodation:	Gili Asahan Pearl Beach Resort 2 stars On the beach Breakfast included! Boat transfer from Lombok included! Beach-side restaurant 9.3 / 10 rating (344 reviews) Book Gili Asahan Pearl Beach Resort
Eco Lodge:	Gili Asahan Eco Lodge & Restaurant 3 stars On the beach Breakfast included! Boat transfer from Lombok included! Restaurant 9.5 / 10 rating (186 reviews) Book Gili Asahan Eco Lodge & Restaurant
Luxury:	Amahelia Luxury Resort Gili Asahan 4 stars On the beach Exceptional breakfast included! Free airport shuttle Swimming pool Private pool villas are available! 9.5 / 10 rating (203 reviews) Book Amahelia Luxury Resort Gili Asahan
Even more luxury:	Bleu MATHIS Gili Asahan Brand new! 4 stars On the beach Breakfast included! Swimming pool Loads of different villas including private pool villas 9.2 / 10 rating (16 reviews) Book Bleu MATHIS Gili Asahan

Gili Layar Lombok

Gili Layar snorkeling is amazing – keep your eye open for turtles.

How to get to Gili Layar

1. By boat from Tembowong.
2. On a Gili Gede, Gili Rengit and Asahan Snorkeling Daily Tour.

There used to be beach bungalows on Gili Layar but currently, there is no accommodation available.

Gili Rengit Lombok

Gili Rengit is a hidden gem for snokelling!

How to get to Gili Rengit

1. By boat from Tembowong.
2. On a Gili Gede, Gili Rengit and Asahan Snorkeling Daily Tour.

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