Island Hopping the Secret Gilis: Lombok’s Quiet Escape
Off the southwest coast of Lombok, the Secret Gilis are a group of quiet, lesser-known islands where life moves slowly. With calm beaches, swaying palms, and no crowds or parties, they offer a peaceful escape into nature and simplicity.
HOW MANY DAYS |
1 - 3
BEST TIME TO VISIT |
May to Oct
WHERE TO STAY |
TOP THINGS TO SEE |
Gili Asahan, Gili Nahar, Gili Nanggu
HOW TO GET AROUND | take a boat trip
If you're dreaming of clear turquoise waters, vibrant coral reefs, and snorkeling alongside turtles — without sharing the sea with dozens of other tourists — these islands might be your perfect escape. Unlike the more popular Gili trio, the Secret Gilis offer a raw, authentic island vibe. But with their remote charm comes the question: are they worth the extra effort to reach?
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HOW MANY DAYS FOR THE SECRET GILIS?
It’s possible to stay just one night in Sekotong and take a boat trip the islands next day. However, we recommend spending at least two nights to enjoy the area at a more relaxed pace. Since there are several different boat trips available, extending your stay is definitely worthwhile. If you're planning to stay on the islands themselves—like Gili Gede or Gili Asahan—three nights or more is ideal to make the journey worthwhile and truly soak in the beaches and island atmosphere.
WHERE TO STAY IN SEKOTONG?
We stayed at Kristal Garden in Sekotong, which conveniently offers its own snorkeling tours. It made planning easy — the staff explained the tour options when we arrived, and we were set to go the next morning. Our stay included breakfast, access to a pool, and a small on-site restaurant. We recommend booking one of the superior bungalows — they’re brighter and more comfortably furnished than the standard ones.
BUDGET | Kristal Garden
COMFORT | Sundancer Residences and Villas Lombok offers a laid-back stay with a private beach, a huge lagoon pool, and wellness facilities. Each air-conditioned suite has a private balcony with views of the pool, garden, or sea.
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HOW TO GET AROUND SEKOTONG?
Most hotels have their own restaurants, but there are also a few local spots within walking distance. If you're only visiting for a snorkeling trip, there isn’t much else to do on land — but you can explore the islands on foot or take a boat to one of the nearby islets for a change of scenery.
Getting around is way easier when you’re connected—whether it’s for directions, rides, or finding the best beach restaurant. We use this eSIM to stay online without roaming fees.
HOW TO GET TO SEKOTONG?
The only way to reach the Secret Gilis from other places in Lombok is by private transfer. Most accommodations can arrange a driver for you, as they usually have reliable local contacts. We paid 550k IDR for the trip from Tetebatu and 450k IDR to Kuta.
To get to Lombok, you can fly into Lombok International Airport (LOP), take a speedboat from Padang Bai in Bali, or arrive by public ferry to Lembar on the island’s west coast.
SECRET GILIS: TOUR PACKAGES
To discover the underwater world and serene beauty of the Secret Gilis, joining a boat tour is the best way to explore. The islands are divided into two clusters — the western and the eastern group. Most operators, including Kristal Garden, offer separate tours to each. We chose the "4 Island Tour" to the western islands, but also spoke with other travelers to help you decide which option might suit you best.
Tour “3 Island Tour”: Gili Sudak, Gili Nanggu, Gili Kedis
Includes: mask & snorkel
Excludes: food & island entry pass
Start: 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Minimum 2 people
This tour offers a mix of great snorkeling spots and postcard-worthy beach stops. Gili Nanggu is known for its calm, fish-filled waters, perfect for beginners. Gili Kedis charms with its tiny size and crystal-clear shallows — ideal for a quick swim and photo break. On Gili Sudak, you’ll find a relaxed atmosphere and the chance to grab a simple lunch, though the food tends to be a bit overpriced for what you get.
PRICE | 175k Rp | €9 | US$9 per person
Tour “4 Island Tour”: Gili Layar, Gili Rengit, Gili Anyaran and Gili Asahan
Includes: mask & snorkel, BBQ lunch and entry pass
Start: 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Minimum 4 people
This tour is all about unforgettable snorkeling. The islands themselves were stunning, but the real magic was underwater — we swam alongside turtles and explored colorful, healthy coral reefs. Our guide even prepared a fresh fish BBQ on a secluded island we had entirely to ourselves. We wrapped up the day with some relaxed beach time on Gili Asahan, the perfect way to wind down after an day.
PRICE | 275k Rp | €14 | US$14 per person
IS IT WORTH IT?
We’ve snorkeled in Amed, Bali and around the Gili Islands, and found the underwater world around Gili Air to be the most impressive. The Secret Gilis, while a bit more remote and less accessible, offered a different kind of charm. If you’re staying in Sekotong, be aware that it’s mainly a base for tours — the area itself has limited restaurants and sightseeing options.
That said, we really enjoyed our time exploring the Secret Gilis. The snorkeling was beautiful, the beaches quiet, and the overall experience far more peaceful than what you'd find on the main Gilis. Fewer tour groups mean you often share the reefs with just a handful of other snorkelers, making it feel much more personal and relaxed.
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Staying on the Secret Gilis
If you're looking for a secluded escape, staying directly on islands like Gili Asahan or Gili Gede offers a more immersive experience away from the crowds. Just keep in mind that most accommodations here are mid- to high-end resorts, with very few budget options available. From those islands with accomodations we only visited Gili Asahan and found it incredibly peaceful with beautiful beaches, although we didn’t stay overnight. Below, we’ve listed a few handpicked places to stay if this sounds like your kind of getaway.
BUDGET | Yut's Inn Flower Paradise on Gili Gede is perfect if you’re looking for a peaceful beachfront stay. The cozy rooms come with air-conditioning, private bathrooms, and balconies. You can relax in the garden, grab a bite at the on-site restaurant, or rent a bike to explore the island.
COMFORT | Tanjungan offers excellent value for travelers seeking a beachfront stay on Gili Gede. With direct access to the shore, guests can enjoy serene ocean views and a peaceful atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for a relaxing getaway.
ESCAPE | Gili Asahan Eco Lodge provides charming beach huts nestled amidst nature, perfect for those looking to disconnect and unwind. Situated next to a private beach, the lodge boasts attentive staff who ensure a comfortable and personalized experience for every guest.
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