Everyone that visits Bali is familiar with the islands of Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno and Gili Air in the northwest of Lombok. These islands are known for their partying, relaxing beaches and honeymoon resorts. But there are other Gili islands south of Lombok that are smaller and have a more raw feel than the ones at the north. Gili Nanggu, Gili Kedis, Gili Sudak and Gili Tangkong are one set of these islands that you can visit. These are called the secret Gili islands because almost no one knows about them. This is the complete guide to visit these groups of Gili islands, the most famous of which is Gili Nanggu. You will get information about the tours that go here, where to stay, local boats you can hire and things to do on the island.
Where is Gili Nanggu?
Gili Nanggu is located in the southwestern coast of Lombok. It belongs to the Sekotong sub-district, which is known for its stunning beaches, and vibrant marine life. Gili Nanggu specifically lies just off the coast of West Sekotong, near the village of Tuwan from where most of the tours take place.
How to Get to Lombok
By Plane
The fastest and most convenient way to reach Lombok is by air. The Lombok International Airport (LOP) is well-connected with major cities in Indonesia and other Southeast Asian countries. You can find direct flights from Jakarta, Bali, Kuala Lumpur, and Singapore.
By Boat from Sumbawa & Bali
If you are already on one of the nearby islands you can opt for a boat journey to Lombok from either Sumbawa or Bali. Sumbawa, located east of Lombok, has ferry services that will take you to Poto Tano, a town in the western part of Lombok. From Bali, you can catch a fast boat or a traditional public ferry to various ports in Lombok.
Ferry From Bali to Lombok
To get to the beach, you need to first take a boat from Bali to Lombok. There are two ports in Lombok you can go to depending on where you are staying – Bangsal and Senggigi.
There are four ports in Bali. Only ferries from Serangan, Padang Bai and Sanur go to Senggigi. Ferries from Amed only go to Bangsal, not Senggigi.
The fast ferry takes around 1.5 to 3 hours. The slow boat takes 4 to 8 hours. You can only take your car and scooter across on the slow boat. If you book online there are tour companies that pick you up from your hotel in Bali and drop you off at the ferry for the included price.
How to Get From Lombok to Gili Nanggu
Bluebird metered taxi to Tawun
To get to Gili Nanggu from Lombok you will first have to get to the village of Tawun in Sekotong. From here you can get a local boat to take you to the island. A convenient way to reach the village is by using a trusted transportation service such as a Bluebird metered taxi. These taxis are known for their reliability and for being safe.
Boat from Tawun to Gili Nanggu
In Tawun you will find local boat operators doing trips to Gili Nanggu, Gili Sudak and Gili Kedis. They will take you to each island one by one and you’ll get enough time to snorkel and get something to eat. The cost for the whole day trip is IDR 350,000 for a group of up to 10 people. The whole day trip lasts about 6 hours so the best time to leave the port would be at 9am so you can be back at Lombok by 6pm. Any later than this and the sun starts to go down so the boat operators might not agree to take you or cut the trip short.
Camping Tour
The best way to experience the Secret Gili islands in my opinion is the camping tour by Feel Lombok. The tour starts at 2pm when the driver will pick you up at your hotel and drive to Sekotong. From here you will make your way to Gili Kedis where you will camp for the night. The guides at some point will go over to Gili Tangkong to collect natural firewood and you can go with them if you want.
They will then use the firewood to cook a delicious dinner for you and you will camp on the beach under the stars. At sunrise you get to wake up to the most beautiful views of the Lombok coastline. You will then eat a yummy breakfast of eggs and fruit. Finally you will make your way to Gili Nanggu where you will spend the morning as you please. You can snorkel, walk around the island or just relax on the sand. Finally at lunch time they will take you to Gili Sudak where you can buy your lunch at a local shack with spicy local cuisine that is delicious. After lunch you will be taken back to Lombok and dropped off at your hotel.
Day Tour to Secret Gili Islands
Experience at Gili Nanggu
Sea Turtle Conservation
When the sea turtles lay their eggs in the sand, the local fishermen collect these and sell them in the market. The conservancy at Gili Nanggu buys these eggs from the fishermen and buries them in the sand till the hatchlings hatch. They are then fed until they are mature enough to survive on their own and then released into the sea. If you come at the right time you will be one of the few lucky ones that gets to release these hatchlings in the sea.
Walk around the island
Walking around the island is such a treat because of the unspoiled beauty of Gili Nanggu. The beach has a single hotel and very few people on the island at any time. This makes it great for enjoying the scenery and nature without any crowds.
Snorkeling
Gili Nanggu has a vibrant marine life. You can see lots of huge schools of fish here. There was some bleaching recently, so new structures with young coral have been put here to protect the ecosystem. The area around the island is protected and fishing is prohibited here. Please don’t stand on any coral while you go snorkeling or touch the sea stars since they are very sensitive to outside bacteria and stimuli.
Place to stay in Gili Nanggu – Gili Nanggu Cottages & Resort
Gili Nanggu Cottages & Resort is the only place in Gili Nanggu where you can stay inside a proper brick home. You can also camp on the island. There is a restaurant near the hotel which serves local cuisine and seafood. There are no other vendors here because the island is privately owned.
Gili Sudak
Just a short boat ride away, Gili Sudak has a similar tranquil atmosphere and a local restaurant where you can find good seafood. There is one hotel on the island called Nirvana where you can stay overnight if you wish. The snorkeling around here is also very good and there are some amazing coral beds here with lots of marine life.
Gili Kedis
For those seeking ultimate seclusion and privacy, Gili Kedis is a must-visit destination. The island is super tiny and you can walk across the entire island in literally 1 minute. It is inhabited and only campers come to stay here for the night.
Note about Gili Tangkong
While Gili Tangkong is not as popular as Gili Nanggu, Gili Sudak, or Gili Kedis, it is worth mentioning for those seeking a more off-the-beaten-path adventure. This small island is not visited on any of the day tours but you can visit it on the camping tour if you wish.
Best Time to Visit Gili Nanggu
The best time to visit Gili Nanggu is during the dry season, which extends from April to October. During these months, Lombok experiences less rainfall, and the weather is generally sunny and pleasant. This favorable weather conditions make it ideal for snorkeling, swimming, and enjoying the serene beaches.
Gili Nanggu Snorkeling Tour
Things to Carry to Gili Nanggu
- Sunscreen to protect your skin from the tropical sun.
- Snorkeling gear if you want. The gear is included if you go with a tour.
- A hat because the sun gets very hot during the day.
- Lightweight and comfortable clothing suitable for the warm climate.
- Insect repellent to ward off mosquitoes.
- A reusable water bottle.
- A GoPro and a drone are a good idea.
Is Gili Nanggu Appropriate For Small Kids
Gili Nanggu may not be the most suitable destination for small kids due to limited facilities catering to young children. There is not much to do and no medical facilities on the island. However, if you are traveling with older children who can enjoy snorkeling and appreciate nature, Gili Nanggu can be a memorable experience for them.
Is It Worth Visiting Gili Nanggu in 2023?
Absolutely! Gili Nanggu’s breathtaking beauty and rawness make it a timeless destination worth visiting at any time. Whether you are seeking a romantic escape, a solo retreat, or a peaceful family vacation, Gili Nanggu is an unforgettable experience.
Gili Nanggu FAQs
Can you stay on Gili Nanggu?
Gili Nanggu Cottages & Resort is the only place to stay on the island. You can also camp on the island if you wish.
Are the Gili islands cheaper than Bali?
Compared to Bali, the Gili Islands, including Gili Nanggu, are more affordable. Accommodations, food, and activities tend to be priced slightly lower than in Bali, making it a better destination for budget-conscious travelers.
Where is the location of Gili Nanggu island?
Gili Nanggu is located off the southwestern coast of Lombok, specifically in West Sekotong. It is situated near the other Gili islands Gili Sudak and Gili Kedis.
Can I explore Gili Nanggu on my own?
Yes, you can explore Gili Nanggu on your own. The island is very small, and you can explore the whole island in 30 minutes.
Conclusion
Gili Nanggu is one of the most beautiful secret Gili islands along with Gili Kedis, Gili Tangkong and Gili Sudak. It has a beautiful underwater ecosystem with huge schools of fish and abundant coral. If the island of Bali has started to feel a bit cramped then it is a great escape from the crowds. Most people don’t know about these islands so there’s never a crowd here. Going with a tour company is the best way to get the most out of this trip to the secret Gili islands. Feel Lombok does camping trips and Get Your Guide has good day tours to the Gili islands.
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