Gili Boat Trip Snorkeling: 5 Secret Spots Review
So, you’re thinking of hopping on a boat to check out the Gili Islands off the coast of Lombok? Great choice! Most people know about the super famous Gili Trawangan, Meno, and Air, yet the southwest of Lombok is holding onto some super special, almost totally secret spots. We went exploring, that’s right, we totally did, and are happy to spill the tea on five unreal places where you can actually snorkel, far from the madding crowd. That sounds fun, right?
Why Southwest Lombok? Why not?
Very often, when people mention the Gili Islands, minds immediately picture those three northern darlings. But Southwest Lombok? That’s something that needs more hype, because it’s seriously stunning. Think less crazy parties, very much more raw, untouched kinda land, and an escape from insane tourism, very similar to what Bali would have been 20-30 years ago. So, too it’s almost a slower pace of life. That definitely sounds pretty appealing, right?
The coastline there is dramatic and it boasts amazing spots where you can grab a boat for the day and discover some spectacular reefs. Plus, this entire area feels just so much more local, that is that you will get a true feel for Lombok culture that, I can assure you, just isn’t the case when visiting Gili T or Gili Air.
Planning your Boat Trip: A few ideas!
First, that is that you’re going to need a boat! Local fishermen are usually the best resource and can often be located near Sekotong. That being said, more or less all of the accommodations around this coastline can make those arrangements, which is ideal! Pro-tip, make sure you take plenty of sunscreen and ask for shade, as the sun is mighty strong here, in fact.
Generally, a private boat will cost you somewhere from IDR 500,000 to IDR 800,000 for the day, that depends on how far you want to go, yet always negotiate! Very often, those boats will happily pack you a simple lunch of Nasi Goreng, too it’s almost like fried rice, so make sure to discuss this beforehand, as it’s far cheaper than ordering at a restaurant somewhere. We totally encourage packing your own snacks as well, that’s for sure!
Oh, and before you forget, please check on what kind of snorkeling gear they are providing. I would even go as far to say bring your own, for sanitary reasons, like yours, but those provided might not be the greatest, I mean to be honest! Also, always double check, like seriously make sure, there are life jackets available!
Spot 1: Gili Nanggu: The Classic
Gili Nanggu is often the most talked about island on these southwest trips. It is a small island, and still sees fewer crowds than the northern Gilis, like your brother who hates huge crowds, this could become like your favorite island, right?
What makes Gili Nanggu like this super ideal spot for snorkeling, as a matter of fact, is the clarity of the water. It’s that clean, really! The reef slopes gently away from the shore, therefore it is perfect for families with little ones and just chill people in general, I feel.
Expect to see plenty of colorful fish and the occasional sea turtle, and that is very cool, I think. Very often people combine this Gili with a trip to others, however that you can totally chill here for the day. It tends to be a pretty nice and quite option, anyway, with just one resort and warung in case you get hungry. It’s really special in some respects!
Spot 2: Gili Sudak: Lunch with a View, isn’t it great?
Just a short hop from Gili Nanggu, that is Gili Sudak. If Nanggu is famous for clear water, Sudak is more or less known for its lunch stop. Just one little restaurant exists here, too it’s almost ideal, right? Because they whip up pretty stunning seafood with your feet still in the sand. A bit on the pricier side for Lombok, but it will come with million dollar views. Still, if you pack your lunch, maybe it tends to be better to enjoy your meal on one of the other Gilis and save your budget!
Don’t disregard Sudak’s snorkeling potential, for example. Right in front of the restaurant the reef is quite shallow and full of life. That would make it super suitable for less confident swimmers or younger kids, that is that they can explore, or even learn! Anyway, if you are thinking of just having a lazy day on the beach, then this is also your call. If not, very often, Sudak gets combined with another snorkeling spot for the day, I guess.
Spot 3: Gili Tangkong: Secluded Beauty, for you.
Gili Tangkong, unlike, for instance, Nanggu and Sudak, requires a longer boat ride to reach it, which kind of explains why it is way quieter than the other options, you see. Yet those few extra minutes of your day are entirely worth it, because you could totally have the whole place all to yourself. How neat?
The island itself is uninhabited, and that is very, very obvious. Towering trees dominate the landscape that gives it like this almost castaway vibe. The sand here is really white and soft, or so I recall! When you are entering the water you’ll spot a couple of cool coral formations and loads of fish. Make sure to bring everything you need for the day here, like really be prepped. Because you won’t find any vendor close, seriously.
Spot 4: Gili Asahan: Remote and untouched
For an almost unbelievably escape, think about going a little bit further west to Gili Asahan, arguably the westernmost island you could go to here. Now, I feel this Gili really gives you that feeling you are actually escaping, anyway.
It takes you a hot minute to get out here on a boat, so be prepared. However, in the end you get rewarded with pristine waters, just teeming with fish, and colorful reefs, that’s quite impressive to observe!. If you wanna stay here for more than just the day there are a few smaller eco-resorts too, by the way.
From Gili Asahan you may get some unreal sunset views back across to Lombok and the surrounding islands, but it can happen! As I was saying, that remoteness is part of its beauty though. I hope you like it!
Spot 5: Secret Spot: The Buwun Mas Wrecks
Okay, get ready for an inside tip. It’s almost definitely not a secret spot at all! Head south from Sekotong towards Taun, yet talk to your boat driver about heading to see the wrecks near Buwun Mas. Many, or should I say a number of, small fishing boats sadly met their end here, forming artificial reefs that today are teeming with life. Alright? Now you can prepare yourself because there is nothing quite so eerie as swimming around the skeletal remains of sunken ships!
Do take note that currents down south can sometimes be really quite strong. Be extremely careful if it’s not actually a calm day. That means bring some floats, for sure!
Well there you have it. Our selection of sweet snorkeling spots around the Southwest Gilis of Lombok. Get yourself out there to see what’s so fun, for sure, while it is that this totally unexplored location still has a kinda undiscovered feel. Very often these spots won’t be the best kept secrets in years to come!
Oh, I almost forgot to say that please don’t forget to be considerate to marine life when you go. Always use reef-safe sunscreen (very often they are available) and never, in all seriousness never, touch the coral or any marine animals. We want to protect our underwater friends so, that other people could totally enjoy them for years to come. Fair enough?