The secret Gilis: Asahan, Gede, Nanggu and Kedis
Off the quiet Sekotong peninsula, a scatter of small islands with white sand, coral gardens and almost no visitors offers what the northern Gilis had thirty years ago.
- Area
- West & the southwest Gilis
- Start from
- Sekotong
- Distance
- about 60 km from Mataram, then by boat
- Time needed
- 1 day or more
- Best season
- April – October for calmer seas
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Transport
- Car to Sekotong, then a hired boat
- Tickets & rules
- Boat hire; small landing fees on some islands
Why go
Most people know only the three Gilis in the northwest, but Lombok’s southwest coast has dozens of small islands, often grouped as the ‘secret Gilis’. The Sekotong peninsula, a long arm of dry hills and fishing villages, faces a sheltered sea full of them: Gili Nanggu, Gili Sudak, Gili Kedis, Gili Gede and Gili Asahan, among others.
A classic day trip takes a boat from Sekotong around three of them. Gili Kedis is tiny, just a patch of sand and a few trees that you can walk around in a couple of minutes. Gili Nanggu has clear water with coral and fish right off the beach. Gili Sudak is a quiet spot for lunch.
Further west, Gili Asahan and Gili Gede have a handful of small resorts and homestays where you can stay several nights, snorkel, dive and watch fishing boats go out at dusk.
The story
These islands have long been home to fishing communities, many of Bajo or Bugis origin, as well as Sasak. Life here is simple: fishing, seaweed farming, a mosque, a school, and boats to the mainland for supplies.
The Sekotong peninsula has been known for small-scale gold mining, and traditional miners have worked the hills for years. It is a sensitive issue, as it has environmental impacts, and it reminds visitors that this is a working landscape, not just a backdrop.
Further west lies Bangko-Bangko and the famous surf break called Desert Point, one of the best left-hand waves in the world when it works. Surfers travel from far away for it, and wait for days in simple camps for the right swell.
The development of the southwest has been slow, partly because of distance and poor roads. That may change, but for now these islands offer a rare chance to find empty beaches and quiet reefs.
Getting there
Sekotong is about one and a half hours by car from Mataram or the airport, via Lembar harbour. Boats can be hired from Tawun and other villages on the coast. Agree the route and price before leaving.
Some resorts on Gili Gede and Gili Asahan can arrange transfers. If you are coming by ferry from Bali, Lembar harbour is close, so the southwest Gilis can be your first stop in Lombok rather than an afterthought.
A suggested plan
- MorningDrive to Sekotong and find a boat.
- Late morningGili Kedis, then snorkelling at Gili Nanggu.
- MiddayLunch on Gili Sudak or Nanggu.
- AfternoonBoat to Gili Asahan or Gili Gede, or back to the mainland.
- EveningSunset from your island guesthouse if you stay.
Where to stay
Gili Asahan and Gili Gede have a few small, quiet resorts and homestays; book ahead. Sekotong itself has a handful of simple places on the coast.
Good to know
- Bring cash; there are no ATMs on the islands.
- Bring snorkel gear if you have it.
- Combine with a night or two on Gili Asahan for real quiet.
- Bring food and water for the boat.
- Boats should carry life jackets.
- Coral is close to the surface at low tide; don’t stand on it.
- Few medical facilities are nearby.