Secret Gilis Lombok Guide 2026: Asahan & Sekotong

What and Where Are the Secret Gilis?

The Secret Gilis sit in the bays off Sekotong, on the long peninsula that forms Lombok’s southwest corner. The best-known islands are Gili Gede (the largest), Gili Asahan, Gili Nanggu, Gili Sudak, Gili Tangkong, Gili Layar and Gili Rengit. Some are inhabited fishing islands with a small village; others are little more than a strip of sand, a reef and a single beach bungalow operation.

Compared with the northern Gilis, the difference is scale. There are no strips of bars, no fast-boat crowds from Bali arriving every hour, and in most places no shops to speak of. Accommodation is a handful of small eco-lodges and boutique resorts, and on some islands the resort is effectively the only place to eat.

That isolation is the point. If you are looking for wall-to-wall luxury with multiple restaurants and a spa menu, look at our best luxury resorts in Lombok instead. If you want quiet water, reef snorkelling from the beach and a sense of having found somewhere few others have, the Secret Gilis deliver.

Gili Asahan vs Gili Gede vs Gili Nanggu: Which Island to Choose

Each island has a slightly different character, and because boat hops between them take time, your choice of base shapes the whole trip. The table below summarises the trade-offs.

Gili Asahan suits couples who want a small, calm island with good snorkelling directly off the beach and a short kayak to the neighbouring islet of Gili Goleng. Accommodation here is limited to a few boutique and eco-lodge properties, so book well ahead in July and August.

Gili Gede is the largest of the group and has the widest choice of places to stay, from simple bungalows to small resorts with pools. It works well for longer stays, because there is a little more variety in dining and walks.

Gili Nanggu is reached from a different jetty (Tawun) and is known for clear, shallow water and turtles. It is a popular day-trip stop, so it can feel busier in the middle of the day and quieter again by late afternoon.

How to Get to the Secret Gilis

The gateway is the Sekotong coast, roughly a 1.5 to 2-hour drive from Lombok International Airport (LOP) depending on traffic and your exact jetty. Most travellers arrange a private car through their accommodation, which is the simplest option because drivers know which jetty matches which island.

From Tembowong, small outrigger boats cross to Gili Gede and Gili Asahan. From Tawun, boats run to Gili Nanggu, Gili Tangkong and Gili Sudak. Crossings are short, often 15 to 30 minutes, but they are not on a fixed public timetable; your lodge will normally send or book a boat to meet you.

Coming from Bali, some fast-boat operators run seasonal services to the Sekotong area, but schedules are far less reliable than the routes to Gili Trawangan. A practical alternative is to fly to Lombok, or take a ferry from Bali to Lembar harbour, which is close to Sekotong. If you plan to combine the Secret Gilis with the northern islands, our guide to island hopping from Bali to the Gili Islands explains the main boat routes.

Where to Stay: What Accommodation Is Really Like

Set expectations correctly: the Secret Gilis are boutique and rustic-chic rather than ultra-luxury. Properties regularly mentioned by travellers include Pearl Beach Resort, Secret Island Resort and Sundancer in the Gili Gede and Gili Nanggu area, and smaller eco-lodges on Gili Asahan. Some places offer pools, spa treatments and well-run restaurants; others are simple bungalows with solar power and limited Wi-Fi.

When comparing places, ask three questions before booking. First, is a transfer included from the airport or jetty? Second, what are the meal arrangements, given that there may be nowhere else to eat on the island? Third, what is the power and water situation, especially if you need reliable air conditioning?

Many visitors choose a split stay: three or four nights in the Secret Gilis for complete switch-off, then a more polished resort on Lombok’s south coast. Our guide to luxury resorts in Kuta Lombok covers the stronger high-end options within a few hours’ drive.

Snorkelling, Diving and Things to Do

Days here revolve around the water. The most common excursion is a half-day or full-day snorkel boat trip that visits Gili Layar and Gili Rengit, two of the most popular snorkelling spots in the area, with coral gardens, reef fish and occasional turtles. Longer trips can include Gili Nanggu and Gili Sudak at the far end of the archipelago, though these depend on weather and boat availability.

Diving is offered by a small number of operators in the Sekotong area. Sites are generally less visited than around Gili Trawangan, which means quieter reefs but also fewer dive centres to choose from. If diving is the main purpose of your trip, confirm the operator’s equipment and certification before you arrive.

On land, the options are deliberately limited: kayaking between islets, sunset walks, yoga where lodges offer it, and long, unhurried lunches. Some travellers combine a stay with a day on the mainland to see Sekotong’s quiet beaches or Lombok’s southern coastline, including Selong Belanak.

Best Time to Visit and Practical Tips

Lombok’s dry season runs roughly from May to October, with calmer seas and better visibility for snorkelling. The wet season, roughly November to March, brings afternoon storms, but the Secret Gilis can still be visited year-round; some travellers prefer the green season for lower rates and even fewer visitors.

Bring cash in Indonesian rupiah, because ATMs are on the mainland only and card payments are not universal. Pack reef-safe sunscreen, a light rain jacket, motion-sickness tablets if you are sensitive on small boats, and anything you might need from a pharmacy. Expect slower internet than in Bali, and treat that as part of the experience rather than a problem.

Respect local communities on the inhabited islands: dress modestly away from the beach, ask before photographing people, and keep plastic use to a minimum since waste management is limited.

Who the Secret Gilis Are (and Are Not) For

The Secret Gilis are ideal for couples on a slow honeymoon, divers and snorkellers who prefer quieter reefs, and repeat Indonesia visitors who want something different. They are less suitable for travellers who need guaranteed luxury service standards, multiple dining choices, or easy access to medical facilities, and for families who want kids’ clubs and organised activities.

If you are torn, consider splitting your stay. A few nights here pairs well with the northern Gilis for contrast; our Gili Air vs Gili Meno comparison helps you pick the calmer of the two. For honeymoon routing across Lombok and the Gilis, see our Lombok and Gili Islands honeymoon guide.

Frequently Asked Questions