WEST LOMBOK & THE SECRET GILIS: A GUIDE TO A HIDDEN PARADISE
So, you’ve heard of the Gili Islands, but have you heard of the Secret Gilis? Known mostly by locals and still untouched by mass tourism, these islands feel like a quiet whisper of Lombok’s west coast. A place where time slows, the ocean glitters, and life unfolds in its simplest form, on land and beneath the ocean.
DISCOVERING QUIETER CORNERS OF LOMBOK
Every time I return to Indonesia, I’m drawn to places that still feel raw, woven into the rhythms of local life. This time, I caught the slow ferry from Bali to Lombok where I met a man travelling home from his daughter’s graduation. When I asked him about places to explore, he smiled and told me to see the Secret Gilis.
Life here on the west coast is simple: fishermen return at sunrise with their catch, farmers tend to their fields and children play in the streets. A scene as authentic as it was decades ago.
With that said, it’s not a place for everyone. There’s no nightlife, trendy cafes and not much to “do”. But that’s the charm of it. Days drift by with swims in turquoise waters, seafood grilled in local spices and a stillness you rarely find elsewhere.
WHERE TO STAY
Accommodation ranges from humble beachside homestays to boutique eco-lodges. You can base yourself in Sekotong on the mainland or stay on the islands for the full experience.
I stayed at Shaya Cottage in Sekotong, one of my favourite stays in Indonesia. An eco-lodge built with natural materials and curved forms, its interiors told stories through salvaged boats, seashells and Sasak-inspired textures. It had the crisp white-and-blue charm of the Greek Islands with a surreal, artistic touch that felt like The Little Mermaid meets Salvador Dali. With only a handful of rooms, it felt intimate and homely, like my own White Lotus moment, minus the chaos.
THINGS TO DO IN WEST LOMBOK
Island Hopping – Spend the day visiting the Secret Gilis by boat, each offering its own beaches, reefs and abundance of marine life.
Snorkelling & Diving – Crystal clear waters reveal coral gardens, schools of fish and turtles gliding by. Some spots, like Gili Asahan offer full moon night dives.
Beach Hopping – Many stretches of sand are completely empty, where you’re likely to share the beach with more hermit crabs than people.
Local Life – Wander through nearby villages for a window into Lombok’s daily rhythm with as farmers tend to their fields, women prepare food and fishermen mend their nets.
Sunsets – Sunsets are unforgettable, with each one differing from the last. With no buildings to interrupt the view, the horizon glows as the sun slips below the horizon.
Surfing – Desert Point is legendary, with one of the longest left-hand barrels it draws experienced surfers from across the world chasing the perfect wave.
Mekaki Beach & Hill – Mekaki Beach is a wild stretch of coastline framed by rolling hills and powerful waves. The drive out is one of Lombok’s most scenic, with views across both sides of the island. From Mekaki Hills, the panorama is unforgettable, especially at sunset when the coastline glows.
SEKOTONG
Sekotong stretches along the west coast of Lombok, where winding roads lead you through quiet villages and red-dirt hills that glow under the sun. Wooden fishing boats line the shore, and children wave excitedly as you pass by. At sunset, families gather on the beach to search for snails at low tide while the sky serenades you with a kaleidoscope of colours.
Sekotong’s Tembowong Harbour is the gateway to the Secret Gilis, where boats run from morning till late afternoon. This is where you’ll head if you’re planning to stay overnight on one of the islands or do a self-guided day trip to the islands.
I booked my island hopping trip through my accomodation (300,000 IDR) and the experience was seamless. We set off at 9am, with snorkelling spots all to ourselves, discovering another side of Indonesia that felt worlds away.
THE ISLANDS
What sets the Secret Gilis apart isn’t just their beauty, but their conscious approach to tourism. Development is minimal, led by small eco-lodges that prioritise low-impact design and respect for the environment. Each island is motor-free, preserving the charm of simple living and Sasak culture.
This balance between tourism and tradition has kept both the ecology, culture and authenticity intact, in contrast to northern Gilis and mainland Lombok, where large resorts and nightlife dominate.
GILI RINGGIT
The smallest of the islands, Gili Ringgit charms with its simplicity and is just a 20-minute boat ride from Sekotong. Ringgit translates to “small” and is a snorkeller’s paradise with healthy coral, blue sea stars, horned sea stars and schools of fish darting between reefs. Hiiii Nemo!
GILI GEDE
The largest of the Secret Gilis, Gili Gede is home to five villages and boutique stays that attract honeymooners and travellers seeking quiet luxury.
Life here revolves around the sea, with fishing and pearl farming sustaining families for generations. Canoeing through its mangroves adds another layer of exploration, gliding through calm waterways framed by greenery.
GILI ASAHAN
Often considered the gem of the Secret Gilis, Gili Asahan blends untouched beauty with a rare sense of seclusion. Minimal development means it remains untouched, while boutique eco-lodges embrace sustainability to protect the island’s natural and cultural heritage.
For adventure, short hikes lead to panoramic viewpoints with dreamy sunrise and sunset scenes. Underwater, divers are spoiled with visibility of up to 25 meters and sites like Secret Garden, Sangking Point and Belongan, which glow differently under full moon night dives. Kayaking around Gili Asahan and its neighbouring uninhabited islets is another magical way to enjoy the afternoon.
One of the island’s highlights, Gili Asahan Eco Lodge is home to a horse sanctuary that rescues and provides a better life for them. The eco-lodge also offers daily yoga in a peaceful shala and is home to Nautilus, an Italian restaurant serving wood-fired pizza and fresh pasta by the beach.
GILI LAYAR
Small enough to walk in an afternoon, Gili Layar is all about the simple pleasures. Its beachfront warungs serve freshly grilled fish marinated in spices. Beneath the surface, vibrant corals and hundreds of tropical fish thrive close to shore. You might even spot a turtle gliding and grazing away on coral.
WHY WEST LOMBOK STOLE MY HEART
West Lombok isn’t a place for everyone, and that’s why it’s so special. It offers a more authentic side and a glimpse into local life, one that isn’t centred on mass tourism. Here, the rush of modern life fades into the background, replaced by an invitation to reset and come back to yourself.
HOW TO GET TO LOMBOK FROM BALI
Slow Ferry - Padang Bai to Lembar
Duration: 4-6 hours, depending on the sea conditions
Cost: 75,000 IDR
The scenic route, the ferry departs approximately every hour and is a good option if you are travelling with a scooter or if you’re not in a rush for time
Flight - Denpasar (DPS) to Lombok International Airport (LOP)
Duration: 45 minutes
Cost: 1,200,000 IDR (one-way)
Other Options
You can also take the fast boat from Bali to Senggigi or Bangsal and drive down, but the ferry is often the easiest route
HOW TO GET TO SEKOTONG
From Lembar Port
Taxis and private transfers take 1-1.5 hours
Cost: 350,000 IDR
From Airport
Taxi and private transfers take 1.5-2 hours
Cost: 400,000 IDR
From Kuta
Taxi and private transfers take 1.5-2 hours
Cost: 500,000 IDR
BEST TIME TO VISIT
Dry Season: April - October
Calm seas, sunny skies, perfect for boat trips
Wet Season: November – March
Expect afternoon showers, but lush scenery and fewer travellers
FOR FIRST TIMERS IN LOMBOK
Mornings begin with the call to prayer rising from mosques, layered over the waves on the shore. A reminder that faith is deeply woven into the island’s culture. As with all travels, modesty goes a long way. Away from beaches, covering up when passing through towns is a simple way to show respect.
