Gili Meno, Indonesia: What You Need To Know
Fall in love with Gili Meno: one of Indonesia’s best-kept secrets and honeymoon destination. From blue turquoise waters to untouched coral reefs and underwater statues, the island is considered an oasis for snorkeling lovers.
Don’t know how to go, when to visit or what to do? Don’t worry, I’ve got your back.
Welcome to Gili Meno!
The Gili Islands are three small islands off the coast of Lombok, Indonesia. Amidst these islands, there is the smallest one, Gili Meno, surrounded by crystal-clear waters and boasting an incredible romantic ambiance.
While Gili T is most known for catering to party travelers and crowds, Gili Meno boasts an idyllic and laid-back paradise surrounded by palm trees and an incredible underwater world, being the calmest amidst the Gili Islands.
Gili Air, nested closer to Lombok, features a less bustling atmosphere than Gili T, yet not as peaceful as Gili Meno.
Things to Do in Gili Meno
1. Snorkel with Turtles
Gili Meno is a turtle paradise. You will find many turtles around the island, especially in Turtle Point, making Gili Meno a natural underwater wonder. Swimming with the turtles is such a magical moment! Some of them are surprisingly big – leaving you in awe.
Don’t miss the chance to swim with these beautiful turtles in crystal-clear waters, as this is one of the best things to do on the island.
Book your Snorkeling Tour in Gili Meno.
Snorkel in Turtle Point, the best spot to swim with turtles in Gili Meno
Gili Meno | Snorkelling with Turtles
2. Snorkel at the Gili Meno Statues
Explore the underwater world of Gili Meno. Just in front of BASK Gili Meno, are sculptures in the water meant as a diving site and home to many colorful fish.
Once you put your goggles underwater, you will find stunning sculptures in the form of a circle.
Explore these stunning sculptures in the form of a circle
Gili Meno | Gili Meno Statues
3. Do a Horse Riding Tour at Sunset
Experience romance aboard a horse, while the sky turns into magical orange hues. I was amazed by the sunsets in the Gili Islands. The colors turned into intense orange hues, and it always felt magical when people would ride a horse on the beach.
If you are a horse lover, this tour is a must-do!
If you are a horse lover, this tour is a must-do!
Gili Meno | Horse Tour
4. Visit the Sea Turtle Sanctuary
Turtles are a great part of marine life in the Gili Islands. Gili Meno features a Turtle Sanctuary, where turtles are nurtured from egg to a mature state, until they are healthy enough to be released into the ocean. More about the Gili Meno Sea Turtle Sanctuary.
Learn about how turtles are nurtured at Gili Meno
Gili Meno | Gili Meno Statues
5. Watch the sunset
Sunsets in Gili Islands are magical. If you are not into horse riding, make sure you relax and watch the sunset everyday. It’s just magical!
The sunsets in Gili Meno are just magical
Gili Meno | Sunset at BASK Gili Meno
6. Have a romantic dinner by the beach
Are you visiting Gili Meno with your loved one? If so, having dinner at the beach is a must-consider. Make sure you stay in BASK Gili Meno, as the luxury hotel offers dinner options on the beach for all guests.
Have a romantic dinner at BASK Gili Meno
7. Just relax
Gili Meno is a laid-back island, known for their peaceful vibes. No cars, no crowds, just you and the sea. Relaxing is one of the best ways to experience the beauty of Gili Meno! Deep breath… You are in paradise!
Don’t forget to relax! Gili Meno is a laid-back paradise
How to Arrive at Gili Meno
The best way to arrive at Gili Meno is either from Bali or Lombok.
I advise you to fly to Lombok, and take a short 20-minute ride by boat. For me, this is the most convenient and safe way to reach Gili Meno, as the Indic Ocean is not very calm and boats from Bali may be crowded.
Bali to Gili Meno: opt for a yacht adventure, ensuring maximum comfort and safety. You can also reach Gili Island, by booking a comfortable fast boat or cruise.
Lombok to Gili Meno: book a transfer from the airport or the port.
Where to Stay at Gili Meno
Gili Meno | Luxury Stay at BASK Gili Meno
BASK Gili Meno is the most luxurious accommodation on Gili Meno. Nested just in front of the incredible Gili Meno Statues, the beach-front luxury hotel is everything you will need to relax and have a great time. It is also the best choice for your honeymoon.
This was one of the best hotels I ever stayed in. More about the BASK Gili Meno.
Best Time to visit Gili Meno
Visit Gili Meno from April to September, or between December and January. This is known as the dry Season, when Gili Meno features less chance of rain, making it ideal to enjoy the best of the island.
I visited the island in early September. It was sunny in the morning, even though the wind usually became more intense in the afternoon, and it rained one day. Sunsets were always unbelievable. Overall, I had a great experience!
How to Get Around in Gili Meno
Unique about the Gili Islands is that there are no cars on the island. In other words, there is no traffic, leading travelers to only have three means of transportation: by foot, bike, or horse.
However, I highly discourage using the horse taxi, as these animals are known to be mistreated on the island.
Restaurants in Gili Meno
Gili Meno | Eat at BASK Gili Meno
There are different options to eat at Gili Meno. However, I’ve always eaten at BASK Gili Meno where I stayed, and I can only recommend it. The luxury hotel offers plenty of options – from indonesian to western european and signature options -, most of them home-crafted.
For me, this is the best restaurant on the island. You can eat at the restaurant, the beach, and even the room for an extra charge.
Gili Meno is a secluded luxury destination, nested off the coast of Lombok Indonesia. It is also the smallest and calmest amidst the Gili Islands. The island boasts incredible crystal-clear waters and snorkeling opportunities, not to mention the magical sunsets, making it an excellent destination to skip the crowds of Bali.
Plus, Gili Meno is a honeymoon destination! Experience a laid-back romantic atmosphere, perfect to relax with your loved one.
The turtles in Gili Meno make for an authentic underwater paradise, besides the Gili Meno Statues. Make sure you spend time snorkeling, and – almost forgot – relax!
