Escape the crowds in Bali and discover the Secret Gili Islands, a hidden paradise in Lombok. This guide to Gili Asahan offers everything you need to plan your getaway, including things to do, delicious food options, and wonderful accommodations—from budget to luxury. The Secret Gili Islands are for adventurous travellers searching for barefoot luxury.
Contents
1. Where is Gili Asahan?
1.1 What is Gili Asahan known for?
1.2 How to get to Gili Asahan?
1.3 How to get around Gili Asahan?
1.4 When is the best time to visit Gili Asahan?
1.5 What to do on Gili Asahan?
1.6 Where to stay in Gili Asahan?
1.7 Is it worth visiting Gili Asahan?
1.8 What’s it like to stay on Gili Asahan?
If you have been to Bali, you may also have heard of the Gili Islands. These islands are between Bali and Lombok, called Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, and Gili Air.
The Gili Islands are found off the northwest coast of Lombok and are a popular island hopping destination from Bali known for diving, partying, and relaxation. But have you heard of the Secret Gilis?
This cluster of islands is also known as the southern Gili Islands. These islands are the place to go if you want to get away from the crowds found in Bali and taste a slice of paradise.
The Secret Gili Islands are an excellent destination for adventurous travellers who want to explore another side of Indonesia. We spent 5 days on Gili Asahan, part of the Secret Gilis, and loved every minute.
Spend days under the palm trees on the soft white sand, go on a snorkelling adventure to find shy seahorses or walk around the whole island. Gili Asahan has all of this, including an eco-luxury resort, which is perfect to stay at as a base on the island.
Where is Gili Asahan?
The remote group of islands known as the Secret Gili’s are located off the southwest coast of Lombok, part of the Indonesian archipelago. Indonesia is made up of over 17,500 islands to explore and is the largest country made of islands.
Gili Asahan is found opposite the Sekotong Peninsula of Lombok, close to Gili Goleng and Gili Gede. Those living on the island speak Bahasa Indonesian and Sasak, which is mostly spoken in Lombok.
What is Gili Asahan known for?
The word Gili translates to ‘small island’ in Sasak, the local language used in Lombok. This remote paradise is a wonderful place to unwind and spend your days barefoot in the sand. Gili Asahan lets you experience the slow, simple island life and is one of the best spots for snorkelling in Indonesia.
Gili Asahan has beautiful white sandy beaches, clear turquoise water, and diverse marine life accessible from the beaches. The island is small, measuring 5 km, restricting development, and offering mostly small resorts and accommodations to choose from.
It feels like a deserted tropical island without having to worry about the need to survive; you’ll have everything you need to relax. Drift off to sleep listening to the gentle call of geckos under a clear, starry sky. Wake up to the chirp of birds and notice the trails left by the hermit crabs in the sand.
Life on Gili Asahan offers a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of Bali. After a few days here, you might never want to leave or might even extend your stay!
How to get to Gili Asahan?
By plane
Flying to Lombok is a convenient alternative to the fast boat, with multiple flights available every day from Bali. You cannot fly directly to Gili Asahan; it is a small island only accessible by boat.
The main airport is Lombok International Airport (LOP), and is the closest to Gili Asahan. There are several flights throughout the day from Bali, and it takes around 1 hour. Once you arrive at LOP Airport, take a taxi to Pentai Kepo, which takes 1.5 to 2 hours.
In comparison to travelling by boat, this can work out at a similar cost and journey time. It’s worth taking the time to research the best options for the time of year you are travelling, as boat travel may be a little trickier depending on weather conditions and makes flying a more reliable option.
Flights from Denpasar Bali to Lombok International Airport cost around 1,000,000 IDR (£50) for one way, and taxis from the airport to Pantai Kepo cost 500,000 IDR (£25).
By Fast Boat
There are two main ports to take a fast boat from Bali to Lombok: Serangan in south Bali and Padang Bai in southeastern Bali. Boats from Serangan may stop at Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan and can also be taken from these islands.
Several videos online show boats filling with water, and the boats look unsafe. The safest operators for this route are BlueWater Express, Eka Jaya, and Gili Getaway.
The quickest route is to take the fast boat from Serangan to Gili Gede, which takes around 1.5 to 2 hours and may stop at Nusa Penida en route. This route is one of the most expensive ways to get to Gili Asahan due to its convenience. The average cost one way from Serangan to Gili Gede is 960,000 IDR (£47).
From Kokomo on Gili Gede island, a boat will take around 20 minutes to Gili Asahan and is costs 400,000 IDR (£20). It’s worth noting that some accommodation on Gili Asahan provide complimentary transport from Gili Gede or Lombok from Pantai Kepo.
When travelling from southern Bali and the fast boat to Gili Gede isn’t operating, there is a boat that runs from Serangan to Bangsal. It takes 3 hours, costing 850,000 IDR one way (£41). From Bangsal, take a taxi to Pantai Kepo, which takes 1.5 to 2 hours, and then a boat to Gili Asahan.
An alternative fast boat route is available from eastern Bali, from Padang Bai to Sengiggi, which takes 1 hour, and then a 1.5 to 2-hour taxi ride to Pantai Kepo.
BY FERRY
If you’re in no rush, take the slow ferry from Padang Bai in Bali to Lembar, which takes around 4 to 5 hours and leaves every 2 to 3 hours. The cost of the ferry per passenger for one crossing is 75,000 IDR (£3), a great option when on a budget.
We enjoyed watching local sellers come aboard the ship selling food and drinks. The ferry can get very hot inside, as there is no air conditioning, if possible sit near a window or outside for a breeze. This is a fantastic option if you’re looking to immerse with locals and have more time for the journey.
It’s worth getting to the ferry port early and having light bags, as you must carry them up the stairs onto the deck. There are porters that may offer and will charge a fee to take your bags onto the ferry.
At Lembar, get a taxi to Pantai Kepo, which takes an hour and will cost 400,000 IDR (£20), and finally, take a boat to Gili Asahan. Read more about taking the ferry from Pandang Bai in Bali to Lembar in Lombok.
How to get to Gili Asahan from Lombok?
There are many ways to get to Gili Asahan from Lombok, we travelled from Kuta which took around 2.5 hours by taxi. From Lombok Airport it takes 1.5 hours to Pantai Kepo, the dock where you get a boat to Gili Asahan.
When travelling directly to Lombok International Airport (LOP), it takes 1.5 to 2 hours to drive to Pentai Kepo, from where you can take a boat to Gili Asahan.
How to get around Gili Asahan?
There are no cars or motorbikes on Gili Asahan, and there are no roads. The only way to get around the island is to walk; it’s possible to walk around the whole island, which takes around 2 hours.
When walking around the island, make sure to walk at low tide, as there are parts that are difficult to pass at high tide. Most of the area near the main drop-off point, opposite the village, is accessible throughout the day. Other ways to get around Gili Asahan are to kayak, take a boat, or paddleboard around the island.
When is the best time to visit Gili Asahan?
There are two seasons in Lombok, wet and dry. The wet season usually lasts from November to March, and the dry season from April to October for Lombok.
When visiting in the wet season, you are more likely to experience unpredictable, heavy rain, which can be short-lived, and benefits from fewer tourists. The average temperatures in Lombok are around 27°C to 30°C throughout the year, making it still possible to visit during wet season.
The best time to visit Gili Asahan is in the dry season to make the most of being outside and the best weather for boat crossings from Bali. We visited in October, at the start of the dry season. The weather was warm, perfect for swimming and snorkelling.
What to do on Gili Asahan?
While staying on the island you may spend a lot of time doing nothing, but there will probably be days you want to get out and explore. As a tropical paradise that has a fragile ecosystem and wildlife, being a responsible visitor is very important to ensure the island is protected from over tourism.
How to be a responsible visitor on Gili Asahan
🐚 Don’t take any shells or coral
🐚 Swim without fins if possible to reduce the likelihood of damaging corals, or trampling on corals
🐚 Enter and exit where there are clear signs or ask if unsure
🐚 Pick up any rubbish and keep the beaches clean
🐚 Use water sparingly, there are limited water reservoirs on the island
🐚 Dress respectfully when walking through the village - Lombok is predominantly Islam
🐚 Learn a few phrases in Indonesian or Sasak (language spoken on Lombok) to speak to residents
Take a walk around the island
You can walk around the entire perimeter of the island in about 2 hours. It’s a wonderful way to explore the whole of Gili Asahan, from hidden beaches to an abandoned pearl farm.
We started our walk from the Eco Lodge and walked clockwise around the island. The route is mostly on sand and rocks, and while you could walk barefoot as it heats up during the day, walking on the black rocks is almost impossible!
There is a short uphill section with steps leading up to Eagle Rock which is a beautiful viewpoint just south of the Bleu Mathis Gili Asahan resort. From here, you can see Mount Agung in Bali on a clear day. It’s best to walk at low tide, as sections can be difficult to walk at high tide.
Snorkelling and Diving
While staying on Gili Asahan, you must check out the island's excellent snorkelling and diving spots. To ensure the island stays as one of the best snorkelling spots, avoid treading on coral and swimming too close to turtles and fish. The trigger fish is known to give a nasty bite and can be territorial - so give them plenty of room!
Many of the best snorkelling places in Gili Asahan are within walking distance. There are three main snorkelling spots: one in front of the Eco Lodge, Batu Belanda (North Cape), and Oceanway Dive Centre, which is near the Pearl Beach Resort. The winds pick up in the day, making it best to snorkel in the morning on the western side, depending on the tides.
One of the best sites is opposite the Oceanway Dive Centre on the southeast coast of Gili Asahan. We discovered it after walking around the entire island. Signs indicate where you can enter and exit the reef; enter near the boats. This site is covered in seagrass, and if you're lucky, you might even see a seahorse.
The Oceanway Dive Centre has done a wonderful job of replanting corals throughout the reef; these are massive metal structures filled with new corals that will establish and thrive. The dive centre provides diving classes, day trips, and rentals of snorkelling equipment, kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddleboards.
Kayak or SUP to Gili Goleng
Go on an adventure by taking a kayak over to the nearest island, Gili Goleng. The island is very small, and it only takes 15-20 minutes to paddle across. There are no resorts or houses on the island, making this a relaxing, untouched paradise.
Gili Goleng is a lovely place for a picnic or BBQ, as there is a dedicated area for this. Make sure to take all your rubbish with you. There is an amazing snorkel spot on the southeast of the island, where boat trips take regular stops.
Watch the sunset from the highest point
The Gili Asahan Eco Lodge has a path up to their Yoga Shala; the view from here is spectacular. Continue the path up to the left of the Yoga Shalla to the highest point for panoramic views of the island. This is one of the best places to watch the sunrise and sunset. Watch the boats pass by and look back across the Sekotong peninsula.
Another sunset viewpoint is in the northwest, at the Bukit Batu Nangkok Seribu Tangga observation deck. This is located just south of the Bleu Mathis Resort and can be reached by walking north of the Eco Lodge resort. Bring a torch or light with you to guide you back, and look out for hermit crabs scuttling their way across the beach.
Eat dinner on the beach
If you are staying at the Gili Asahan Eco Lodge, you will probably eat at the Nautilus Restaurant which serves Italian-style food alongside traditional options. As guests of the Eco Lodge, they will set up a table on the beach at no extra cost.
This is a lovely romantic option is a special way to spend your last evening on the island. We highly recommend the pizza - we loved it so much that we almost tried every pizza on the menu!
Walk on the beach with horses
A unique experience is to walk with the rescue horses on Gili Asahan. These were working horses on the main Gili islands in the north and have been given a second lease of life at the Eco Lodge. Book an experience at the Gili Asahan Eco Lodge to walk with the horses along the beach.
Visit the local village
In the south of the island, the village has a mosque, a small shop, a restaurant, and mostly houses for residents. When walking through the village, please cover up and don’t just stroll in your swimwear. You’ll spot fishermen and walk past many fishing boats.
The main religion in Lombok is Islam, and whenever visiting a country, you should respect the culture. A little further from the village is the abandoned pearl farm, which used to be thriving on the island until recently.
Where to stay in Gili Asahan?
There is a variety of accommodation in Gili Asahan from self-catering bungalows to luxury villas with pools. Most of the places to stay on the island are only a few steps from the beach.
Stay on the island for more than one night to give yourself ample time to explore, relax, and soak in the surroundings. Pack light as you’ll be arriving by boat, and there are no roads in Gili Asahan.
Gili Asahan Eco Lodge
Nestled in the southwest of Gili Asahan, Gili Asahan Eco Lodge is a sustainable eco-friendly resort with a huge variety of types of accommodations to stay in such as Bale, bungalows and beach huts.
There is a spa for massage treatments, a yoga shala, and a restaurant with SUP and kayaks available to use free of charge. We stayed here for two nights and enjoyed a fresh coconut on arrival. There are many places to sit and chill along the beach. Read more about our stay at the Gili Asahan Eco Lodge and the different types of accommodation.
Bleu Mathis
The Bleu Mathis resort, located in the north of the island, is a premium 4-star hotel that offers magnificent villas with outdoor plunge pools. When we stayed at the new resort, there were a few teething problems in the restaurant and some unfinished areas.
While we wouldn’t recommend the restaurant, this side of the island has spectacular sunsets and no other resorts nearby, giving it a more remote feel. The resort offers a huge pool, many areas to rest and relax, a bar and a massage room.
Pearl Beach Resort
On the eastern coast of the island, Pearl Beach Resort is an eco-luxury resort with options for bungalows and villas. Located next to the Oceanway Dive Centre, it feels remote compared to other resorts on the island.
VAYAM Boutique Resort & Spa
A beautiful resort offering private villas and bungalows surrounded by lush green gardens, perfect for couples and families. The villas are spacious with onsite spa facilities, including a sauna, ice bath, and massage treatments.
Amahelia Luxury Resort & Restaurant
A beautiful boutique resort made up of a total of 10 luxury villas, footsteps away from the beach. The Amahelia Resort has a relaxing outdoor pool and the NAGA restaurant that serves delicious traditional dishes.
Avatar Raja Bungalows
These lovely bungalows offer a more minimal option for staying in Gili Asahan. Each room has an outdoor terrace, a bed, and an ensuite bathroom. An Indonesian family runs the Avatar Raja Bungalows, which sit between the village and the abandoned pearl farm.
Is it worth visiting Gili Asahan?
Gili Asahan offers a quiet alternative to busy resorts in Bali and is an undiscovered paradise. The island has some of the best snorkelling and diving spots in Indonesia to spot diverse marine life, including turtles, seahorses, and much more. Plan your trip to the Secret Gilis soon to experience the ultimate tropical paradise and laid-back luxury.
what it's like to stay on Gili Asahan?
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