Secret Gilis Tour: Exploring Gili Nanggu, Gili Sudak & Gili Kedis — Lombok’s Hidden Island Paradise

Last updated: 2026

If you’ve searched for “hidden gili islands Lombok” or “alternative to Gili Trawangan,” chances are you’ve stumbled onto whispers of a place locals call the Secret Gilis — a trio of untouched islands tucked away in the Sekotong region of West Lombok. While Gili Trawangan, Gili Air, and Gili Meno have become household names on every traveler’s Instagram feed, Gili Nanggu, Gili Sudak, and Gili Kedis remain refreshingly quiet, largely undiscovered by mass tourism, and arguably far more beautiful.

In this guide, we’ll take you through everything you need to know about visiting these three hidden gems — how to get there, what makes each island unique, the best activities, and insider tips to make the most of your Secret Gilis tour.

Where Are Gili Nanggu, Gili Sudak, and Gili Kedis?

Unlike the famous “Gili T” trio off Lombok’s northwest coast, this hidden cluster sits in Sekotong, on Lombok’s southwest tip — roughly 1 to 1,5 hours by car from Senggigi, Kuta or Mataram, followed by a short 10–20 minute boat ride from Lembar harbor. This distance is precisely what has kept these islands so pristine: no fast boats packed with day-trippers, no beach clubs blasting music until sunrise — just clear water, white sand, and space to breathe.

Because they sit close together, Gili Nanggu, Gili Sudak, and Gili Kedis are almost always visited as a single cluster, making them perfect for a half-day or full-day island-hopping tour.

Gili Nanggu: The Coral Garden Island

Of the three, Gili Nanggu is the most developed — though “developed” here simply means a handful of beachfront bungalows and a couple of relaxed warungs, not high-rise resorts. What Gili Nanggu is truly famous for is what lies just beneath the surface.

Why Gili Nanggu Is a Snorkeler’s Favorite

The reef surrounding Gili Nanggu is remarkably close to shore, meaning you don’t need a boat trip to a “snorkel spot” — you simply wade in from the beach and the coral garden begins. Expect to see:

• Colorful reef fish (parrotfish, clownfish, butterflyfish)
• Healthy coral formations in shallow, calm water
• Occasional sightings of reef sharks and turtles in deeper sections

The island itself is small enough to walk around in under 30 minutes, ringed by a mix of powdery sand and shaded coconut groves — ideal for escaping the midday sun between snorkeling sessions.

Best for: Snorkeling, relaxed beach lounging, a light lunch of grilled fish at a beachfront warung.

Gili Sudak: Calm Waters and Local Charm

A short boat ride from Gili Nanggu, Gili Sudak offers a completely different rhythm. The water here is notably shallow and calm, almost lagoon-like, making it one of the safest and most comfortable spots for families, beginner swimmers, or anyone who simply wants to float without fighting a current.

What Makes Gili Sudak Special

• Shallow, swimmable bay — perfect for children or non-swimmers
• Fresh seafood — local fishermen bring in the day’s catch, often grilled right on the beach
• Fewer visitors than Gili Nanggu, meaning even more solitude
• A small population of local caretakers who maintain the island’s laid-back, authentic feel

Gili Sudak is the kind of place where an hour can quietly turn into three. There’s little “to do” in the conventional tourist sense — and that’s exactly the point.

Best for: Swimming with kids, a slow beach lunch, unwinding away from crowds.

Gili Kedis: The Tiniest Island With the Biggest Instagram Payoff

If Gili Nanggu is the reef and Gili Sudak is the lagoon, Gili Kedis is the postcard. Often described as “the smallest gili in Lombok,” this sandbar-sized island can be walked around in just a few minutes — at low tide, it barely peeks above the waterline, creating a surreal, almost floating sandbank effect surrounded by turquoise sea in every direction.

Why Everyone Photographs Gili Kedis

• A single, symmetrical stretch of white sand with turquoise water on all sides
• Minimal shade and structures, keeping the view completely open
• One of the most striking drone-shot locations in all of Lombok
• The novelty of “having your own island” for a photo, even if just for ten minutes

Because of its size, Gili Kedis isn’t a place to spend hours — it’s a stop, a moment, a mic-drop photo location before moving on to the next island.

Best for: Photography, a quick swim, that one perfect shot for your feed.

How to Visit: Planning Your Secret Gilis Tour

Getting There

1. Travel by car/scooter to Lembar harbor  (about 1.5–2 hours from Senggigi/Mataram).
2. Board a local wooden boat (usually chartered privately for small groups) for the 10–20 minute crossing.
3. Hop between islands throughout the day, with your boat waiting at each stop.

Best Time to Go

The dry season, roughly April to October, offers the calmest seas and best visibility for snorkeling. Mornings tend to have the clearest water and fewer boats around, so an early start is worth it if photography or snorkeling is your priority.

How Much Time Do You Need?

• Half-day (3–4 hours): Enough to visit all three islands briefly, snorkel at Gili Nanggu, and grab a quick photo at Gili Kedis.
• Full-day (6–7 hours): A more relaxed pace with time to swim at Gili Sudak, eat a proper seafood lunch, and linger longer at each stop.

What to Bring

• Reef-safe sunscreen (protect both your skin and the coral)
• A swimsuit and quick-dry clothing
• A hat, sunglasses, and light cover-up for the boat ride
• A waterproof phone pouch — you’ll want photos at Gili Kedis
• Cash (small denominations) for local warungs, as card payments aren’t available on the islands

Why Choose the Secret Gilis Over Gili Trawangan?

If you’ve already done the “main” gilis on a previous trip — or simply want to skip the crowds entirely — this hidden cluster delivers the “untouched Indonesia” experience that’s becoming harder to find.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Gili Nanggu, Gili Sudak, and Gili Kedis good for a day trip from Lombok? Yes — most visitors combine all three islands into a single half-day or full-day tour, since they’re located close together off Sekotong and easily reached by a short private boat charter.

Do I need to book a tour, or can I go independently? It’s possible to arrange a boat independently at Lembar harbor, but booking a private tour ensures a fixed itinerary, snorkeling gear, and a knowledgeable local guide — especially useful since public transport options to these islands are limited. Find more detail

Is Gili Kedis really an island, or just a sandbank? Gili Kedis is a genuine small island, though its size shrinks dramatically at high tide, giving it that famous “disappearing sandbank” look many photographers seek out.

Are these islands crowded during peak season? Compared to Gili Trawangan or Gili Air, even peak season here feels quiet. Weekends and Indonesian public holidays can bring more local day-trippers, so weekday visits offer the most solitude.

Can I stay overnight on any of these islands? Gili Nanggu has a small number of basic bungalows for those who want an overnight stay. Gili Sudak and Gili Kedis are typically day-trip destinations only.

Ready to Discover Lombok’s Secret Gilis?

Gili Nanggu, Gili Sudak, and Gili Kedis prove that Lombok’s best islands aren’t always the ones with the biggest name recognition. With coral reefs a few steps from shore, lagoon-calm waters, and a sandbank straight out of a screensaver, this hidden cluster offers a slower, more intimate island-hopping experience — the Lombok that existed before the crowds found it.

Ready to customize your own Secret Gilis itinerary? Book your private island-hopping tour today and explore this hidden cluster at your own pace.