Things You Should Know Before You Go to Secret Gilis

1. Understand the Island Geography: Choose Your Cluster

• The Inner Cluster (Nanggu, Sudak, Kedis): This is the classic 1-day loop. Gili Nanggu is the pristine snorkeling sanctuary; Gili Sudak is the shallow lunchtime stop famed for starfish; Gili Kedis is a tiny, heart-shaped sandbar perfect for photos.
• The Outer Cluster (Rengit, Gede, Layar): Located further west. These islands are larger, more rugged, and best suited for multi-day eco-resort stays or advanced drift diving due to stronger currents.
  

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2. How Do You Get to the Launch Points?

• Overland Drive: Reaching the coast requires a one hour drive via car or scooter from Kuta Lombok, Mataram, or Senggigi. Ensure your vehicle has a full tank of fuel before leaving the main towns.
• The Harbors: For the popular Nanggu-Sudak-Kedis loop, your target is Lembar Harbor. If you are heading to the outer islands like Gili Asahan, you will instead use Lembar Harbor or Tembowong Harbor.
• The Boat Crossing: Traditional wooden perahu cadik (outrigger boats) handle the transit. The open-sea crossing to the nearest island takes a brief 10 to 20 minutes and one hour to the Outer Cluster (Rengit, Gede, Layar)
  

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3. Are there ATMs on the islands?

• No ATMs: This is critical. There is zero digital payment infrastructure on these small islands. Boat captains, local kitchen shacks, and gear rental vendors only accept physical Indonesian Rupiah (IDR).

4. What is the independent budget breakdown?

• Independent Budget Breakdown:
  • Private Boat Charter: IDR 600,000 for the Inner Cluster loop (Nanggu, Sudak, Kedis) or up to IDR 1,500,000 per vessel for a combined inner and outer cluster tour. This cost splits easily among up to 8 passengers.
    
  • Gear Rental: IDR 35,000 – IDR 50,000 for a snorkel mask set; IDR 25,000 for a life jacket.
  • Landing Fees: IDR 5,000 – IDR 10,000 per person collected on-site by island caretakers for conservation and cleaning.
  • Beachside Lunch: IDR 75,000 – IDR 120,000 for a local grilled fish (ikan bakar) platter with rice and plecing kangkung.
    

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5. Safety & Preparation: How Should You Prepare for the Trip?

• Do I need special footwear?
  Yes, armor for your feet is essential. The shorelines and shallow drop-offs at Gili Kedis and Gili Nanggu are heavily littered with sharp, dead coral fragments. Reef shoes are strictly non-negotiable to prevent painful deep cuts.
• What is the best trick for seeing fish?
  Bring a fish-feeding kit. Prepare a reusable plastic bottle packed with breadcrumbs and a dash of seawater before boarding your boat. Squeezing the bottle underwater deploys a cloud of bait, instantly drawing swarms of colorful sergeant major fish directly to your mask.
• How can I protect the marine environment?
  Follow the eco-conservation code. The marine ecosystem here is exceptionally fragile. Avoid stepping on coral structures entirely while swimming, and apply only reef-safe, mineral-based sunscreens to prevent chemical bleaching of the corals.
• What should I do with my trash?
  Pack out your trash. These tiny islands lack formal waste management systems. You must bring a dedicated dry bag to haul all your personal plastic bottles and food wrappers back to mainland Lombok for proper disposal.
  

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5. Things you should consider

For travel to the Secret Gilis, renting a scooter offers flexibility for roughly IDR 80,000–150,000 daily, while private drivers provide air-conditioned comfort, hotel pickups, and logistics management for IDR 500,000–750,000 per day. For a fully guided experience, specialized local operators like Lombok Secret Gilis  handle transport, private boat charters, and snorkeling equipment. Consider a full-service tour for added ease.

6. What should you expect regarding fresh water, restrooms, electricity, and basic comfort facilities when visiting the remote Secret Gilis?

• Freshwater Scarcity: Freshwater is extremely scarce on the smaller islands. Gili Nanggu and Gili Sudak have basic, rustic shower stalls where you can rinse off after snorkeling, but the water can be brackish (slightly salty). Pack wet wipes and a small microfibre towel.
• Basic Restrooms: Do not expect luxury amenities. The restrooms on the islands are traditional squat toilets or basic sit-toilets with manual flush buckets (gayung). Bring your own pocket tissues and hand sanitizer.
• Limited Power Supply: The smaller, uninhabited islands like Gili Kedis have no electricity grid. Ensure your phone and action cameras are fully charged, and carry a high-capacity power bank.
  

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7. What marine wildlife hazards, environmental risks, and safety precautions should you be aware of before entering the water at the Secret Gilis?

• Sea Urchins (Bulu Babi): The seagrass beds around Gili Sudak (where the starfish are located) and the reef edges of Gili Nanggu frequently host black sea urchins. This is another critical reason why wearing thick-soled reef shoes is non-negotiable.
• Stinger Protection: Depending on the subtle seasonal shifts in currents, minor translucent jellyfish or sea lice can occasionally drift through the waters. Wearing a long-sleeve rash guard protects you from both minor stings and the intense tropical sun.

Before you pack your bags and head to this untouched paradise, here is the ultimate insider guide and curated package breakdown from the premier local specialist, Lombok Secret Gilis.