When visiting Lombok, surely you already have a long list of dream places. Including the popular 'gilis', which means ‘small island’ in the local language. But actually, there are more than the three famous gili surrounding the island of Lombok. An estimated 35–50 pieces can be found. One of the hotspots with beautiful gili that are rarely explored, is in Sekotong Lombok.
Therefore, we will discuss one of the most beautiful areas of Lombok. The gilis here are sometimes referred to as Secret Gilis. This is not because they're impossible to find, but since they are not mainstream destinations. Let's go and explore Sekotong Lombok.
Secret Gilis
First off, we will visit some of the best gilis in Lombok. These are Nanggu, Gede, and Asahan. Each has its own benefits and drawbacks. Depending on your preferences, you might like one more than the other. If you plan to visit them all, we recommend taking a day for each island.
Gili Nanggu
Another name for this island is 'aquarium island'. Not without reason, even if you are on the coast, you can find beautiful coral reefs complete with fish and other marine life. This is just one of the reasons that this island is perfect for those of you who go on vacation with your children.
Calm currents and the location of beautiful coral reefs not far from the coast are the main factors. In addition, there is also a turtle hatchery, suitable for educational tours with children. It is possible to stay the night on Gili Nanggu, or you can simply order food in the restaurant. As a reference for scale, it only takes 15 minutes to walk around the island.
Gili Gede
This island is the largest and most famous island in Sekotong Lombok. Let's not talk about the beautiful corals, diverse marine life and clear seawater. Because you can get all of that throughout the area of Sekotong Lombok.
This is an island that is perfect for a Lombok honeymoon. Lodging from traditional to luxury resorts are available. The experience you will have, is one of pure relaxation.
For bicycle lovers, you can explore the outer ring of this island. Some mountain bike communities often travel here for a trip. You can take your bike with you by boat there.
It’s also nice to know that Sekotong Lombok is famous for mangrove ecotourism. The area is one of the hotspots for mangroves in Indonesia, including those on Gili Gede. Don't forget to stop by to take a canoe, or just see the scenery and birds chirping.
Gili Asahan
In the Sekotong area of Lombok, Gili Asahan is one of the most beautiful islands with underwater views. Thanks to the ultra clear water, your visibility can even reach 25 meters. It's so beautiful that even on a full moon, people come to dive.
Some of the most beautiful underwater spots on this island are the Secret Garden, Sangking Point and Belongan. The view is filled with colourful soft and hard coral, complete with marine biota in their habitat. If you are lucky, you can meet seahorses, turtles, Nudibranchia or sea slugs and even moray eels.
Then there is the Eco Lodge where you can stay in a traditional bungalow. It also features an Italian restaurant called Nautilus. But if you don’t want to stay the night, the boat trip only takes 20 minutes from the main land.
Most beautiful road of Lombok
Apart from the small islands around it, Sekotong Lombok also has natural attractions on the main island. Examples include Mekaki Beach and Mekaki Hill. If you go there, you will pass the Mekaki - Buwun Mas road. This road is astonishingly beautiful.
It’s as if you are flying over the tops of the hills. On the higher points, you can see the ocean on both sides of the island. This is Sekotong Lombok on its most magical where you witness the untouched nature.
Don't worry, this road is quite big and has 2 lanes. If you pass this road during the rice planting season (March - August), the scenery will be much more exotic. Then after arriving, you will be greeted by the beauty of Mekaki beach which is perfect for surfing or relaxing.
Conclusion - The untouched beauty of Sekotong Lombok
Those were some recommendations to add to your gili getaway list. Even though the charm of these small islands is indeed beautiful, don't forget the charm of tourism on the main island of Lombok. Set aside a few days to explore the hills, mountains, beaches and waterfalls that you like.
You can choose a place to stay that is within reach of both Sekotong Lombok and Kuta. Amazing Lombok Resort is one of them. This accommodation is perfect for exploring Lombok.
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Last updated on: 23 January 2023