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Introducing Gili Meno – A Desert-Island Getaway

Gili Meno is the smallest of Gili Islands attracting Robinson Crusoe types and honeymooners to indulge in its deserted beaches and admire the fabulous marine life. Most of the tourist facilities and accommodations are strung along the eastern coast leaving its secluded western part to be explored by the adventurous travellers.

Ministry

Gili Meno Overview

Gili Meno is sandwiched between its two big brothers – Gili Trawangan and Gili Air – off the west coast of Lombok. Even though the island is only one kilometre wide and two kilometres long, some fascinating natural attractions stand out the islet among other Gilis.

The salt lake in the western part of the Gili Meno is a home to hundreds of exotic flora and fauna species. Even the waters of Gili Meno are more appealing for travelling, offering the fabulous dive sites to spot the large groups of turtles, various tropical fish and endless coral reefs.

Regarding nightlife, Gili Meno is an antithesis to frantic Gili Trawangan with its vibrant beach bars and crazy parties. Gili Meno exudes the romantic and relaxed atmosphere appealing to enjoy each other’s company or simply laze on the beach with a great book and fresh juice for the complete holiday experience.

What We Love

  • Jaw-dropping deserted beaches

  • Laidback and relaxed atmosphere

  • Friendly local community

  • Fabulous dive and snorkel sites

  • Romantic strolls along the beach

Ministry

Things to See & Do in Gili Meno

Shopping

Shopping scene of Gili Meno is represented with a couple of grocery stores and a few dive shops set on the eastern coast of the island.

Dive shops sell and rent masks and fins catering to those planning to indulge in snorkelling or diving activities. Take into account that there are no fashion boutiques and other stores so for serious shopping you might need to go to the nearby Lombok or further to Bali island.

Relaxation

Time on the island flows slowly and steadily appealing to the relaxed and laid-back holiday. Gili Meno boasts of idyllic deserted beaches, natural attractions and the most fantastic dive sites to admire the marine life and bright coral reefs. Gili Meno Wall is a famous site where large groups of turtles are usually spotted by snorkelers. Also, you may be lucky to encounter crustaceans, parrotfish, Spanish dancers and cuttlefish.

Those who prefer outdoor activities over the water sports are invited to explore the island’s incredible diversity of flora and fauna. The infamous salt lake spilt in the centre of Gili Meno is a home to various migratory and tropical birds, monitor lizard and other fauna representatives living on land and in the water.

You can spot more birds dwelling in the Gili Meno Bird Park. The park hosts an utterly remarkable collection of feathery creatures counting more than 300 species including pelicans, macaws, eagles and hornbills.

Gili Meno
Gili Meno Beach
Karma Beach Gili Meno Lombok
Ministry

Eating & Drinking in Gili Meno

Restaurants

Gili Meno comprises of a fair number of diving establishments set along the beachside all with a fabulous view over to Lombok or Gili Trawangan.

Most of the venues serve the freshest seafood and fish barbeques cooked over the open wood grill. Once you have ordered, take a seat and relish in the mesmerising views of the idyllic beach surrounded by the blue ribbon of the calm waters.

Another Gili Meno speciality is a wood-fired pizza served in many restaurants. The majority of dining venues are located on the south-eastern coast of the island, where the most of the tourist facilities and accommodations are situated.

Nightlife

You will never get enough of the jaw-dropping sunsets over Gili Trawangan and Bali islands when the sky is awash with flame orange, pink, red and yellow colours painting the shoreline with incredible colours.

Even though the nightlife in Gili Meno is very limited, there are several bars, serving fresh juices and cold beers to complete your sunset experience. These drinking establishments usually close long before midnight when tourists head to their villa accommodations to have rest before the next day in paradise.

When the night is falling, Gili Meno turns into a huge observatory with myriads of stars lighting up the sky. The long idyllic walks under the stars can be the most romantic experience for the honeymooners, couples and exciting adventure for families with children.

Adeng Adeng Beach Bar Gili Meno Lombok
Top 9 Restaurants on Gili Meno Lombok
Mahamaya Restaurant Gili Meno Lombok
Ministry

Gili Meno Neighbourhoods

Gili Meno, filled between Gili Trawangan and Gili Air, is situated off the west coast of Lombok. Gili Meno serves the romantic and relaxed atmosphere for the languid holiday.

Gili Meno & Surrounds

Gili Air

Gili Air is the laid back island vibes you would expect with a touch of western influence with chilled beach clubs, stylish island villas and fresh coconuts daily.

GILI AIR GUIDE

Gili Trawangan

Let’s get the party started – this is the vibe of Gili T. Frequented by millennials that want to explore the ocean by day and party by night.

GILI TRAWANGAN GUIDE

Tanjung

Tanjung is the capital of North Lombok and is the closest port to the Gili Islands – ideal for those that want a relaxing base to explore Lombok.

TANJUNG GUIDE
Ministry

Gili Meno Villas

There is one Ministry Approved villas on Gili Meno island – Les Villas Ottalia Gili Meno. This splendid property offers one and two-bedroom villa accommodations. There is a breakfast served in the villa daily, villa manager, 24-hour security personnel and many other services you won’t find in a hotel. This is why we say “Spend just one night in a villa and you’ll never stay in a hotel again.”

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Practical Information

Getting There

BY PLANE

Although it is possible to get to Gili Meno, Lombok over land or water, the best way is to fly.

BY FAST BOAT FROM BALI

Numerous fast boat services depart from Bali to Gili Meno with one or two stops in Senggigi, Lombok and in Gili Trawangan. Boats depart from the major Bali seaports – Benoa, Padang Bai and Serangan – and it takes between 2 to 2.5 hours to get to Gili Meno. However, during the big swell (July-August) and monsoon (January-February) season delays and even cancellations can occur. The ticket price can vary as it depends on the travel agent and season, and usually, includes the land transfer from/to your accomodation in Bali.

BY FAST BOAT FROM LOMBOK

The public boat departs from Bangsal harbour at 11am and 4pm and the cruise takes around 30 minutes to get to Gili Meno. The ticket price varies depending on the time of departure and starts from IDR25,000. Charter boats will coats around IDR200,000 one way for the entire vessel. Charter boats also leave from Bangsal Harbour on the west coast of Lombok mainland.

BY FAST BOAT FROM OTHER GIL ISLANDS

There is an official island hopping boat service with a couple of boats carrying passengers from Gili Trawangan and Gili Air to Gili Meno. The boats depart according to the official schedule. The same boats perform the reverse route from Gili Meno to Gili Air, and from Meno to Trawangan two times per day. The ticket price is around IDR25,000 for a one-way trip. Charter boats are also available to hire at the cost of IDR200,000 for the one-way cruise.

Getting Around

Due to the fact that Gili islands do not have motorised transport, there are only a few options to get around the tiny island:

ON FOOT

Meno is the smallest among three Gili Islands, appealing to the quiet walks along the beach. You can easily circumnavigate the islet around the perimeter in around 1.5 hours on foot. Walking around the island is an excellent way to explore the area, and find your ideal beach.

BICYCLE

Renting a bike on Gili Meno is widely available for IDR50,000 per day. Riding the bicycle is a fast and convenient way to move about the island, however, there are a few places with deeper sand so better to avoid riding along some paths. Also, check your bike on malfunctions as some of them are rather old and pretty used.

HORSE CARTS

Horse carts or ‘cidomo’ are available on the island if you are travelling with heavy bags and staying away from the departure area. The flat rate of IDR170,000 is now charged notwithstanding the distance.

Ministry

Gili Meno Travelogue