Gili Nanggu, Gili Sudak and Gili Kedis: A Sekotong Snorkeling Guide

Three small islands off Lombok's southwest coast

Most travelers who come to Lombok head straight for the three Gilis in the north: Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno and Gili Air. On the island's southwest side, though, there is another cluster of small islands that is far quieter: Gili Nanggu, Gili Sudak and Gili Kedis. They sit off Sekotong in West Lombok Regency, and most visitors see all three on one island-hopping trip.

This guide covers how to get there, what it costs, what each island offers, and the practical details people tend to forget to ask. Every price below comes from operator listings and traveler reviews. Prices shift with the season and group size, so treat them as ranges rather than fixed fares.

Why Sekotong is worth a look

Several things draw travelers to Sekotong as an alternative to the northern Gilis:

• It is quieter. The islands are small and basic, so they rarely feel crowded, especially on weekdays.
• The boat ride is short. From the harbor, the first island is a brief hop away.
• It suits beginners. In the dry season the water around the islands is relatively calm, and there are plenty of shallow snorkeling spots.
• It is flexible. You can pick a half-day or full-day trip, join a group or charter a private boat.

The drawbacks deserve a straight mention. Facilities are limited, there is no nightlife like Gili Trawangan has, and reef quality varies from spot to spot. Do not expect Raja Ampat.

The three islands

Gili Nanggu

Gili Nanggu is the most visited of the three. The tiny island has a white sand beach you can walk around in a short time, shade trees in the middle, and a few simple food stalls and guesthouses. Shallow snorkeling water sits close to shore, which suits children and weaker swimmers. Many operators also rent sea scooters here.

Because it is the easiest to reach, Gili Nanggu tends to be busiest on weekends and holidays. For a calmer visit, arrive early before the other boats.

Gili Sudak

Gili Sudak is smaller and quieter. It is known for clear water and good snorkeling nearby. Facilities on land are minimal, so it works better as a swim-and-relax stop than a lunch stop. Bring your own food.

Gili Kedis

Gili Kedis is the smallest of the three, often described as little more than a patch of sand with a few trees. That size is exactly why it is popular for photos and a short swim. There is not much to do on land, so just enjoy the water.

How to get there

From Mataram, Senggigi or the airport

The usual departure point is a harbor in Sekotong. Some operators name Pelabuhan Tawun as the meeting place for a safety briefing and snorkel gear fitting. Harbor names differ between operators, so always confirm the meeting point when you book.

From Senggigi, Mataram or Lombok International Airport, Sekotong is roughly an hour's drive or more, depending on traffic and where you start. Your practical options:

1. A tour package with hotel pickup. Many operators offer it, at a higher price.
2. A car or motorbike with a driver. Good if you want to set your own schedule.
3. Getting to the harbor yourself and hiring a boat on the spot. This is cheapest, but it takes some bargaining.

Boats and trip length

Boats are usually traditional wooden outriggers. The first island is reached quickly from the harbor, and a full three-island tour generally runs about 3 to 10 hours depending on the package, including snorkeling and lunch.

What it costs

Based on operator listings and traveler reviews, here is the general picture:

Some operators discount in certain months, and snorkel gear is usually included. Ask what else is covered: lunch, drinking water, island entry fees, an underwater camera and life jackets. Small extras such as sea scooter rental or parking are often charged separately.

Snorkeling tips

• Wear a life jacket if you are not comfortable in open water. Currents can change from spot to spot.
• Use reef-safe sunscreen or wear a rash guard. It is kinder to your skin and to the coral.
• Do not stand on coral. Touch only sandy bottom, and never take shells or starfish.
• Ask your guide about conditions before getting in. Local guides know which spot is calm that day.
• Bring a waterproof camera or rent one from the operator. Visibility is usually best in the morning when the sea is calm.

Best time to visit

The dry season, roughly April to October, is generally the most comfortable for sea travel: clearer skies, calmer water and better visibility. The wet season can bring bigger waves and unsettled weather, and operators may delay or cancel trips. Mornings are almost always better than afternoons for departures, since winds tend to pick up as the day goes on.

If you can, avoid long weekends and school holidays, because the smallest islands such as Gili Nanggu can feel crowded.

A sample half-day plan

Here is a simple plan if you are staying in Senggigi or Mataram:

1. 7:00 a.m. Leave your hotel for Sekotong.
2. 8:30 a.m. Meet the operator at the harbor, get the safety briefing and fit your gear.
3. 9:00 a.m. Boat to Gili Kedis for a short swim while the sea is calmest.
4. 10:00 a.m. Snorkel around Gili Sudak.
5. 11:30 a.m. Land at Gili Nanggu, rest and have lunch at a stall.
6. 1:00 p.m. Snorkel again or walk around the island, then head back to the harbor.
7. 2:00 p.m. Return to your hotel.

Treat it as a template. Guides usually adjust the route to that day's currents and weather.

What to bring

• A towel and a change of clothes
• Sunscreen and a hat
• Enough cash, since card and digital payment options on the islands are limited
• Drinking water and snacks
• A dry bag for your phone and wallet
• Seasickness tablets if you are prone to nausea

Common mistakes

Not asking what the price includes. Two offers that look alike can differ a lot in meals, gear and pickup.

Leaving in the afternoon. The sea tends to be choppier, and the light is worse for underwater photos.

Expecting the northern Gilis. Sekotong has no beach clubs or café strip. That is the appeal, but go in knowing it.

Having no buffer day. Weather can change plans. Keep a spare day if you can.

Beyond the three: Gili Gede and more

Sekotong has more islands than these three. Gili Gede, which is larger, has more guesthouses and restaurants, making it a better base if you want to stay overnight. Some operators also sell packages that combine several islands. With a night or two on the water, you can explore at a relaxed pace instead of rushing back to mainland Lombok.

Frequently asked questions

Is Gili Nanggu suitable for children?

Generally yes, since the snorkeling area near the beach is shallow. Make sure children wear life jackets and are supervised.

Do I need to be able to swim?

Not strictly, if you wear a life jacket, but comfort in the water still matters.

Can I stay overnight?

Gili Nanggu has simple lodging, and Gili Gede has more options. Book ahead in busy periods.

Is there phone signal or an ATM?

Signal varies and ATMs are not reliable on the islands. Carry cash.

Shared tour or private boat?

A shared tour is cheaper. A private boat gives you control over timing and the order of the islands, and feels quieter.

Visiting responsibly

Small islands have small margins. There is little fresh water, waste collection is limited, and the reefs around the gilis take years to recover from damage. A few habits make a real difference:

• Carry your rubbish back. Take plastic bottles, wrappers and snack packaging back to the mainland instead of leaving them in island bins that may overflow.
• Bring a refillable bottle and top up where you can, rather than buying several single-use bottles.
• Keep fins off the reef. Kicking near coral breaks it. If you are a weak swimmer, use a float or life jacket instead of standing to rest.
• Respect local life. Gili Gede and the villages around the harbor are home to fishing families. Ask before photographing people, and dress modestly away from the beach.
• Buy local. Eating at the island stalls and hiring local boatmen puts money directly into the community.

A sample budget for two people

To make the numbers concrete, here is a rough day for two travelers using a private snorkeling package and the ranges above. Treat it as an estimate only.

• Private snorkeling package: about IDR 800,000–1,000,000 in total (IDR 400,000–500,000 each)
• Lunch and drinks on Gili Nanggu: roughly IDR 100,000–200,000
• Sea scooter or other extras: optional, priced separately
• Transport to and from the harbor: depends on whether pickup is included; budget extra if you hire a car

A shared boat can bring the per-person cost lower, while hotel pickup or a private charter will push it higher. Ask for the final price in writing or in a message before you travel so there are no surprises at the harbor.

Final thoughts

Gili Nanggu, Gili Sudak and Gili Kedis are not for chasing luxury or crowds. They suit travelers who want a full day on the water with white sand and easy snorkeling, without a long crossing. Book through an operator that spells out what is included, confirm the meeting point and price before you go, carry your own cash and water, and leave early. With that simple preparation, a day in Sekotong can be one of the most relaxed parts of your Lombok trip.