My 2025 Review: The Gili Nanggu, Kedis & Sudak Island Hopping Adventure

So, you are probably thinking about a trip away from the usual spots, right? We’ve all seen the pictures of the main Gili islands, which are, you know, really full of people. As I was saying, we wanted something a little different, maybe a bit more peaceful. This tour to the ‘secret’ Gilis, just off Lombok’s southwest coast, seemed like just the thing. Honestly, it’s pitched as a quieter option, a kind of escape from the crowds. We were looking for that raw, untouched sort of feeling you sometimes miss in more popular tourist areas. The idea of almost-empty beaches and water teeming with marine life was, at the end of the day, too good to pass up. This piece is basically about our personal experience on this specific island hopping trip in 2025, to give you a real sense of what it’s actually like out there on the water.

What to Honestly Expect from the Boat Trip

The whole day kicks off from a spot called Tawun Harbor, which is, like, a really low-key kind of place. You won’t find any big fancy marinas here, just a simple dock with local wooden outrigger boats, which they call ‘perahu’. Actually, getting on one of these slender boats is part of the whole authentic feeling of the day. The trip itself isn’t a high-speed-boat kind of affair; it’s more of a gentle bob across the water, which is, to be honest, very relaxing. You really get time to look at the mainland coast of Lombok receding into the distance and feel the sun on your skin. Our boat captain was a local fellow who didn’t say much, but, you know, he steered the boat with this quiet confidence. Anyway, the sea was incredibly calm that day, which apparently it often is in this particular channel. It’s pretty much just you, the boat, and the sound of the small motor pushing you towards your first island stop.

First Stop: The Underwater World of Gili Nanggu

So, our first destination was Gili Nanggu, and honestly, this is the main reason most people take this specific tour. It’s supposed to be the best spot for putting on a mask and flippers. The moment we stepped off the boat, the sand was, like, incredibly fine and white. It felt sort of like powder underfoot. The water was a shade of blue that’s honestly hard to describe, it was just so clear. We wasted almost no time getting our gear on and wading into the ocean. Just a few feet from the shore, the world underneath the water surface completely opens up. There were, like, huge groups of zebra fish that seemed to be waiting right there to greet you. They are literally not shy at all. As a matter of fact, they swam right up to our masks. Deeper in, you could see these amazing coral formations, basically like an underwater garden with a whole lot of color. I spent what felt like ages just drifting along, watching parrotfish nibble on the coral and trying to spot a clownfish hiding in an anemone. It’s a very calm and easy place to look at the sea life, making it pretty much perfect for people who aren’t super experienced with the water.

Gili Sudak: Lunch on the Sand

After all that time in the water at Gili Nanggu, we had, you know, worked up a serious appetite. The next place we went to, Gili Sudak, is basically the designated lunch stop for this tour. It’s a slightly bigger land mass than Nanggu and has a couple of very simple beachfront eateries, known locally as *warungs*. Frankly, it’s all very laid-back. You basically pick a table on the sand, sometimes under the shade of a tree, and just relax. The main offering is usually fresh fish or squid, grilled right there over coconut husks. You can hear it sizzling and smell the smoke, which, to be honest, makes you even hungrier. We had a red snapper, and it was served with some steamed rice, a local vegetable dish called *plecing kangkung*, and some really tasty sambal. Honestly, eating that tasty meal with your feet in the sand and looking out at the turquoise water is an experience in itself. It’s not fancy dining by any stretch of the imagination, but at the end of the day, it’s just what you want on a day trip like this.

Tiny Gili Kedis: The ‘Honeymoon Island’

Alright, our last stop was Gili Kedis, and this place is, literally, tiny. You can pretty much walk across it in under a minute. It’s kind of just a circular patch of perfect white sand with a few trees in the middle. They often call it ‘Honeymoon Island’ because it feels so private and, you know, kind of romantic. It’s almost like your own personal deserted island for a little while. By the time we arrived, it was getting later in the afternoon, and the light was just beautiful. The main activity here is, basically, taking photos and just soaking it all in. We walked the tiny perimeter, found some interesting shells, and sat on the swing that someone had put up. It’s just a little bit of a magical spot, and because it’s so small, you feel a real connection to the sea surrounding you on all sides. Honestly, it was a very memorable way to finish the island-hopping portion of the day before the gentle boat ride back to the mainland. You definitely leave Gili Kedis with a smile on your face.

Practical Tips for Your 2025 Gili Hopping Tour

So, if you’re planning on doing this trip, there are a few things to keep in mind to make your day go smoothly. To be honest, a little preparation goes a long way. It’s not a complicated day, but these pointers will definitely help you out.

What to Pack: Honestly, bring high-SPF sunscreen, and you will want to reapply it. Also a good hat and sunglasses are, like, totally needed. You’ll obviously want a towel and maybe a change of clothes for after all the time in the water. And, of course, your camera or phone in a waterproof case, because the photo opportunities are, like, everywhere.
Best Time to Go: The dry season, which is pretty much from May to October, usually offers the calmest seas and sunniest skies. To avoid the already small crowds, you know, try to go on a weekday instead of a weekend if your schedule allows for it.
About the Booking: You can book these tours online in advance or sometimes through your hotel in Lombok. It’s a good idea to clarify exactly what’s included. For example, make sure you know if the snorkeling gear, lunch, and water are part of the price or if you have to pay for them separately on the islands.
Money Matters: Basically, you should bring some cash. The warungs on Gili Sudak are simple places, and they don’t typically accept credit cards. You’ll need Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) for your lunch, drinks, or any small souvenirs you might want to pick up.

Final Thoughts and a Quick Roundup

So, what’s the final word on the Gili Nanggu, Kedis, and Sudak tour for 2025? It’s pretty much a fantastic day out for anyone looking to see a more peaceful side of Lombok. This trip is literally for people who find joy in quiet beaches and simple pleasures, not for those looking for bars and parties. You are choosing tranquility over nightlife. It’s a day for families, couples, or solo travelers who just want to disconnect and spend some quality time with the ocean. It’s an authentic look at the beauty of Indonesia, you know, without all the modern development. The whole experience feels very genuine and is a really wonderful counterpoint to the more developed tourist areas nearby.

Honestly, if you want a day that feels like a real escape, where the most important decision you have to make is which fish to follow with your snorkel, then this tour is absolutely for you.

Here’s a quick summary of what we took away from the day:

The trip is basically all about finding quiet spots and good, easy snorkeling.
Gili Nanggu is, like, the star of the show for underwater viewing.
Lunch on Gili Sudak is, to be honest, a simple but really satisfying part of the experience.
Gili Kedis is your tiny, picture-perfect island that is literally amazing for photos.
Overall, it is an extremely relaxed and slow-paced day, which is actually its biggest strength.

Read our full review: Gili Nanggu, Gili Kedis & Gili Sudak Tour 2025 Full Review and Details

See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Book Your Gili Nanggu Tour)