Gili Nanggu, Gili Sudak & Gili Kedis: A Snorkeler’s Daydream in 2025?

So, you’re thinking about the ‘Secret Gilis’ tour out of Lombok, right? Honestly, I get it. You see all these pictures of empty white sand beaches and water that looks, you know, ridiculously clear. The idea is to escape the crowds of the more famous Gili islands like Trawangan. The real question, as a matter of fact, is does this 2025 version of the Gili Nanggu, Gili Sudak, and Gili Kedis trip actually deliver on that promise of a quiet slice of heaven? Well, I went to find out what it’s really all about. It’s often billed as this kind of untouched paradise, and in some ways, that’s a pretty accurate picture. Still, it’s just a little more layered than that. We are talking about a full day out on a pretty simple, traditional-style boat, so your experience really starts the moment you step off the mainland. The whole feeling is very different from a big, fast ferry; it’s more down-to-earth, in a way. You kind of feel the sea spray and the warmth of the sun in a much more direct fashion, which, to be honest, is part of the appeal. It’s less about a high-speed transit and more about the slow build-up of excitement as the coastline of Lombok slowly recedes behind you and these tiny little specks of islands start appearing on the horizon.

What’s the Real Vibe of This So-Called ‘Secret Gilis’ Tour?

Alright, so what’s the actual feeling of this whole day? Basically, it’s very chill. Like, extremely relaxed. From the moment you leave from the harbor, typically somewhere like Tawun, you know you’re in for a much slower-paced day. Your boat captain is probably a local guy who’s been doing this for years, and there’s a real, sort of, laid-back confidence to how they handle the boat. You’re not getting, like, a big scripted speech or anything like that. Instead, it’s more like you’re just out on the water with a friend who knows the area. As you putt-putt away from the shore, the air itself seems to get a bit cleaner, a little saltier. As I was saying, it’s a pretty straightforward affair—just you, the boat, the sky, and that incredibly inviting turquoise water stretching out in front of you. There is that genuine sense of leaving things behind, which is pretty much what a vacation should feel like, right? The sound is almost just the gentle hum of the outboard motor and the lapping of small waves against the hull. It is, in some respects, almost a meditative experience before the main event of snorkeling even starts. You just sit there, feel the breeze, and watch the world go by. It’s definitely not a party boat atmosphere; it’s a completely different kind of energy.

First Stop: Gili Nanggu – The Star of the Show

Okay, so your first and arguably most anticipated stop is almost always Gili Nanggu. People talk this one up, and honestly, they’re not wrong. The moment your boat anchors a little way from the shore, you can see why it gets all the attention. The water is that kind of see-through that you just can’t wait to jump into. We were given our snorkeling gear—a mask and a snorkel, pretty standard stuff—and some bread to attract the fish, which, you know, felt a little bit like cheating but was seriously effective. The second your face is in the water, it’s just, like, a complete fish party. I mean, literally hundreds of them, all swarming around you. It’s actually a bit overwhelming at first, but in the best way possible. You’ll pretty much see swarms of Sergeant Major fish, those black and yellow striped ones, just everywhere. You can just float there and they’ll come right up to your mask. If you swim a little further out from the main feeding area, you might spot some other cool creatures. For example, I found a few little clownfish hiding out in their anemone homes, which was a very cool moment. The coral itself is, to be honest, a mixed bag. Some areas have some decent color, but other spots, clearly, have seen better days, which is just a reality in many places now. But at the end of the day, for the pure fun of swimming in an aquarium, Gili Nanggu is absolutely the main event and it pretty much lives up to the hype.

Lunch on Gili Sudak: Sand, Sun, and Simple Food

After you’ve had your fill of swimming with what feels like all the fish in the sea at Gili Nanggu, the boat will likely head over to the next island, Gili Sudak, for lunch. By the way, this island is quite a bit larger than Nanggu and has a slightly different, more spacious character. Your boat just pulls right up onto the sand, and you hop off into ankle-deep, wonderfully warm water. The setup here is incredibly simple, and that’s what makes it so charming, you know? There’s a local warung, which is just a small, family-run food spot, right on the beach. You just find a spot at a rustic wooden table, some of which are literally in the shade of a few trees. The menu is usually not very complicated. Typically, you’ll have a choice of freshly caught fish or chicken, which they grill up for you right there on the spot. The smell of that barbecue mixing with the salty air is, I mean, it’s pretty much perfection. The meal itself is typically served with a pile of steamed rice and some sambal, that famous Indonesian chili paste that is both delicious and extremely potent. Honestly, just sitting there with your feet in the sand, eating a super fresh meal, and looking out at the calm, blue water is a highlight in its own right. It’s that kind of simple, satisfying experience that you just can’t get in a fancy restaurant.

Gili Kedis: Your Own Tiny Patch of Paradise

Alright, finally, after your satisfying lunch on Gili Sudak, you’ll make what is often the last stop of the day: Gili Kedis. And when I say ‘stop’, I mean a stop at what is, more or less, a tiny dot of sand in the middle of the ocean. It’s actually really tiny. You could, like, literally walk a lap around the entire island in probably two minutes flat, I’m not even kidding. Because of its size and its perfectly secluded feel, people often call it ‘Honeymoon Island’. There isn’t much here, and that is absolutely the point. There’s a single, kind of iconic-looking tree and maybe a sea swing that has been set up for those perfect vacation photos. It’s almost comically picturesque. It’s the sort of place that makes you just want to sit down in the soft, white sand and do absolutely nothing. Or, in other words, it’s a spot to just soak it all in. The water around it is very shallow and incredibly calm, so it’s less of a serious snorkeling spot and more of a place to just lounge in the sea and cool off. You just hang out for a bit, take a few pictures, and appreciate the feeling of being on what feels like your own private island. It’s a very sweet, very serene way to cap off the island-hopping adventure before you begin the gentle boat ride back to the mainland. It’s pretty much the definition of a tropical escape.

Is This Trip Right for You? Some Honest Thoughts

So, at the end of the day, is this Gili Nanggu trip something you should do? Well, it sort of depends on what you’re looking for. To be honest, if you are searching for a really peaceful day out on the water, far from loud music and big crowds, then yes, you will probably love this. It’s fantastic for couples or small groups who just want to swim, see some fish, and relax on some truly beautiful, nearly empty beaches. It is, in some respects, also great for families, but maybe with kids who are confident swimmers. On the other hand, if your idea of a good time is a party atmosphere with beach bars and lots of socializing, then this trip, frankly, is not it. This is the absolute opposite of that. You also have to be okay with simplicity. The boats are very basic, you know, they’re not luxury yachts. The toilets are what you’d call rustic, and the whole day has a very authentic, no-frills kind of feel.

Basically, you’re trading luxury amenities for genuine tranquility and access to some seriously stunning natural spots. That, for a lot of people, is a trade they are more than happy to make.

Just a few practical things to keep in mind: you should definitely bring high-SPF sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses because the sun out on the water is incredibly strong. A waterproof bag for your phone and camera is a very good idea, as are some water shoes for walking on some of the pebbly bits of coral on the shore. You’ll want to have a bit of small cash (Rupiah) on hand for your lunch or for buying a coconut or a soft drink on the islands. Just manage your expectations, and you’ll have an amazing time.

Quick Takeaways

For a quick rundown, here’s what to remember about the Gili Nanggu tour:

• The Vibe: It’s very relaxed and quiet. Definitely not a party trip, it’s all about natural beauty and chilling out.
• Gili Nanggu: This is basically an amazing, natural aquarium. You’ll swim with hundreds of fish, it’s fantastic for easy snorkeling.
• Gili Sudak: This is where you’ll have a simple, fresh, and delicious grilled seafood lunch right on the beach.
• Gili Kedis: A super tiny, picturesque island perfect for photos and just relaxing in the shallow water.
• Who It’s For: People who want to escape crowds, couples, and families who love a simple day on the water.
• What to Bring: Lots of sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, a waterproof bag, and some cash for lunch.

Read our full review: [Gili Nanggu, Gili Sudak & Gili Kedis Full Day Snorkeling Trip 2025 Full Review and Details]

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