You come to one of the Gili Islands to escape the noise, pollution and drama of Bali and its crowds. That's the only reason because you need to find the peace and quietness to unwind and restore your inner you. Of the three Gili Islands, this holiday guide to Lombok's Gili Meno Island shows why couples can bond a little more. The Island is the smallest of three and that's just what you're looking for ― as a couple.
For some strangeness it just feels right ― more space for you and more time too, together. Yet, funnily enough, you can walk around the whole Island in much less than two hours, contradicting our writing about more space. You feel more space only because fewer tourists come to Gili Meno, maybe because:
The Island population lives off fresh seafood mostly and many carry torches around with them. It's not a problem for you if you're spending a half day, which most touring couples do.
The small Island packs a lot into it. You can laze away a few hours lounging on the beaches reading a good book or going for a swim. The north of the Island has the best beaches and the south the longest, where the turtle sanctuary is. If you enjoy snorkeling, you can opt to:
Snorkeling gear is very easy to hire, inexpensive and once beneath the waves you come in contact with colorful marine life, turtles and statues of lovers in embrace.
As with Lombok's Gili Trawangan and Gili Air there is no transport. That's no motorbikes, cars or buses. You move around the Island on foot or by bicycle. Buy yourself a straw hat, stay hydrated and rediscover the enjoyment of walking, arm in arm.
In the main village there is a small part of it that is a bird sanctuary, of sorts. It's really a private collection of various bird species contributing to the calming effects felt from the Island. If you did decide to stay a night on Gili Meno then this would be as good a place as any. The park is clean and well presented with over a dozen different bird species.
On your travels of the Island, you'll be taken aback once you come across the lake. Green natural rainforest continues to cover a greater percentage of the Island and it's a pleasant surprise for you, wandering onto Lake Asin. You find your own secret place among the mangroves. And it's inevitable you find it idyllic to sit by the lakeside to watch the birds flock together on the water: flying in to land and taking off.
It's a large part of Indonesia's ecotourism drive actually in preserving this natural hotspot on Gili Meno. That is emphasized more so after exploring the mangrove forest. In our opinion it's the highlight of Gili Meno.
Stay a night on Gili Meno for no other reason to enjoy the sunset on the west side and wake early to make your way to the east side for the sunrise. Both are beautiful experiences, and you'll struggle to decide which was more rewarding. The evening sunset lets you chill out on the beach reflecting on your day whilst the early rise affords you a healthy walk working up an appetite before breakfast. It's a win-win both ways.
There is a turtle sanctuary on the Island along with a hatchery for turtle eggs.
Read this Gili Trawangan travel guide about travel. Because, once you arrive on Gili Trawangan the ferry continues on its way to Gili Meno Island and Gili Air in turn. If you are on Gili Trawangan then you board the ferry from there to go to Gili Meno. You can even make your way back to Lombok or Bali at any point along the Gili chain of Islands. Just remember the public ferry is slower and because of that, use it as a last resort: the fast boats are more convenient (albeit more expensive).
Peak season is July and August when it is cooler and there is less chance of rain (but more crowds). However, any time between April and October is a safe bet, it's Indonesia's dry season.
The little one stuck in the middle is truly a love Island. It has love written all over it and you feel more romantic, both of you, once you step foot on its sand. Go snorkeling on the west coast, near to where the BASK resort is, for the real-life size male statues each holding their lover. An amazingly beautiful piece of art and it somehow adds totality to your romantic ambitions.
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Hello, we are George and Elle Mae Melyre.
Over the years, amidst work and family life, we have traveled extensively throughout Asia. Any chance to briefly escape or properly holiday in our beloved Asian destinations is eagerly seized, motivated by the enduring dream of leaving behind the UK's dreary cold for tropical climes.