Do you know about the charm of Gili Meno? Gili Meno is one of the three Gili twin islands in the North Lombok Regency area. This destination is considered rare because it still maintains the authenticity and naturalness of its beautiful tropical island. Gili Meno is quieter than Gili Trawangan and Gili Air, which are busy with tourists. This island, which covers an area of ​​approximately 150 hectares, is only inhabited by a few residents. The atmosphere is so peaceful and serene!
The underwater beauty of Gili Meno is also something to be proud of. You can find various marine biota, such as turtles, seahorses, and hundreds of fish species. This island is also surrounded by white sand with clear blue seawater. Swimming and snorkeling around the island is great fun! Are you starting to get curious and want to visit Gili Meno? Torch will help you plan your holiday here by providing information on tourist activities, location, accommodation, culinary delights, and the required costs. Come on, take a look at the following review!
Exciting Activities on Gili Meno Island
Even though it seems calm and devoid of tourists, this island offers lots of exciting activities you can do, Torch friends! You can relax on the beach or sunbathe, taking advantage of its strategic location for swimming and snorkeling. There are also diving facilities for diving fans. Apart from diving activities, you can also cycle around the island to see the beauty of Gili Meno from various spots. Just a leisurely bicycle is enough to go around the entire location because the location is not that large compared to the other two dykes. While breathing fresh air, you can also capture exotic views along your journey.
Or do you want to relax for a moment? Torch friends can pamper themselves with the various spas on this island. The choices vary, ranging from Thai massage, aromatherapy, hot stone, and deep tissue to reflexology. Want to try a traditional spa like a flower steam bath? It’s here, too.
Several iconic tourist destinations in Gili Meno, including the Gili Meno Turtle Sanctuary. Here, you can see the turtle hatchery being preserved, from the eggs until they are ready to be released. Torch friends can also interact directly with turtles and learn how to care for them. Apart from that, you can also ride a horse around the island.
Location and Route to Gili Meno Island
The location of Gili Meno is quite strategic and easy to access from the Bangsal port of Lombok or Bali. Geographically, this island is located in Gili Indah, Selamat District, North Lombok Regency, West Nusa Tenggara. Torch friends can depart from Mataram City to Bangsal Harbor using a public boat for 2 hours. Then, from Bangsal Harbor, you must cross by boat for 25 minutes for IDR 25,000. Public boats are only available at 09.30 WITA and 16.00 WITA. If Torch friends don’t want to wait long, you can also use the fast ship, which departs once every hour at a price range of IDR 85,000.
Torch recommends planning your trip well so you don’t miss the transportation schedule to Gili Meno. You can order ship tickets online or directly at the port counter. Upon arrival at Gili Meno, tourists will have various accommodations. Most hotels and guest houses/villas are scattered along the coastline. They are located close to each other. You can walk or rent a bicycle to go around the island.
Accommodation and Facilities on Gili Meno
Regarding accommodation, Gili Meno has various choices with quite complete facilities. Torch recommends a villa or guest house with a view directly facing the beach. The sensation is different. Some famous villas on this island include Mahamaya Gili Meno, Les Villas Ottalia, Seri Resort Gili Meno, and many more. There are also various choices of bungalows to stay in. You can also stay in a local guest house with a traditional atmosphere.
You will find standard facilities such as air conditioning, Wi-Fi, private toilets, swimming pools, and concierge services. There are also exclusive villas with private infinity pools and complimentary breakfast. You can also book a room with additional facilities such as direct beach views. Interestingly, several eco-friendly villas carry the concept of environmental friendliness and clean energy, which aligns with the principles of sustainable tourism in Gili Meno.
Local to International Culinary
It feels incomplete if exploring tourism activities is not accompanied by serving local specialties. However, Torch friends don’t need to be afraid because Gili Meno has a variety of dining options that you wouldn’t want to miss. You can try traditional Sasak Gili Meno food such as Ayam Taliwang, Sate Rembiga, Bebalung Sapi, and Nasi Puyung. For those who miss international food, there are also unique cafes that provide it. Fresh seafood dishes are also easy to find around the port and Gili Meno market. Lunch while enjoying the sea breeze sounds pleasant, right? Or hunt for unique souvenirs residents make, such as paintings, key chains, and wood carvings.
Estimated Holiday Costs on Gili Meno Island
Of course, Torch friends need an estimate of the costs required before going on holiday to your destination. You don’t need to worry because Torch has estimated several costs Torch friends must incur, including transportation, lodging, culinary snacks, and tourist activities while on Gili Meno. Here are the estimated costs:
- Round trip boat costs: Around IDR 50,000-IDR 170,000
- Lodging costs: Starting from IDR 500,000/night
- Food and drink costs: Starting from IDR 100,000/person/day
- Transportation rental fee: IDR 50,000/day (bike)
- Snorkeling activities: Around IDR 150,000/person
This figure can decrease or increase according to your needs and the activities you do on Gili Meno. For Torch friends who want to go on holiday on a low budget, you can make an itinerary before starting the trip. You can also see several articles Torch has discussed, such as how to make an itinerary and examples of itineraries for holidays to make your holiday experience more enjoyable! That’s Torch’s complete review of Gili Meno in 2024, starting from exciting activities, location & access, accommodation, culinary delights, and estimated costs. Hopefully, this information is helpful for friends who are planning a holiday here. Don’t hesitate to ask further. Torch is ready to help you plan your dream trip to Gili Meno. Have a good adventure.