Gili Meno
Gili Meno is one of the three famous Gili islands in Lombok, which lies between the two gilis, Gili Trawangan and Gili air. Gili Meno is the smallest island in between Gili Trawangan and Gili Air which has a length of 2km and 1km wide, with only 400 population, so the island is often referred to as a remote island, but the beauty of the beach in Gili Meno is not inferior to the other two Gilis, the sand road leads all the way around the island. Most of the tourist facilities, including the boat arrival and departure point are on the southern part of the east coast.
There are not too many activities to be found on Gili Meno, which is part of its appeal. Those who simply cannot refrain from some form of activity will find the Bird Park in the center of the village an entertaining distraction for a morning or afternoon. The Gili Meno bird park hosts over three hundred birds in a natural, free environment. Peafowls, Pheasants, Hornbills, Eagles, Pelicans, Macaws, and parrots galore are among the feathered citizens and ambassadors gathered from all over the world.
Why Visit Gili Meno?
Gili Meno’s charm lies in its simplicity. The island offers:
- Pristine white-sand beaches with crystal-clear waters
- A car-free, motorcycle-free environment (only bicycles and horse carts)
- Tranquil atmosphere, perfect for relaxation
- Excellent snorkeling and diving with thriving marine life
Top Things to Do in Gili Meno
1. Relax on Stunning Beaches
The best beach stretches are near the main boat landing on the southern and eastern coasts. Here, you’ll find:
- Powdery white sand and calm, turquoise waters
- Beachfront warungs (cafes) serving fresh coconuts and local snacks
- No pushy vendors, just pure relaxation
2. Snorkel with Turtles & Vibrant Marine Life
Gili Meno is surrounded by a protected marine area, making it a snorkeling paradise. Highlights include:
- Hawksbill and green turtles (common sightings!)
- Colorful coral reefs (part of the Gili Meno Coral Restoration Project)
- Blue-spotted stingrays, batfish, and even reef sharks
- New floating snorkeling platforms at prime spots
Pro Tip: Rent gear from local shops or join a snorkeling trip that visits all three Gilis.
3. Visit the Gili Meno Bird Park & Butterfly Sanctuary
A hidden gem in the island’s center, this free-flight sanctuary now houses:
- Over 350 exotic birds, including peacocks, hornbills, and macaws
- A new butterfly sanctuary with tropical species
- Cockatoo feeding sessions (great for photos!)
- A restaurant serving authentic Sasak cuisine
4. Walk or Bike Around the Island
Since no motorized vehicles are allowed, explore the island by:
- Walking the sandy coastal path (takes about 1.5 hours)
- Renting a bicycle or e-bike (new option!)
- Watching sunset behind Gili Trawangan (best from the west side)
How to get there
Gili Trawangan is the fastest and easiest access to visit this island because most visitors arrive via Gili Terawangan by boat hopper which only takes 15 minutes drive. The fastboat depart from Gili Trawangan at 09:30 and 16:00 every day and also from Gili Air at 8:30 pm and 3:00 pm (twenty-minute ride). If you depart from Lombok, you can use the public boat service from the Bangsal port who will take 25 minutes in journey. There is direct fast boat to Gili Meno, named Ekajaya, Wijaya Perkasa, and Gili Getaway, Depart from Bali at 09.00am, and then to Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, Gili Air, final stop at Lombok.
Ready to visit? Book your fast boat to Gili Meno today and experience Lombok’s hidden gem!
