Day Trip 5 Secret Giilis in West South of Lombok

Explore Lombok’s Secret Gili Islands: A Private Snorkeling Day Trip Review

If you’re craving a peaceful escape away from the crowded tourist hotspots, the Day Trip to 5 Secret Gili Islands in West South Lombok offers just that. This well-organized tour promises a full day of snorkeling, cultural sights, and relaxing beach breaks on some of Lombok’s lesser-known islands. With personalized guides and a flexible itinerary, it’s perfect for those who want a mix of adventure, tranquility, and authentic island life.

What we love most about this experience is the chance to explore undiscovered islands with crystal-clear waters, find vibrant marine life, and enjoy private moments far from the tour bus crowds. Plus, the friendly, knowledgeable guides make the journey all the more enjoyable. However, some travelers might find the day quite packed, especially with multiple stops. This trip suits travelers who value quality snorkeling, cultural insights, and a relaxed, private vibe over a hurried, commercialized tour.

Key Points

• Exclusive access to lesser-known Gili islands away from crowds
• Expert guides providing detailed local insights and assistance
• Diverse underwater experiences with vibrant coral reefs and marine life
• Flexible, private group for a personalized adventure
• Well-planned itinerary balancing snorkeling, sightseeing, and relaxing
• Good value considering the number of islands and activities included

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Overview: Why This Tour Stands Out

This day trip is designed for explorers who want more than just the typical Lombok experience. Instead of the busy, popular Gili Trawangan or Gili Air, you’ll venture to Gili Layar, Rengit, Nanggu, Tangkong, and Kedis, each offering a different flavor of island serenity. The tour is organized by Bale Laut, and reviews indicate a focus on quality, safety, and personalized service, often with private guides.

The trip lasts approximately 10 hours, with pickup from four convenient locations: Senggigi, Selong Belanak, Mataram City, and Kuta, making it accessible regardless of where you’re staying. The small-group setup ensures a more intimate experience, with a guide who can answer questions and tailor the day to your interests.

What You Can Expect from Each Stop

Gili Layar: A Hidden Marine Paradise

This is where the tour kicks off, and it’s a true highlight. Known for crystal-clear waters, Gili Layar offers a quieter alternative to the busier islands. We loved the way the guide explained the best snorkeling spots, pointing out different marine species like colorful fish and, if you’re lucky, a turtle. Reviewers mention encountering a variety of fish and appreciating the peaceful vibe, as one guest from Germany noted, “We saw a lot of fishes and a turtle.” The two-and-a-half-hour snorkeling session here allows ample time to explore without feeling rushed.

Gili Rengit: Cultural Charm and Marine Wildlife

Next, the tour visits Gili Rengit, which offers not just underwater sights but also a chance to capture photos and enjoy guided sightseeing. Reviewers appreciated the friendly, informative guides who helped identify marine creatures, and some mentioned large sea turtles as highlights. Plus, there’s a brief photo stop and sightseeing, giving a taste of local life and island scenery. Expect around two hours here, which hits a nice balance between exploration and relaxation.

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Gili Nanggu: Serenity & Underwater Beauty

This island is described as an ideal spot for those seeking calm and beautiful underwater scenery. With less crowding, you’ll get a more private snorkeling experience, perfect for unwinding. Reviewers who visited say it’s a peaceful haven, with opportunities for walking, swimming, or just lounging on the sand. The roughly two-hour visit includes a guided tour, so you’ll have time to appreciate the tranquility and underwater fauna.

Gili Tangkong: Lunch and Leisure

Gili Tangkong is a favorite for its beachside lunch and laid-back atmosphere. Guests can relax, enjoy local food, and take in the scenic surroundings. The tour provides free time here, often with options to snorkel again or just soak up the sun. Reviewers mention the simple but tasty grilled fish and the relaxed pace, making it a perfect midday break.

Gili Bedis and Kedis: Final Stops with Relaxing Vibes

The last stops, Bedis and Kedis, are about relaxation and scenic beauty. Gili Kedis, in particular, is praised as a quiet retreat with a tranquil setting, ideal for recharging before heading back. The tour includes photo stops, sightseeing, and opportunities for a final swim, with review mentions of beautiful beaches and peaceful surroundings. Kedis offers a peaceful, almost untouched vibe, which many travelers find perfect for reflecting on the day.

The Logistics: Smooth, Tailored, and Value-Driven

The tour kicks off with hotel pickup from your choice of four locations, making it flexible for different travelers. The guide, often described as warm, informative, and attentive (with some reviews specifically praising guides like Amira and Junaidi), helps you navigate each island comfortably.

A typical day involves early departure to maximize your time, and each stop lasts around 2 hours, balancing underwater adventures with sightseeing and relaxation. The private group setting means you get a personalized experience — no large crowds or noisy groups.

The snorkeling gear is included, and many reviews highlight the professional guidance and effort to find marine life like turtles, which significantly enhances the experience. Some reviewers mention renting a GoPro for around 10 euros, enabling capturing memories without missing out.

The tour ends back at your hotel in the late afternoon, making it a long but fulfilling day. The price is considered good value, especially given the inclusiveness of meals, snorkeling gear, and personalized service.

Authentic Experiences & Hidden Gems

What makes this tour special is the focus on less crowded islands that still boast stunning natural beauty. From the crystal waters of Gili Layar to the serene sands of Kedis, each island offers a different perspective on Lombok’s coastal charm.

Multiple reviews mention the guides’ local knowledge and passion, which enriches the journey. Jutta from Germany, for example, appreciated “a wonderful, private boat tour with a very professional guide who told us plenty about Lombok and its culture.” This personal touch transforms a simple snorkeling trip into an immersive experience.

Another key point is the quality of marine encounters. Guests consistently mention seeing turtles, a variety of fish, and vibrant coral reefs, which speak to the health of these lesser-known spots. For snorkelers, this is a rare opportunity to witness undisturbed underwater life.

Practical Tips & Considerations

• Remember to bring sunglasses, towels, sunscreen, and cash for extras or tips.
• The tour is not suitable for those with altitude sickness or over 95 years old, but it’s perfect for most age groups with basic fitness.
• If you have special dietary needs, like vegan meals or allergies, just inform the organizers ahead of time.
• The GoPro rental isn’t included in the price, so plan accordingly if you want to capture your underwater moments.
• The long day requires comfortable footwear and sun protection, as you’ll be outdoors most of the time.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This trip is ideal for adventurous travelers who value personalized experiences and want to avoid tourist traps. It suits families, couples, or solo explorers eager to see authentic island life and underwater beauty without fighting crowds. Snorkelers of all levels will enjoy the variety of marine environments, especially if they’re interested in seeing turtles and colorful fish.

Those who appreciate cultural insights and friendly guides will find this experience especially rewarding. It’s also a fantastic choice for travelers seeking value for money—covering multiple islands, snorkeling gear, and a tailored itinerary in one day.

The Sum Up

In essence, the Day Trip to 5 Secret Gili Islands offers a well-rounded, meaningful adventure that balances snorkeling, sightseeing, and relaxation. Thanks to the knowledgeable guides, beautiful locations, and private group setup, it delivers an authentic taste of Lombok’s hidden coastal treasures. Although it’s a full, busy day, the variety of stops ensures you get a genuine feel for these quiet islands and their vibrant underwater worlds.

If you’re after a peaceful, personalized, and diverse island-hopping experience, this tour is definitely worth considering. It’s perfect for those who want to escape the crowds, see sea turtles, and indulge in some of Lombok’s lesser-known but equally stunning spots.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, as long as children are comfortable swimming and snorkeling, this trip can be enjoyed by families with kids.

What should I bring on the trip?
Bring sunglasses, a towel, sunscreen, beachwear, and cash for tips or extras.

Is snorkeling gear provided?
Yes, snorkeling gear is included, so you don’t need to worry about bringing your own.

Can I rent a GoPro?
Yes, many reviews mention renting a GoPro for around 10 euros, which is highly recommended for capturing underwater moments.

What is the duration of each stop?
Each major snorkeling or sightseeing stop tends to last about 2 hours, giving enough time to explore without rushing.

Are meals included?
Yes, the tour includes a simple, tasty grilled fish lunch on Gili Tangkong, with options to relax and enjoy the scenery.

What is the group size?
It’s a private group, so you’ll be accompanied by a guide and captain just for your party.

What if I have allergies or dietary restrictions?
Just inform the tour organizer ahead of time to accommodate your needs.

How do I get picked up?
Pickup is included from four different locations; you’ll need to specify your hotel when booking.

This day trip is a perfect way to discover Lombok’s quieter side, combining underwater wonders with cultural sights and peaceful beaches—all in one beautifully organized tour.

You can check availability for your dates here: