If you are looking for unspoilt paradise, I think we found it! Gili Asahan, one of the “secret Gili islands” near Bali is located off the South West Lombok Coast. It's unspoilt and largely unheard of.
As we approached the island on a small fishing boat, we were struck by its pristine beauty; powder soft white sand fringed by lush green palm trees, crystal clear turquoise waters dotted with a few catamarans and not a building in sight. What I saw was perfection.
The island is so relaxing and peaceful, I immediately felt happy and wanted to plan a future here. I had been on the island for less than an hour.
From the moment we sipped our welcome drink out of a fresh a coconut to when we boarded a small fishing boat for our return journey to Gili Air, everything was perfect.
As we approached the island on a small fishing boat, we were struck by its pristine beauty; powder soft white sand fringed by lush green palm trees, crystal clear turquoise waters dotted with a few catamarans and not a building in sight. What I saw was perfection.
The island is so relaxing and peaceful, I immediately felt happy and wanted to plan a future here. I had been on the island for less than an hour.
From the moment we sipped our welcome drink out of a fresh a coconut to when we boarded a small fishing boat for our return journey to Gili Air, everything was perfect.
This is NOT a sponsored post. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this article are because we had such an amazing time on Gili Asahan.
Do you fancy having this view on your holiday?
Having lived on Gili Air for six months, I wanted to explore more of the Gili Islands. “There are more Gili Islands? I thought there was only Gili Trawangan, Meno and Air?”, actually, there are around 26 Gilis in total but most are uninhabited. Off the Sekotong Peninsular, where Gili Asahan can be found, you will find a total of 12 Gilis. The name Gili means “small island” in the local Sasak Indonesian language.
So let me tell you about this castaway island. Located off the south-west coast of Lombok with a circumference of only 5km, you can walk all the way around at a slow pace in about two hours. Unlike the North Gilis, you won’t find the abundance of cats so birds sing sweetly all day long.
Goats and cows graze on the lush green fields, fishing nets can be seen drying in the sun whilst the day’s catch is cooking in an open pot. Locals smile and say hello as you stroll past but apart from that, there isn’t much else to see so just relax and enjoy the wonder of nature.
Goats and cows graze on the lush green fields, fishing nets can be seen drying in the sun whilst the day’s catch is cooking in an open pot. Locals smile and say hello as you stroll past but apart from that, there isn’t much else to see so just relax and enjoy the wonder of nature.
As mentioned, locals make their living fishing from small boats using weighted nets which is sustainable. There is also pearl farming here so you will see square areas of buoys dotting the ocean surface.
Fishing isn’t done to excess which is clearly evident when you look beneath the water, and this pleased me greatly. A family’s need to eat and too much tourism takes its toll in many different ways, so to see the land and water largely untouched made me feel as though we had found somewhere really special. Not special as in beautiful (although obviously it is), special as in man doesn’t appear to have ruined this island.
Fishing isn’t done to excess which is clearly evident when you look beneath the water, and this pleased me greatly. A family’s need to eat and too much tourism takes its toll in many different ways, so to see the land and water largely untouched made me feel as though we had found somewhere really special. Not special as in beautiful (although obviously it is), special as in man doesn’t appear to have ruined this island.
Local children greet you with big happy smiles when walking around the island
Locals earn their living from pearl farming and fishing
I always confess to being a beach snob so when I see white sand beaches made up of dead, crushed coral or littered with rubbish, it saddens me. Thankfully on Gili Asahan, the beach is mainly sand and at Gili Eco Lodge where we stayed, they work hard to keep the beaches free from the trash washed up with the currents.
Gili Asahan Eco Lodge
Visiting somewhere isn’t always about the island or it’s people, sometimes the accommodation you are in makes the difference. Gili Asahan Eco Lodge was perfect, in fact, it was more than perfect. This Eco Lodge actually exceeded my expectations which isn’t very easy to do.
Visiting somewhere isn’t always about the island or it’s people, sometimes the accommodation you are in makes the difference. Gili Asahan Eco Lodge was perfect, in fact, it was more than perfect. This Eco Lodge actually exceeded my expectations which isn’t very easy to do.
We welcomed at Gili Asahan Eco Lodge with a drink from a fresh coconut and refreshing towels
When building the rooms and restaurant, the owner clearly thought about the style and comfort for the guests, but it is also supremely managed by Daniel and Yani, we could not fault a thing.
Everything is made from re-claimed wood; tables, chairs, beds, sofas, sun loungers, outside bins, mirror frames, even the toilet brush handles. Bamboo is also used giving it all a fresh, natural feel, and although the décor is simple, it does not compromise comfort. Everywhere is spotlessly clean despite being integrated with nature and surrounded by trees.
Relaxation area and restaurant
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We originally booked for just the one night. Our room was a traditional Indonesian open Bale comprising of a 4-poster wooden bed with mosquito net drapes, and an outside private bathroom .
There were no doors, instead you pulled down bamboo blinds for privacy which meant we had the sounds and smells of nature but without prying eyes. WIth a couple of beanbags on the balcony to complete the decor, we were able to chill and relax whenever we wanted.
There were no doors, instead you pulled down bamboo blinds for privacy which meant we had the sounds and smells of nature but without prying eyes. WIth a couple of beanbags on the balcony to complete the decor, we were able to chill and relax whenever we wanted.
Traditional Bale - gorgeous!
Outside private bathroom
Rustic outside bathroom - the shower power was great!
We loved it here so much we extended our stay and moved to a Bungalow – oh wow, this was even more beautiful, a slice of desert island luxury. We whiled away the hours swinging in the hammock on our veranda and lazing on the sofa, gazing at the stunning surroundings.
The bungalow
Outside bathroom in the bunglow
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For your comfort, included in the price is drinking water, kayak and snorkelling rental (for a refundable deposit), sarongs for the beach and games to play in the open communal restaurant. Even the sun loungers on the beach were amazing, all made out of wood with a bamboo roof so you could have them open to sunbathe or closed for shade.
One afternoon, I regressed to my childhood and swung on one of the beach-facing swings, the only noise I could hear was the birds singing in the trees around me.
One afternoon, I regressed to my childhood and swung on one of the beach-facing swings, the only noise I could hear was the birds singing in the trees around me.
The sunsets are glorious. We grabbed a cold Bintang from the restaurant then made ourselves comfortable on one of the beach sun loungers. Feeling the gentle breeze on our face, we watched as the sun dipped behind the horizon over Lombok, to our right, Bali’s Mount Agung was visible.
Our sunset spot from the lovely comfortable sun lounger
Bali's Mount Agung is clearly visible
Sunset from the beach
One evening after watching the sun set from a hilltop in the Yoga Shala behind the lodges, we lay on a beanbag looking up at the moon around a camp fire. The moon was bright and the stars twinkled … no light pollution here. Bliss, absolute bliss, can nature get any simpler or beautiful?
Daytime view from the Yoga Shala on a small hill behind the lodges
Sunset from the Yoga Shala
We walked down from the yoga shala after sunset to this beautiful colour sky
Sitting around the camp fire looking at the moon
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The restaurant at night
Lovely view from the relaxation area at dusk
To be surrounded by nature is a simple pleasure and listening to animals at night is wonderful. Travelling around Indonesia, we have regularly heard the mating call of the Tokay Gecko, it always makes us smile, so imagine our joy when we finally had a chance to see one. They really are so beautiful, we love him!
Snorkelling
We snorkelled off the beach and it was lovely. There are a couple of coral bommies with good marine life so it was easy to spend some time bobbing around in the turquoise water. We saw Moorish idols, black and white clown fish, thousands of gold fish and little schools of silver fish.
We snorkelled off the beach and it was lovely. There are a couple of coral bommies with good marine life so it was easy to spend some time bobbing around in the turquoise water. We saw Moorish idols, black and white clown fish, thousands of gold fish and little schools of silver fish.
For 150,000 IDR per person, we went on a two hour snorkelling trip. We were taken to the uninhabited Gili Ringit and Gili Layar, which only has one resort.
The coral off Gili Ringit was in mostly good, healthy condition and there were plenty of fish to look at, the hour spent here flew by. We saw what looked like a pink flower, but it’s actually nudibranch eggs. Gorgeous.
The coral off Gili Ringit was in mostly good, healthy condition and there were plenty of fish to look at, the hour spent here flew by. We saw what looked like a pink flower, but it’s actually nudibranch eggs. Gorgeous.
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On Gili Layar there were more visible signs of coral damage (due to more boat traffic, tourists etc), but overall the coral was pretty good. There was still good marine life; I grabbed a broken piece of sponge and shook it at a shoal of fish who eagerly nibbled at the bits (please do not feed bread to fish, it isn't their natural diet so they become ill and possibly die thus depleting numbers. It also stops fish eating algae which then smothers coral and that dies. Fish need to eat algae and not bread, it's the balance of nature).
Around the redundant jetty there are schools of different fish so it’s definitely worth a trip here.
Around the redundant jetty there are schools of different fish so it’s definitely worth a trip here.
Scuba Diving
One of the reasons we visited Gili Asahan was to check out the diving. We discovered that both Gili Eco Lodge and Pearl Beach Resort have a close relationship with Dive Zone, a 10 minute boat trip away on the mainland of Lombok. Gili Asahan Eco Lodge arranged a 2-dive trip for us; we were picked up, dropped back and given lunch with no stress involved.
It is here that the underwater world comes alive – literally! The coral formations are like nothing we have seen around the northern Gili’s and is comparable to Komodo. There are large coral pinnacles, swim-throughs, huge gorgonian fans, barrel sponges, mushroom coral, tubular coral and, living in amongst all this coral on the sandy bed are sea squirts.
Diving here showed us that no fish bombing or trawler nets have been used. Although there is really good marine life in the northern Gili's, you can see the effects of fish bombing. Check out our post Scuba Diving the GIli Islands, it's still pretty special!
One of the reasons we visited Gili Asahan was to check out the diving. We discovered that both Gili Eco Lodge and Pearl Beach Resort have a close relationship with Dive Zone, a 10 minute boat trip away on the mainland of Lombok. Gili Asahan Eco Lodge arranged a 2-dive trip for us; we were picked up, dropped back and given lunch with no stress involved.
It is here that the underwater world comes alive – literally! The coral formations are like nothing we have seen around the northern Gili’s and is comparable to Komodo. There are large coral pinnacles, swim-throughs, huge gorgonian fans, barrel sponges, mushroom coral, tubular coral and, living in amongst all this coral on the sandy bed are sea squirts.
Diving here showed us that no fish bombing or trawler nets have been used. Although there is really good marine life in the northern Gili's, you can see the effects of fish bombing. Check out our post Scuba Diving the GIli Islands, it's still pretty special!
Although this is beautiful, we haven't yet found out what it is! If you know, please tell us!
Black nudibranch
Scorpion fish
Yellowmargin Moray Eel
Blue Spotted Stingray
Leaf Scorpion Fish
Beautiful Glass Fish ... do you want to count how many?
The temperature was 28°c so we didn’t need a wetsuit, visibility between 15-18 metres in line with what we were getting this time of year in the northern Gilis. Both dives were different; one was admiring the huge coral formations and abundance of marine life, whilst the other was muck diving, searching for the small critters that live amongst the mushroom coral.
So much healthy mushroom coral
Orangutan Crab hiding in the coral
Nudibranch - Dark Margin Glossodoris
Map Pufferfish
A different Map Pufferfish hiding under the coral
With no other divers, we were able to take our time and just hang out observing behaviour. We watched a cuttlefish change its colour and texture then swim gently away.
Dive Centre details:
www.divezone-lombok.com (part of the Two Fish Group)
Email: [email protected]
I will confess that I was a little torn as to whether to write this post. When you find a perfect island, a place to experience that true Robinson Crusoe feeling, unspoilt by tourism in terms of trash, local culture, attitudes, tourists etc, you want it to remain that way.
From what I have sadly witnessed on my travels around the world, to preserve paradise, recommending it to the masses tends to mean unspoilt becomes spoilt. With all my heart, I do not want that for Gili Asahan. Known only to the lucky few, I would like to keep it that way but I know it’s only a matter of time before this secret is out! I heard through the grapevine that large areas of land have already been purchased by hotel owners and, when electricity reaches the island in 18 – 24 months time, this quiet slice of paradise could boom.
In saying that, our stay on Gili Asahan was everything we had dreamt of and more. It was the perfect escape from life, reality, and re-charged our batteries. I would absolutely recommend visiting this secret getaway to anyone who loves nature, beaches, sunbathing, snorkelling, diving … scrub that, I would recommend this place for just anyone!
www.divezone-lombok.com (part of the Two Fish Group)
Email: [email protected]
I will confess that I was a little torn as to whether to write this post. When you find a perfect island, a place to experience that true Robinson Crusoe feeling, unspoilt by tourism in terms of trash, local culture, attitudes, tourists etc, you want it to remain that way.
From what I have sadly witnessed on my travels around the world, to preserve paradise, recommending it to the masses tends to mean unspoilt becomes spoilt. With all my heart, I do not want that for Gili Asahan. Known only to the lucky few, I would like to keep it that way but I know it’s only a matter of time before this secret is out! I heard through the grapevine that large areas of land have already been purchased by hotel owners and, when electricity reaches the island in 18 – 24 months time, this quiet slice of paradise could boom.
In saying that, our stay on Gili Asahan was everything we had dreamt of and more. It was the perfect escape from life, reality, and re-charged our batteries. I would absolutely recommend visiting this secret getaway to anyone who loves nature, beaches, sunbathing, snorkelling, diving … scrub that, I would recommend this place for just anyone!
Wondering what to pack for your next trip? Let us help you with the essentials in our Ultimate Packing List for Worldwide Travel (tried and tested!)
How to get to Gili Asahan
Flying: You can fly internationally to either Lombok or Bali airport. You can also fly domestic from Bali to Lombok if you didn’t want to get a boat from Bali.
From Bali Airport: Take a taxi to Padang Bai then Gili Getaway stops at Gili Gede (cost is in US$50 one way), your accommodation can arrange a local boat transfer for the 4km journey which will take between 20 - 45 minutes.
If you are on a budget and have time: there is an hourly public ferry service from Padang Bai (Bali) to Lembar Harbour (Lombok) which takes 4-5 hours, cost is approx. 44,000 IDR, then it’s 1.5 hours over to Asahan. Gili Getaway email: [email protected], Gili Asahan Eco Lodge can arrange transfer from Lembar so other accommodations should be able to do the same.
From Lombok Airport: Gili Asahan Eco Lodge can help you with your airport/boat transfer (Lombok - Kores and many other destinations) so other accommodations should be able to do the same (journey time approx. 1.5 - 2 hours). Alternatively, you can travel independently and get a taxi from the airport to Pantai Kores Harbour and grab a local boat (10 minutes).
By boat from Lombok: Pantai Kores is the closest port, 10 minute boat trip to the island. Tembowong Harbour is 30 minutes away. From Sengiggi, Gili Getaway stop at Gili Gede, Gili Asahan Eco Lodge can arrange a transfer, so other accommodation should be able to do the same.
From North Gilis: Gili Getaway has a fastboat from Gili Trawangan and Gili Air to Gili Gede, Gili Asahan Eco Lodge are able to arrange a transfer so other accommodation should be able to do the same.
Where to stay
There are only four resorts on the island and, as mentioned, we would highly recommend Gili Ashan Eco Lodge and Restaurant. There is also Pearl Beach Resort, Matahari Luxury Villas and Avatar Raja Bungalow.
Flying: You can fly internationally to either Lombok or Bali airport. You can also fly domestic from Bali to Lombok if you didn’t want to get a boat from Bali.
From Bali Airport: Take a taxi to Padang Bai then Gili Getaway stops at Gili Gede (cost is in US$50 one way), your accommodation can arrange a local boat transfer for the 4km journey which will take between 20 - 45 minutes.
If you are on a budget and have time: there is an hourly public ferry service from Padang Bai (Bali) to Lembar Harbour (Lombok) which takes 4-5 hours, cost is approx. 44,000 IDR, then it’s 1.5 hours over to Asahan. Gili Getaway email: [email protected], Gili Asahan Eco Lodge can arrange transfer from Lembar so other accommodations should be able to do the same.
From Lombok Airport: Gili Asahan Eco Lodge can help you with your airport/boat transfer (Lombok - Kores and many other destinations) so other accommodations should be able to do the same (journey time approx. 1.5 - 2 hours). Alternatively, you can travel independently and get a taxi from the airport to Pantai Kores Harbour and grab a local boat (10 minutes).
By boat from Lombok: Pantai Kores is the closest port, 10 minute boat trip to the island. Tembowong Harbour is 30 minutes away. From Sengiggi, Gili Getaway stop at Gili Gede, Gili Asahan Eco Lodge can arrange a transfer, so other accommodation should be able to do the same.
From North Gilis: Gili Getaway has a fastboat from Gili Trawangan and Gili Air to Gili Gede, Gili Asahan Eco Lodge are able to arrange a transfer so other accommodation should be able to do the same.
Where to stay
There are only four resorts on the island and, as mentioned, we would highly recommend Gili Ashan Eco Lodge and Restaurant. There is also Pearl Beach Resort, Matahari Luxury Villas and Avatar Raja Bungalow.
Travel Tips & Information
Travel Tips & Information
- There is no electricity on the island so generators are used. At the Eco Lodge, solar panels have also been installed in all bungalows.
- Wi-Fi is very poor everywhere (no one's fault), accept this and enjoy nature.
- No ATM’s on the island so bring cash!!!!
- No restaurants, there is apparently a small warung but we didn’t find it. All resorts have their own restaurant.
- Water is brackish as there is no fresh water supply to the island.
- No roads, just sand tracks and to walk the entirety of the island, you will need to time it when the tide is low.
- Dry season – May until November; wet season is December until April.
- The local currency is Indonesian Rupiah £1 GBP = 17,000 IDR.
- Their official language is Bahasa Indonesia which is similar to Malaysian and throughout Indonesia in general.
- If you can use just a couple of Indonesian words, this will give you big smile in return, even if you simply use “Pagi” (morning) and “Terima Kasih” (thank you), it will be hugely appreciated.
- A free 30 day visa is given at the time of arrival in Indonesia (not for all countries, check with your embassy).
Have you heard of The Secret Gili Islands? Is this somewhere you would visit? Let us know in the comments section below, we are always interested to hear your thoughts!
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Travelling around Indonesia? Hope these links help!
Lembongan - Bali, but Better!
Awesome Things To Do In Nusa Penida: Bali's Best Kept Secret
15 Things To Do In Canggu, Bali
Gili Air - The Perfect Island?
Gili Trawangan - Not Just A Party Island
Gili Meno - The Island of Love
Gili Gede - The Secret Gili Islands
Gili Sudak and Gili Kedis - The Secret Gili Islands
Kuta Lombok - The New Kuta Bali?
Is Pink Beach Lombok Worth Visiting?
Wonderful Waterfalls of Lombok
Indonesian Orangutan Adventure
Derawan & Sangalaki - Borneo's Hidden Gem?
Raja Ampat on a Budget
10 Must Try Indonesian Dishes
Check out these Scuba Diving related links:
Scuba Diving the Gili Islands
Manta Madness
Diving Raja Ampat
Lembeh - A Magical Muck Diving Experience
USS Liberty in Bali - Highly Wreck-Ommended
Lembongan - Bali, but Better!
Awesome Things To Do In Nusa Penida: Bali's Best Kept Secret
15 Things To Do In Canggu, Bali
Gili Air - The Perfect Island?
Gili Trawangan - Not Just A Party Island
Gili Meno - The Island of Love
Gili Gede - The Secret Gili Islands
Gili Sudak and Gili Kedis - The Secret Gili Islands
Kuta Lombok - The New Kuta Bali?
Is Pink Beach Lombok Worth Visiting?
Wonderful Waterfalls of Lombok
Indonesian Orangutan Adventure
Derawan & Sangalaki - Borneo's Hidden Gem?
Raja Ampat on a Budget
10 Must Try Indonesian Dishes
Check out these Scuba Diving related links:
Scuba Diving the Gili Islands
Manta Madness
Diving Raja Ampat
Lembeh - A Magical Muck Diving Experience
USS Liberty in Bali - Highly Wreck-Ommended
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