Gili Meno – Home of the Sea Turtles
Located between the regions of Bali, predominantly Hindu and Lombok, predominantly Muslim are three small islands: Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno and Gili Air. We were fortunate enough to spend 5 days in Gili Meno.
Getting to the island
Little did we know what a mission it really was to get to these islands. Obviously by boat, but understanding which port to depart from, which islands to go to first and then where to get off took some time. We departed from the port in Padangbai. From Padangbai, you travel to Gili T, then head to Gili Meno. Your journey to the island will take you about 1.5 hours if the sea is good. In unstable seas, the journey takes much longer.
After doing some research and checking out reviews of the various boat companies, we used the Ekajaya fast boat. They have fixed times where they travel from the various Gili’s including Bali and Lombok. It is costly. Everything else going forward after setting foot out of Bali became costly. Return tickets from the Bali mainland to Gili Meno cost 900 000 IDR. There are additional island fees applicable ranging between 10 000 and 35 000 IDR when leaving the relevant islands.
On our way back to the mainland, we had rough seas and a very windy day. It took us 3 hours to get back from the island. A few days after our return, the ferries closed for 3 days due to rough seas.
The Island itself
Gili Meno is only 15km2. It’ll take you about 45 minutes to walk around the island. The island doesn’t allow fuel-run vehicles, so a bicycle, horse carriage or e-bikes are the way to get around. After you land at the port, horse carriages will be available to carry both you and your luggage to the resort for a fixed rate of 100 000 IDR. We considered walking to our resort given that it was only 15 minutes away, but we quickly realised the first 15m of cement path, is the only cement path on the island. The rest is just sand. Support the locals and use the horse carriage. During your ride through the island, you’ll pass resorts, restaurants, bars and be exposed to the heartbreak of the island.
In 2018, the North of Lombok experienced a disastrous earthquake. Gili Meno of course, also being affected. Resorts and buildings were dismantled, damaged, broken and left vacant. In 2022, the aftermath can still be witnessed throughout the island. The majority of resorts never recovered. The onset of the pandemic wasn’t much help either. The quarter of the island’s resort that survived both hits, still reflect damage and it’s the reality of slow recovery.
Given how small this island is, there aren’t a lot of options in terms of activities, restaurants, bars and accommodation. And the prices are relatively consistent, making it quite expensive.
The sea water is on average 28°c. There are next to nothing waves, the most beautiful, blue, green and turquoise water. The dark blue colours are a clear indication of the reef. Be sure to pack in your snorkelling gear as you’ll spend hours on end in the waters. Although the waters look calm, ensure you swim with fins, especially towards the reef as you’ll feel a current sucking you into the sea. There is a constant wind and current that encircles the coast.
Seri Resort is located on the Northeastern side of the island. Right in front of what is known as Turtle Point. You will find turtles feeding, swimming or chilling closer to the reef, where the water temperature is slightly cooler. It’s important to keep a 2m distance from the turtles and to not touch them. Turtles need to come up for air, and if they feel threatened, they may avoid coming up for air and potentially drown. There are some pools run by volunteers located on the island that help the small turtles get bigger and stronger before being let free into the sea.
The Gili Meno Nest is an underwater artificial statue made out of cement, designed by Jason deCaires Taylor. The installation is made up of 15 reclining statues encircled by 15 embracing couples signifying the circle of life. It is located across the Bask villas and can be enjoyed with a snorkel session. The work of art can be accessed via the beach or via boat. It serves both as a biological and physical restoration project to help repair the reef installation and aggregate fish and marine life. It is advised to not touch the statues as human touch prevents further coral growth and some coral can be harmful (ex. fire coral). Try to go before 9 o’clock as the day boat trips arrive crowding the area after that time.
Gili Meno also has a salt lake located on the Northwestern side of the island. It is not linked to the ocean. It has a boardwalk located around it so you can enjoy a walk around it and spectate the birds and take in the view.
After having spent five days on this island, we feel relaxed, well-rested, calm and ready for the next adventure. Leaving this island leaves me slightly heartbroken. This island grew on me and it’s earned a soft spot in my heart. Unexpectedly, I think I fell in love with this remote island.
Restaurants we recommend you visit during your stay:
- Ana Warung (200m from Seri Resort)
- Enjoy lunch at Shisha Lounge at Seri Resort
