Gili Meno is the smallest island of the three Gili Islands and also the one with the fewest inhabitants. But just like its big sister Gili Trawangan, the cozy little island invites you to visit. The dreamlike white sandy beaches and the great palm landscape on the island are sure to captivate almost every traveler. Gili Meno is often referred to as the honeymoon island. But Meno is not only a wonderful place for honeymooners – there is also plenty to experience here for normal travelers.
Where is Gili Meno located?
Gili Meno is located in the middle of the three Gili Islands, off the northwest coast of the Indonesian island of Lombok. Gili Air is located to the east of Meno and Gili Trawangan to the west. As the crow flies, the distance to the nearest coast of Lombok is about 5 kilometers. Bali is just over 35 kilometers to the west.
Just like the other two Gilis, Meno is best reached by speedboat from Bali. The same route is taken as to Gili Trawangan. After Trawangan, the next stop is Gili Meno. The speedboats depart from Amed, Padang Bai and Sanur on Bali. The journey takes between one and two hours.
Activities on Gili Meno
Even though Meno is the smallest of the Gilis, you can easily spend a few days here.
Snorkeling
There are several fantastic snorkeling spots around Gili Meno. You can rent the appropriate equipment in many cafes or diving schools. You can snorkel right off the coast of the island, explore the colorful fish world and, with a bit of luck, even spot sea turtles. There are also some very special snorkeling spots near Meno. For example, the underwater statues are located about 50 meters from the beach on the west coast. At a depth of four meters, there are several statues arranged in a circle, with more and more coral gradually accumulating on them.
Diving
If you prefer diving to snorkeling, you will find several diving schools on Gili Meno where you can book dives. There are great diving spots around the three Gili Islands. From shipwrecks to colorful coral gardens, sea turtles and various sharks, you can explore the spectacular underwater world here.
Hiking
You should definitely capture and enjoy the idyll of the small island. This is wonderfully possible on a hike along the entire coast of Gili Meno. Depending on whether you take a break in between and explore the paradisiacal beaches, you can walk around the island in just over an hour. If you want to hike in the afternoon, you should time it so that you don’t miss the spectacular sunset in the west.
The saltwater lake on the island is also a beautiful destination. Mangrove trees grow here and you can spot birds and lizards.
Conclusion: Is Gili Meno worth visiting?
The smallest of the tropical Gili Islands is a great destination for anyone who doesn’t want to party. The sleepy island is more suitable for relaxing and offers beautiful beaches and lush greenery for this. In addition to the hours spent lying on the beach, you can jump into the sea wonderfully – whether for swimming, snorkeling or diving.
Even though there is no party culture on the island, you don’t have to go without gastronomy. There are some cozy beach bars and good restaurants and warungs. Gili Meno is therefore a great destination for relaxing days and smaller activities.
