Are you looking for an idyllic island getaway with serene white-sand beaches, crystal clear waters, and a laid-back vibe? Look no further than Gili Meno, a tranquil island located near Bali in Indonesia. Despite being the smallest of the three Gili Islands, Gili Meno boasts a wealth of natural beauty, from its famous sea turtle sanctuary to its vibrant coral reefs. Whether you’re looking for adventure or just looking to unwind in paradise, Gili Meno is the perfect destination for your next tropical escape. In this Gili Meno travel guide, I’ll cover everything you need to know to plan the ultimate trip.
THE GILI MENO TOUR GUIDE
This Gili Meno travel guide will cover everything you need to know to plan your ultimate island getaway. I will provide recommendations on the best beaches to visit, the best activities to do and where to find the most delicious food. From snorkeling with sea turtles to stargazing on the beach, Gili Meno offers something for every type of traveller.
THE THREE GILI ISLANDS
- Deep art: Honeymoon Island
- Gili Trawangan: Party/diving island
- Gili Air: Relaxing place, snorkeling
There are actually three islands in ‘The Gili’s’, each of which has something different to offer. We chose to spend four days on Gili Meno and four days on Gili Trawangan. Gili Meno had a relaxing atmosphere and made you feel separate from the rest of the world. Like all Gili Islands, there are no cars. Most people get around by bicycle or on foot and it is a very slow lifestyle on Gili Meno.
I suggest choosing Gili Air or Gili Meno and combine it with a couple of days on the infamous Gili Trawangan. It would be a good mix of a slow paced island and some action/party on Gili T.
HOW TO GET TO GILI MENO
12GO offers an easy and reliable way to book a fast boat to the Gili Islands from Bali. For example, you will receive instant confirmation of your ticket and you won’t have to queue up to book in person. Also, you can check the timetable below to view the current timetable and book your ticket now.
GILI LESS SAFETY
There are no policemen or policemen on Gili Meno which may sound alarming but is a testament to the culture of the island. We felt very safe throughout our stay and were greeted with hellos and smiles along every walk we took along the island’s many winding paths.
GILI MENO ACCOMMODATION: WHERE TO STAY
Sari Laut in the family: We stayed in a small private room less than five minutes walk from the beach. We have been to Sari Laut in the family and our room cost us $17 USD a night, but there are resorts that offer much more luxurious accommodations with rooms available for more than $200 USD a night.
Gili Meno Resort Series – Luxury: If you can afford the best (honestly still not overly expensive) then go to Seri Resort. This beautiful plantation-style resort is the place to be, especially at night. It has a beautiful swimming pool, a restaurant and a hookah bar.
Avia Villa Resort – Value: – Avia Villa is so beautiful with its wooden boho style but with luxury amenities that it really is the kind of accommodation you want on Gili Meno. The best part about this place is that it’s only $55 a night including breakfast! it has WiFi, a swimming pool, air conditioning and even a fridge.
WHERE TO EAT IN GILI MENO
Despite its small size, the island has many dining options, ranging from beach cafes to upscale restaurants. One of the best places to eat on Gili Meno is the Karma Beach Club, located on the east coast of the island. This beach restaurant offers a picturesque setting, with stunning views of the turquoise waters and white sand beach. The menu features a range of international dishes, including fresh fish, pasta, salads and burgers, as well as a variety of cocktails and other beverages. The club also hosts regular events and live music performances, making it a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.
Another great option for dining Gili Meno is the Eco-Lodge restaurant, located in the heart of the jungle of the island. This rustic yet charming restaurant serves organic and vegetarian dishes, made with locally sourced ingredients. The menu features a variety of Indonesian and Western-style dishes, as well as fresh juices, smoothies, and herbal teas. The restaurant is part of an eco resort, which features bamboo bungalows, a natural pool and a yoga studio. The Eco-Lodge restaurant offers a unique dining experience, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the island while enjoying delicious and healthy food.
On the west side of the island, I recommend the Sasak Cafe. This oceanfront restaurant soon became our local sunset hangout. Our servers loved chatting with us and would often sit next to us and chat about Gili Meno and their lives. A row of ottomans are set up on the sand facing the setting sun, which is one of the most relaxing ways to end the day.
THINGS TO DO IN GILI MENO
Diving on Gili Meno: The Gili Islands are famous for their amazing dive sites, water clarity and temperature. We didn’t scuba dive but there are a number of day trips or full certification courses, which will let you dive with amazing turtles and coral.
Snorkelling spot on Gili Meno: There are a handful of famous sites off the coast of Gili Meno that blew us away. We hired a private wooden dinghy for the morning with a captain and a boy who swam with us showing us all the points of interest. After diving into the warm water we swam with countless sea turtles and thousands of colorful fish. Our next stop was the Less walls which is a steep descent with an eerie atmosphere.
There was also a shipwreck which we floated above, watching the divers below us investigate the remains of the old vessel. There is also a collection of bicycles that create an artificial reef on the western side of the island which used to be my favorite diving attraction. Finding a turtle was number 1 on my list of things to do on Gili Meno.
Outdoor gym on Gili Meno: We love using outdoor gyms and haven’t come across one in Bali, but we found it to be one of the nicest workout stations I’ve ever seen. It was made of old trees and some lead pipe. We used a pull up bar and a dip bar to break a sweat.
Hut Hopping on Gili Meno: On the eastern shore or harbor side of the island are a number of small huts and restaurants. We used this to our advantage, ordering a drink and using the cabana or beanbags at one restaurant before moving on to do the same at the next. We always made a small purchase of a drink or meal, but felt like we were getting the good end of the deal. This was a really relaxing way to spend the day.
Gili Meno Lake: Inside the island of Gili Meno there is a salt water lake and a mangrove forest. It’s a quiet place for a walk or to read a book. There are a few small huts just above the water and it would be a very peaceful spot for sunrise or sunset.
TRANSPORTATION ON THE ISLAND OF GILI MENO
There are no cars or mopeds on the island. The only way to get around is to use a taxi, which is a horse-drawn carriage, or to rent a bicycle. We rented bikes for two days for $4 USD per day per bike which was fun. However, the roads weren’t great and often there was just sand, so we ended up walking for some time anyway.
On the days we didn’t rent bikes, we rode around the island which wasn’t a great trek and gave us a chance to look around and explore our surroundings. To be honest, cycling around the island is one of the most fun things to do on Gili Meno.
ATM ON GILI MENO ISLAND
There are several ATM on Gili Meno and the prices are relatively similar to Bali so don’t expect a huge shock when you arrive. You can still find cheap food, lodging and activities. However, if you’re looking for luxury, it would be a dream to wake up in many of the beach bungalows.
I hope you enjoyed this guide to Gili Meno island and enjoy your trip!
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