GILI MENO – A HIDDEN HONEYMOON GEM

Strikingly beautiful, with powdery, sugar-white sand lapped by turquoise waters, the Gili archipelago is the ultimate heaven on earth when it comes to the beach vacation. More isles than islands, these three little dots in the Bali Sea, truly manifest a tropical paradise. While Gili Trawangan has the image of a ‘party island’ and Gili Air offers laid-back hippy flair, the smallest Gili Meno attracts the couples. For the ‘Robinson Crusoe-style’ tourism, the islet has become the honeymoon hot-spot.

Gili Meno – ‘Honeymoon Island’

GILI MENO IS SECLUDED ROMANCE

It is a ‘castaway ambience’ what defines Gili Meno. Cars are prohibited here and so there is no need to worry about traffic at all. The only means of transport is feet; the islet can be walked around in just a couple of hours, yet none of the visitors will ever get bored here. Gili Meno`s coastline is dotted with cosy seaside taverns and eco-bungalows. This tiny island is encircled by empty beaches with bamboo gazebos ideal for enjoying some private time and watching the sunset.

With magnificent surroundings, peaceful atmosphere, unhurried lifestyle and phenomenal underwater scenery the islands presents a great honeymoon package for all lovebirds.

Gili Meno offers plenty of seclusion and privacy

10 THINGS TO DO ON GILI MENO FOR COUPLES

• Swim with turtles – it is all about the turtles  in Gili Meno and it is one of the most accessible places on earth where to swim with these giants in their natural environment (any guesthouse will help you to organise the trip)
• Pay a visit to the Gili Meno Turtle Sanctuary and its private hatchery and learn more about the giant turtles and marine life conservation (best time to visit is between June-November)
• Hire a sea kayak on for the whole day and explore the turquoise, shallow, nearshore waters of the smallest island. Hunt for a hidden beach bar where you can quench your thirst with a refreshing Bintang beer and chill out under a palm tree before you continue
• Snorkel & Scuba Dive – Gili Meno is home to the well-known Meno Wall dive site (perfect for macro dive and underwater photography), you can also take a scuba dive course – the waters here are ideal for the beginners
• Go island hopping – there are frequent local ferries and private speedboats that take you around the Gili islands, you can explore Gili Trawangan and Gili Air in just one day
• Take a day trip to Lombok – visit Senggigi to encounter the exact opposite beach scenery to Gili Islands – mountainous landscapes, rice terraces and black-sand beaches
• Try the local Sasak cuisine – there are traditional Indonesian warung-style taverns. Taste Bakso and Nasi Goreng and you will lick your fingers!
• Wade in the shallow seas, Sunbake and Relax – the island is super-safe for swimming! (remember to grab a nice book to read in a hammock)
• Enjoy the epic Gili sunsets from one of the Gili Meno`s beach-gazebos
• Stay at one of the friendly beach cottages and enjoy the simple romance of the honeymoon island

Snorkelling and swimming with turtles are the favourites on the Gili Islands

TRAVEL TIPS

You can easily move between the Gili Islands using the local ferry or the more expensive private boats. The isles are so close to each other that it only takes up to 30 min by a speedboat to get from one island to the other. Simply book a guesthouse on the desirable island and go on island hopping in order to see the remaining islands in one day.

Stay at the Karma Reef Resort if your budget allows (prices start at $220 USD a night)

Karma Reef Resort, Gili Meno

WHEN TO TRAVEL

Generally, the best time to visit the Gili Islands is in between May-October in the dry season. Especially, fans of diving and snorkelling will enjoy the best visibility and clear, calm waters in these months.

Peak season (June-September) is a time when prices go up and accommodation often gets fully booked.

Therefore, we recommend travelling in the month of May or October.

Gili Meno, ferry terminal – island hopping is a good way to explore the archipelago

HOW TO GET THERE

Fly to Denpasar/Bali.

Most of the travellers take a private speedboat from Padang Bai (Bali), which takes 1-2 hrs/$30-50 USD one way, depending on the company and weather.

However, Gili Trawangan has also a small airport and you can get there from Bali in just 45 min, however, this is quite a costly option through Air Bali. From Gili Trawangan catch a ferry to Gili Meno.

For all flights to Indonesia check out www.skyscanner.com or www.momondo.com