Gili Meno West Beach is located on the western side of Gili Meno, the middle island among the three famous Gili islands of northwest Lombok in West Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia. The shoreline is about one kilometer long with soft white coral sand meeting the clear turquoise water of the Lombok Strait. The beach slopes gently and the nearby reef keeps the waves calm so the swimming is easy. Behind the sand there are coconut trees and low vegetation, along with a few small resorts and guesthouses, keeping the place quiet compared to Gili Trawangan. Gili Meno belongs to North Lombok Regency and is part of the Gili Matra Marine Tourism Park, overseen by the provincial tourism office with the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries. The island is peaceful since no motorized vehicles are allowed, and visitors usually reach it by boat from Lombok or Bali.
Fun Fact About Gili Meno West Beach
Gili Meno West Beach is well known as a popular place to watch the sunset in the Gili Islands. On days when the sky is clear, the sun goes down behind Mount Rinjani on Lombok, creating a strong silhouette against the orange sky. Because the beach faces west, it is good spot for seeing this, and many photographers and couples come here. The quiet sound of waves and sometimes the calls of sea eagles on the island make the setting feel quite more natural and peaceful.
History of Gili Meno West Beach
Gili Meno has been home to Sasak fishing communities for many centuries, with the western shore used for landing boats and producing salt from seawater evaporation. The island’s name, “Meno,” means “water” in Sasak, referring to the small freshwater lens that supports limited wells. During the Dutch colonial period (1900–1942), the Gili islands were minor spice-trade outposts, but Gili Meno stayed largely isolated. In the Japanese occupation of World War II (1942–1945), the islands were used as observation points, yet the west beach saw little direct activity. After independence, the local economy relied on fishing and coconut farming until the 1970s, when the islands were discovered by traveling hippies from Lombok. Tourism began in the 1980s with simple bungalows along the west coast, drawing backpackers for the reefs and sunsets. Dive shops emerged in the 1990s, and by the 2000s, Gili Meno became known as the “quiet Gili” in contrast to Trawangan’s party scene. The 2018 Lombok earthquakes caused some structural damage, but rebuilding focused on eco-friendly designs. Provincial initiatives in recent years, including bans on single-use plastics and designated reef protection areas, have helped preserve the west beach’s natural state while supporting the growing eco-tourism sector.
Things to Do at Gili Meno West Beach
Gili Meno West Beach has several easy activities suitable for its calm and quiet waters:
Swimming in the shallow bay, which is protected by reefs and mostly safe for everyone because currents are very light.
Snorkeling along the fringing reefs, where sea turtles, clownfish and the bright corals are often seen (most resorts provide the gear).
Watching the sunset from the sand or at beachfront bars, sometimes with live acoustic music in the busy season.
Relaxing or sunbathing under palm trees, with loungers for rent at small cafés.
Walking along the full west coast or the island’s perimeter path, which takes roughly an hour to complete.
Kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding in the bay (rental IDR 100,000–200,000 per hour).
Eating at beachfront warungs offering fresh seafood, nasi goreng, and fruit shakes (meals generally IDR 50,000–150,000).
Visiting the turtle hatchery on the east side of the island, with occasional hatchling releases at the west beach during nesting season (November–March).
Participating in yoga or meditation sessions provided by some resorts during the dry season.
How to Get to Gili Meno West Beach
Gili Meno West Beach can only be reached by boat to the island:
From Bali (Padang Bai or Serangan): Take a fast boat to Gili Trawangan (around 1.5–2 hours, IDR 300,000–600,000), then a public boat to Gili Meno (about 15 minutes, IDR 50,000).
From Lombok Airport (LOP): Take a taxi to Bangsal Harbor (approximately 1–1.5 hours, IDR 300,000–500,000), then a public boat to Gili Meno (30 minutes, IDR 15,000–25,000) or a fast boat (15 minutes, IDR 100,000–200,000).
From Mataram: Van or taxi to Bangsal Harbor (about 1 hr, IDR 200,000–300,000), then a boat to the island.
On Gili Meno: West Beach is a 5–10 minute walk from the harbor, or take a cidomo (horse cart, IDR 100,000–200,000). No motorized vehicles are allowed on the island.
Practical Recommendations
It is recommended to book fast boats and accommodations in advance during the busy season (May–September).
Cash in Indonesian rupiah is needed, as there are no ATMs on Gili Meno (nearest are on Gili Trawangan or Lombok).
Sun protection, including high SPF sunscreen, hats, and rash guards is important because of strong sun exposure.
Snorkeling gear is usually available for rent from resorts; using certified operators is advised for safety.
Places to stay range from simple bungalows (IDR 300,000–800,000 per night) to mid-range resorts (IDR 1,000,000–3,000,000).
Visitors should not touch coral, feed marine life, or leave litter; park fees (IDR 150,000 per person) contribute to conservation.
Boat departures depend on weather conditions, so it is best to check the schedule the day before.
