Gili Asahan Guide: The Secret Gilis
Can you keep a secret? There are more Gilis (islands) off the coast of Lombok than just the famous Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, and Gili Air, and some of the most impressive ones are just as easy to reach from Bali. Got your attention? In the southwest of Lombok, you will find the Secret Gilis, and our absolute favorite is the unspoiled paradise of Gili Asahan.
If you are looking for a quiet getaway on a largely unheard of island, amazing snorkeling just off the beach, or dreaming of an idyllic Indonesia honeymoon, Gili Asahan is the place for you. In this guide, we have put together everything you need to know, from how to get to Gili Asahan to where to stay, ensuring an unforgettable time in this small paradise, hidden in plain sight.
The Secret Gilis
The Secret Gilis are located in Sekotong, on the southwest coast of Lombok, Indonesia. Much less known than the popular Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, and Gili Air, they offer a more peaceful and authentic experience.
For your reference, “Gili” in the Sasak language (spoken by the indigenous people of Lombok) means “island”.
The Secret Gilis can be roughly split into two groups based on their proximity:
The Day Tour Secret Gilis: Gili Sudak, Gili Tangkong, Gili Nanggu, Gili Kedis
This group of islands has limited accommodation options and is often visited as part of a day tour, with pickups from cities such as Kuta, Mataram, and Senggigi. The “secrecy level” of these islands is somewhat debatable, as they have become quite popular among snorkeling and diving enthusiasts. Nevertheless, they are beautiful and worth exploring.
The Overnight Secret Gilis: Gili Gede, Gili Asahan, Gili Layar, Gili Rengit
While Gili Gede is the most developed of all the Secret Gilis, this second group is not as visited by tourists, with islands such as Gili Asahan still flying under the radar, and remaining largely untouched. That being said, in our opinion, spending more than a day exploring these islands is a must.
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Why Visit Gili Asahan
Our expectations were high when visiting Gili Asahan, but they were not only met – they were exceeded by a mile. Soft white sand, crystal-clear water, and lush green palm trees welcome you to one of the least populated islands in the archipelago.
On Gili Asahan, there are no clubs, supermarkets, or motorized vehicles. The restaurants are only a few but of good quality, and the accommodations are limited, though nothing less than fantastic, with beautiful, intimate eco-resorts.
This is the best Gili island for those seeking a tranquil escape. With mangrove forests and seagrass beds, swimming alongside turtles, seahorses and a variety of colorful fish is a given. But the beauty on land is equally breathtaking, with smiling friendly locals, valleys in the distance, and playful horses running along the shore of unspoiled beaches. If you were wondering which Gili island is best for a romantic or relaxing getaway, I guess you’ve just found it.
There are only about 36 families on Gili Asahan, some of which being pearl breeders. You will notice their buoys at sea on your way to the island.
How to Get to Gili Asahan
Getting to Gili Asahan is possible from both Lombok and Bali. While most accommodations can arrange transfers from Lombok’s airport and main ports, you can also easily plan the journey yourself.
Lombok doesn’t offer many public transportation options, and apps such as Grab are not available in most areas. If your visit to Gili Asahan is part of a larger Lombok itinerary, consider renting a car* or scooter to get around.
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How to Get to Gili Asahan from Lombok
If you are already in Lombok, to get to Gili Asahan you need to go to Kores Harbour in Sekotong. From there, you can catch a small boat that takes around 15 minutes to reach the island, costing approximately 50 000 IDR (3€). The harbor is about 2 hours from Lombok International Airport, and 1 hour from Lembar Harbor.
We strongly recommend booking a land transfer to the harbor before your arrival, either online or through your hotel, to avoid scams or inflated prices. Alternatively, find an official taxi that uses a meter to calculate the fare.
Join a Secret Gili Islands Tour
If what you are looking for is a one-day experience with great snorkeling and don’t want to bother with transportation details and transfers hassles, book a Secret Gili Islands Tour that includes Gili Asahan, such as:
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How to Get to Gili Asahan from Bali
From Bali to Gili Asahan, you have several transportation alternatives to suit all preferences and budgets:
Fast Boat from Serangan to Gili Gede
This is the fastest and most hassle-free way to get from Bali to Gili Asahan – and, in comparison with the alternatives, it is a decent value for money option. The fast boat to Gili Gede takes around 2 hours, and you can find online ticket deals that include a transfer to the harbor at a good price. Upon arrival at Gili Gede, you will switch to a smaller boat that will take you to Gili Asahan in about 30 minutes. This transfer typically costs between 300 000 and 400 000 IDR (17 to 24€), for up to 4 people. You can arrange this last step through your accommodation or negotiate it upon arrival at Gili Gede.
Domestic Flight from Denpasar to Lombok
The flight takes less than 1 hour from Bali airport to Lombok*, followed by a 2-hour drive to Kores Harbor*, and finally, a 15-minute boat ride to Gili Asahan.
Public Ferry from Padang Bai to Lembar
This is the most budget-friendly option to get from Bali to Gili Asahan, but it is also the most time consuming by far. The public ferry from Bali to Lombok is a wild card, as the journey can take anywhere from 4 to 7.5 hours. Tickets cost 75 000 IDR (4.30€), but are not available for purchase online. Upon arrival at Lembar, the drive to Kores Harbor takes around 1 hour, plus the 15-minute boat ride to Gili Asahan.
Gili Asahan Accommodation
Gili Asahan is a small island known only to those willing to explore Lombok off the beaten track. The first accommodation on Gili Asahan opened about 16 years ago, and since then, only a handful more have opened, most of them being resorts or eco-lodges. These accommodations embody a relaxed, tropical aesthetic that harmonizes with the island's serene atmosphere, blending rustic charm with modern comfort.
There are no ATMs or government electricity on the island, but these resorts all have solar panels or generators to guarantee you a comfortable stay, and most of them accept card payments.
All Gili Asahan accommodation options are located on the south of the island, except for the romantic Bleu Mathis Gili Asahan, which is in the west, and Taman Fajar Gili Asahan, a no-frills family villa for up to 5 people on the east. Each accommodation has its own charm and offers unique experiences. Enjoy a yoga morning session at Vayam Boutique Resort, watch horses play by the shore near Gili Asahan Eco Lodge, or sip a fresh coconut by the pool at Amahelia Luxury Resort* (Bleu Mathis is the only other hotel in Gili Asahan with a pool).
Explore all the Gili Asahan accommodation options and choose the perfect fit for you:
During your stay, you'll rely heavily on the resort's restaurants for food and beverages. That said, the menus are overall quite varied, and the prices are fair – not the typical inflated resort rates.
What to Do in Gili Asahan
This hidden gem in Indonesia is visited mainly by people looking to unwind and enjoy nature, making it the best place for those seeking Bali alternatives that inspire disconnection from the hustle and bustle. But there is more to Gili Asahan than just lying on the beach. Here are some of the things you can do:
Secret Gili Islands Snorkeling
The Secret Gilis are famous for their amazing snorkeling opportunities, and Gili Asahan is no exception, with its vibrant soft corals and incredible marine life, including pygmy seahorses and turtles. We would even go so far as to say it offered some of the best snorkeling we’ve ever experienced. We found the best spots to be located in front of Gili Asahan Eco Lodge and Pearl Beach Resort*.
Secret Gili Islands Diving
The diving scene around Gili Asahan is outstanding, and both Gili Asahan Eco Lodge and Pearl Beach Resort can easily arrange a diving trip around the Secret Gilis for you. Diving in Sekotong is a relaxed experience suitable for all levels of experience, allowing you to witness turtles, moray eels, white tip reef sharks, and frogfish in their natural environment. For the most experienced divers seeking an adrenaline kick, Belongas Bay provides what you are looking for, with famous dive sites such as “The Cathedral” and “The Magnet”, where barracudas, tunas, eagle rays and hammerheads can be spotted.
Other water sports, such as kayaking and SUP, are available at most resorts. It is fairly easy to paddle to Gili Goleng from Gili Asahan.
Hiking in Gili Asahan
You can easily explore the island on foot. With a circumference of around 5 km, you can walk around the island in about 2 hours – we suggest you do it during low to medium tide. At sunrise or sunset, head up the viewpoint to enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding islands.
Exploring the Village and Learning about the Kids of Asahan
Gili Asahan has a very small fishing village where people are kind and greet you with a smile. However, exploring this village is not the only way to learn more about the locals. There is an NGO on the island called Kids of Asahan, which works on maintaining an education program and school facilities. You can support them by bringing games, pens, books, or related materials for elementary students; holding a workshop for the kids during your stay; or making a small donation at the Gili Asahan Eco Lodge reception. Click here to learn more about it.
Explore the Surrounding Secret Gilis
Join a Secret Gilis snorkeling tour to Gili Layar and Gili Rengit, offered by most hotels in Gili Asahan, or plan a romantic beach picnic in Gili Goleng in the afternoon to enjoy both the shallow coral garden and the sunset.
Best Time to Visit Gili Asahan
You can visit Gili Asahan year around thanks to its tropical climate, but there is a rainy season that takes place from December to April, with daily showers and frequent thunderstorms between January and March. That being said, the best time to visit Gili Asahan is during the dry season, between May and mid-November, when you will experience sunny days and amazing visibility for snorkeling. Make sure to book your accommodation in advance if you are visiting during this time.
Planning Time
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