The Southwest Secret Gilis: Gili Nanggu, Gili Sudak, & Gili Kedis

Secret Gillis, short hops from Sekotong. I like the clean private boat setup and the fact that the guides (like Ronnie or Lalu Andy Ashari) keep things friendly and practical while you snorkel. One thing to consider: the land transfer can be a long stretch, and at least one guest noted the car wasn’t as air-conditioned as advertised, plus water wasn’t always handled as expected.

This is a smart way to see the quieter side of Lombok without the full northern Gili haul. You’ll spend time on Gili Nanggu’s white sand and snorkel stops around Gili Sudak and tiny Gili Kedis, then wrap with ocean views and a look at Lembar port activity from the water. If you’re comfortable with moderate effort and heat, it’s a relaxed half-day that feels local, not staged.

Key Points You’ll Actually Care About

• Southwest Sekotong location: boat hop from West Sekotong takes about 15–20 minutes, so you start sooner
• Snorkeling gear included: you don’t need to track rentals or worry about basic equipment
• Three island vibes in one outing: beach time at Gili Nanggu and Gili Kedis, with Gili Sudak in the mix
• Private tour for your group: it’s not a crowded cattle-car situation
• Guides with real Lombok know-how: names you may hear include Ronnie and Lalu Andy Ashari
• Short tour (about 5 hours): good fit if you want sea time without burning a full day

Why the Southwest “Secret Gillis” Work Better Than the Long Northern Runs

If you’re basing yourself on Lombok, the northern Gili routes can eat your day. This Southwest option keeps things closer to the Sekotong area, and that matters. You’re reaching the islands via boat from West Sekotong in about 15–20 minutes, so your snorkeling time starts fast instead of feeling borrowed from the morning.

The other reason I like this style: you get calm, quiet beach energy instead of constant foot traffic. The islands here are small and focused. Think white sandy shorelines, clear water views, and simple “go out, snorkel, and chill” rhythm.

And yes, you’ll hear people call them secret Gillis. The truth is simpler: they’re just less crowded because the logistics are easier for Lombok-based travelers and less for everyone else.

Price and Value: What $73.28 Covers (and Why It’s Not Just About the Sticker)

At $73.28 per person for roughly 5 hours, the value comes from what you don’t have to arrange yourself. The tour includes snorkeling equipment, bottled water, entrance fees, and a private boat. It also wraps in the transport on an air-conditioned vehicle, plus parking fees.

What’s not included is just as important: there’s no lunch and no snacks listed. So if you’re the type who needs something solid before you get on the water, plan for it. Even with bottled water included, you’ll still want a strategy for food timing so the day doesn’t feel like it’s running on empty.

Also, there’s a practical scheduling advantage. This tour is commonly booked about 56 days in advance, which usually means it’s a popular slot for people visiting Lombok and wanting a quick island day. If you’re traveling in peak periods, booking earlier helps you lock a decent time.

The 5-Hour Rhythm: Pickup, Transfer, and When You’ll Be Back on Land

This is designed as a half-day outing. You should expect a total time around 5 hours, with multiple parts working like a relay: vehicle transfer, short boat rides, island time, and then a final return.

Pickup is offered, and that’s a big deal because Lombok’s coastline logistics can be confusing if you’re doing it alone. Once you’re moving, the day mostly stays simple: get to Sekotong, boat out to the islands, snorkel and relax, then return.

Comfort-wise, keep one review note in mind. One guest said the car wasn’t air-conditioned as advertised and that each way was about 40+ minutes, which could feel rough in hotter conditions. If you know you run warm, bring sun protection and wear breathable clothing so you’re not relying on perfect AC to stay comfortable.

Gili Nanggu: Two Hours of White Sand and Easy Snorkeling

Gili Nanggu is your first stop, and the time there is the longest: about 2 hours. That longer window is smart because it lets you do both modes—snorkeling and beach downtime—without feeling rushed.

You’ll likely find a small island feel here: a white sandy edge, clear water to look into, and enough space to spread out if your group prefers not to crowd. The point of the stop is simple: explore the underwater life through snorkeling, then come up and relax right on the sand.

A practical tip: during your snorkeling time, don’t treat it like a competition. With gear provided, you still want to pace yourself. Start with a calm swim to get your breathing under control, then linger where the water looks clear and the corals/fish are active.

If you’re the kind of traveler who enjoys “quiet water moments” more than checklist travel, Gili Nanggu is a strong match.

Gili Sudak: The Middle Stop That Adds Variety

Gili Sudak is included as part of the Southwest trio, even though the exact time allotment isn’t broken out the way Nanggu and Kedis are. What that usually means in practice: it’s likely there to add variety and keep the water time interesting.

This is where you’ll appreciate the tour’s structure. Two hours at Nanggu gives you your base. Sudak helps you avoid monotony—new underwater angles, new beach setting, and a different stretch of coastline to look at.

I like Sudak as the “in-between” island on a half-day plan because you’re not stuck doing only one kind of activity. You can alternate between snorkeling bursts and shore time, depending on how you’re feeling that day.

Gili Kedis: A Tiny Island Stop That Works for Snorkel-Then-Chill

Gili Kedis is short, at about 1 hour. That’s not a flaw. Tiny islands work best when you don’t try to turn them into a long expedition.

Here, you’ll get another chance to snorkel—again with equipment provided—and then switch to the low-key option: relax on the white sandy beach and soak up the sea-air calm.

This stop is ideal if you’re traveling with people who have different energy levels. The snorkeling window can be quick and fun, and if someone prefers to stay onshore, they’re not waiting hours for a payoff.

One consideration: because the stop is brief, be ready to hop when your guide signals it. If you want extra time in the water, go with a relaxed pace rather than trying to swim laps.

The Lembar Port Look: Ocean Views and Real Coastal Motion

After the island time, you’ll spend time in a beautiful ocean area where you can see activity around Lembar port. This isn’t just scenery for scenery’s sake. It adds context to the day. You’re not only living inside island calm—you’re also catching a glimpse of the bigger coastal Lombok rhythm.

From the water, you often get a better sense of distances, boats, and how everything connects. It’s a good finishing chapter because the port view gives you a “return to real life” moment without killing the mood.

If you like travel days that feel grounded and not overly manufactured, this kind of final view helps the trip feel more authentic.

Snorkeling Setup, Comfort, and What You Should Bring

The tour includes snorkeling equipment, entrance fees, bottled water, a private boat, and parking fees. That’s a solid package because it reduces the number of things you need to source on your own.

What’s not included is snacks and lunch. So here’s what I’d do if you’re planning your day:

• Eat something before pickup or plan a quick snack stop on the way
• Bring reef-safe sunscreen and a lightweight cover-up
• Pack a dry bag or small waterproof pouch for your phone and wallet
• Wear sandals or water shoes that won’t hate sand

Physical fitness is listed as moderate. You don’t need to be an athlete, but you should be comfortable with short boat transfers and moving on uneven sand/shorelines.

Also, one review noted water wasn’t provided in the way they expected. Bottled water is listed as included, so it’s probably usually handled well, but it doesn’t hurt to keep an emergency small bottle in your bag if you know you get thirsty.

Guides Matter Here: Ronnie, Lalu Andy Ashari, Andy, and Tamat

This is one of those tours where the guide can make the difference between nice and truly memorable. The strongest praise centers on guide friendliness, professionalism, and English skills.

Names you may encounter include Ronnie, Lalu Andy Ashari, and others tied to the experience such as Andy, along with family support from Axel and Ariel in at least one account. There’s also mention of a driver named Tamat who helped the day feel smooth and well-managed.

What I think you should take from that: the tour is built around relaxed snorkeling and island time, but you still want someone who can guide you safely and help you spot what you’re looking at. When the guide knows the area and keeps the mood easy, snorkeling becomes less of a chore and more of a “watch and float” experience.

So if you’re booking, pay attention to how the tour is described as guided rather than self-guided. The value is in the human layer, not just the water.

Getting the Most Out of the Day: Small Choices That Change Everything

Because this is about three short island experiences, your choices matter more than on a full-day tour.

First, manage your expectations: it’s not a weeks-long island research project. You’re getting a compact set of snorkeling and beach time, then moving on.

Second, treat snorkeling as a comfort game. Start slow, take breaks, and keep your hands relaxed. If you rush, you’ll tire faster and enjoy less.

Third, dress for heat and sun even if you’re relying on air-conditioned transport. Reef time can sneak up on you, and boats can bring wind you don’t feel on land.

Finally, if you’re prone to motion sickness, consider taking your usual prevention. Short boat hops are mentioned, and boats should be clean and in good repair based on feedback, but the sea is still the sea.

Should You Book the Southwest Secret Gillis Tour?

I’d book this if you want:

• A private-group snorkeling outing around Lombok’s Sekotong coast
• White-sand island time without the long northern travel grind
• Included snorkeling gear and a plan that fits into about 5 hours
• A guide-led experience that’s known for being friendly and organized

I’d think twice if:

• You’re extremely sensitive to long vehicle rides or you expect the ride to be perfectly cool the whole time
• You don’t want to deal with no lunch/snacks included
• You prefer long, slow island days with lots of time per stop (this is time-efficient, not lingering)

If your goal is an authentic, low-stress sea day—snorkel, chill, repeat—this Southwest trio hits the sweet spot.

FAQ

What is the duration of the Southwest Secret Gillis tour?

The tour runs for about 5 hours (approx.).

What islands are included in this tour?

The tour covers Gili Nanggu, Gili Sudak, and Gili Kedis.

How long do you spend at each island?

Gili Nanggu has about 2 hours. Gili Kedis has about 1 hour. The rest of your time goes to the other island stop(s) and ocean/port viewing.

Is pickup included?

Yes, pickup is offered.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.

What else is included in the price?

Included items are snorkeling equipment, bottled water, air-conditioned vehicle, parking fees, entrance fees, and private boat.

What is not included?

Snacks and lunch are not included.

Is this a private tour?

Yes. Only your group participates.

Do I need good weather for this tour to run?

Yes. This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Can I get a full refund if I cancel?

Free cancellation is available. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.