Lovers of sunsets and beach beauty will surely love spending time on the small islands of Sekotong Barat Village, West Lombok. Strolling along the white sandy beaches, with the azure sky that’s hard to find in big cities, clear air accompanied only by the sound of gentle waves, and the green low hills on one side, this is truly a serene paradise.
Just a little walk into the shallow sea, vibrant coral reefs and friendly fish will greet you, inviting you to explore and lose track of time. The shallow waters even allow children to enjoy the beauty of marine life, though they should be supervised to avoid damaging the ecosystem.
Ah, Sobat Pesona, there’s always more to tell about the natural beauty of Lombok, especially the pristine beaches on its small islands, known as "gili" in Sasak language.
Among travelers, the most famous trio of gilis in Lombok are Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, and Gili Air. However, Lombok still has many more small islands waiting to be discovered, such as the cluster of gilis in Sekotong Barat, which offers tranquility and a chance to truly connect with nature and loved ones. It’s perfect for a refreshing getaway to rejuvenate the body and mind.
Getting to the Beautiful Gili Islands of Sekotong Barat
Sekotong Barat Village is the main gateway to West Lombok’s tourism, surrounded by the sea on three sides. To reach this area, it takes about 1.5 hours by land from Lombok International Airport, followed by a 15-minute motorboat ride from Tawun Port.
The picturesque cluster of small islands in Sekotong Barat can be visited by island hopping or by staying on one of the islands that offer accommodation, like Gili Nanggu.
Gili Nanggu
Gili Nanggu is the first must-visit island. Sunbathing on the white sandy beach while soaking up the tropical sunshine is a must-do activity here, as you enjoy the peaceful coastal atmosphere far from the hustle and bustle.
To explore the underwater beauty, you only need to wade into the shallow water to snorkel and witness the colorful fish swimming among the coral reefs in crystal-clear waters.
For those wishing to stay on Gili Nanggu, there are homestay accommodations by the beach, with prices starting from around Rp 400,000 per night. It’s a unique experience to stay in a traditional Sasak-style hut with a roof resembling a rice storage barn.
Gili "Gita Nada" Cluster
After exploring Nanggu, continue island hopping to nearby gilis that are equally stunning. The distance between the gilis here is only a few hundred meters, easily covered in 10-15 minutes by motorboat. With the beautiful blue sky overhead, the calm, clear waters, and the refreshing breeze, the journey never feels tiresome.
Be sure to visit the Gita Nada gili cluster, named after Gili Tangkong, Gili Nanggun, and Gili Sudak. The pristine underwater life and tranquil atmosphere here are perfect for travelers. Especially on Gili Sudak, the coral reefs are visible to the naked eye even from a distance of several meters.
Surrounded by calm, clear waters that resemble a pool, those who love marine tourism will find themselves content in this peaceful paradise.
Gili Kedis, The "Lover Island"
Just 10 minutes from Gili Sudak, you’ll reach Gili Kedis, often referred to as Lover Island or Pulau Cinta. As its name suggests, Gili Kedis is small and uninhabited, with only about 5 minutes needed to circle the entire island.
The nickname "Lover Island" comes from the island’s natural beauty that makes visitors fall in love with it and want to return. Its exotic and romantic ambiance makes it a perfect spot for couples seeking seclusion.
A Paradise for Sunset Lovers
If you’re patient enough to wait for the sunset, Sekotong Barat promises an unforgettable view of the sun setting over the horizon. The stunning colors spread across the sky and the distant horizon, a perfect masterpiece of nature, will make you feel small yet peaceful.
Don’t rush to leave. Enjoy your sunset and stay a little longer on these beautiful islands. When the time comes to part with these charming islands, their beauty will surely call you back.
