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

Secret Gillis sounds fancy, but this day is simple and practical, and it starts from West Sekotong. You hop by boat for just 15 to 20 minutes, then spend your time on three small islands: Gili Nanggu, Gili Sudak, and Gili Kedis, with snorkeling gear and a lot of beach downtime.

What I love is the pacing: you get real water time at the islands, but you are not stuck on a rigid schedule the whole day. I also like that your snorkeling setup is handled, since the tour includes snorkeling equipment and entrance fees, plus bottled water is listed as included. The one thing to consider is that a past participant flagged the car as not as cool as advertised and said water was missing, so it is smart to bring a little backup.

Key things to know before you go

• 15–20 minute boat ride from West Sekotong keeps the day from feeling like nonstop transit
• Snorkeling gear and entrance fees are included, so you avoid extra add-ons
• Three island stops focus on small, quiet beaches and underwater spotting
• Lembar port views give you a real sense of Lombok’s coastal activity
• A private setup means it is only your group during the tour
• Bring snacks and extra water to cover anything that might not match expectations

Why this Southwest Lombok route feels different

Most people think of the north Gili islands first. This tour takes you to the southwestern side of Lombok instead, around Sekotong, and that changes the whole rhythm of the day. The boat hop from West Sekotong is short, so you spend less time getting there and more time actually on the water.

The islands themselves are small and laid back. You are not looking at big resort vibes here. You are looking at white sand, clear water, and the kind of snorkeling where you can float, watch fish, and still have time to just sit and breathe for a bit. In other words, this is a half-day that does not wear you out.

Price and what you truly get for $73.28

At about $73.28 per person for a roughly 5-hour tour, this is priced like a solid half-day field trip rather than a budget hop. The value mostly comes from what is packaged in.

Here is what is included:

• Private boat
• Snorkeling equipment
• Entrance fees
• Parking fees
• Air-conditioned vehicle (listed as included)
• Bottled water
• Pickup offered, plus mobile ticket

What is not included is also important: snacks and lunch. The tour is short enough that you might be fine with a light snack and a refill, but if you skip eating beforehand, you will feel it.

My practical advice: treat this as a “gear-and-transport handled” day. If you pack your own food and a little extra water, you turn it into a very cost-effective outing for what you get.

Pickup, timing, and the short boat ride from West Sekotong

Pickup is offered, and that matters more than it sounds. When you do not have to sort out transport, you arrive less rushed and you can get your snorkeling stuff ready early.

Then comes the best kind of logistics: the boat ride is only 15 to 20 minutes from West Sekotong. That short transfer is a big deal for comfort, especially if you are sensitive to heat or sun. You are not climbing through a half-day travel marathon just to reach the water.

The tour also runs about 5 hours, so plan your morning or afternoon around it. If you have other plans the same day, leave yourself a buffer after the tour so you are not sprinting in flip-flops.

The island-hopping logic: Gili Nanggu, Sudak, Kedis

This trip is built around three small islands plus one extra viewing moment. Gili Nanggu is the main start, then you add time at Gili Sudak and Gili Kedis, and you finish with a look at the coast and the activity around Lembar port.

That structure is practical because it gives you variety without turning the day into a speed contest. You start with a clear snorkeling base at Gili Nanggu, you keep the vibe gentle at Sudak and Kedis, then you wrap with a coastal scene that reminds you where you are and what is happening back on Lombok.

Stop 1: Gili Nanggu for snorkeling and a beach reset

Gili Nanggu is reached quickly by boat and it is where the tour starts. You get about 2 hours here, which is a good chunk of time if you want a couple of calm snorkeling rounds.

On paper, it is simple: snorkeling and exploring the island, or just relaxing on the white sandy beach. In practice, that flexibility is what makes it work. If the water is clear and you are in the mood, you can focus on underwater spotting. If you want a break, you can swap to shade, a slow walk, or just watching the water move.

A small tip for your comfort: even when snorkeling sounds easy, you will still be in swimwear, in sun, with saltwater on your skin. Plan to reapply sunscreen when you are back on the boat, not only before you go in.

Stop 2: Gili Sudak and Gili Kedis, two small islands with different moods

After Gili Nanggu, the tour continues with time at Gili Sudak and then Gili Kedis. The itinerary gives a clear time for Kedis, about 1 hour, and it frames Sudak as part of the island-hopping stretch.

What both islands have in common is the promise of uncomplicated beauty: clear water, and beaches where you can snorkel or simply hang out. The “secret gilis” marketing is really pointing to this: small scale, fewer distractions, and a day that feels like you are borrowing a quiet pocket of ocean.

Kedis in particular is set up for a quick reset. You only get about 1 hour, so do not plan to do everything. If you want fish and coral views, focus on snorkeling first, then spend the remaining time relaxing on the beach. That way you do not end up rushing at the end, staring at water wishing you had started earlier.

The Lembar port viewpoint, watching Lombok run

One of the stops is a viewpoint area to see the ocean and the activity around Lembar port. This is not just scenic filler. It adds context to your day.

Snorkeling days can make you forget the bigger setting. The Lembar port scene brings you back to real life on Lombok, ships moving, boats working, and coastal activity continuing while you enjoy the island pause. It is a nice “wrap” moment before you head back.

If you are the type who likes photos, this is where you can get them without squeezing the trip into extra time. It also gives you a break from sun and gear, since you can shift into watching mode instead of swimming mode.

Guides and boat comfort: what matters most on the water

A half-day boat tour lives or dies on two things: how clean and cared for the boat feels, and whether your guide keeps things calm and organized. The tour includes a private boat, which usually means less chaos than shared group boats.

You should also notice how guides handle English and communication. On trips like this, a guide who can explain when to snorkel, where to look, and what to watch for can save you time. It makes the underwater time more enjoyable, because you are not just swimming around hoping for the best.

Also pay attention to the vehicle and what the tour provides. While the tour lists an air-conditioned vehicle and bottled water as included, there is a reminder from a previous participant that things can vary day to day. My advice is to be ready for that possibility.

What to pack so the day feels easy

The tour includes snorkeling gear, bottled water (listed), and entrance fees. You still need to bring the human stuff that makes a half-day better.

Pack:

• Sunscreen and a hat
• Towel or something to dry off with
• A light rash guard if you burn easily
• Your own snacks (since snacks and lunch are not included)
• Extra water (just in case)
• Flip-flops or sandals for beach walking

If you bring a waterproof phone pouch, you can keep your photos and video closer to your control. But keep it simple. The goal is to enjoy the snorkeling and the calm beach time, not to manage gear like you are on a production crew.

Best fit: who should book these Southwest Secret Gillis

This tour is a great fit if you want:

• A short, focused snorkeling day
• Small-island vibes near Lombok, not a long trek to the northern Gili route
• A private group setting for your day
• Snorkeling gear handled for you

The tour info also calls for moderate physical fitness. That does not mean it is hard, but it does mean you should be comfortable with boat steps and short beach walks. If you have mobility issues or you get nervous about unstable footing on sand, you might want to consider a more sheltered option.

Value check: when this tour makes sense and when it might not

This tour makes a lot of sense when you care about two things: snorkeling time and avoiding long transit. The boat ride is short, the islands are close, and you are not stuck for hours on a single beach.

It might not be your best choice if you want a full-day, sit-down meal experience with lots of onboard comfort. Lunch is not included, and snacks are not included either. Also, while air-conditioning is listed as included, one participant reported it not matching expectations. If climate comfort is a big deal for you, plan for some heat in transit.

Should you book the Southwest Secret Gillis tour?

I would book it if you want an easy half-day in the Southwest Sekotong area, with snorkeling gear included and enough time to actually enjoy both the water and the beach. It is especially appealing if you like quieter islands and you want to see the coast from the Lembar port side without adding a long, exhausting travel day.

Skip it or rethink it if you need lunch included, if you cannot handle short boat transfers, or if you strongly rely on air-conditioned comfort at every moment. In that case, look for a different format that includes food and stronger vehicle comfort guarantees.

If you book, do yourself a favor: bring snacks, bring extra water, and keep your expectations aligned with a relaxed, small-island snorkeling day.

FAQ

How long is the Southwest Secret Gillis tour?

The tour lasts about 5 hours.

Which islands are included?

You visit Gili Nanggu, Gili Sudak, and Gili Kedis.

Is pickup offered?

Yes, pickup is offered.

What is included for snorkeling?

The tour includes use of snorkeling equipment.

Are entrance fees and the boat included?

Yes, the tour includes entrance fees and a private boat.

Is lunch or snacks included?

No. Snacks and lunch are not included.

Is this a private tour?

Yes. It is a private tour/activity, and only your group participates.

What level of physical fitness is required?

The tour lists a moderate physical fitness level.

What happens if the weather is poor?

This experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.