Discovering Gili Meno Island: A Mix of Luxury and Adventure

Afternoon: Begin your journey with a fast boat from Padang Bai, which you can book in advance. The boat ride takes about and hour and a half, depending on weather conditions, and will drop you off at Gili Trawangan. From there, arrange a short 15-minute private or group boat ride to Gili Meno. Upon arrival, hop on a traditional horse-drawn carriage, as there are no cars on the island. The ride costs around 150 IDR, or 250 IDR if you have extra luggage.

Evening: After checking into your hotel, head to Sunset Beach to unwind. Numerous beachside restaurants offer fresh coconuts, perfect for sipping as you watch the sun go down. For dinner, visit one of the many local family-run restaurants along the beach. They are the best for seafood barbecue, where you can select the catch of the day.

Morning: Start your day early with a 6 am sunrise snorkeling tour, which you can arrange the day before via WhatsApp. This early hour is ideal for avoiding crowds and spotting tropical fish and turtles before the tide shifts. I recommend choosing a family-run tour company that operates traditional boats. The tour includes a visit to the famous underwater art sculpture, swimming with sea turtles, and exploring the live coral reefs. The guide will also capture stunning GoPro photos, allowing you to fully enjoy the experience. After the two-hour tour, return to your hotel for breakfast. Contact Lia Jaya Snorkeling to book.

Afternoon: Spend the afternoon leisurely exploring the island. Rent bikes or enjoy a scenic walk to the turtle sanctuary, where you can see the baby turtles. Entry is free, though donations are encouraged. Afterwards, relax on the beach or by your hotel pool.

Evening: Enjoy a sunset horseback ride along the beach, followed by a relaxed dinner at New Sasak café for Indonesian food.

The ideal way to explore Lombok in a day is by hiring a private van and guide. This allows you to customize your itinerary and visit the sites that fit within your schedule.

Morning: Head to Gili Meno harbor and grab coffee and breakfast at one of the cafes. Purchase your public boat ticket to Lombok for 9 am. The boat ride takes one hour. Upon arrival, your driver will meet you for a day of exploration. Start with a visit to the stunning Tiu Kelep and Sendang Gile Waterfalls.

Afternoon: Continue to a Mount Rinjani viewpoint for breathtaking scenery, then head to Senggigi Beach for lunch and relaxation. Afterward, visit the picturesque Pura Batu Bolong temple.

Evening: Return to the harbor to catch the last boat back to Gili Meno at 5 pm. Alternatively, if you wish to enjoy dinner in Lombok, arrange a private boat ride back to the island.

Morning: After breakfast at your hotel, spend a relaxed morning snorkeling and beachcombing. Many hotels provide snorkeling gear, making it easy to explore the underwater world and collect unique coral pieces as souvenirs.

Afternoon: Head to Le Pirate for cocktails and lunch. I loved their cocktail menu and choice of traditional or western dishes. You can choose to dine in the restaurant or on beach chairs, with the option to continue into happy hour. For a small fee, you can also access their pool with stunning seaside views.

Evening: Treat yourself on your final evening with a memorable dinner at BASK. The beachside tables are perfect for a romantic meal, but if you prefer indoor dining, it's best to book in advance. This upscale restaurant offers exceptional food, including fresh sushi and Lombok oysters, along with expert wine suggestions from the sommelier.