Gili Islands Day Trip: Snorkeling, Turtles & Lunch from Lombok

Summary

Swim with turtles and wander Gili islands by boat

You’ll swim alongside turtles off Gili Air and Meno, explore an underwater sculpture garden with your local guide, eat fresh seafood for lunch on lively Gili Trawangan, and catch sunset views from Malimbu Hill before heading back to Lombok. Expect laughter, warm water, and those small moments you keep replaying long after you’ve left.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed on Gili Air wasn’t the water — it was the sound. No cars, just the soft thump of bare feet on sand and that weirdly hypnotic clinking of glass bottles being delivered somewhere. Our guide, Wayan, grinned as he handed us our snorkels and pointed out where turtles like to hang out. The water was warm but not bath-warm, more like that perfect in-between you never get in a pool. When I ducked under, schools of yellow fish darted around my mask. I kept thinking: how is this real?

We hopped over to Gili Meno next — it’s quieter here, almost shy. There’s this underwater sculpture garden that looks eerie from above but magical once you’re swimming through it (and yeah, I did try to hold my breath longer than anyone else). Wayan told us the artist’s name but I forgot it instantly; too busy watching a turtle glide past like it owned the place. Lunch was on Gili Trawangan — grilled fish, sticky rice, and something spicy that made me cough and laugh at the same time. The restaurant owner teased me for not handling sambal better. It’s funny how food tastes different when you’re salty from the sea.

After lunch we had time to just sit by the water or wander — I chose both because why pick? There were flashes of color everywhere: sarongs drying on fences, boats bobbing in turquoise shallows, a kid chasing chickens past a beach bar. On the way back toward Lombok, we stopped at Malimbu Hill for a view that honestly didn’t look real (I still think about that sunset). The air smelled like salt and something sweet drifting up from a food cart nearby. I didn’t want to leave yet — but I guess that’s always how it goes with these places.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Gili Islands and Malimbu Hill

• Snorkel at Gili Air Fish Garden
• Visit Gili Meno Turtle Sanctuary
• Snorkel at Gili Meno Meno Wall
• See Underwater Sculptures
• Snorkel at Gili Trawangan Turtle Point
• Relax and have lunch in Gili Trawangan
• Watch sunset at Malimbu Hill

Top questions

Is snorkeling gear included on this Gili Islands day trip?

Yes, snorkeling equipment is provided as part of your tour package.

Can beginners join the snorkeling activities around Gili Air or Meno?

Yes, these snorkeling spots are suitable for all levels and easily accessible from shore or boat.

Does this tour include lunch on one of the islands?

Yes, lunch is included during your stop on Gili Trawangan.

Are turtles commonly seen during snorkeling at Turtle Point?

Turtle Point is known for frequent turtle sightings; most guests do see them while snorkeling.

Is hotel pickup from Lombok included in the price?

Your day includes private transportation with pickup from your accommodation in Lombok.

How long does it take to reach the Gilis from Lombok?

The boat ride from Lombok to the Gilis typically takes about 20-30 minutes depending on conditions.

What should I bring for this day trip to the Gilis?

A swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, hat, and some cash for personal expenses are recommended.

What’s included

Your day includes private transportation with pickup in Lombok, bottled water throughout the journey to keep you cool under the sun, all snorkeling equipment and boat rides between islands so you don’t have to worry about logistics or timing yourself—and a fresh local lunch served right on Gili Trawangan before heading back in the late afternoon.