All cruisers aim to find themselves sailing in paradise, and we’ve been lucky to enjoy some of the most beautiful tropical islands in the world. This often overlooked archipelago off the south-western corner of Lombok can hold its head up among the best.
But the tour operators are moving in, so if you want to go sailing in paradise in the Secret Gilis come here now.
Weather
Here in the Sunda Islands (Indonesia) the Southern Trades are well set in. With consistent wind and cooler temperatures, life aboard is pretty good on a boat right now. But reading yesterday (10th June 2023) that an El Niño event has been declared, we are on our mettle for bigger weather coming our way.
At the time of recording this week’s episode, we were in the transitional period, with its unpredictable winds and the odd storm. Even so, it was a perfect time to be in the Secret Gilis.
Gili Asahan
Several cruisers had told us that the Nautilus restaurant on Gili Asahan makes the best pizzas in Lombok, but we thought the place was over-hyped. There are better pizzas to be had at Marina Del Ray on Gili Gede.
Back on Gili Asahan our favourite place to eat is the authentic Naga Restaurant at the beachside Amahelia Resort. Its unfussy Indonesian dishes, made with local produce, are served by friendly staff. The best place for just chilling out has to be the more remote Pearl Beach Resort with its stunning reef, right on the doorstep.
We don’t ask for kickbacks from the places we visit or the services we use. Our blog and videos cover the places that interest us, so you know our opinions are honest.
Nearby Lombok
Just a hop across the water by dinghy, we found more restaurants, hotels and homestays. These family-run businesses don’t appear on the usual travel websites, so you have to hunt for them.
We received kindness and simple food at Gabora villas and Lombok villas. They are hidden gems frequented more by Indonesians in the know than foreign tourists.
Infrared photography
Taken on Gili Asahan, near the Pearl Beach Resort, a remote and untouched spot.
Final word
This is Bali 30 years ago, so we urge you to visit now! Get here before the big operators step in and sweep away these small, independent places to stay and eat.
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