Our trip around the Gili Islands continues, as we head from the “party island” of Gili T to the most laid back of the three – Gili Meno. If you’re bouncing between the islands, it’s a simple 15-minute boat ride from one to the other.
Mt. Rinjani seen from Gili Meno.
The Honeymoon Island
Welcome to Gili Meno!
Gili Meno is the middle island in the Gili archipelago as well as the smallest. With a permanent population of only 400 people, it has the most deserted island feeling of the three. As such it is very popular with honeymooning couples looking to laze away in a hammock with a book.
Sunsets are pretty good here.
Many people believe it has the best beaches of all the Gilis, however it doesn’t have quite as top notch hotels as Gili Trawangan. There are some thatched huts on the beach that add to the rustic feeling Meno brings to visitors. You will see little to no people and most likely have the beaches nearly to yourself.
Birds and Turtles
Take a stroll around the lake.
For those who need a bit of activity there is a salt water lake on the west side of the island where you may see some wildlife. There is a walking path that goes all the way around the lake, making for a nice break from the beach (if you need one, that is). Taman Burung is the name of the bird park where you can see many different types of birds – great for bird watchers.
Gili Meno turtle sanctuary.
If you didn’t see any sea turtles in your snorkeling adventures, there is a sea turtle conservatory on the beach where you can see them. The conservatory collects the eggs before they hatch and provides the baby turtles a safe place to grow to a point where they can take care of themselves. Then they are released back in to the wild. You can make a donation to help this worthy cause and if you donate 100,000 Rupiah ($7.50) you can choose and release a turtle into the ocean. As with the other two islands, diving and snorkeling are an option. You can see the famous Gili Meno Wall where sea turtles hang out during the day among the colorful corals and Moray Eels swim about at night.
Make a Loop
It’s an interesting walk around the island.
Gili Meno has a walking path that goes all the way around the outer edge of the island. It takes about an hour and a half to walk the full loop at a leisurely pace. If you begin your walk in the late afternoon on the west side you’ll be back to where you started just in time to enjoy the sun setting behind Trawangan.
Cross the Wallace Line from Bali to Lombok.
You may notice the flora and fauna are slightly different from Bali – that is because the Wallace Line runs between Bali and Lombok. It separates Asian from Australian species. It is most notable in bird species as they do not cross open oceans.
Walking around Meno.
Overall Gili Meno is a really nice place. It is especially great if you’re looking for peace and lots of quiet. If all you want to do is sit in a hammock and read a book it is a great place to visit. If you prefer meeting people and more lively places, one of the other islands is probably more suitable. When we visited we only stayed on Meno one night and it was enough, as it only takes one day to do everything on offer. Stay tuned for a more in depth article about things to do on the last of the three islands – Gili Air.
