GILI MENO LOMBOK

GILI MENO

Gili Meno is the middle and the smallest of the three Gili Islands, with the lowest population and the least number of visitors.

The island has not developed as quickly as Gili T or Gili Air and suffered unpopularity when, in the mid-90’s, The Lonely Planet wrote that the salt lake on the island created mosquito problems. This was untrue – mosquitoes are no more prevalent on Gili Meno than anywhere else – but the damage was done.

Many would say that the bad publicity was a blessing in disguise. Today, Meno is the quietest of the three Gilis, with the laid-back charm of a true castaway island.

Although investors are steadily buying up land, especially on the west coast facing Gili T, there is no major development on the island as yet. There are a few up-market villas, but no large resorts.

Fortunately, much of the investment taking place here is low-key and-perhaps recognizing the pristine nature of the island – development tends to be along ecologically sound concepts.

For now, small hotels and basic beachside

bungalows provide accommodation for those seeking a peaceful place in the sun with un-crowded beaches, clean waters and peaceful nights under the star-filled skies. There is no rowdy bar scene or noisy full moon parties here.

Like all the Gillis, the best swimming beaches and most tourist facilities (including boat docking and departure) are along the east coast.

Although there are small places dotted all around the island, many of the hotels and restaurant are located along the south-eastern coast, with beautiful views over Gili Air and to Mt Rinjani in the east.         

It is possible to walk around the whole islan one small beachside track in around 90 minutes. Those seeking total tranquility head to the north and west coasts, where more development has been quietly taking place over the past years.

Mahamaya Boutique Resort, on the northwest coast, has luxurious accommodation and the rest restaurant earns accolades for top quality quisine served in the shady dining area or at pretty tables on the beachfront.

Karma Resort operates The Reef Resor, with comfortale air conditioned lumbung style bungalows in a prime beachfront location on the east coast.

Nearby, Meno Mojo Beach resort is currently under construction, with two villas already operating, and a total of 16 stylish villas surrounding the resort swimming pool planned for the near future.

The restaurant and beach club is already open and provides sun lounges,shadybales and comfortable tables overlooking the beach,with a good selectionof meals and drinks;grilled and barbecued fresh seafood is the specialty.

Also on the east coast,tropical Hideaways,located a short strool inland (down the lane next to Blue Marlin Dive),is agood mid-range option and has air conditioned rooms with western bathdrooms.

The water surrounding the island is clear turquoise and the beaches are covered in brilliant white sand,fringed with groves of coconut palms.

There is a good snorkeling along the northwest coast and it is often possible to see Green,Leatherback and Hawksbil turtles.to swim with thesehuge creatures – that are so awkward and ungainly on land but move through their natural element with grace – is perhaps the most special underwater experience of all and a major reason for visiting Gili Meno.there is also good snorkeling off the west coast near the now-defunct Bounty Resort.Swim out to where the old  pontoon has sunk and become a home for many fish.

Inland from th beaches,yhe island is quite dry with small homes scattered trough the coconut groves.

In the middle,toward the west coastmis a salt lake from which the local people still harvest salt on a small scale.it can be quite full in rainy season but dries up in the summer.

Dotted around the island,casual beachfront café’sand bars serve Indonesian and popular wastern meals,with fresh fish and wood-fired pizzas being Gili Meno specialities.

Some provide low-key entertainment in the evenings,more so in the high seasons,but visitors to Gili  Meno largely come for romantic escapes a chance ti rejuvenate in the natural beuty of the island’s deserted beaches.