The Southern Gilis Tour

The Southern Gilis Tour offers a chance to explore the stunning Gili Islands off the coast of Lombok. This 8-hour excursion immerses visitors in the rich cultural heritage of Banyumulek Village, the vibrant marine life of Gili Nanggu and Gili Sudak, and the serene beauty of Gili Kedis and Gunung Mareje. With transportation, a guided experience, and a local lunch included, the tour caters to both experienced and novice travelers. Whether you’re seeking culture or underwater adventure, this tour provides an opportunity to uncover the hidden gems of the Southern Gilis.

Key Points

• An 8-hour excursion from Mataram City to explore the Southern Gili Islands, including Banyumulek Village, Gili Nanggu, Gili Sudak, Gili Kedis, and Gunung Mareje.
• Offers snorkeling opportunities, a scenic photo stop, and a local lunch on Gili Sudak, providing a comprehensive experience of the region’s natural and cultural highlights.
• Includes transportation, a local guide, and entrance fees, making it a convenient and inclusive tour package.
• Suitable for guests aged 15 kg and above, with restrictions for those over 95 years or 140 kg.
• Covers a mix of activities, including pottery making, sightseeing, and free time, catering to diverse interests and preferences.

Tour Details

The Southern Gilis Tour is an 8-hour excursion that provides transportation from the hotel lobby and operates in English.

Guests are picked up from their hotel 10 minutes before the scheduled departure time.

The tour explores several destinations, including Banyumulek Village, where travelers can learn about traditional pottery, and the crystal-clear waters of Gili Nanggu, Gili Sudak, and Gili Kedis, where snorkeling is offered.

A scenic photo stop is made at Mareje Hill.

Along the way, travelers enjoy a included lunch on Gili Sudak.

The tour isn’t suitable for children under 15 kg, people over 95 years or 140 kg.

Itinerary Overview

The tour begins with a 40-minute bus ride from the hotel to Mataram City, the capital of West Nusa Tenggara. Travelers then visit Banyumulek Village for a 30-minute photo stop, guided tour, and sightseeing of the traditional pottery making. Next, they board a speedboat for a 70-minute journey to Gili Nanggu, where they can enjoy 40 minutes of snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters.

Destination	Duration
Gili Sudak	105 minutes (lunch, free time, snorkeling)
Gili Kedis	20 minutes (sightseeing)
Gunung Mareje	30 minutes (photo stop)

The tour then continues to Gili Sudak for a 10-minute speedboat ride, followed by lunch, free time, and 105 minutes of snorkeling. The final stops are Gili Kedis for 20 minutes of sightseeing and Gunung Mareje for a 30-minute photo stop before the 1.5-hour bus ride back to Mataram City.

Banyumulek Village

After the initial 40-minute bus ride from the hotel, the tour arrives at Banyumulek Village, where travelers can explore the traditional pottery making during a 30-minute photo stop, guided tour, and sightseeing.

This quaint village is known for its skilled artisans who’ve been crafting pottery for generations. Visitors can:

1. Watch in awe as the potters masterfully shape and sculpt the clay using age-old techniques.
2. Browse the vibrant display of colorful pottery, ranging from intricate vases to functional bowls and platters.
3. Interact with the local artisans and learn about the cultural significance of this centuries-old craft.

This immersive experience at Banyumulek Village provides a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the region.

Gili Nanggu Snorkeling

From Banyumulek Village, the tour then heads to Gili Nanggu, where visitors can enjoy a 70-minute speedboat ride.

Visitors can also enjoy 40 minutes of snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters surrounding the island.

Snorkelers can marvel at the vibrant marine life and colorful coral reefs that thrive in this picturesque tropical setting.

The shallow, calm waters around Gili Nanggu make it an ideal spot for both experienced and novice snorkelers to explore the diverse underwater world.

With schools of tropical fish, sea turtles, and a variety of corals, the snorkeling experience at Gili Nanggu is sure to leave a lasting impression on visitors.

Gili Sudak Experience

Next, the tour takes visitors to Gili Sudak, where they’ll enjoy a 10-minute speedboat ride to the island. There, they can savor a leisurely lunch and take advantage of free time to explore the island’s pristine beaches and tranquil atmosphere.

The tour also includes 105 minutes of snorkeling, allowing guests to enjoy the vibrant underwater ecosystem teeming with marine life.

The Gili Sudak experience offers:

1. A delicious local lunch to fuel the day’s adventures.
2. Uninterrupted free time to wander the island at a leisurely pace.
3. An extended snorkeling session to discover the diverse marine life.

Gili Kedis Sightseeing

Following the visit to Gili Sudak, the tour takes visitors on a 5-minute speedboat ride to the serene Gili Kedis.

There, they’ll have the opportunity to spend 20 minutes sightseeing and capturing the island’s tranquil ambiance.

Gili Kedis is a small, uninhabited island known for its stunning natural beauty. Visitors can stroll along the island’s pristine white sand beaches, admire the crystal-clear turquoise waters, and take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding islands.

With its peaceful atmosphere and lack of crowds, Gili Kedis provides a serene respite from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

This brief stop on the tour offers a chance to soak in the beauty of the Southern Gilis before the journey continues.

Gunung Mareje Viewpoint

After the visit to Gili Kedis, the tour proceeds with a 20-minute speedboat ride and 20-minute bus journey to Gunung Mareje, a scenic viewpoint offering panoramic vistas of the surrounding islands.

Atop the hill, visitors are treated to:

1. Breathtaking 360-degree views of the tranquil Gili Islands and the distant Lombok coastline.
2. An opportunity to snap stunning photos and soak in the natural beauty of the region.
3. A chance to appreciate the serenity and solitude of this peaceful hilltop setting.

The 30-minute stop at Gunung Mareje allows travelers to fully enjoy the captivating scenery before heading back to Mataram City, concluding the comprehensive Southern Gilis Tour.

Inclusions and Restrictions

The tour package’s inclusions cover a comprehensive range of services, including lunch, transportation, a local English-speaking guide, and entrance fees.

However, the tour has some restrictions, as it isn’t suitable for children under 15 kg, people over 95 years or 140 kg. This ensures the safety and comfort of all participants.

The tour’s pickup and drop-off service in the Senggigi area adds to the convenience, while gratuities and personal expenses are excluded, allowing travelers to budget accordingly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Snorkeling Gear?

Guests can bring their own snorkeling gear if they prefer. However, it’s worth noting that the tour provides high-quality snorkeling equipment, which is included in the tour price. Using the provided gear ensures proper fit and safety.

Is There a Weight Limit for the Speedboats?

Yes, there is a weight limit for the speedboats used on this tour. According to the details, the tour is not suitable for people over 140 kg.

Are There Any Additional Costs for the Photo Stops?

The tour package does not mention any additional costs for the photo stops. The inclusions cover all fees associated with the tour, including entrance fees and transportation. There are no extra charges for the scheduled photo opportunities.

Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary to My Preferences?

Yes, most tour providers allow customers to customize their itinerary within reason. However, additional costs may apply for any changes made. It’s best to discuss preferences with the tour operator to see what can be accommodated.

What Should I Bring for the Day-Long Tour?

For a day-long tour, you’ll want to bring comfortable walking shoes, sun protection like a hat and sunscreen, swimwear and a towel if there’s swimming, and any necessary medications. Bring a small backpack or bag to carry your essentials.

Recap

The Southern Gilis Tour offers a comprehensive exploration of the stunning Gili Islands.

Visitors can enjoy the rich cultural heritage, marvel at the vibrant marine life, and admire the serene beauty of the archipelago.

With transportation, a guided experience, and a local lunch included, the tour caters to both experienced and novice travelers, providing a memorable island adventure.