Gili Meno Beach

Gili Meno's main beach is what most people picture when they dream of a tropical island paradise — blindingly white sand, crystal-clear turquoise water, and almost nobody else around. The west coast of Gili Meno has the best beaches, with the stretch near the famous underwater NEST statues being the most popular section. Even "popular" on Gili Meno means a fraction of what you would see on Gili Trawangan. The snorkeling right off the beach is exceptional — you can wade in from the shore and within 50 meters be swimming over vibrant coral with sea turtles, clownfish, and blue-spotted stingrays. The underwater NEST statues by artist Jason deCaires Taylor are accessible by snorkeling and make for surreal photos. No motorized vehicles are allowed on any of the Gili islands, so the only sounds are waves and birdsong. A few beachfront restaurants serve meals, but options are more limited than the other Gilis. Bring cash — card payment is unreliable. Accommodation ranges from simple bamboo bungalows at IDR 300,000 per night to luxury resorts at IDR 3,000,000+. The island can be circumnavigated on foot in about 90 minutes. Getting here requires a boat from Bangsal harbor on Lombok or a transfer from Gili Trawangan.