DESTINATION
Gili Asahan One of the little tropical gems that make up southwest Lombok’s ‘Secret Gilis.’
Right now we are in the midst of peak tourism season in Lombok. Beach life is busy with vibrant bars and restaurants, but sometimes it is hard to resist the urge for a new off the radar adventure. For travellers in search of the quiet life the aptly named ‘Secret Gilis’ fit the bill perfectly. Located just offshore in Sekotong Bay are a dozen dreamy, idyllic small islands teaming with spectacular reefs and abundant soft white sand. And there is no where better to sample laid back island living than diminutive Gili Asahan. This small tropical island is just offshore but feels a world away from Lombok’s cosmopolitan beach communities of Senggigi or the more famous three Gilis in the north. Gili Asahan ticks all the right boxes for the quintessential desert island experience – no cars, motorbikes or even horse drawn carts. Not that this is any hindrance as the island can easily be circumnavigated on foot in little more than one hour. Despite its size the landscape is surprisingly varied. Sugary white sand beaches fringe the entire coastline while inland a couple of forested hills provide the perfect 360 degree vantage point for sublime views of the mainland and nearby Gili Gede island. Within the tropical undergrowth the fauna is equally as diverse. There is always the possibility of a chance meeting with monkeys while a glance skyward may be rewarded with the sighting of a sea eagle or hawk. The castaway lifestyle is not a travel brochure cliché but a true reflection of what to expect on Gili Asahan, You really will have a whole stretch of beach all to yourself, and you may not see another soul for hours at a time, particularly outside weekends or public holidays. There is just one solitary resort on the island - Pearl Beach Resort which offers comfortable beachfront accommodation and a range of activities including kayaking and snorkelling. The resort overlooks a pristine shallow reef perfect for swimming and snorkelling, teeming with a wide variety of colourful marine life.
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