The Clarity of Gili Meno
After a relaxing day of chillaxin’ and hitting up the spa, we awoke on our 3rd day in Lombok early to head out on a setup day trip to the Gili Islands. After reading up on Lonely Planet and listening to the locals suggestions our destination would be the most quiet and quaint Gili Meno over the overly touristy and general drugged out party hub of Gili Trawangan. Our hired hands were local Lombokians Bromman and “Matt”. Gearing up with some fitted snorkel fins and mask we hopped on a local dinghy for our expedition to Gili Meno.
Our guides were super friendly and led us to the promise land of snorkeling heaven and beach hut chilling. We seemingly picked the best day to go as well with glass clear waters and sun all about. The boat ride of around and hour to Gili Meno was serene and provided epic views of the western coast of Lombok. Upon arrival to our first snorkeling location, we soon found that the water was as clear as possible, the waters warm, and the reefs shallow and colorful.
To beat the midday heat we carefully navigated the dinghy outrigger through sections of 3 foot shallow reef and anchored on the western side of Gili Meno. A little cafe with beach front bamboo mat elevated huts would provide the much needed shade for the next couple of hours. Some grinds, some cards, some Bintangs.
Local pony pulled carriages scurried to a from to provide an extra level of transportation into the center or other side of the island which was only about a mile and a half in width. Lorrin, Kea, and I took advantage to go check out a local silversmith whereby you can order made to order silver jewelry. Turned out that Lorrin made one of the most epic decisions of his life to order up a wedding band but I’ll leave the details of that story to him and his.
After our beach and trek session, we hit the water again for second snorkel mission on the eastern side of the island. Once again, next level, this time swimming with sea turtles like it was nothing. A calming boat ride home would set us up for the first style of night life on the island, issuing Mr. Mays into his 30th year.
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