When most travellers hear “Gili Islands,” they think of the famous trio off Lombok’s northwest coast – Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, and Gili Air.

But Lombok is actually dotted with gili (small islands) all around its coastline, and some of the most beautiful can be found off the southwest coast in the Sekotong area.

Nicknamed “the Secret Islands,” the southwest gilis are perfect for those seeking a peaceful, off-the-beaten-path destination with fabulous snorkelling and stunning ocean views.

South of Lembar Harbour (the main port from Bali to Lombok), the small town of Tawun is the jumping-off point for exploring the first group of southwest gilis.

Tawun is just over an hour’s drive from Mataram, and around 90 minutes from either Senggigi or Kuta.

Tawun is a pretty coastal village laid out around a wide, sweeping bay of white sand. The houses are quaint, the atmosphere is rural, and the locals are wonderfully friendly – it’s an area largely untouched by mass tourism.

Out in the bay lie three small islands – Gili Nanggu, Gili Tangkong, and Gili Sudak. Barely visible from the shore is the tiny “island in the making” of Gili Kedis… the jewel in the Sekotong crown.

Gili Kedis is a small patch of white sand that, when viewed from above, resembles a heart. It’s usually visited as part of an island-hopping trip that includes Gili Nanggu and, sometimes, Gili Sudak.

Gili Nanggu is the most popular of these islands and boasts soft white sand and spectacular snorkelling. The island has a small hotel and restaurant, making it a convenient spot for lunch or an overnight stay.

The reef at Gili Nanggu starts just offshore and is ideal for beginners. Wade in and swim over a vibrant underwater landscape teeming with colourful fish and all kinds of coral. Don’t miss the artificial reef which is home to juvenile fish darting through the submerged frame of a traditional berugak (gazebo).

After snorkelling and soaking up the sun on Gili Nanggu, make your way to Gili Kedis.

This tiny island is made up of soft sand and shaded by a few trees at its centre. There are basic facilities including toilets, sun lounges, seating, and a swing, along with local vendors selling cold drinks, beer, and snacks.

Gili Kedis is incredibly picturesque, with white sand dotted with rocks on the south shore and water so clear that, standing on the shore, you can watch the fish playing below.

It’s easy to spend a couple of hours here, lazing on a sun lounge, enjoying the stunning views, snorkelling in the warm, calm water, and snapping Instagram-worthy shots on the swing.

Gili Kedis makes for an idyllic day trip, surrounded by fish and corals, starfish by the dozens, and the kind of magical, barefoot experience that travellers dream about.

For an unforgettable adventure, consider an overnight camping trip to Gili Kedis. Watch the sunset over the nearby islands, enjoy grilled fresh fish by a bonfire, then fall asleep under a star-filled sky with the gentle ocean breeze around you. It’s an experience you’ll never forget!

Small local outrigger boats (called perahu) can be chartered from the harbour in Tawun, or look for signposts along the road south of Lembar Harbour advertising island-hopping tours.

Gili Nanggu is less than a 30-minute boat ride from Tawun (longer from other points). Negotiate a price when chartering a perahu to whichever islands you’d like to explore, depending on the number of passengers and how much time you’d like to spend exploring each island.

Alternatively, search online for the many tour operators offering trips to the Secret Islands from Senggigi and Kuta. For something extra special, consider an overnight camping experience on Gili Kedis with the top-rated local tour company, Feel Lombok (feel-lombok.com).

It’s well worth spending a few days in Sekotong to soak in the laid-back charm and spectacular views of southwest Lombok. There are hotels, bungalows, and guesthouses to suit all budgets. Spend your days exploring deserted beaches, sunbathing, swimming, and island-hopping for the ultimate relaxing beach holiday.