Bounty Cruises are marketing day trips to Gili Rengit, off the southwest coast of Lombok, as a cruise to the “Secret Island”. On the nearby island of Gili Gede is the “Secret Island Resort”. So which is the real “Secret Island”? Or could it be that these islands, floating just offshore in the south-western corner of Lombok’s waters, are all secret hideaways for those in the know?
The region known as Sekotong is around one hour’s drive from the city, heading south past Lembar Harbour (the main port for ferries to and from Bali). The road winds around low mountain ranges parallel to the coast, through a picturesque landscape of rolling green hills and stunning coastal views. The southwest of Lombok is renowned for clear turquoise waters and pure white sand beaches and – best of all – most of it is undeveloped, offering a taste of natural unspoilt beauty.
In the village of Taun, three small islands lay in a peaceful bay – Gili Nanggu, Gili Tangkong and Gili Sudat. Small, enchanting coral islands, these Gilis are a forerunner to the other Gilis that trail down the coast from this point. Some are small and flat, no more than a dot of land fringed with white sand; others are larger, with small local populations. Most are uninhabited. In total, disregarding the small coral atolls and islands under formation, there are 13 Gilis along this part of the coast. The word “Gili” incidentally, means “small island” in the local language.
The largest of these islands is Gili Gede, appropriately meaning “Big Island”. The island lays just offshore and is easily accessed by boat from the village of Tembowong. The trip out to the island takes less than five minutes across calm waters. Gili Gede is one of the few islands in the area that has accommodation, at Secret Island Resort and at a newly opened resort on the other side of the island.
Secret Island Resort is spread across 1.3 hectares, perched on a hill on the south point of the island with ocean views all around. The grounds open directly onto the beachfront, with pretty gardens and berugaks for lounging overlooking the beach.
Accommodation is in an assortment of eclectic buildings, some new and some restored from the past. Perched high on the side of the hill is a two-storey villa with fantastic views across the bay. Upstairs are two bedrooms adjoined by a living area, with a bar and kitchenette. Downstairs are another two separate rooms, each with their own balconies. The villa is perfect for groups of up to four couples, or rooms can be rented individually.
At the base of the hill are three double rooms in the garden, only metres from the beachfront. The rooms are basic, but clean and comfortable, with fans, private bathrooms and terraces. Another four units are currently under construction, on the other side of the garden, and will have nice views of the beach when they are completed in the coming month.
Titin’s Yacht Bar is a large restaurant and pavilion that offers delicious meals, with fresh local fish and other specialties all prepared by the host’s charming wife. The restaurant is comfortably furnished with lovely views out over the beach and mainland. There’s also a television for watching DVD’s, a billiard table, books, chess and other games available to while away the time.
Secret Island Resort is the perfect place for a private group or party, and equally good for families or couples. Trek across the nature trail that leads to a gazebo on the top of the hill with fantastic views all around. Hire a kayak from the resort and enjoy exploring the beaches and sheltered coves around the island. There are many beautiful snorkelling spots nearby or you can learn to scuba dive with Dive Zone, the specialists for diving in the southwest.
Boat charter is available from the resort for island hopping to the other deserted islands nearby, or fishing trips can be organised… the night fishing is fantastic! For surfers, the world-famous waves of Desert Point are not far away, at Bangko-bangko on the southern point of Lombok.
The Big Island offers a host of activities that all the family will enjoy, at the same time as being a place where you can get away from it all. With no roads and very little development on the island, a few days here offers the chance to recharge and relax on a true “deserted” island. There are even tales of pirate ships that used to cruise the waters, seeking safe anchor in the protected harbour of Subowo Bay. Other local legends tell of wandering poets and Sufis who made their homes on this secret island centuries ago and whose descendants still live here.
Certainly it is easy to feel the mysterious and tranquil peace of Gili Gede as you walk along the beaches and nature trails. At night, the sound of gentle waves washes away all thoughts of stress and everyday life, as you gaze up at the Milky Way clearly sweeping across the clear night sky.
In the past, the secret islands of southwest Lombok were somewhat difficult to reach but now there are several options. Secret Island Resort can arrange transfers by car and speedboat from the airport in Mataram, or from the ferry at Lembar Harbour. Bounty Cruises now sail to Lombok from Bali three times per week and stop over at nearby Gili Rengit en route to the Lombok mainland, so it is easy to arrange a pickup from Gili Rengit. Visit the Secret Island website for more details: www.secretislandresort.com.
