Sekotong Islands: Quiet Beaches and Snorkeling in Southwest Lombok

The Sekotong peninsula is the southwestern arm of Lombok, and scattered off its coast is a chain of small islands collectively known as the Sekotong Islands — or sometimes the "Secret Gilis." The comparison to the Gili Islands is apt in one sense: white sand, clear water, reef snorkeling. The difference is the crowd level, which is substantially lower.

The main islands in the group include Gili Gede, Gili Layar, Gili Asahan, Gili Nanggu, and Gili Sudak. Each has its own character — some have small warungs and basic accommodation, others are essentially deserted. Most day trips hit two or three islands in a single loop.

Snorkeling

The reefs around Sekotong are in good condition relative to other parts of Lombok. Coral coverage is healthy on several of the islands, particularly around Gili Nanggu and Gili Sudak. Fish life is varied — reef fish, the occasional turtle, and in some spots small reef sharks. Visibility is generally good in the dry season.

Bring your own snorkeling gear if possible. Some boat operators carry loaner equipment, but quality varies.

Getting There

Sekotong is accessed from the small harbor at Pelangan or Tawun on the southwestern coast. Most visitors either:

1. Arrange a day trip through an operator in Kuta or Mataram (transport + boat included) 2. Drive independently to the Sekotong coast and hire a local boat directly at the pier

Option 2 is cheaper and gives you more flexibility on timing and which islands you visit. Negotiate the price and itinerary before getting in the boat.

Practical Info

• **Distance from Kuta:** Approximately 75–90km west, around 1.5 hours by car to the embarkation point at Pelangan
• **Getting there:** Hired car or motorbike to Pelangan; local wooden boats to the islands
• **Boat hire:** IDR 250,000–500,000 per boat for a day circuit depending on how many islands and how much negotiating
• **Best time:** Dry season, May–October. Seas can be choppy in wet season, making the boat crossing rougher.
• **What to bring:** Snorkeling gear, sunscreen, cash (no ATMs on the islands), food and water for the day
• **Time needed:** Full day recommended — 3–4 hours on the water plus island time

What to Expect

This is not luxury. The islands are basic — a warung here and there, some hammocks, beach shade. The appeal is the simplicity and the reef quality, not the infrastructure. If you want the Gili Islands experience without the crowd density and the noise, Sekotong delivers that.

The Spot in Kuta is about 1.5 hours from the Sekotong embarkation point — close enough for an early-start day trip. It's worth combining with an Autore Pearl Farm visit in the same area if you're making the westward drive. See also the [Pearl Farm guide](/blog/visit-a-pearl-farm) for details.