Getting There
BY PLANE
Although it is possible to get to Gili Meno, Lombok over land or water, the best way is to fly.
BY FAST BOAT FROM BALI
Numerous fast boat services depart from Bali to Gili Meno with one or two stops in Senggigi, Lombok and in Gili Trawangan. Boats depart from the major Bali seaports – Benoa, Padang Bai and Serangan – and it takes between 2 to 2.5 hours to get to Gili Meno. However, during the big swell (July-August) and monsoon (January-February) season delays and even cancellations can occur. The ticket price can vary as it depends on the travel agent and season, and usually, includes the land transfer from/to your accomodation in Bali.
BY FAST BOAT FROM LOMBOK
The public boat departs from Bangsal harbour at 11am and 4pm and the cruise takes around 30 minutes to get to Gili Meno. The ticket price varies depending on the time of departure and starts from IDR25,000. Charter boats will coats around IDR200,000 one way for the entire vessel. Charter boats also leave from Bangsal Harbour on the west coast of Lombok mainland.
BY FAST BOAT FROM OTHER GIL ISLANDS
There is an official island hopping boat service with a couple of boats carrying passengers from Gili Trawangan and Gili Air to Gili Meno. The boats depart according to the official schedule. The same boats perform the reverse route from Gili Meno to Gili Air, and from Meno to Trawangan two times per day. The ticket price is around IDR25,000 for a one-way trip. Charter boats are also available to hire at the cost of IDR200,000 for the one-way cruise.
Getting Around
Due to the fact that Gili islands do not have motorised transport, there are only a few options to get around the tiny island:
ON FOOT
Meno is the smallest among three Gili Islands, appealing to the quiet walks along the beach. You can easily circumnavigate the islet around the perimeter in around 1.5 hours on foot. Walking around the island is an excellent way to explore the area, and find your ideal beach.
BICYCLE
Renting a bike on Gili Meno is widely available for IDR50,000 per day. Riding the bicycle is a fast and convenient way to move about the island, however, there are a few places with deeper sand so better to avoid riding along some paths. Also, check your bike on malfunctions as some of them are rather old and pretty used.
HORSE CARTS
Horse carts or ‘cidomo’ are available on the island if you are travelling with heavy bags and staying away from the departure area. The flat rate of IDR170,000 is now charged notwithstanding the distance.