How to Visit the Secret Gilis in East Lombok with Kids (Gili Kondo, Kapal & Bidara)
Wondering if you can visit Gili Kondo, Gili Kapal and Gili Bidara in East Lombok with kids?
These “Secret Gilis” are peaceful, little-known islands with shallow beaches, calm water, and no crowds. And yes, they’re doable with toddlers and young children too.
Can you visit the Secret Gilis in East Lombok with kids?
Yes, you can, and it’s absolutely worth it. We visited Gili Kondo, Gili Kapal and Gili Bidara with our 2- and 3-year-old kids, and it was one of the most peaceful days of our trip.
The boat rides are short and gentle, the water around the islands is calm and shallow, and there’s plenty of space to play and explore without crowds. While there are no big facilities, you can bring your own snacks, find shade under trees, and enjoy the feeling of having a tropical island almost to yourself.
Just be prepared: you’ll need to carry little ones on and off the boat (a baby carrier helps!), and bring sun protection, drinking water and anything else your family needs for a few hours of off-grid fun.
Quick Summary: Secret Gilis (East Lombok) with Kids
Location
Northeast Lombok, near Labuhan Pandan (not Sekotong)
Getting There
Small private boat, about 30 min (one way)
Kid-Friendly?
Yes – calm water, shallow beaches, short boat rides
To Pack
Very limited – bring food, water, sunscreen
Activities
Snorkelling, sandcastles & relaxed beach time
Where to Stay
Bidara Cottage or a daytrip from elsewhere in Lombok
Our experience: calm beaches, clear water… and total peace
I honestly don’t understand how this place is still so unknown. These islands are stunning, soft white sand, ridiculously clear water, and not a single beach club or bungalow in sight. We weren’t sure what to expect, but it turned out way better than we hoped.
The kids loved it too. First we cruised quietly through a mangrove forest, then stopped at a calm snorkelling spot. We even spotted flying fish from the boat, which was a big hit.
After that, we hopped between the islands; playing on quiet beaches, collecting shells, and just enjoying the simple joy of being somewhere that feels totally untouched.
⚠️ Just a quick note: there are also “Secret Gilis” in southwest Lombok (around Sekotong), and yes, we’ve been there too. But in our opinion, the ones in the northeast — Gili Kondo, Gili Kapal and Gili Bidara — are even more beautiful.
And no, they’re nothing like the famous Gili Islands near Lombok’s northwest coast. These are smaller, quieter, and feel a lot more local. No beach bars, no crowds, and definitely no Bintang singlets.
👉 Planning to explore more of Indonesia? Don’t miss our full guide to visiting Lombok with kids, packed with tips for families with babies and toddlers.
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1. How to get to the Secret Gilis: boats, tours & family-friendly options
The Secret Gilis — Gili Kondo, Gili Kapal and Gili Bidara — are easiest to reach from Labuhan Pandan or Padak Guar on Lombok’s east coast. Most local tours use traditional wooden boats (perahu) and include two to four islands, depending on the weather and tide.
🛥️ Private boat
If you’re staying nearby (Tetebatu, Labuhan Pandan, or even Sembalun), your accommodation can usually arrange a private boat tour. This is what we did from Bidara Cottage, it’s flexible, affordable, and perfect if you’re travelling with kids.
🧭 Day trips from Senggigi, Kuta and beyond
Don’t want to plan it all yourself? You can also book a full-day trip from major tourist areas in Lombok, including transport and guide. This is great if you’re short on time or want everything arranged.
✅ Check availability & prices for Secret Gilis day tours from Senggigi or Kuta
👉 Book here or here
2. What to expect on a trip to the Secret Gilis with Kids
If you’re staying in Tetebatu, East Lombok or even Senggigi, you can easily arrange a trip to the Secret Gilis; peaceful little islands that feel far from the usual crowds. Here’s what our visit looked like with young kids:
🚤 The journey: calm waters & mangroves
Most boats leave from Labuhan Pandan or Padak Guar. The boat ride was calm and scenic. We cruised quietly through a mangrove forest and spotted flying fish along the way, which the kids found fascinating.
🐢 Snorkelling stop
We stopped at a snorkelling spot in calm, clear water. It was easy and safe to watch from the boat; the kids enjoyed trying to spot sea turtles and colourful fish just below the surface without even getting in the water.
🏝️ Island time
We visited several islands — Gili Kondo, Gili Kapal, and Gili Bidara. All had shallow, calm beaches perfect for young children to splash around and build sandcastles. The kids loved exploring the quiet shores and chasing crabs.
💡 Crew Tip: There are no facilities on the islands — no shops or cafés — so make sure to bring snacks, water, sun protection, hats, and anything else your family needs for a few hours away from it all.
3. Where to stay near the Secret Gilis: our family-friendly pick
If you’re planning to visit the Secret Gilis, we highly recommend spending a night (or more) in the nearby village of Labuhan Pandan. It’s quiet, peaceful, and perfectly located for early boat departures.
We stayed at 👉 Bidara Cottage, a small, locally run hotel just minutes from the harbour, and it was ideal for families.
👨👩👧👧 Why we loved it:
- Clean and spacious rooms
- Baby cot and high chair available
- Great big pool: perfect for cooling off after a beach day
- Friendly owners who helped arrange our boat tour
- Nice garden for the kids to play
- Affordable and relaxed atmosphere
- Simple meals prepared on request, and they even made kid-sized portions for ours
It’s nothing fancy, but it has everything you need — and the location makes it super easy to explore the Secret Gilis without rushing.
✅ Check prices and availability for Bidara Cottage
👉 Bidara Cottage
Final Thoughts: An Easy Adventure for the Whole Family
If you’re looking to add something unique and peaceful to your Indonesia trip, the Secret Gilis are a perfect detour. Calm beaches, short boat rides, and no crowds — it’s the kind of experience that feels adventurous, but still works well with toddlers.
We combined this trip with other family favorites in Bali and Lombok, and loved the mix of quiet nature and beach fun.
👉 Check out our full 3-week Bali & Lombok itinerary with kids to see how we fit it all together!
Planning more adventures in Lombok?
Don’t miss our waterfall day trip guide for families (yes, even doable with toddlers!) and Lombok with Kids: Baby, Toddler & Family Travel Tips.
Or head to the coast and hop over to the Nusa Islands with kids for more beachy fun.
🧳 Need help packing and planning?
Download our 👉 Family-Friendly Bali & Lombok Day-by-Day Itinerary, or browse our 👉 Travel Shop for more family printables and kids’ travel journals.
📌 Save this guide to Pinterest & follow us for weekly family travel ideas.
📸 Say hi on Instagram where we love sharing real tips and behind-the-scenes from our adventures with kids!
Happy travels! 🏝️
— The Little Passport Crew
FAQ: Visiting the Secret Gilis with Kids
👶🏻 Can I visit the Secret Gilis with a baby?
Definitely. The islands are quiet and the beaches have shallow water. Bring all your baby essentials, as there are no shops or restaurants. A baby carrier is more useful than a stroller.
🍴 Can you buy food or drinks on the islands?
No. There are no facilities on the islands, so bring your own snacks, water, and anything else your family might need for a few hours.
🕘 How long does the trip take?
Most tours take about 4–5 hours total, including boat rides and stops on 2–3 islands. We recommend starting in the morning so you’re back in time for naps or a relaxed afternoon.
🚸 Is this trip safe for less confident swimmers?
Yes, the water is very calm and shallow around the islands. Young kids can play safely at the shore under supervision. Life jackets are usually available on the boat, but check ahead or bring your own for extra peace of mind.
📍 Where exactly are the Secret Gilis in Lombok?
These Secret Gilis — Gili Kondo, Gili Kapal and Gili Bidara — are located off the east coast of Lombok, near the village of Labuhan Pandan. They’re different from the better-known “Secret Gilis” in southwest Lombok near Sekotong.
🌦️ What’s the best time of year to visit?
The dry season (April to October) is ideal — the water is clearer, the sea is calmer, and it’s easier to plan your trip without rain interruptions.
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