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The Gili Islands in Indonesia are known for their pristine waters, incredible coral, and diverse marine life. Most visitors make sure to put in as much snorkeling time as possible to check out the colorful reefs and armada of sea turtles that populate the islands.
If you’re looking for something a bit more unique, be sure to make your way to the Gili Meno statues. These underwater sculptures are what mermaid dreams are made of and make for the most epic travel photos!
Quick Answer: Best Way to Visit the Gili Meno Statues
The best way to visit the Gili Meno statues is by joining a snorkeling tour from Gili Trawangan, especially if it’s your first time exploring the Gili Islands.
- Best overall: Snorkeling tour from Gili Trawangan
- Best budget option: Public boat + swim from Gili Meno
- Best for photos: Stay on Gili Meno and go early in the morning
Something to consider: If you want a fun, social experience with zero planning, go for a tour. If you prefer fewer crowds and better photos, visiting independently or staying on Gili Meno is the better choice.
If you’re still deciding, continue reading below for a closer look at each option, including what to expect and who each one is best for.
What Is the Story Behind the Gili Meno Statues?
The Gili Meno statues, also known as “Nest,” are one of the most unique underwater attractions in Indonesia.
Created by Jason deCaires Taylor, the installation features 48 life-size human sculptures arranged in a circle on the ocean floor. Each piece was cast from real people, which gives the statues a lifelike and slightly surreal feel when you see them underwater.
The figures appear to embrace or curl inward, symbolizing life, connection, and continuity. It is this mix of art and environment that makes the site stand out from other snorkeling spots in the Gili Islands.
Why Were the Gili Meno Statues Created?
The Gili Meno statues were not just created for tourism. They were designed to support marine life and help restore coral reef ecosystems in Indonesia.
Coral reefs in the Gili Islands have faced damage over the years due to factors like over-tourism, anchoring, and natural events such as earthquakes. Like many reef systems around the world, they are also affected by pollution and climate change.
To help counter this, the statues were built using eco-friendly, pH-neutral materials that allow coral to grow naturally. Over time, they form an artificial reef that attracts fish, sponges, and other marine life.
Today, the area is already showing signs of growth, making it both a snorkeling attraction and a small but meaningful conservation effort in the Gili Islands.
Where Are the Gili Meno Statues Located?
The Gili Meno statues’ location in Indonesia is on the west coast of Gili Meno, one of the three Gili Islands off the coast of Lombok.
They sit about 100 meters from shore in shallow water, around 3 to 4 meters deep, near the main beachfront snorkeling area. This makes them one of the most accessible snorkeling spots in Indonesia and a must-visit when island hopping around the Gili Islands.
Read more: How to get to the Gili Islands
How Do You Visit the Gili Meno Statues from Gili Trawangan?
The easiest way to get to the Gili Meno statues from Gili Trawangan is by joining a snorkeling tour, which is the most popular option for travelers visiting the Gili Islands.
1. Snorkeling Tour from Gili Trawangan (Best Overall)
- Price: IDR 150,000 to 350,000 (around $9–$22 USD)
- Duration: 4 to 5 hours
- Includes: multiple snorkeling spots like Turtle Point
Since most travelers stay in Gili Trawangan, it’s easiest to base yourself there and join a tour. It makes sense to book your stay at Mad Monkey Gili Trawangan before heading out to the statues.
Best for: first-time visitors, groups, and social travelers
2. Public Boat + Swim (Best Budget Option)
You can visit the Gili Meno statues without a tour by taking a local boat between the Gili Islands.
- Boat fare: IDR 35,000 to 40,000 (around $2–$2.50 USD)
- Travel time: 15 minutes
From the port, walk 15 to 20 minutes to the west coast, then swim out to the statues.
Best for: budget travelers and independent explorers
3. Stay on Gili Meno (Best for Timing & Photos)
Staying on Gili Meno gives you early access to the Gili Meno statues snorkeling area before tours arrive.
For a more social base, you can check availability at Mad Monkey Gili Trawangan and visit Meno as a day trip.
Best for: photographers and travelers who want fewer crowds
Explore more: Check out all our Gili T Madventures tours and events
Which Is Better: Snorkeling Tour, DIY, or Staying on Gili Meno?
Each option offers a slightly different experience depending on your budget, time, and travel style.
- Snorkeling tour: easiest, social, covers multiple spots, but can be crowded
- DIY trip: cheapest, flexible timing, requires more effort
- Stay on Meno: best timing, fewer crowds, quieter vibe
Decision tip: If you want convenience and a fun group experience, go for a snorkeling tour. If your priority is fewer crowds and better photos, staying on Gili Meno or visiting independently is the better choice.
When Is the Best Time to Visit the Gili Meno Statues?
The best time to visit the Gili Meno statues for snorkeling is early morning.
- Before 9 AM: calm water, fewer people
- Around 1 PM: fewer boats
- 10 AM to 12 PM: peak crowds
From experience, visiting early makes a huge difference, especially since this is one of the most popular snorkeling spots in the area.
What Should You Know Before Visiting the Gili Meno Statues?
A few small details can make a big difference when visiting the Gili Meno statues, especially if you want a smoother experience and better snorkeling conditions.
- Use reef-safe sunscreen to protect coral and marine life
- Bring fins for easier swimming and diving down to the statues
- Watch for sharp coral when entering the water from shore
- Avoid touching the statues or any marine life to help preserve the reef
- Do not feed fish, as it disrupts the natural ecosystem
- Go early in the morning if you want clearer water and fewer crowds
- Be mindful of boat traffic, especially during peak snorkeling hours
- Visibility can change depending on tides and weather, so conditions may vary throughout the day
If you’re staying on Gili Meno, bike rentals typically cost IDR 50,000 to 75,000 per day (around $3–$5 USD), which is a convenient way to get around the island.
How Long Should You Spend at the Gili Meno Statues?
Most travelers spend around 45 minutes to 1 hour at the statues.
If you’re on a snorkeling tour, this will be one of several stops, so your total trip will last around 4 to 5 hours.
If visiting independently, 1 to 2 hours is enough to explore, swim, and take photos before heading back.
What Else Can You Do in Gili Trawangan?
If you’re visiting the Gili Meno statues, you’ll likely spend most of your time in Gili Trawangan, the main hub of the Gili Islands.
To get the most out of your trip, it’s worth planning a few experiences beyond just snorkeling. This is where you really get a feel for the island, from laid-back beach days to social nights and group activities.
Since most travelers stay here, it makes sense to book your stay at Mad Monkey Gili Trawangan and join activities directly from the island.
Here are some of the top experiences to try:
- Monkey Sea, Monkey Do Snorkeling Tour: Explore the best snorkeling spots around the Gili Islands, including turtle areas and the Gili Meno statues
- Private Snorkeling Experience (4-Hour Boat): A more flexible and quieter way to explore the islands
- Mexican Family Dinner: A social dining experience with great food and fellow travelers
- Foam Party: Beach party with a live DJ and a high-energy crowd
- Beach Volleyball Tournament: An easy way to meet people and join a fun activity
- Gili T Beach Clean-Up: A simple way to give back and help keep the island clean
If you prefer everything in one place, you can also use the Mad Monkey Experience app to book tours and events while earning points for perks during your stay.
FAQ: Gili Meno Statues (2026)
Is it worth visiting the Gili Meno statues?
Yes. It is one of the most unique snorkeling spots in Indonesia and a must-visit in the Gili Islands.
Can you swim to the Gili Meno statues?
Yes. The statues are about 100 meters from shore and accessible for strong swimmers.
How deep are the Gili Meno statues?
Around 3 to 4 meters, making them suitable for snorkeling.
What is the best time to visit the Gili Meno statues?
Before 9 AM to avoid crowds and get better visibility.
Are the Gili Meno statues crowded?
Yes, especially between 10 AM and 12 PM when most snorkeling tours arrive.
How do you get to the Gili Meno statues from Bali?
Take a fast boat from Bali (usually departing from Padang Bai or Serangan) to the Gili Islands, then travel from Gili Trawangan to Gili Meno by boat or tour.
Final Thoughts: Are the Gili Meno Statues Worth Visiting?
Yes, the Gili Meno statues are worth visiting, especially if you are traveling through the Gili Islands in Indonesia.
- First-time travelers: snorkeling tour
- Budget travelers: public boat + swim
- Photo-focused travelers: stay on Gili Meno and go early
It’s one of the top highlights and a must-visit destination when island hopping in Indonesia.
Read More:
Did you enjoy this article about the Gili Meno underwater statues? Interested in finding more unique snorkeling spots and underwater statues? Then check out these other articles to discover more epic underwater worlds!
- Artificial Reefs Around the World by Alan Taylor from The Atlantic
- Jason deCaires Taylor from Artworks for Change
- 7 Amazing Underwater Sculptures and Sunken Gardens in Bali by Bali Indonesia
- 5 Top Underwater Spots for Instagram Photos in the Gili Islands by Roza Tsvetkova from Manta Dive
- 10 Mysterious Statues You Can Only See Underwater by Brooke Morton from Red Bull
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