MileHacker Logo
Pre-Trip Checklist

Pre-Trip Checklist

Indonesia

Essential Preparations

Chronological steps for a smooth journey.

Planning Timeline

Detailed steps for your Gili Meno trip.

3

Months Before

Passport & Visa

Passport valid for at least 6 months from entry. Research visa requirements (VoA, e-Visa, or exemption).

Book Flights

Secure international flights to Bali (DPS) or Lombok (LOP).

Travel Insurance

Purchase comprehensive travel insurance covering medical emergencies (including evacuation), trip cancellation, and lost luggage. Make sure it covers diving if you plan to dive.

1

Month Before

Accommodation

Reserve your preferred bungalows or resort rooms, especially for high season or specific dates.

Boat Transfers

Secure your fast boat tickets from Bali (Padang Bai/Serangan) or Lombok (Bangsal) to Gili Meno. Advance booking is wise.

Health Consult

Consult a travel health clinic or your doctor for personalized vaccination advice and prescription medications (with a doctor's note).

1

Week Before

Confirm Bookings

Reconfirm your flights, accommodation, and fast boat transfers. Print or save digital copies of all confirmations.

Documents & Apps

Organize your passport, visa documentation, travel insurance details, and copies of all reservations in a secure, accessible place. Download Google Maps offline data for Gili Meno/Lombok and the Bahasa Indonesia language pack for Google Translate.

Bank Notification

Notify your bank and credit card companies of your travel dates and destination to avoid any holds on your cards due to suspicious activity.

Advance Bookings

bookings for a seamless journey.

Required Reservations

  • International flights.
  • Fast boat transfers to Gili Meno.
  • Preferred accommodation on Gili Meno.
  • Any specific tours or diving courses for guaranteed spots.

Pre-Trip Research

Inform yourself about Gili Meno and local ways.

Study Beforehand

  • Familiarize yourself with basic Indonesian customs and etiquette.
  • Learn a few basic Bahasa Indonesia phrases.
  • Check current weather patterns for your travel dates.
  • Read reviews of accommodations and dive shops.

Home Preparation

Securing things at home before you leave.

Household Details

  • Arrange for pet care if you have pets.
  • Arrange for mail to be held or collected.
  • Notify neighbors or family of your travel plans.
  • Secure your home (lock windows, set alarms, turn off unnecessary appliances).

Financial & Admin

  • Pay any bills coming due during your absence.

Checklist Completion

  • A well-prepared departure initiates a calm start to your Gili Meno adventure.

Preparation Reminder

A well-prepared departure initiates a calm and excited start to your Gili Meno adventure.

Arrival Checklist

First steps upon arriving in Indonesia determine the mood for your trip.

First Steps Upon Arrival

  • 1
    Clear Immigration and Customs

    Have your passport, visa (if applicable), and customs declaration form ready.

  • 2
    Currency Exchange/ATM

    Exchange some currency or withdraw cash at Bali (DPS) or Lombok (LOP) airport. Avoid exchanging large sums at the airport due to potentially unfavorable rates.

  • 3
    Local SIM Card

    Purchase and register a local SIM card at the airport for connectivity.

Getting Settled

  • Orientation Strategies

    Once you reach Gili Meno, locate your accommodation on a map. Note its proximity to the jetty, restaurants, and other points. Absorb the island's quiet atmosphere, especially the absence of motorized vehicles.

  • Initial Purchases

    As ATMs on Gili Meno can be unreliable, acquire enough Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) from Bali or Lombok for your initial expenses: cidomo ride, first meals, and any small purchases.

  • On-Island Transport

    From Gili Meno Jetty: Horse carts (cidomos) wait at the jetty to transport you and your luggage to your accommodation. Agree on the price before boarding. Many accommodations near the jetty are within walking distance.

Departure Preparation

Souvenirs & Shipping

Purchase your souvenirs well before your final departure from the island. Small shops on Gili Meno offer basic items.

No shipping services are available directly from Gili Meno. If you plan to ship larger purchases internationally, arrange this from Lombok or Bali.

Departure Timing

Reconfirm your fast boat departure time with your accommodation or the boat company the day before you leave. Allow ample buffer time for your transfer from Gili Meno to Lombok or Bali airport. Sea conditions can affect boat schedules, and traffic on the main islands can cause delays.

Try to arrive at the departure jetty at least 30-45 minutes before your boat. For flights, airport arrival for international departures is 2-3 hours before, and 1.5-2 hours for domestic flights.

Return Trip Preparation

Pack your essentials for the journey home, keeping important documents and any medications easily accessible. Make sure you have all your belongings. Double-check closets and drawers.

Settle any outstanding bills with your accommodation. Leave no trace behind, respecting the island’s environment.

Departure Reminder

A well-organized departure sees your trip concluding smoothly, leaving you with positive memories of Gili Meno.