Sustainable & Responsible Travel: Gili Meno

Protected Areas

The waters surrounding the Gili Islands are part of a designated marine protected area. This status works to safeguard the coral reefs and diverse marine life.

Turtle Conservation

The Gili Meno Turtle Sanctuary is a local project active in sea turtle conservation. They care for hatchlings and injured turtles.

Coral Reef Restoration

Several dive centers and local organizations participate in coral reef restoration efforts, often creating artificial reefs or replanting coral.

Conscious Choices

Your interactions directly benefit the island's environment. Make conscious choices to lessen your footprint.

Waste Management & Recycling

Waste management poses a significant challenge for the small Gili Islands. Landfill space is limited. Formal recycling infrastructure is also limited.

Minimize Waste

Reduce Plastic Use: Avoid single-use plastics wherever possible.
Reusable Water Bottles: Many accommodations and dive shops offer water refill stations.
Reusable Shopping Bags: Carry for any purchases.
Minimize Packaging: Choose products with minimal packaging.

Water Conservation & Carbon Offset

Freshwater resources are limited on Gili Meno. Many accommodations use desalinated or well water.

Mindful Usage & Offset Travel

Take shorter showers. Turn off taps when not in use. Report any leaks.
Every drop of water on an island is precious.
Terrapass: Purchase carbon offsets for your flights to Indonesia.
This mitigates the environmental footprint of your air travel.

Eco-Friendly Accommodation

Seek out accommodations that emphasize eco-friendly practices. Inquire about their initiatives.

Sustainable Practices

Using reef-safe sunscreen.
Implementing waste reduction programs.
Providing water refilling stations.
Using solar power or other renewable energy sources.

Responsible Tour Operators

Choose dive centers and tour operators that demonstrate a commitment to protecting Gili Meno's environment.

Ethical Engagements

Offering responsible diving and snorkeling briefings (no touching coral, no chasing marine life).
Operators that support local community projects.
Educating visitors about local conservation.
Commitment to long-term sustainability.

Sustainable Gear & Tours

Eco-Friendly Stays

Find and book accommodations with a focus on environmental care.

Ecobnb: Eco-friendly accommodation

Ethical Adventures

Join tours that prioritize local communities and environmental preservation.

G Adventures: Ethical tour operators

Support Local Conservation

Choose operators and accommodations demonstrating a commitment to protecting Gili Meno's environment. This helps preserve the island's natural beauty for future generations.

Cultural Sensitivity & Economic Impact

Your choices as a traveler directly influence the local economy. Choose options that benefit the Gili Meno community.

Cultural Preservation Efforts

Support cultural preservation by respecting local customs and learning a few Bahasa Indonesia phrases.

Respectful Interaction Guidelines

Greetings: Offer a polite greeting in Bahasa Indonesia.
Dress Modestly: When away from the beach in local villages, cover shoulders and knees.
Asking Permission: Always ask for permission before photographing individuals.
Patience: Embrace "jam karet" (rubber time), the relaxed approach to schedules.

Photography Ethics & Religious Sites

Be mindful of privacy. Avoid intrusive photography of people in their daily lives or during religious ceremonies without explicit consent.

Religious Site Etiquette

If you visit a mosque on Lombok, women cover their heads and wear modest clothing.
Remove your shoes before entering. Always remain quiet and respectful inside.
Do not post photos of individuals online without their permission.
Engage in discussions about politics or religion with caution.

Supporting Local Businesses

Directly support the local economy by making thoughtful choices.

Stay Locally

Stay in locally run guesthouses and bungalows.

Eat Locally

Eat at small family-owned warungs for delicious and inexpensive Indonesian meals.

Choose Local Operators

Hire local boat operators for snorkeling trips and purchase goods from local vendors.

Ethical Shopping & Animal Welfare

Prioritize locally made souvenirs. Avoid items from endangered species. Dispose of waste properly. Do not touch, stand on, or break coral. Do not chase marine life. For cidomos (horse carts), be aware of animal welfare concerns; consider walking or cycling. If donating, do so through established local charities.

Sustainable & Responsible Travel