Nestled between its more bustling sisters, Gili Trawangan and Gili Air, lies the tranquil paradise of Gili Meno. This peaceful island is renowned for its serene beaches, laid-back atmosphere, and one truly unique attraction that draws visitors from around the globe: the incredible Gili Meno statue, officially known as “The Nest.”
More than just a beautiful sight, this underwater sculpture installation serves as a powerful reminder of nature’s fragility and the importance of marine conservation. If you’re planning a trip to the Gili Islands, a visit to this enchanting underwater world is an absolute must-do.
What is the Gili Meno Statue (“The Nest”)?
The Gili Meno statue is a captivating collection of 48 life-sized human figures submerged just off the coast of Gili Meno. Created by the internationally acclaimed underwater sculptor and environmentalist Jason deCaires Taylor (famous for similar projects in Mexico and the Caribbean), “The Nest” was installed in 2017.
The sculptures depict embracing couples and figures curled up on the seabed, arranged in a circular formation. This design isn’t just artistic; it symbolizes the circle of life, connection, and renewal. But there’s a deeper purpose: these statues are made from pH-neutral, environmental-grade concrete designed to become an artificial reef. Over time, they are intended to be colonized by corals, sponges, and other marine life, thus helping to regenerate the local ecosystem.
Where to Find the Gili Meno Statue
- Address: While it doesn’t have a street address in the traditional sense, the Gili Meno statue is located just off the west coast of Gili Meno, near the BASK eco-resort. If you’re on Gili Meno, look for the large BASK sign on the beach near the Saltwater Lake; the statues are approximately 100 meters offshore from there.
- Accessibility: The statues are submerged at a shallow depth of just 4 meters (about 13 feet), making them easily accessible for both snorkelers and divers. The water leading up to them from the shore is often shallow enough that you can walk part of the way out before swimming the rest.
How to Visit and What to Expect
Visiting the Gili Meno statue is a highlight for many, and there are a few ways to experience this underwater wonder:
Snorkeling Tours
This is the most popular way to see the statues. Many boat tours from Gili Trawangan, Gili Air, and Gili Meno include the statues as a key stop on their Gili Islands snorkeling trips. These tours typically visit multiple snorkeling spots, including “Turtle Point” and “Coral Garden.”
- Cost: Shared snorkeling tours usually range from IDR 150,000 – IDR 250,000 per person for a 3-4 hour trip. This generally includes snorkeling gear (mask, snorkel, fins). Private boat charters are also available for a more personalized experience.
- Opening Hours: The site itself is always accessible underwater, but tour boats typically operate from morning (around 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM) until late afternoon (around 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM).
- Crowd Avoidance: If you prefer to see the statues without large crowds, consider visiting early in the morning (before 9:00 AM) or late in the afternoon (around 5:00 PM). If you’re staying on Gili Meno, you can simply swim out from the beach, which allows you to avoid tour group schedules.
Diving
For certified divers, exploring “The Nest” offers a unique perspective. The shallow depth makes it suitable for all levels of divers. You’ll have more time to admire the intricate details of the sculptures and observe the marine life that has made them home. Numerous dive centers on Gili Trawangan, Gili Air, and Gili Meno offer fun dives to this site.
- Cost: A single fun dive typically costs around IDR 400,000 – IDR 550,000, including equipment.
- Facilities: Dive centers provide all necessary equipment and experienced dive masters.
Rules and Etiquette for Visiting “The Nest”
While there are no formal “entrance tickets” to the underwater statues themselves (you pay for boat tours or gear rental), there are important rules to follow to preserve this unique site:
- Do NOT Touch the Statues: This is the most crucial rule! The statues are designed to promote coral growth, and touching them can damage the delicate new coral polyps or disturb the marine life. Respect the environmental purpose of the installation.
- Do NOT Stand on the Statues: Similarly, standing on the figures is prohibited as it can cause damage and is disrespectful to the art and its conservation goals.
- Be Mindful of Your Fins: When snorkeling or diving, be aware of your fin movements to avoid accidentally kicking the statues or stirring up sediment, which can reduce visibility for others.
- Take Photos, Leave Only Bubbles: Capture your memories, but ensure you leave the site undisturbed for future visitors and marine life.
Why the Gili Meno Statue is More Than Just an Attraction
“The Nest” is a powerful symbol of how art can intersect with environmental conservation. As more corals grow on the pH-neutral concrete, the statues will gradually transform, becoming increasingly integrated into the natural reef. This ongoing metamorphosis highlights the resilience of nature and serves as a living, evolving artwork that continuously draws attention to the health of our oceans. You’ll often see small fish darting between the figures, and sometimes even turtles or reef sharks nearby, making it a vibrant ecosystem in the making.
What to Expect When Visiting
- Depth: The Gili Meno Statue stands at a depth of about 4 meters (around 13 feet), making it perfectly visible and accessible for snorkelers. If you’re comfortable holding your breath, you can free dive down for closer views and incredible photos. For certified divers, it’s a beautiful and easy dive site.
- Marine Life: Even if you’re focused on the statues, don’t forget to look around! The area around “The Nest” is becoming a vibrant mini-reef. You’ll likely spot colorful reef fish darting between the figures, and you might even encounter sea turtles or small reef sharks in the vicinity.
- Photography: This is an incredibly photogenic spot. Bring an underwater camera or a waterproof phone case to capture the haunting beauty of the statues. Early morning or late afternoon light often provides the best visibility and less harsh reflections.
Beyond the Statues: Exploring Gili Meno
After your underwater adventure, take some time to explore the rest of Gili Meno. It’s the quietest of the three Gilis, perfect for:
- Relaxing on Pristine Beaches: Enjoy the white sand and calm, clear waters.
- Visiting the Turtle Sanctuary: Learn about the efforts to protect sea turtles.
- Cycling the Island: Rent a bike and explore the island’s interior and quieter stretches of beach.
- Enjoying Tranquil Sunsets: Find a spot on the west coast for a peaceful sunset view.
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