The Hidden Gili Islands

Gili Air

Gili Meno

Gili Tranwagan

The complete set of the Gili Islands right? Wrong.

There are 'secret' (becoming less secret) islands to the south of Lombok and they are absolutely stunning. With icing sugar sand and snorkelling of dreams it really is a place to put on your bucket list.

We visited Gili Nanngu, Gili Tangkong and Gili Sudak via a private boat and guide. It wasn't a cheap trip but our guide was worth his weight in gold.

Here are my three Gili snorkelling top tips -

• Tip 1 - Wear a t-shirt in the sea if you're partial to burning, either that or stock up on your industrial strength factor 50+ for your back. You'll thank me.

• Tip 2 - If you have a GoPro - take it. If you don't have a GoPro - hire one. If you're a tight arse like me - buy a waterproof case for your phone, the photos won't be nearly as good but enough of a memory for you to look back on.

• Tip 3 - If you're a complete snorkelling novice, practice in your hotel pool before you head out. Practise breathing correctly and practise treading water (just incase you need to re-adjust your mask mid swim, you can't be standing on the coral!)

We had a day of exploring, snorkelling, eating grilled fish on the beach and lounging on the smallest island - which takes less than 2 minutes to walk all the way around.

If snorkelling and free diving is your thing then you have to go. If like us, you act like a victim of the Titanic the moment any sea water enters your snorkel .. go to! If we can do it, anyone can. Trust me, it's worth the sunburn and the sea water consumption. Just look at the photos and see for yourself.

Jess x