Expedition Overview
The three Gili Islands — Trawangan, Meno, and Air — are small coral islands off the north-west coast of Lombok, surrounded by reef and lapped by clear shallow water that cycles from pale turquoise to deep blue as the depth increases. They have no motorised vehicles (transport is by horse-drawn cidomo or bicycle), strict no-fishing zones that have produced some of the most easily accessible reef photography in Indonesia, and a light quality — particularly at the golden hours — that makes them a natural light photography study.
This three-day expedition divides between the marine photography of the reef turtle sanctuary and coral gardens, and the above-water light photography of the islands themselves — the silhouette of the three islands against the sunset, the morning light on fishing boats, and the extraordinary cloud formations that build over Lombok's mountains and frame the island compositions.
Expedition Itinerary
Day 1: Gili Trawangan Sunrise & Snorkelling
Dawn on the east coast of Gili T for the Rinjani-in-the-distance sunrise. Morning snorkelling above the turtle sanctuary — green turtles at 2–3m depth in water of exceptional clarity, photographable from the surface. Afternoon photography of island light on fishing boats.
The Goal of the Day: Surface snorkelling photography of marine turtles; island light study.
Day 2: Gili Meno — The Quiet Island
Gili Meno is the smallest and quietest of the three islands — mostly uninhabited interior, coconut palms, and a central brackish lake that supports migrating wading birds. Circumnavigation by bicycle: 5km of beach path. Turtle sightings at the reef at the north-east corner.
The Goal of the Day: Quiet island landscape photography; the intimacy of a small tropical island.
Day 3: Gili Air & Sunset Inter-Island
Gili Air is the most inhabited of the three — a community of Sasak fishing families, morning mosque call over calm water, and an east-coast reef walk that is accessible by wading at low tide. Sunset boat trip between the three islands.
The Goal of the Day: Community fishing photography; the three-island silhouette at sunset.
Book Your Expedition
Note: Final price may vary based on specific expedition details and customizations.
Expedition Leaders
Professor Nasrul Eam is a seasoned explorer and visual storyteller who has spent over two decades traversing Asia’s diverse landscapes and cultures. As Dean of the Department of Art and Photography at Light & Composition University, he leads immersive photography expeditions to regions like the Himalayas, Sundarbans, and Bali. These journeys blend cultural exploration with hands-on learning, culminating in a complete photography diploma. With a portfolio of over 50 publications—including The Quintessence of Photography and Illuminating Nature—his work captures the profound beauty of everyday life. His background in advertising, linguistics, and visual arts enriches his mentorship, guiding participants to uncover compelling narratives through their lenses. Professor Eam’s expeditions are transformative experiences, inspiring photographers to engage deeply with the world around them.
Travel Information
Fast boat from Bali (Padang Bai) to Gili: 1.5 hours. Or speedboat from Teluk Nare on Lombok: 20 min. Best season: May–September.
What to Bring
• Underwater housing or waterproof compact (essential for turtle photography)
• Wide-angle for above-water island compositions
• Bicycle-friendly camera carry (no panniers needed — small bag sufficient)
• Polarising filter for above-reef clarity shots