In Reply to: lombok posted by frazzledfozzle on Wednesday, 3. March 2010 at 18:33 Bali Time:
I can't compare Amed to The Gilis as I haven't snorkelled off Amed, but I can say that the snorkelling off the Gilis is pretty good. There is plenty of sea life, even turtles, and the coral has improved over the last couple of years.
There are also some great places to snorkel off the island of Lombok, but being a similar size to Bali, you should locate yourself near the snorkelling if that is what you are interested in.
Amazing snorkelling to be had in the South but hard to get to and not near any major tourist centres.
Also really excellent snorkelling off the Gilis in North East Lombok, much better than the 'gilis' you are probably referring to (as in the 3 famous ones). You can do a day tour to Gili Sulat and Gili Lampu, where the snorkelling is quite unspoiled and well worth the effort. These islands don't have tourist or accom facilities.
There is even OK snorkelling near Senggigi, right off the beach at places like Mangsit, but not as good as the Gilis as it has been damaged by locals fishing and anchoring boats.
BTW - Gili means island, and there are actually lots and lots of them off the coast of Lombok.