Absolutely! You can book our horse beach walk for 1,000,000 IDR. The duration will be 30 minutes. Feel free to reach out to inquire about any ongoing promotions and to secure your spot.
The journey of our beloved horses on Gili Asahan is a story of resilience, love, and new beginnings. It began with Manis, our first rescue from a life of hard labor on the mainland. For years, Manis lived alone until Nala, another rescued horse, arrived with her newborn foal, Fin. Their bond brought new joy to their lives, and soon, love blossomed. On Christmas Day, we celebrated the birth of Noella, the first horse born on Gili Asahan. Over time, our herd grew, with each horse bringing its own story and charm. Today, our family of eight horses thrives in a peaceful environment, free to roam and enjoy the island’s tranquility. Some of our horses were rescued and rehabilitated, while others were born and raised in this island paradise.
Visitors to the island can book activities like a beach walk or Liberty Horse Lessons, see the horses grazing in the fields during the day, meet them at the beach during horse walks, or occasionally spot them wandering near the restaurant.
Although our horses are friendly, we kindly ask visitors to keep a safe distance, especially while they are eating, and never feed them. Their diet is carefully managed to ensure their health and safety.
Price:
500.000 IDR (in-house guests)
1.000.000 IDR (outside guests)
Duration: 30 minutes
For families, we offer safe walks with just 2 horses, ensuring a more intimate and protected experience for children.
Price:
500.000 IDR (in-house guests)
1.000.000 IDR (outside guests)
Duration: 30 minutes
During the day, enjoy a serene beach walk accompanied by six horses and, if the weather permits, share a refreshing dip in the water with them.
Price:
500.000 IDR (in-house guests)
1.000.000 IDR (outside guests)
Duration: 30 minutes
For sunset lovers, strolling along the beach during the golden hour is an enchanting experience. Midway through the walk, you can pause at a beautifully set table to capture stunning photos as the horses pass gracefully in the background.
Price:
1.000.000 IDR
Duration: 1 hour
Discover the unique joy of connecting with free horses in a serene ocean setting. Learn to communicate naturally with these majestic beings, understand their behavior, and experience the profound emotional impact they can have.
Experience the unique joy of connecting with our horses through peaceful beach walks. Unlike traditional horse riding, our walks allow guests to lead one horse on a leash while the rest of the herd naturally follows. This intimate activity offers a rare chance to bond with these magnificent creatures and enjoy their tranquil energy.
The 30-minute walks take you along the picturesque beach, where you can capture breathtaking photos and videos. On hot days, the horses may even step into the water, adding a delightful twist to your adventure. For families with children, we keep the group small, using only two horses to ensure the children’s safety and allow them to fully enjoy and feel secure during the walk.
For adults, the experience includes six horses, creating a more dynamic and magical atmosphere. It’s also possible to combine a sunset walk with a romantic dinner. After a 15-minute stroll along the beach, you can enjoy a meal at a beautifully set table while the horses pass by, creating a perfect moment for photos. While we don’t provide professional photography, you can book drone photos when a pilot is available, and our horse guide will gladly help take pictures with your phone.
To ensure everything runs smoothly, two guides will accompany the walk, prioritizing safety and enjoyment for everyone. Availability depends on the tides, so please visit reception to secure your spot and get details on schedules and fees.
Have you ever dreamed of being with horses — these magnificent, gentle creatures you could watch for hours? Do their strength, beauty, and wisdom captivate you? Or perhaps you’re new to the world of horses, but feel drawn to values like freedom, openness, and personal growth?
Our sessions, held in a field by the ocean, offer a unique opportunity for everyone — even those with no prior experience with horses — to learn from these incredible animals.
During the session, you will:
· Immerse yourself in an atmosphere of freedom and harmony, connecting with these majestic beings.
· Learn how to communicate with horses in an open environment, and see how genuinely curious they are.
· Understand horse behavior and herd dynamics while learning to communicate with them in their own language.
· Develop skills in body awareness and inner balance, helping horses respond to your lead.
· Discover positive reinforcement techniques for creating engaging, effective interactions.
· Experience how horses can profoundly affect your emotional and physical state.
You will also have the chance to capture these special moments on camera, preserving memories of your time with the horses.
Extend the Experience:
Beach and Ocean Time with the Herd
If you’re looking to deepen your experience with the horses, you can extend your time by booking a Horse Walk. After your lesson in the field, you’ll guide the horses to the shore. Once there, you’ll have the opportunity to practice your skills on the beach, near the ocean, surrounded by free-roaming horses. This is the perfect chance to strengthen your connection with the herd, walking and running alongside the horse on the sand, and even entering the water together.
At Gili Asahan Eco Lodge, we believe that connecting with horses goes beyond riding. We offer sessions built on mutual respect, teaching natural interactions with free horses. Join us and discover what it feels like when these magnificent creatures, free from constraints, choose to be with you.
Join us and open your heart to the world of free horses !
Meet Our Horses: Discover their unique personalities, ages, and the special bonds within our family of eight. Learn who is related to who and what makes each horse a cherished part of our story.
Manis is our very first rescued horse. He is a wise and calm male leader of the herd, very gentle with children. However, he is also often seen playing childish games with our youngest horses.
Birthdate: 25 October 2015
Mother: Nala
Father: Unknown
Fin was rescued and arrived on our island as a foal, along with his mother Nala. He grew up to be a very intelligent horse and now Fin loves picking locks and wandering around the stable while the other horses are locked in their stalls.
Birthdate: 24 December 2016
Mother: Nala
Father: Manis
Birthdate: 30 October 2019
Mother: Noella
Father: Jago
The most agile and active horse, she is a very gentle and kind teacher in our liberty horse classes. When Nala needs a rest, it is Nina who takes her place on the horse walks.
Birthdate: 17 December 2020
Mother: Noella
Father: Jago
Birthdate: 10 October 2021
Mother: Nala
Father: Jago
Teo is a smart and attentive young horse. He is always ready to learn something new, very curious, and friendly with people.
Birthdate: 14 April 2023
Mother: Susan
Father: unknown
Adoptive Mother: Noella
The youngest member of our herd, very active, curious, and playful, just like a child! He is the one who starts all the games during horse walks.
Absolutely! You can book our horse beach walk for 1,000,000 IDR. The duration will be 30 minutes. Feel free to reach out to inquire about any ongoing promotions and to secure your spot.
We prioritize the well-being of our horses and are committed to providing them with the best possible life, meeting all their needs. Our horses are relatively small, with an average weight of around 200 kg, so many people may be too heavy for them to carry comfortably.
Instead of traditional horseback riding, we offer something truly special – Liberty Horse Lessons
Liberty Horse Lessons offer a unique and enriching way to connect with horses. In these lessons, there are no saddles or reins – just you and the horse, interacting freely in a natural, unrestricted environment. You’ll learn how to communicate with the horse, building trust and mutual respect. The beauty of Liberty lessons lies in the horses’ voluntary participation: they choose to stay close to you, moving freely and naturally in the open space. It’s not about control, but about developing a deep bond, understanding their body language, and seeing the world from their perspective. This experience is truly transformative for both you and the horse.
Liberty Horse Lessons are led by our experienced trainer and last one hour. The first half of the lesson is theoretical, where you’ll learn about herd dynamics, horse communication, how to use body language effectively, and the principles behind training. The second part is entirely focused on practice, where you’ll develop your skills by communicating with the horses without any restraints or equipment, using only your body language, all while surrounded by a free-roaming herd. It’s a hands-on experience that fosters a natural connection with the horses.
It’s common for people to compare the cost of horse walks to individual horse riding, overlooking the unique dynamics involved. Our horse walks include an entire family of horses, not just one. Maintaining eight horses on the island incurs various expenses, including the transportation of food and fresh water from the mainland. In addition to daily care and training, the horses need frequent veterinary visits, contributing to the overall cost. Furthermore, each horse walk is carefully guided and accompanied by at least two guides to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for participants and the horses.
Certainly! Our horses are visible to visitors even if they haven’t booked a specific activity. While they are sometimes near the restaurant, they can often be found in the paddock or exploring the area throughout the day. They are generally friendly, but please exercise caution and avoid getting too close when our team is not present.
Yes, we offer the Children’s Horse Walk, where children can walk alongside our two calmest and most experienced horses. Together with their parents, they lead one horse on a lead rope, while the other follows freely. It’s a peaceful and enjoyable experience for the whole family.
We recommend a maximum of two persons for the best experience, especially if you want to capture memorable pictures. If you are a larger group, we suggest taking turns to ensure everyone gets the most out of this enchanting experience.
Our horse guides will do their best to assist and take some pictures with your phone, but there are no professional photography services provided. Additionally, you can book a drone shooting with us, if the drone pilot is available.
The best time to pet the horses is during the Horse Walk, when accompanied by our horse guides. Alternatively, if you see the horses during the day with the trainer nearby, you may ask the trainer to introduce you to the horses. Please avoid petting the horses if you encounter them without the trainer, especially while they are eating, as they may feel disturbed and react unpredictably.
For children under 18, we recommend the Children’s Horse Walk with our two calmest horses for the safest experience. Parents may take children on the regular Horse Walk at their own risk. In this case, children will watch from a safe distance, and if the ocean conditions allow, we may lead the horses into the water to stand calmly. Once the horses are still, children can join for photos under their parents’ responsibility. During the walk, when all six horses are moving freely, children are kindly asked not to approach.
Horses, like humans, have varying preferences for swimming. Some love it, some like it less, and it can also depend on the weather. On hot sunny days, they usually enjoy cooling down, but in windy or wavy conditions, they may not be as excited. We prioritize the enjoyment of the walk for everyone and don’t force the horses. However, they sometimes choose to go for a swim on their own, suggesting they do find it enjoyable.
When our drone pilot is available, we can help enhance your horse beach walk experience by capturing memorable videos and pictures from unique aerial perspectives. Drone footage is not included in the price and is subject to weather and availability. The cost for drone services is an additional 300,000 IDR.
Feeding the horses is strictly forbidden not only because their digestion is very sensitive, but also because we don’t want them to associate humans with food. We take great care of their diet, using treats primarily during training sessions to ensure their well-being and safety. If you’re interested in learning how to use treats in horse training, you can sign up for a Liberty Horse Lesson.
The horse walk is designed for a delightful 30-minute experience, allowing you to fully enjoy the activity and capture some memorable pictures. If you’d like to spend more time it’s possible to book some extra time if still available.
Our first three horses were rescued. Witnessing the unfortunate treatment of horses across the islands deeply saddened us, inspiring a desire to offer them a better life. Our initial two rescued horses quickly bonded, and their joyful union was celebrated with the birth of their foal. Later, another rescued male horse joined them, and the family expanded again. In total, five horses were born on the island as a result of this journey. While not entirely planned, we are grateful for the opportunity to provide each of them with a happy and fulfilling horse life.
You can visit the horses at the stable when they are in their boxes, usually before 8 am and after 6 pm. Please remember not to feed them and exercise caution, as they are animals with their own behavior. Always ensure that you are accompanied by one of our guides.
The price for in-house guests is 500,000 IDR, while for those not staying with us, it’s 1,000,000 IDR. Feel free to reach out to inquire about any ongoing promotions and to secure your spot.
Health Insurance Requirement:
All participants must have valid health insurance that covers accidents during horse activities.
Assumption of Risk:
Participants acknowledge and understand the inherent risks associated with horse activities,
including but not limited to bites, kicks, stepping on feet or other unforeseen events.
Compliance with Guide’s Instructions:
Participants are required to follow the instructions provided by the guide at all times for their
safety and the safety of others.
Release of Liability:
By participating in the horse beach walk, participants agree to release the hotel and its staff from any liability for personal injury, property damage, or any other claims arising from their involvement in the activity.
Horse Handling:
Participants must handle the horses with care and adhere to guidelines provided by the guide. Any reckless behaviour that endangers the participant, others, or the horses may result in
immediate termination of the activity.
Weather Conditions:
The horse beach walk may be subject to cancellation or modification due to adverse weather conditions or unforeseen circumstances. The hotel reserves the right to make such decisions for the safety of all participants.
Booking and Cancellation:
The full price will be charged in case of cancelling the reservation 24 or less hours in advance.Scheduled Duration:
The standard duration of the horse beach walk is 30 minutes.
Additional time will be charged extra.
Arrival Consequences:
Participants must arrive on time for the scheduled activity. Late arrivals may result in a proportional reduction of the total allotted time for the horse beach walk.
The journey of our beloved horses on Gili Asahan began with Manis, the first horse we rescued from a life of hard labor on the mainland. For some years, Manis lived alone on the island until Nala, another rescued horse in poor physical condition, arrived with her newborn foal, Fin. Manis and Nala formed an immediate and inseparable bond, bringing a newfound joy to their lives.
Their love blossomed and on Christmas Day, the island celebrated the birth of their first foal, Noela, the first horse born on Gili Asahan.
During Covid, we rescued Jago, a larger horse who was severely malnourished due to the challenging times. While Jago found companionship with Noela, leading to the birth of Nina and Nalu, tensions arose between Jago and Manis. Their rivalry led to conflicts and to complicate matters, Nala gave birth to another foal, Teo, whom Manis believed was his own.
With a heavy heart, we decided to rehome Jago for the safety of the group. In his place, we welcomed a female horse, Susan, unaware that she was pregnant. Tragically, Susan passed away four weeks after giving birth to Jet, leaving us to bottle-feed the foal. Despite her initial reluctance, Noela stepped in as Jet’s adoptive mother, offering him protection and a place within the family.
Today, our herd of eight horses thrives in a peaceful environment, forming a unique and happy family. Their incredible journey reflects resilience, love, and the joy of new beginnings.
During children’s horse walks, 2 horses join. For adult walks, the herd of 6 horses joins.
Unfortunately, we can only accept bookings for horse activities up to 4 days in advance. However, we typically have several spots available each day, so securing a spot should not be an issue.
No, horse walks are not available every day, as our horse guides may not always be on site. We recommend getting in touch a few days before your preferred date to check availability. Please note that availability also depends on the weather and the well-being of our horses.
