Gili Lankanfushi has long been celebrated for its pristine lagoon and luxurious overwater villas, but beyond the beauty lies a commitment to sustainability that runs deep. A prime example of this dedication happens quietly, behind the scenes – the resort’s Sewage Treatment Plant (STP), a system designed to transform wastewater into a valuable resource, reducing environmental impact while supporting the island’s operations.
Why the STP Matters
The STP is a cornerstone of Gili Lankanfushi’s eco-efforts, playing an essential role in reducing pressure on local freshwater sources and lowering the resort’s overall environmental footprint. The system has a capacity to treat 150 KLD (kiloliters per day) of wastewater and produce treated water for non-potable needs such as watering gardens and pathways, cleaning buggies, and supplying flush tanks across the island. Each day, this reuse saves 17 m³ of freshwater and approximately 60 kW of electrical power.
In the year 2025, Gili Lankanfushi has saved 82,516 liters of diesel and 74,580,000 liters of water, thanks to this system. The STP, along with 30% of resort’s electricity, is powered by renewable energy generated through solar panels installed on the rooftops of various buildings in the Host Village. This integration not only supports the STP’s operations but also reduces the resort’s carbon footprint, reinforcing Gili Lankanfushi’s commitment to sustainable practices.
A Behind-the-Scenes Experience
Guests curious to learn more can join Gili Lankanfushi’s complimentary Back-of-the-House Tour, conducted twice weekly by the resort’s Chief Engineer, Ahmed Majid. This exclusive experience offers a glimpse into the island’s hidden operations, including electrical generators, the heat recovery system that uses generator heat to warm water, the boat-building yard, carpentry workshop, buggy and bicycle maintenance areas – and, of course, the STP.
“The STP is one of the most impactful systems on the island. It can treat 150 KLD of wastewater and produce treated water for our daily non-potable usage like supplying flush tanks, and watering of gardens and pathways. By reusing treated water, we save 17 m³ of freshwater and approximately 60 kW of electrical power per day.
I love hosting the Back-of-House Tour because it shows guests the practical side of sustainability. While the STP is always the highlight, I also enjoy showing our guests the heat recovery systems that warm water by exchanging heat from our power generators, the boat-building yard, and carpentry workshop, as every part of the tour reflects our commitment to responsible operations. Guests are often impressed to learn that these efforts contribute to Gili Lankanfushi’s EarthCheck certification, which is something we are very proud of.” — Ahmed Majid, Chief Engineer
Photo: Ahmed Majid, Chief Engineer
Committed to Global Standards
Gili Lankanfushi’s sustainability initiatives, including the STP, are audited annually under the EarthCheck environmental certification program, one of the world’s leading benchmarks for sustainable tourism. This ongoing assessment ensures that every system, from water treatment to energy management, meets the international best practices. For guests, this means every stay supports a resort that is independently verified for its environmental responsibility.
Guests can book the Back-of-the-House Tour through their Mr./Ms. Friday and discover how sustainability powers every stay at Gili Lankanfushi.
For more information, please visit www.gililankanfushi.com
