Let’s start from the beginning: Gili Air is a small paradisiacal island in Indonesia, surrounded by white sandy beaches, turquoise waters, and an abundant marine life that truly deserves to be explored through diving. In other words, it’s a sure bet if you’re the kind of person who enjoys watching sunsets and soaking up the relaxed atmosphere.
Here, there are no schedules, no monuments with long queues to arrive early at, nor an itinerary where 24 hours feel too short. Gili Air is relaxation, small doses of adventure, and immense beauty to escape the hustle and bustle, routine, and rush. In this complete guide, we detail everything you need to know to make the most of your visit to Gili Air.
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All about Gili Air
We won’t lie to you. Gili Air is not an undiscovered secret destination. Unfortunately, hidden treasures are scarce in a world increasingly globalised by tourism. But that doesn’t mean it ceases to be an island designed for disconnecting from your daily life, with all the ingredients one would expect from a terrestrial paradise.
History and culture
Gili Air is one of the three Gili islands, located northwest of the coast of Lombok. Unlike its sisters, Gili Trawangan (the liveliest) and Gili Meno (the most tranquil), Gili Air offers the perfect balance between local culture and modern amenities.
The island’s inhabitants, primarily of the Sasak ethnicity, have a rich tradition of fishing and agriculture, and their hospitality is one of the island’s most notable characteristics. Here, life moves at a slower pace, and it’s common to see locals playing traditional music or simply enjoying the day. Warning! Visiting Gili Air may forever change your perspective on life and make you reconsider what you’re doing for the rest of the year at home, work, or in the city when you could be here in paradise.
Location and how to get there
Gili Air is located about 35 kilometres off the coast of Bali and just a few minutes by boat from Lombok. There are several ways to reach Gili Air:
- From Bali: The most popular way is by taking a fast boat from the ports of Padang Bai or Serangan. The journey takes between 1.5 and 2 hours.
- From Lombok: You can take a public boat or a fast boat from Bangsal harbour, which will take you to Gili Air in about 15 minutes.
- From other Gili islands: Local boats connect the three Gili islands, so it’s easy and affordable to move between them.
What to see in Gili Air
Despite its small size, Gili Air is full of things to see, although without stress. Don’t expect a map of landmarks like in Paris or Rome. Here are some of the highlights:
Dream beaches
Gili Air boasts white sandy beaches surrounded by palm trees. Isn’t that tempting enough? The beach on the east coast is perfect for watching the sunrise, while the west coast offers spectacular sunset views. All beaches, regardless of the cardinal point, are breathtaking.
Turtle sanctuary
Don’t miss the chance to visit the turtle sanctuary and learn about the conservation efforts on the island, which are considerable, to protect this fascinating species. Additionally, you can observe them underwater if you decide to dive.
Mosques and traditional architecture
Although small, Gili Air is home to several mosques that reflect the Muslim culture of the island.
What to do in Gili Air: unmissable activities
We don’t want to overwhelm you with the need to make too many plans because the best thing about Gili Air is not needing to plan to enjoy it to the fullest. Go with the flow. Let yourself be carried by the island’s rhythm. That’s the key. Even so, here are a few ideas if, between cocktail and cocktail, you want to get moving.
Snorkelling and diving
Gili Air is famous for its incredible marine life. You can snorkel directly from the beach and see sea turtles, colourful fish, and if you’re lucky, manta rays. For those who want to take it a step further and dive deeper into the underwater world of Gili Air, we recommend diving. We’ve recently opened a new DPM Diving school on the island, and our team of professionals will be happy to guide you to the best diving spots on the island, such as Coral Garden and Shark Point, as well as the other Gili islands.
Cycling and walking
The best way to explore Gili Air is by bicycle or on foot, among other reasons because motor vehicles are not allowed on the island. A bike ride around the island takes just a few hours and allows you to discover hidden beaches, small cafés, and local life.
Yoga and wellness
Gili Air is the perfect place to relax and recharge. There are several yoga studios on the island offering daily classes as well as wellness retreats. It’s an excellent way to start or end your day surrounded by nature.
Excursions to nearby islands
From Gili Air, you can easily take a day trip to Gili Meno or Gili Trawangan. These islands are only a few minutes away by boat and offer their own unique experiences, from the extreme tranquillity of Gili Meno to the vibrant nightlife of Gili Trawangan.
Gastronomy in Gili Air
The food in Indonesia is always a plus. If we add to the delicious local options the international character of its islands, with culinary offerings from around the world, we can assure you that dining becomes an activity in itself on Gili Air. Here you will find a mix of traditional Indonesian cuisine and international options:
- Local Warungs: These small family-run restaurants serve delicious dishes like nasi goreng (fried rice), satay (meat skewers), and gado-gado (salad with peanut sauce).
- Beachfront Restaurants: Enjoy a romantic dinner by the sea with fresh seafood and tropical cocktails. The budget is up to you—either a table with cloth, candles, or a more informal setting under straw umbrellas.
- Cafés and Bakeries: Gili Air has several cosy cafés where you can enjoy a good coffee and freshly baked cakes, both local and from traditions around the world.
Accommodation in Gili Air
It’s your choice. Gili Air offers all possible options for the traveller’s budget. As with everywhere in the world, the equation of ‘higher price, more comfort’ usually holds true. To find out more, discover our post on the best places to stay.
Parties and nightlife
Although Gili Air is quieter than Gili Trawangan, the nights can be long at beachside venues offering live music, bonfires, and cocktails. A combination that, from experience, is enticing enough to keep you going until dawn without even realising it.
Don’t miss the beach parties on weekends, where locals and tourists mingle to dance under the stars. Can you think of a more evocative image for your holiday than this?
Tips for your trip to Gili Air
- Travel light: Not in a rush, but with fewer bags. Remember, there are no motorised vehicles, so you’ll need to carry your luggage on foot or by horse-drawn cart.
- Carry cash: Although there are some ATMs on the island, it’s better to carry enough cash as they are not always available.
- Sun protection: The sun can be very strong, so be sure to bring good sun cream and light clothing.
- Respect the local culture: Gili Air has a Muslim community, so dress respectfully, especially in the more local areas.
Instructor & Photographer in DPM Gili Trawangan.
Diving instructor SSI/RAID🌊
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