Everyone needs a place like this at some point in life. A place where time seems to stretch endlessly between sunrises and sunsets, where routines and stress dissolve with the tide, where you stroll in flip-flops and minimal clothing, skin salty and hair windswept. That’s Gili Air: a small, tranquil island with local charm and a hippie-chic vibe that captivates anyone who steps on it.
If you’re planning a trip to the Gili Islands and want to know what to do in Gili Air, where to relax, what to eat, how to get around, or where to dive (with us, of course!), keep reading. This guide covers it all.
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Where is Gili Air and why is it so special?
Gili Air is one of the three Gili Islands, along with Gili Trawangan and Gili Meno, located just off Lombok, Indonesia, and a short boat ride from the world-famous Bali. You might wonder: what makes so many people arrive and stay longer than planned?
- The vibe is genuinely relaxed. No cars or motorcycles—only bicycles and horse-drawn carts. It’s like stepping back a few centuries and rediscovering the value of walking.
- Authentic local life combined with simple yet delicious food and a cosmopolitan visitor mix makes the perfect blend.
- A paradise for diving, snorkeling, yoga, and pure relaxation.
- Every corner offers a smile, a delicious warung (local restaurant), or a view that leaves you speechless.
What to do in Gili Air: Activity guide
Gili Air may be small, but it offers activities for every taste—from underwater adventures to days spent doing nothing but gazing at the sea. Here are our must-dos:
Diving in Gili Air – a must!
If there’s one thing you can’t miss, it’s diving in Gili Air. And we say that with full authority. Beyond its crystal-clear waters, marine life is abundant, and the nearby reefs make it perfect for both beginners and advanced divers. You can encounter turtles, reef sharks, colorful fish, and thriving corals.
With excellent visibility and minimal currents, it’s also ideal for beginner courses like Open Water. In other words, you can get certified in a spectacular location: dive in the morning, relax in the afternoon!
Relax on the beach
Switch to full “vacation mode.” Gili Air is surrounded by beaches where you can lie down with a coconut in hand, finally read that book you’ve been putting off, or just watch the ocean. There are also livelier beaches with bars and music, complementing quieter spots for total peace. The choice is yours.
Unique sunsets
Sunsets in Gili Air are an experience in themselves—like seeing the Eiffel Tower or visiting the Uffizi Gallery. Every evening, the sky paints itself in pink, orange, and purple, and the island pauses to watch. Of course, there are beach bars offering live music, comfy seating, and cocktails. Or you can go solo, sit on the sand with a Bintang beer, and enjoy the natural show.
Yoga and meditation
Gili Air has a very spiritual and relaxed vibe, perfect for yoga, meditation, or simply reconnecting with yourself. Several yoga studios offer daily classes by the sea, and many accommodations provide private or group sessions.
Local cuisine and warungs
One of Gili Air’s gems is its simple, delicious, and affordable food. Warungs serve everything from Balinese curries to flavorful vegetarian dishes. We recommend trying nasi campur, mie goreng, or freshly grilled fish.
Most options are budget-friendly, but there are also more sophisticated restaurants with creative menus. There’s something for every taste and budget—from street food to vegan bowls, international dishes, and charming cafés for breakfast.
Looking for other activities?
Gili Air also has a social and alternative side, perfect if you want to move around a bit:
- Indonesian cooking classes
- Live music at beach bars in the evenings
- Boat trips for snorkeling around the three islands
- Bike rides around the island (30–40 minutes to circle it entirely)
- Massages, spas, and treatments with sea views
Gili Air is the perfect place to disconnect, reconnect, and float through life. If you’re looking for a destination combining diving, tranquility, local culture, and dreamy beaches… this small island has it all. And remember, you’ll also find us at our school, ready to offer top-level courses and dives.
Instructor & Photographer in DPM Gili Trawangan.
Diving instructor SSI/RAID🌊
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