Gili Air - Indonesia

First Impressions

After exploring Lombok, we made our way to the GiliIslands, beginning with Gili Air.

At first glance, Gili Air feels like it has found thesweet spot that many island destinations spend years trying to create. It hasenough cafés, restaurants, beach bars, and activities to keep thingsinteresting, but never feels overcrowded or chaotic.

The pace is noticeably slower than Bali. People seem towalk a little slower, linger a little longer over their meals, and spend moretime watching the ocean than looking at their phones.

For us, Gili Air struck the perfect balance betweenrelaxation and activity.

Getting There

We travelled from Lombok via Bangsal Harbour.

There are two main options:

Fast Boat

·      Travel time: Approximately 10 minutes

·      Cost: Around 150,000 IDR per person(approximately AUD $12.50)

·      Frequent departures throughout the day

Public Boat

·      Travel time: Approximately 15-25 minutesdepending on loading

·      Cost: Around 50,000 IDR per person(approximately AUD $4-$5)

·      Departswhen full

We travelledduring the low season in January and found the public boats were fillingquickly due to the steady flow of both locals and tourists. Waiting timesappeared to average around 15 to 30 minutes.

Visitors comingfrom Bali can also access Gili Air via fast boat services departing from SanurHarbour.

The Vibe

If Gili Trawangan is the social butterfly of the GiliIslands and Gili Meno is the quiet introvert, Gili Air sits comfortably in themiddle.

The island has a relaxed, barefoot atmosphere withoutfeeling isolated.

The harbour sits on the eastern side of the island, whichalso offers some beautiful sunrise views. The western side is known for itsspectacular sunsets, beachfront dining, and many of the island's higher-endaccommodation options.

One of the first things visitors notice is the absence ofmotorised vehicles. Don’t be put off by the overwhelming bustle of the harbour,the island is peaceful. The soundtrack is waves, bicycles, conversations, andthe occasional rooster rather than engines and traffic.

Horse carts known as cidomos operate throughout theisland. We chose not to use them as we personally prefer not to support thepractice. Fortunately, Gili Air is small, relatively flat, and very walkable.

Getting Around

Getting around is simple.

Walking

Our preferred option.

The island is compact enough that most locations can bereached within 20 to 30 minutes on foot.

Bicycle Hire

·      Around 50,000 IDR per day

·      Approximately AUD $4.50

Cycling is one of the most enjoyable ways to explore theisland.

Electric Scooter Hire

·      Around 150,000 IDR per day

·      Approximately AUD $12.50

Pathways circle the island and cut through the middle makingnavigation easy.

Things To Do

Snorkelling

The clear waters surrounding Gili Air make snorkellingone of the island's biggest attractions.

Coral reefs can be accessed directly from many beaches,while numerous operators offer guided snorkelling trips that visit turtlehotspots and the famous underwater statues near Gili Meno.

We joined a half-day snorkelling trip for around 200,000IDR per person (approximately AUD $18).

As we visited during January, visibility was slightlyreduced due to the wet season, which typically runs from November to March.Even so, we still encountered marine life and enjoyed the experience.

Diving

Gili Air has become a popular destination for bothbeginner and experienced divers.

Several dive schools offer introductory dives andinternationally recognised certification courses.

Cycling Around The Island

One of our favourite activities was simply exploring.

Cycling allows you to discover hidden cafés, beachfrontbars, local villages, and quiet stretches of coastline that many visitors don’tfrequent.

Sunset Watching

The western side of the island delivers some spectacularsunsets. Grab a drink, find a beachfront beanbag, and enjoy one of nature'ssimplest forms of entertainment.

Nightlife

While not as lively as neighbouring Gili Trawangan, GiliAir still offers a vibrant social scene with beach bars, live music, andoccasional full moon parties.

Food & Drink

One thing you will never struggle to find on Gili Air issomewhere to eat.

The island offers an impressive variety of dining optionsconsidering its size, ranging from local Indonesian warungs to Italian,Mexican, Mediterranean, seafood, vegan, and modern café-style menus.

We spent four nights on the island and never felt shortof choice.

Where To Stay

Accommodation options cater to almost every budget.

You'll find:

·      Budget guesthouses

·      Mid-range boutique hotels

·      Beachfront villas

·      Luxury resorts

The western side generally offers more premiumaccommodation and sunset views, while the eastern side provides convenientaccess to the harbour and sunrise outlooks.

Our Accommodation Picks

Budget Traveller

Royal RegantrisHotel

If you're travelling on a tighter budget but still want aquality experience, this is one of the better-rated options on the island. Itoffers a relaxed atmosphere, pool facilities, and a location that makesexploring the island easy. Ideal for backpackers, long-term travellers, andcouples looking to stretch their budget without sacrificing comfort.

Mid-Range Sweet Spot

The KOHO AirHotel

This would probably be my "best value"recommendation. It consistently receives excellent reviews and offers aboutique feel without luxury pricing. It's particularly well suited to coupleswho want a peaceful stay, quality accommodation, and a little more comfortafter a day of snorkelling or cycling around the island.

Luxury Escape

PinkCocoGili Air

For travellers wanting a premium island experience, thisadults-only property is one of the most highly regarded stays on Gili Air. Thedesign, service, and atmosphere consistently place it among the island'sstandout accommodation options. It sits close to restaurants and beaches whilestill maintaining a boutique resort feel.

Disclaimer: Accommodation prices on Gili Airvary significantly depending on season. During our visit in January (wetseason), rates were noticeably lower than during the peak July-August period.We recommend booking well ahead if travelling during the dry season.

What We Loved

Gili Air feels authentic without being remote.

It offers enough infrastructure to make travel easy whileretaining the relaxed island atmosphere that draws people to Indonesia in thefirst place.

The lack of traffic, walkability, beautiful coastline,and friendly atmosphere made it one of our favourite island destinations.

What We'd Do Differently

Having not visited before we chose to stay at a hotelwith close proximity to the harbour. Sadly, the reviews did not provide a clearpicture of the premises, and we found it to be a little disappointing albeit,it did not diminish our great memories of our visit to the island.

Knowing how easyit is to get around we would probably to choose to stay further around on thewest side of the island for quick and easy access to restaurants, cafes andbars with a sunset vibe.

How Long To Stay

We spent four nights on Gili Air and found it to be theideal length of stay.

It gave us enough time to:

·      Explore the entire island

·      Enjoy snorkelling and beach activities

·      Sample a variety of restaurants

·      Slow down and embrace island life

If you're looking for a blend of relaxation, activity,and convenience, four nights is a great starting point.

QuickFacts

·      Best For: Couples, snorkellers, divers,and travellers seeking a relaxed island escape.

·      Top Experiences: Snorkelling withturtles, diving, cycling the island, beach cafés, and sunset watching.

·      Best Time to Visit: May to October fordry weather and clearer waters.

·      Recommended Stay: 3-4 nights.

Our Verdict

Score: 9/10

If Bali feels too busy and Gili Meno feels too quiet,Gili Air may be the Goldilocks island. It offers just enough energy to stayengaged and just enough calm to remember why you came to an island in the firstplace.