Gili Air island is the smallest of the three Gili Islands, located just off Lombok and two hours by boat from Bali. Known for its turquoise waters, sandy beaches, and peaceful vibes, it’s the perfect spot for a quiet getaway. With no motorized vehicles, the best way to explore Gili Air is on foot or by bicycle. Snorkeling is a must-do activity, offering the chance to swim alongside sea turtles and explore colorful coral reefs just offshore.
Life on Gili Air island moves at a slower pace. Spend your days relaxing on the beach, enjoying fresh seafood BBQs at beachfront restaurants, or catch one of the island’s famous fiery sunsets while sitting in a beanbag sipping on a Bintang (or a coconut). Whether you’re staying for two nights or four, this laid-back island is an ideal retreat from the busy energy of Bali.
Which Gili Island is the best? What to choose?
If you’re planning to head to the Gili’s and aren’t sure which is best for you then have this in mind:
Gili Trawangan island is the largest of the three and very popular amongst younger people who love to party. While you’ll still be able to find calm corners, the island is definitely not as peaceful as Gili Meno or Gili Air. If you want to party every night, then I suggest you stay on Gili T. You can still take day trips to Gili Meno and Gili Air and have more relaxing experiences away from the island.
Gili Meno island is the middle island that doesn’t have as much going for it as the neighbors, so the majority of people visit the island on a day tour but don’t really tend to stay there overnight.
Gili Air island is the smallest and while it does have some nice places to eat and drink, the primary purpose of staying here is to relax, snorkel, sunbathe and take it easy. If you only want to party once or twice (or nothing at all), then I suggest you book your stay on Gili Air and head to Gili T for a night once. Gili Air is the best for honeymoons, families, and couples who are over partying. Singles tend to prefer Gili T though.
Best things to do on Gili Air
I’ve visited Gili Air three times, and it’s one of those places that keeps pulling you back. On my first visit, I even completed my diving certification here. This island is all about taking it easy and embracing the relaxed pace of life. Unique to the Gili Islands, there are no cars here—just bicycles, electric bikes, and the occasional horse-drawn cart.
While horse taxis are available, I recommend skipping them, as the animals aren’t always treated well. Instead, hop on a bike or explore on foot—it’s so small you can circle the entire island in about 30 minutes by bike.
1. Snorkeling with sea turtles
No matter which hotel you’re staying at on Gili Air island, arranging a snorkeling trip around the three Gili’s is super easy. Just ask anyone—from the receptionist to the bartender—and they’ll have a contact who can sort it out for you. Don’t stress about which boat to choose; go for the cheapest option! We paid 700,000 IDR for three adults and one child. The boat picked us up right in front of our hotel at 8 AM, which was super convenient.
We asked the crew to take us to Turtle Bay first, and it didn’t disappoint—we spotted plenty of sea turtles during the trip! It’s an unforgettable experience gliding through the turquoise waters alongside these incredible creatures.
TIP: convince them to take you as early as possible. Everyone wants to start the tour at 9.30, but we opted for a private tour and went at 8 am. The reason you want to go as early as possible is to see as many turtles as possible. The later you come, the lower the chance of a sighting.
2. Swing in the sea
On Gili Air, you’ll find plenty of picturesque swings set up in the sea by various restaurants and cafes, similar to those on Nusa Lembongan and Ceningan. The best part? They’re completely free to use—so go ahead and enjoy! These swings are perfect for capturing those dreamy vacation photos or simply relaxing while surrounded by turquoise waters.
For the ultimate sunset shots, head to Island View or PinkCoco. The glowing skies and gentle waves create a magical backdrop you won’t forget!
3. Snorkel at the underwater sculptures
One of the highlights of our snorkeling trip from Gili Air island was visiting the famous underwater sculptures near Gili Meno. This unique underwater spot is super unique, featuring stunning sculptures surrounded by colorful marine life. It’s a fantastic place to capture some memorable photos, especially if you arrive early before the crowds.
If snorkeling with turtles isn’t your top priority, I recommend heading to the sculptures first, then making your way to Turtle Bay later. We spent plenty of time enjoying the turtles, and by the time we reached the sculptures, there were already a few more boats in the area.
4. Local cooking class Gili Air
Warung Sunny on Gili Air offers an intimate cooking class led by Chef Hero, where you can learn to make traditional dishes like gado-gado, tempeh satay, and sambal. The hands-on experience is both fun and educational, highlighting local ingredients and techniques. Book directly at the warung here.
5. Get a diving certificate on Gili Air
Our first trip to Gili Air island was in 2019, and we spent four days earning our SSI Open Water Dive Certificate with Gili Air Divers. It’s a great place to get certified, with clear waters, calm conditions, and plenty of marine life to keep things interesting.
This was also the first time we swam with a sea turtle, which made the experience even more memorable. The underwater life around Gili Air is incredible, with coral reefs and plenty of fish to spot during training dives. If you’re thinking about getting certified, Gili Air island is an excellent choice.
6. Party on Gili T
If you want to take a break from the chill Gili Air and are in the mood for some partying, then make sure you head to Gili T. It only takes 15 minutes by speed boat to get from Gili Air to Gili T and you can travel there from the harbor. Book a place to stay on Gili T and return by speed boat the next day to relax on Gili Air.
7. Cycle around the island
The best way to explore Gili Air is by renting a bicycle, as there are no motorized vehicles on the island. You can ride along the beach paths and through the center of the island in just a few hours. Bikes are available for rent at the harbor or through most hotels. Choose one with thicker tires to handle the sandy paths more easily. Don’t forget to lock your bike when you stop to explore or relax.
8. Sunsets and live music
If you happened to book a hotel that’s not on the West side of Gili Air, then make sure you go there in time for sunset. Grab a cocktail or a Bintang, a beanbag, or a chair, and listen to live music and watch the sun go down. On a lucky day, you’ll even see Mt Agung!
9. Horse ride on the beach
Is there anything more romantic than riding horses at the best during sunset? Make sure you book the activity via your hotel at least a day in advance.
10. Get a massage
If you want to take your relaxing holiday to the next level, then make sure you book a massage session in one of the island’s many massage places. They come as cheap as $7 USD or are pricier at more upscale SPAs.
Restaurants in Gili Air
Despite its small size, Gili Air offers a variety of great restaurants serving both local Indonesian dishes and international cuisine. Whether you’re craving fresh seafood, traditional nasi goreng or pizza, you’ll find great options on the island. Many restaurants are also located along the beach, offering great views to enjoy while you eat.
Island View Bar – Delicious grill with fresh fish and meat
Gili Bliss – Smoothie bowls and veggie dishes
Warung Sunny – Local food
The Mexican Kitchen – Mexican food
Cheeky Monkey – Simple lunch
Mama Pizza – Pizza
Frozen Gili – Frozen Yoghurt
Getting to Gili Air island
The best and fastest way to get to Gili Air is by Ekajaya fast boat from Padang Bai. Adult tickets cost us 700,000 IDR ($48) per person and children below 5 travel for free.
I highly suggest you get your fast boat tickets via an agent. They always manage to get a lower price than what you see online, especially if you’re traveling in a group!
The journey from Padang Bai to Gili Air takes about 2 hours.
Just before you board the boat they will also charge you for something called ‘harbor tax’, so make sure you have change ready. It was 10,000 IDR when we were there for the second time in 2022.
ATM on Gili Air
I always suggest bringing cash with you on the smaller islands, but if you happen to spend it all, then you’ll have three (irregularly stocked) ATMs on Gili Air. The majority are by the pier where you’ll arrive and one is on the north side.
Best time to visit Gili Air
The best time to visit Gili Air is during the dry season, which runs from May to October. During this period, the weather is sunny and pleasant, with minimal rainfall and calm seas, making it ideal for outdoor activities like snorkeling, diving, and cycling. The months of July and August are the busiest, attracting more visitors due to the peak holiday season, while May, June, and September offer a quieter experience with equally great weather.
You don’t necessarily have to avoid the rainy season from November to April, but the heavy rainfall and rougher seas can affect boat departures. We visited once during rainy season and it was all good though!
Where to stay on Gili Air Island?
Island View Bar & Bungalow
Cheap, right on the beach, and with a great vibe. It’s not the fanciest of places, but we loved it. It’s also located on the good side of the island, so you’ll be seeing some beautiful sunsets every night.
Pink Coco
Located right next to Island View, but a little more upscale. I only recommend booking here if you really want a pool and have a higher budget or for a special occasion (it’s adults only).
