Gili Air Travel Essentials

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Ideal duration: 1-2 Days

Best Time: June to September Read More

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Also Refered As:

Gili A

"The Youngest of the Gili Islands"

Gili Air Tourism

Gili Air, one of the trio of Gili Islands in Indonesia, is the closest to Lombok and beautifully combines peaceful retreats with vibrant social scenes. This island offers an eclectic mix of attractions and activities, making it a versatile destination for all kinds of travelers. Whether you're looking to explore temples, marvel at waterfalls, relax in beachside shacks, surf in secluded spots, or enjoy cozy cafes and bustling nightlife hubs, Gili Air has something for everyone.

For adventure seekers, Gili Air has an array of activities. You can indulge in fishing, horse riding, water skiing, and wakeboarding. Experienced surfers can enjoy a surf break located to the south of the island. Also, golf enthusiasts can visit an 18-hole course just a 10-minute speedboat ride away.

As Gili Air's popularity increases, new bars, cafes, and accommodations are rapidly emerging, mirroring the development of its neighboring islands, Gili Trawangan and Gili Meno. The island has numerous dive centers for snorkeling enthusiasts that can guide you to the best spots. 

Gili Air’s charm extends beyond its activities and accommodations. The island is a haven for food lovers, with numerous beachfront restaurants and cafes offering local and international cuisines. The nightlife on Gili Air is equally captivating, with beach bars and live music venues providing a perfect backdrop for evening relaxation and entertainment.

Whether you want to unwind on pristine beaches, explore underwater worlds, or immerse yourself in the local culture and nightlife, Gili Air promises an unforgettable experience. Its unique blend of natural beauty, recreational activities, and modern amenities makes it a must-visit destination in Indonesia.

Must Know Before You Travel to Gili Air

  • From Bali: Fast boats are available from Padang Bai in Bali and ferries are available from Sanur and Serangan. The journey takes 1.5 to 3 hours
  • From Lombok: There are frequent fast boats from Bangsal Port in Lombok. A public ferry runs daily between the two islands. It costs around IDR 25,000
  • Traveling between Gili Islands: The 3 Gili Islands are connected by daily public boats and speed boats. Public Boats cost Rp 35,000 and Speed Boat Rp 85,000 one way 
  • Getting Around: Motorized vehicles are not allowed on the island. You can rent a bike or an electric scooter or explore the island on foot. Horse-drawn carriages called cidomo are also popular here. The entire island is small enough to cover it in 30 minutes
  • Where to Stay: Stay on the western side if looking for luxury villas and resorts and lesser crowded areas. Stay on the South and East side if you want to stay in the touristy area which closer to the port and is full of restaurants, bars, cafes and accommodations

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Diving at Gili Air

  • The dive centre boats take divers out to the two most popular spots - Haan’s Reef and Gili Air Wall.
  • Haan’s Reef boasts some specialist muck diving just off the east coast of Gili Air and is largely frequented by photographers seeking to capture a glimpse of Flying Gunard/ Helmet Gunard, Frogfish, and many varieties of pipefish.
  • On the west side of the island, you have the Gili Air Wall, a twenty-four-meter vertical drop with plenty of lionfish, Leaf scorpionfish, and seahorses.

Nightlife at Gili Air

  • Gili Air doesn’t have the same party vibe as that of Gili Trawangan but it still has enough entertainment to keep the average traveller amused.
  • In high season, expect to stumble across the occasional psychedelic fluoro `Goa style’ beach party with raging techno beats pounding throughout the night.
  • The Corner Bar is the closest to the harbour and has a set of tables and chairs on the beach.
  • The Legend Bar has a weekend party night during high season months with lots of reggae and house music. It is also the location for the reputed Full and Black Moon beach parties.

Best Time to Visit Gili Air

Gili Air Photos

Gili Air
Wonderful Sunset View from Gili Air
Gili Air - Smallest of the 3 Gili Islands
Unique Diving Experience in Gili Air Island

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FAQs on Gili Air

Who should visit Gili air islands?

If you’re an adult or a couple who values serenity and calmness, then this place is for you. Those who want a fast-paced life may get bored easily.

What is the best time to visit Gili air islands?

The best time to visit Gili Air is during the dry season between June to September. Not only does it make travelling between the island and mainland easy, but it also ensures better visibility should you choose to go diving or snorkelling. The weather remains dry and warm in the day with a balmy breeze blowing in the night.
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What is the local food in Gili air islands?

The food at Gili Air is rich. First up, we have Zipp’s (next to Manta Dive), which serves food and drinks for the Manta Dive operation and is a popular meeting spot for late afternoon beers. There’s a reasonable amount of restaurants on Gili Air offering good value varieties of Indonesian, Western, and European food. Mostly located along the main strip of the beach on the East coast, each café and restaurant shares the same stunning view of Mount Rinjani.
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What are the places near Gili air islands?

The top places near to Gili air islands are Lombok which is 42 km from Gili air islands, Bali which is located 108 km from Gili air islands, Gili trawangan which is located 4 km from Gili air islands, Surabaya which is located 386 km from Gili air islands, Gili gede which is located 28 km from Gili air islands

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