15 Things To Do In Gili Air Islands
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1. Go Scuba Diving
Diving & Snorkeling
The two most popular spots for scuba diving in Gili Air are 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 frequented mainly by photographers seeking to capture a glimpse of Flying Gunard/ Helmet Gunard, Frogfish, and many varieties of pipefish.
2. Beach Swings
Stay Experience
The beach swings in Gili Air are some of the most sought-after and Instagram-worthy spots by tourists who visit the island. Popular across all the Gili Islands, these swings can be found in a few places across the island and make for some of the best spots to watch the evening sun set across the horizon. Many of these are owned by beach clubs but are free to swing.
3. Watch Sunset
Stay Experience
The best spots to watch the sunset in Gili Air are the beaches. Lay back on the sand and watch the deep orange hue pale away across the horizon. For those looking to couple the sunset gaze with some fantastic food and drinks, Gili Lumbung's bar cum lounge is highly recommended. Also, enjoying the poolside experience at Pink Coco's is another great way to enjoy the sunset.
4. Snorkeling at the Sculptures
Diving & Snorkeling
Snorkeling is also quite popular in Gili Air. Hans Reef on the northeastern side is a great spot for Black Tip Reef sharks, along with butterfly fish and parrotfish. Close to Hans Reef is Frog Fish Point, where one can swim with turtles. This spot is a bit deeper and is frequented by expert swimmers. Also near Gili Meno are sculptures which are a popular dive site home to many fishes. Gili Meno is (Read More) only a 15-minute boat trip.
5. Relax at a Yoga Retreat
Yoga & Meditation
A great way to spend your time on the island is by experiencing a staycation at a yoga retreat. H2O Yoga and Meditation Center is one of the most popular retreats, which offers a wellness spa and organic cafe & restaurant. Flowers and Fire Yoga Garden Gili Air is another retreat offering some intuitive yoga classes and workshops.
6. Join Local Cooking Class
Things To Do
Cooking schools in Gili Air offer fun and group-oriented cooking classes for tourists looking to learn local and modern cuisines. The schools employ friendly teachers and chefs to guide the participants in being creative yet appreciative of the dishes with fresh local ingredients. Cooking classes usually happen before lunchtime.
Top Hotels In Gili Air
7. Cycling in Gili Air
Cycling
Gili Air is a tiny island, and it takes just under an hour to explore the entire island on a bike. Many rentals allocate bicycles at affordable rates, and this is the best way to get around the island. It is recommended to wear light clothes when cycling around the island and be on the lookout for amazing spots to enjoy the island breeze and views.
8. Indulge in Massages & Spa Therapy
Spa & Wellness
While vacationing in Gili Air, why not try out some rejuvenating massage and spa therapy? The island has several spas and wellness retreats, offering visitors a holistic experience. Some of the best spas and wellness retreats include Slow Spa and Yoga, Flowers and Fire Yoga Garden and Zone Spa Gili Air, among several others.
9. Enjoy Live Music
Bars & Lounges
Several spots offer great live music in Gili Air and fantastic food and drinks. Gili Lumbung tops the list, where you can enjoy a live band from the open bar or the beachside lounge. For those looking for live reggae music, Pura Vida is a stylish open bar at the beach offering some great dishes.
10. Go Island Hopping
Island
Gili Air serves as a starting point for island-hopping adventures to its neighboring islands - Gili Trawangan and Gili Meno. You can easily arrange boat transfers or join guided tours from Gili Air to visit these islands. Island-hopping tours often include stops at excellent snorkeling spots around the Gili Islands. For a more personalized experience, consider hiring a private boat or joining a sm (Read More)aller group tour.
11. Breakfast at Gili Blis
Restaurant
Have a fantastic tropical breakfast at Gili Blis, now known as Gili Lumbung Beach Club. This small establishment offers freshly prepared healthy meals and drinks, coupled with a relaxed and tropical ambience. Tourists flock to Gili Blis for their warm and friendly hospitality and massive servings for their prices. Located relatively close to the harbour, this eatery is a no-brainer for all who vis (Read More)it the island.
12. Day Trip to Lombok
Day Trip
A day trip from Gili Air to Lombok offers a glimpse into the diverse attractions of the larger island. Begin your journey by taking a short boat ride from Gili Air to Lombok. Boats depart regularly, and the journey provides scenic views of the coastline. Upon arriving in Lombok, head to Senggigi Beach on the west coast. Visit Pura Batu Bolong, traditional Sasak villages, such as Sade or Rambitan, (Read More)and enjoy a traditional Sasak meal at a local eatery.
13. Get A Tattoo
Stay Experience
The tattoo studios and centres in Gili Air offer tourists to get tattoos the modern way and even traditional bamboo tattoos. Tradition and Ink Tattoo Studio in Gili Air is the most popular studio where tourists regularly flock to get their favourite designs inked onto their bodies.
14. Watch Movie at Open Air Theatre
Shows & Theatres
Looking for a beachside movie experience? Head to one of several resorts offering a fantastic outdoor cinema experience with food and drinks to order at the side. Resorts such as Ombak Paradise and Bel Air, to name a couple, offer evening movie showcases by the beach. For honeymooners, the resorts could also arrange a private showcase in a secluded spot on request.
15. Stand Up Paddle Boarding
Adventure Sports
Stand Up Paddle Boarding (SUP) in the Gili Air Islands offers a serene and immersive experience amidst stunning coastal scenery. Enjoy a leisurely glide along the island's picturesque coastline. Many paddlers bring along snorkeling gear while paddleboarding, but can rent single or double boards by the hour or for the day.Paddling during sunrise or sunset also provides a magical experience.
Things To Do In Nearby Places
FAQs on Gili Air
How can I commute within Gili air islands?
The best way to get around Gili Air is to rent bicycles. It’s obvious that the landmass isn’t that big and hence to truly enjoy it, we recommend using bicycles alone. If you like walking then, by all means, you can take a walk within the sparsely populated cities or by the beaches. Go surfing in the waters if you fancy that. Swimming is shallow along the east coast with the sand giving way to a coral reef table and is perfectly safe provided you don’t adventure into the channel beyond.
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