Gili Air
Southeast Asia · Indonesia
Did you know?
- A weekly peak-season party rotates between different bars.
- The island has a permanent population of about 1,800.
- Horse-drawn cidomo carts share sandy paths with bicycles instead of ordinary car traffic.
See also
Gili Islands
Indonesia8.35°S 116.06°E
Gili Trawangan
Indonesia8.35°S 116.04°E · 4 m
Tanjung
Indonesia8.35°S 116.15°E · 266 m
Senggigi
Indonesia8.50°S 116.05°E
Mataram
Indonesia8.58°S 116.12°E · 24 m
Senaru
Indonesia8.30°S 116.41°E
Overview
Gili Air has an established village atmosphere alongside its dive centres. Coastal paths and modest nightlife support a slower island stay.
Languages: Indonesian
Why go?
Gili Air is the most easterly and laid-back of the three Gili Islands. It has a rural, established feel and a permanent population of about 1,800. Traditionally known for families and couples, it now attracts backpackers seeking a quieter alternative to Gili Trawangan.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Understand
Of the three Gilis, this is the island closest to Lombok. Traditionally, Gili Air was seen as the domain of families and couples wanting a quiet, off-the-beaten-path escape, while the rowdier hoarders had their fun on Gili Trawangan. With Trawangan now upscaling, more backpackers are choosing Gili Air. This island has more of a rural, established feeling, and it is no surprise that many local Gili Islanders prefer living here, with the highest permanent population of about 1,800.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Get around
Walking is the best option as you can wander around the whole of Gili Air in about 90 minutes. Bicycles are widely available for rent for Rp 30,000-50,000 per day; some hotels may provide one. Horse carts (cidomo) are available at the harbour for Rp 200,000 for any length of trip (no bargaining). If you have an early morning departure, ask your hotel to book a cidomo the day before.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Buy
There are ATMs on the island, including a CIMB Niaga bank ATM 5 min east of the ferry arrival area, dispensing Rp 100,000 notes up to Rp 2.5 million per transaction. For changing money, Oseana shop in the Harbour is best. Siti Shop in the village center is the biggest supermarket with reasonable prices. Several shops near the boat landing sell basic necessities at inflated prices, and there are vendors along the west and east coasts selling Lombok handicrafts.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Eat
There are many decent places to eat from the jetty north along the east coast. Since there is no fresh water, purified shipped water is used; salads may not be 100% safe but food is generally not problematic. Many restaurants offer delicious grilled fish; choose from the display and discuss price. For budget travellers, warungs in the village serve nasi campur special (with chicken) for Rp 10,000 and soto ayam. There is also a place selling bakso (Rp 10,000) and sometimes martabak inland. Gili Air usually has one party a week rotating at different bars during peak season, but the party scene is much more low-key than Gili Trawangan.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Sleep
Accommodation ranges from basic homestays to mid-range bungalows. Budget options include Sasak homestay (from Rp 60,000 after bargaining) and Mawar (from Rp 80,000). Mid-range choices like Coconut Cottages (Rp 250,000-550,000) and Si Pitung Village (Rp 200,000-900,000) offer more comfort. If you prefer undisturbed sleep, check how close your accommodation is to the island's centrally located mosque.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Connect
The island has mobile telephone coverage by major Indonesian networks: Telkomsel, XL, Indosat, Axis (poor coverage by 3). Mobile internet is an option but GPRS/EDGE access is quite slow; going to the eastern or western beach may improve connection. Gecko Cafe offers internet at Rp 30,000 per hour.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Go next
Hop over to Gili Meno for further seclusion and a desert island experience. Back to Lombok and Mount Rinjani for one of the best climbs in Indonesia. Bali is reachable by fastboat depending on weather conditions.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Things to do
Diving and snorkelling are the main draws, with several PADI and SSI dive centres including Blue Marlin, Dream Divers, Gili Air Divers, Manta Dive, and Oceans 5 Dive. Subwing Gili offers a water toy experience for Rp 350,000 per person for 2x25 minutes. Yoga is available at Flowers & Fire Yoga Garden and H2O Yoga and Meditation Center, with single classes for Rp 140,000. The island has a weekly rotating party at different bars during peak season; Zipp and Legend are popular.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Field guide adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0. Text has been adapted and organized for this guide. About our sources.
Places to know
A few starting points from the guide. Check current hours and prices before you go.
- sleep
Abdi Fantastic
These old-style thatched roof bungalows have been around for a long while and it shows. However, the prices reflect that and the location is great.
Recorded price: Rp 175,000
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Chill Out Bungalows
Chill Out Bungalows are in two separate areas on Gili Air, one set away from the beach offering 2 fan only bungalows and 2 A/C bungalows all with western bathrooms the second area set next to Chill Out Bar has 5 traditional style lumbungs but with all modern services including A/C & fan, fresh hot & cold water showers, satTV, safe-boxes, comfortable verandahs and breakfast. Chill Out Bar (at the south east coast location) has a chilled relaxed atmosphere and serves imported spirits, beers, wines and cocktails. Food provides some interpretations of Sasak cooking including homemade curries and satays, also Western food including pizzas and burgers and seafood BBQs. Expect to pay about Rp 25,000-50,000 for a main dish. Open late and sometimes evolves into the main bar on the island. Happy Hour, 16:00-18:30 A large bintang beer is Rp 30,000 with a bowl of snack popcorn and kerupuk for free.
Recorded price: IDR
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Coconut Cottages
Lovely gardens planted with colourful hibiscus. Restaurant, private villa, spacious verandas on each cottage. Several other restaurants are within a 5 min walk. Ozzy's Surf shop, which arranges day trips and transportation, is about 100 m from the entrance to the cottages. Cheaper cottages are fan-cooled, A/C is extra.
Recorded price: Rp 250,000-550,000
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Corner Bungalows
Newish and well designed bungalows with wooden features and hammocks on the terrace.
Recorded price: About Rp 400,000
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Fantastic B"n"B
wifi. Dorm beds in bamboo house: downstairs 2, upstairs 3 floor mattress, fan, mosquito net, small locker (need padlock), one shared shower, cold water, towel, one shared toilet. Water refill (hot or cold). Eating area just in front with karaoke at night (W Sa 19:30-22:30). Included breakfast 08:00-10:00. Cheap activities offered Gili snorkelling Rp 120,000 (with Black sweet, up to 25p, 4-5 spots, with mask and fins, no underwater camera), Rinjani trek 3d2n Sembalun to Senaru Rp 1,800,000 (with Rinjani Golden, up to 8p, equipment ok for price).
Recorded price: dorm Rp 130,000-150,000. Restaurant dishes Rp 25,000-35,000, drinks Rp 5,000-35,000, beer Rp 30,000-45,000, desserts Rp 15,000-30,000
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Gili Air Santay
10 bungalows with budget fan cooled rooms and a family option. Set back a little off the main track in a cool, shady coconut grove. Western style bathrooms and thatched roofs. Restaurant is on the beach in front of the bungalows.
Recorded price: Rp 150,000-550,000
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Hotel Gili Air
A bit out of the way on the north end of the west side of the island. Tranquil grounds, restaurant, modern bungalows. They have four levels of rooms ranging from standard to luxury.
Recorded price: US$20-62
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Kira Kira
Small cottages with hammock and balcony, friendly staff. About a 10-min walk from the harbour or Rp 50,000 in a cidomo.
Recorded price: Rp 120,000-200,000, includes breakfast and taxes
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
Before you go
Connectivity
Mobile coverage by Telkomsel, XL, Indosat, Axis. Slow GPRS/EDGE. Gecko Cafe internet Rp 30,000/hr.
Culture
Central mosque may be noisy. Respect local customs.
Food
Warungs serve nasi campur and bakso from Rp 10,000. Grilled fish is popular. No fresh water on island.
Health
Food generally not problematic, but take care with raw vegetables.
Money
ATMs available including CIMB Niaga (Rp 2.5 million limit per transaction). Oseana shop changes currency. Bring enough cash.
Transport
Walk the island in 90 min. Rent a bicycle (Rp 30,000-50,000/day). Cidomo: Rp 200,000 for any trip.
Water
Purified shipped water is used; salads may not be 100% safe.