Gili Air: Indonesia’s Island Not to Miss

Every island tells a different story. Some islands are made for the partiers, with beach bars buzzing until sunrise. Others draw in surfers chasing the perfect wave, or divers searching for vibrant reefs and underwater life.

And then there are islands meant purely for peace—slow mornings, quiet beaches, and nothing on the agenda but soaking in the sun. Personally, I’m always searching for a balance. I love an island that’s walkable, with no need for cars or scooters.

I want soft-sand beaches to lay on, a few activities to keep things exciting, and plenty of downtime to relax and just be.

Recently, I had the chance to explore the Gili Islands in Indonesia, and I was blown away. These three small islands off the coast of Lombok—Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, and Gili Air—are each uniquely different, each offering its own vibe and personality.

Gili Trawangan, often referred to as Gili T, is the most famous of the three. It’s known as the party island, with lively beach bars, bustling night markets, and a backpacker crowd that keeps the energy high.

It’s also a great place to dive, with plenty of dive shops offering everything from beginner lessons to advanced courses. If you’re looking for social vibes, music, and movement, Gili T delivers.

Gili Meno, on the other hand, is the quietest of the three. It’s the perfect place to unplug and unwind. There’s little nightlife, few crowds, and a more refined, romantic feel. Think honeymooners, peaceful resorts, and long stretches of empty beach.

It’s beautiful, but not for those seeking a lot of activity or social connection.

Gili Air, where I spent most of my time, is the sweet spot right in the middle. It blends the best of both worlds—laid-back and low-key, but still with a pulse. If you want a cocktail at sunset or a bit of live music, you can find it here.

If you want quiet mornings with a coconut in hand, beachside yoga classes, or an afternoon spent snorkeling over coral reefs, it’s all possible. There are stunning villas and cozy bungalows, but also affordable dorms for budget travelers. It’s an island where you can both indulge and recharge.

For me, Gili Air was the perfect place to reset. It had just the right amount of energy without ever feeling overwhelming. So let’s dive into the magic of Gili Air—what makes it so special, and all the best places to explore while you’re there.

Getting There and Getting Around: Gili Air’s Size and Location

Let’s start with where Gili Air is and how to get there. Of the three Gili Islands, Gili Air is the one located closest to Lombok. The islands are all just a short ferry ride from each other, making it easy to hop between Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, and Gili Air if you’re feeling adventurous.

From Bali, you can catch a ferry from the east coast—ports like Padangbai and Sanur offer daily departures. The ride typically takes a couple of hours, depending on weather and sea conditions.

If you’re coming from Lombok, it’s even easier—just a quick 30-minute boat ride from Bangsal Port on the island’s northwest coast.

Reaching the Gilis is surprisingly straightforward. Both Bali and Lombok have international airports with easy access to the nearby ferry terminals.

Whether you’re on a tight backpacker budget or looking for a bit more comfort, there are transportation options for every traveler—from inexpensive public boats to faster, more comfortable speedboats.

Personally, I took a speedboat from Sanur, Bali to the Gilis, and then left the islands on a local public ferry to Lombok for under 20,000 IDR (about a dollar!). It’s easy, convenient, and adds to the laid-back charm of the experience.

Now, about the size of Gili Air—this might be one of my favorite things about the island. While it may not appeal to everyone, especially those looking for lots of urban action, I found the small size incredibly comforting. You can walk around the entire island in just about an hour.

A sandy path runs along the coast, circling the island, with smaller walkways crisscrossing through the center, making it super easy to reach every corner of the island.

What makes Gili Air truly special is that there are no cars and no motorbikes. The only ways to get around are by bicycle, foot, or the occasional horse-drawn cart.

I personally chose to walk everywhere—something about strolling barefoot on sandy paths with ocean views around every bend felt magical.

While bikes are available for rent, many of the coastal paths are covered in soft sand, which means you’ll likely end up pushing your bike in certain areas anyway.

Whether you’re staying on the east side to catch the sunrise or the west side to enjoy the famous Gili sunsets, getting from one side of the island to the other is simple and scenic. The island is completely flat, so it’s an easy walk, no matter your fitness level.

Gili Air’s size adds to its charm—it feels intimate, manageable, and deeply relaxing, like a small paradise you can actually get to know in just a few days.

What to Do on Gili Air

Next up—let’s talk about what to actually do on Gili Air! For a small island, it’s packed with fun things to keep you entertained, whether you’re the type who can lay in the sun all day or someone who gets restless and needs to stay active.

Daytime Adventures

If you’re into the ocean, you’re going to love it here. Gili Air is full of dive shops offering scuba diving, free diving, and snorkel tours. One of the best parts?

There’s a turtle point right off the east side of the island where you’ll almost always spot turtles swimming around—it’s seriously magical. The reefs are stunning, and there are some really cool dive spots just a short boat ride away.

A lot of the snorkel tours even take you over to Gili Meno, so you get to explore another island while you’re at it.

If water sports aren’t really your thing, no worries—you’ve got options. There are a few gyms around if you’re feeling motivated to get a workout in, plus lots of yoga classes happening all over the island.

You can even find a sauna to relax in and give your body some love after a long day in the sun.

Relax, Island Style

If you came here to actually relax, you’re in the right place. Gili Air is full of cozy beachfront cafés and bars with comfy lounge chairs, fresh juices, cocktails, and amazing food. Whether you’re into local Indonesian dishes or craving something Western, you’ll find it.

There are vegan spots, organic cafés, and plenty of local warungs too—it’s a solid mix. You could easily spend a whole day hopping between beach bars, lounging by the ocean, and soaking up the views.

Massages and facials are also super easy to find—and super affordable. There are little spas and massage spots all over the island, and they’re the perfect way to treat yourself after a day in the sun (or just because, no reason needed).