About Gili Air
Gili Air offers the perfect balance between the lively atmosphere of Gili Trawangan and the tranquility of Gili Meno. Named for its freshwater wells ("air" means water in Indonesian), this island combines beautiful beaches with a local village atmosphere, making it popular with travelers seeking both relaxation and cultural experiences.
As the closest Gili to mainland Lombok, Air has maintained more of its traditional Sasak culture while still offering excellent tourist facilities. The island features a mix of beachfront cafes, local warungs (eateries), and a small but vibrant nightlife scene centered around sunset bars and occasional live music.
With its excellent snorkeling spots, bicycle-friendly paths, and welcoming local community, Gili Air provides an authentic yet comfortable island experience that appeals to a wide range of travelers.
Island Highlights
- 1 Perfect balance between local culture and tourist comforts
- 2 Excellent snorkeling spots with turtles and vibrant coral
- 3 Local village with traditional Sasak culture
- 4 Relaxed nightlife with sunset bars and occasional live music
- 5 Easy to explore by bicycle with paths around the island
Experience & Activities
Snorkeling & Diving
Explore vibrant coral reefs and swim with sea turtles at spots around the island. The waters between Air and Meno are particularly good for marine life sightings.
Island Cycling
Rent a bicycle and explore the island's perimeter (about 6km), stopping at beaches, viewpoints, and local warungs along the way.
Village Exploration
Visit the local village to experience traditional Sasak culture and see daily island life away from the tourist areas.
Sunset Watching
Enjoy spectacular sunsets from beachfront bars on the west side of the island, often with live music and fire shows.
Visitor Information
Hours & Best Time to Visit
- Accessible year-round, with the dry season (April-October) being ideal
- Best snorkeling conditions are usually in the morning
- Perfect for 3-5 day stays to fully experience the island
Location & Transportation
- Closest to mainland Lombok in the Gili Islands chain
- Accessible by fast boat (25-40 min) from Bali or public ferry (1-1.5 hours) from Bangsal harbor
- No motorized vehicles - transportation is by foot, bicycle, or horse-drawn carriage
- Many visitors combine a visit with stays on Gili Trawangan and Gili Meno
Quick Facts
Location
Closest to mainland Lombok in the Gili Islands chain
Type
Island / Beach / Cultural Destination
Best For
Cultural experiences, snorkeling, balanced island life
Recommended Duration
3-5 days
Entrance Fee
No entrance fee to the island
Snorkeling Trip
From Rp 150,000 per person (equipment included)
Tour Packages
Gili Air is included in many island hopping and cultural packages. Consider our recommended packages:
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