When I boarded the wooden boat to Gili Air, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I’d heard of the Gili Islands—three tiny specks on the map next to Lombok—but I’d always imagined they were for party-goers or luxury travelers. I couldn’t have been more wrong.
Gili Air turned out to be something else entirely. Peaceful. Humble.
Real.
How to Get There
Getting to Gili Air was easier than
I thought. From Lombok International Airport, I took a taxi to Bangsal
Harbor (about 1.5–2 hours). From there, I hopped on a local boat—just 20–30
minutes over glassy water.
If you're coming from Bali,
fast boats leave from Padangbai and reach Gili Air in around 2.5
hours.
Boat ticket cost:
- From Bangsal: around IDR 20k–50k (public
boat)
- From Bali: approx. IDR 300k–500k (fast
boat)
Entrance fee: None for the island, but marine conservation donations
(~IDR 10k) may be requested.
First Impressions
No cars. No motorcycles. Just
bicycles, horse carts, and quiet footsteps. As soon as I arrived, the stillness
hit me—in the best way possible.
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| img: finnsbeachclub.com |
The air smelled of salt, the streets
were sandy, and the sound of the sea was constant. I felt like I had stepped
into a simpler world.
A Snorkeler’s Paradise
The reef starts just a few meters
from the shore. With a snorkel in hand (rented for about IDR 30k–50k),
I wandered into the shallows and found myself face to face with clownfish,
turtles, and colorful corals.
Locals offered glass-bottom boat tours, taking us to nearby Gili Meno’s underwater statues and turtle points. The guides were friendly, and everything felt personal—not mass-produced like some tourist traps.
Island Vibes & Slow Living
Mornings
on Gili Air start slow—usually with yoga by the beach or a strong Lombok
coffee. Afternoons melt into lazy swims, while the sunsets turn the ocean
orange and pink.
One night, I stumbled upon a reggae
bar playing live music under fairy lights. A mix of locals, travelers, and
musicians laughed together while waves whispered nearby.
This wasn’t a place for rushing—it
was a place for remembering how to be.
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| img: saltinourhair.com |
Where I Stayed
I found a beachside bungalow for
just IDR 200k per night. Clean, breezy, and only a few steps from the
water. Some travelers splurged on boutique eco-resorts, while others camped or
stayed in hostels tucked among palm trees.
Food for the Soul
The food? Surprisingly diverse! From
grilled snapper to vegan bowls, beach cafés served up global flavors at
backpacker-friendly prices (IDR 30k–80k per meal).
My favorite? A seafood BBQ at sunset,
feet in the sand, with grilled corn and sambal that lit a fire in my mouth.
Essential Info
- Best time to visit:
May to October (dry season)
- Worst time:
November–March (rainy, rougher seas)
- Internet:
Decent for emails and social media, but expect island speeds
- Getting around:
Bicycle rental ~IDR 50k/day, or just walk
- Marine fee:
Around IDR 10k–20k, paid at the harbor
Best Time to Visit
The island is at its best between May
and October, when the skies are clear, and the sea is calm. I went in late
June and spent hours snorkeling in crystal water, with zero rain and perfect
sunsets.
The rainy season (November–March)
brings unpredictable weather and rougher waves—some boat trips get delayed. But
if you're okay with the occasional shower, you'll still find the same warmth
and serenity the island is known for.
Gili Air doesn’t attract the wild
party crowd of Gili Trawangan or the total seclusion of Gili Meno. It sits
perfectly in-between—peaceful, but not isolated.
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| img: jonistravelling.com |
Final Thoughts
Gili Air isn’t flashy. It doesn’t
try to impress you.
It simply invites you in—and before you know it, you’ve slowed your pace,
deepened your breaths, and started smiling for no reason at all.
If your soul’s been tired, Gili Air is the kind of place that helps you hear it again.