Things To Do in Gili Air
Unique about the Gili Islands is that that are no cars on the island. It is so small that within 30 minutes you can explore the entire island by bicycle. The local transport is a bike, electric bikes or horse taxis. In general, it is not recommended to take a horse taxi since it is commonly known they are not treated well.
Tip: Three ATMs are located on the south side of Gili-Air. One on the north side.
1. Local Cooking Class Gili Air
Indonesian cuisine is a vibrant and delicious mix of colors and flavors. Learn about the ingredients and what is served by following a Gili cooking class. Prepare your own meal and sambal at Waroeng Alam Damai; this wonderful man offers his cooking class entirely for free! Pay for your food and give him a tip for being such a wonderful person :).
Note: Cooking classes are usually given before lunchtime.
2. Snorkel at the sculptures
Explore the underwater world of the Gili Islands. Just of the coast of Gili Meno, are sculptures in the water meant as a diving site and home to countless fish. Once you put your goggles underwater, you will discover an entirely new world. More about the Gili underwater sculptures.
Gili Meno is a short 15-minute boat trip from Gili Air. We highly recommend this as it was our absolute favorite thing to do on Gili Air.
3. Live music on the beach
Grab one of the beanbags at Gili Lumbung Beachclub, enjoy live music and see the sun setting into the ocean with the backdrop of the Volcano on Bali.
4. Join a beach cleanup
Unfortunately, we all need to make sure paradise stays paradise. Clean-ups are needed all over the world, and luckily companies like TrashHero organize these weekly! It is a great way to meet people, and cleaning takes only one or two hours in the morning or afternoon. Read on how to reduce plastic and travel plastic-free!
For tickets to Gili Air, contact our good friend Yande below or purchase tickets online.
5. Bike around the island
One of the best things to do in Gili Air is to rent a bike and explore the island. Follow the beachside and find all the nice beach clubs, or bike through the center of the island and see a bit of the local life, coconut farms, and the best restaurants.
Bike rentals are located near the boat pier or at your hotel.
The swings are there for your perfect travel photo on Instagram. Different from Gili Trawangan, these swings have no lines to stand in to get a photo. During sunset, the swings become even more magical!
For tickets to Gili Air, contact our good friend Yande below or purchase tickets online.
7. Best spa on the Gili Islands
The Slow Spa on Gili Air slows you down even more. The stunning bamboo spa offers a wide selection of treatments and is incredibly popular with tourists and expats who are working on the Gili Islands. Slow Spa is part of Slow Villas but accessible for all visitors.
8. Snorkel with turtles on the Gilis
Gili Air is well-known for its super clear turquoise water to snorkel and dive in. The entire northern part of the island is home to sea turtles. So the chance to spot a turtle is high. Do not swim during low tide, the corals will be too close. You could easily damage the corals or yourself.
Also see: Nusa Lembongan & Nusa Ceningan Guide
9. Sunset on the west side
The best sunsets are on the west side of Gili Air. During a cloudless day, you could even have Mount Agung from Bali in the backdrop.
10. Subwing
Maneuver like a Manta Ray through the underwater world while a boat is pulling you through the water. Subwinging’ is an awesome thing to do on Gili Air for all those thrill-seekers.
Must read: 3-week Indonesia Route
Restaurants in Gili Air
Although it is such a small island, it owns some delicious restaurants of both local and international kitchens.
- Warung Sunny (incredible local food)
- Camila (best sushi)
- Warung Alam Damai (delicious local food)
- Gili bliss (smoothie bowls)
- The Mexican Kitchen (yummy Mexican)
- Pachamama (best vegan options)
- Classico Italiano (best coffee)
Fast Boat to the Gili Islands
From Bali, take the fast boat to Gili Islands. Depending on the boat company, boats run from the harbors of Serangan, Sanur, Padang Bai, or Amed. Expect to pay anywhere between 650.000 and 900.000 IDR (40 – 65 USD) for a return boat ticket to Bali. The price depends on the company, the type of boat, and the season you’re traveling in. On top of that comes the transport to the port, which is between 100.000-150.000 IDR (6-10 euros). Purchase online tickets here.
Order boat tickets
Our good friend Yande offers boat tickets to Gili Air for 750,000 IDR per person, including a hotel transfer from Bali.
The boat to Gili Air takes 2.5 hours with the fast boat. The drop-off point is the pier in the south part Gili Air (see map).
We have visited the Gili Islands twice, both with quite a rough sea. We recommend you spend a little more money on this trip for comfort.
Additionally, it’s good to know that you don’t have to book a return date if you’re not yet sure about the length of your stay. Confirm your return from Gili Air at their office on the island one day in advance.
Travel Insurance
Don't forget a travel insurance for your Bali trip! Heymondo covers medical emergencies, theft, delays, cancellations, lost luggage, and more, with 24/7 worldwide assistance and medical chat. As a Salt in our Hair reader, we've got you 5% off! Check Heymondo here
Best time to visit Gili Air
The weather is at its best between July and August and December and January. The rain season is officially between November and April but the showers are nothing compared to those on Bali.
Where to Stay in Gili Air
The island offers a wide range of hotels and guesthouses for every kind of budget.
When you purchase something through our links we earn a small fee. However, you still pay the same. Win-win!
- Find Hotels via Booking.com
- Find a Rental Car via Sunny Cars
- Find Flights to Bali via Skyscanner
- Get a Travel Insurance via Heymondo
- Book Tours & Attractions via Viator
- Book a Bus/Train/Transfer via 12Go
Looking for more travel information? Plan a chat with us for personalised travel advice or get an answer from the Salt in our Hair Travel Community on Facebook.
Hi, some very useful tips here, thank you..one question: do you know of the fast boats to Gili from Bali are operating again from all locations, like pre-pandemic?
Hi Silke, we were there last January, and yes, they were operating as we were used to! Have the best time.