Gili Air is one of the Gili Islands that lie just a few kilometers off the west coast of Lombok. It is the closest of the three Gilis to the mainland and is known for its snorkeling and scuba diving.
The beaches of Gili Air are the main highlight and are ideal for just chilling out. There are all sorts of activities available on Gili Air that all involve the water and the main beach for having fun is the strip along the island’s southeast coast. The snorkeling and diving in Gili Air are particularly good.
There is no motorized traffic on Gili Air which makes it all the more pleasant. In addition you can go surfing here, although most breaks are quite difficult to reach. The best beach for swimming on Gili Air is the one in front of the Sunrise Hotel and Chill-out Café, while many bungalow-style lodgings overlook the sea.
Gili Air is the most populous of the Gili Islands and it comes with a slew of indigenous people who speak their own tongue.
Getting There & Away
Options for getting to Gili Air include flying to Mataram from Bali or Jakarta, or taking a boat direct from Bali. Mataram’s Selaparang Airport is the closest airport, located around 30kms to the southeast. Buses run to Bangsal from where public boats run to Gili Air in 15 minutes. You can also go from Sengiggi on a 1-hour boat. Slow ferries run to Lombok from Bali’s Padang Bai in 6 hours and there are also expensive fast boats.