Gili Air offers you a perfect mix of a relaxed, quiet beach life with a healthy dash of cocktail nights. During your stay, you should definitely not miss some things that will make your days unforgettable.

The sunsets on Gili Air are beautiful and above all there are not twenty photo-crazy tourists dancing around in front of you. And if you should be on a more visited section of the beach, just go a few steps and you’re alone again.
You can especially enjoy the sunset in Mamas Pizza in one of the beanbags with a glass of wine and a portion of popcorn. If you come a quarter of an hour before sunset, you are guaranteed to get a seat in the front row.

There are several ways to explore Gili Air’s underwater world. You can either rent snorkeling equipment on the beach for around 50,000 IDR (= 3 euros) and simply start on your own. You will definitely discover beautiful corals and fish.
However, if you don’t want to miss the chance for turtles and a larger variety of fish, you should invest 100,000 IDR (= 6 euros) and take part in a snorkeling tour. But be careful: I was perhaps spoiled by my snorkeling tour from the Perhentians in Malaysia. That’s why the many tourists on a small boat shocked me a little. Unfortunately, it makes a difference whether you jump into the water with a group of 8 or 30 people from the boat. Most snorkeling tours also stop at the underwater sculptures located between Gili Air and Gili Meno. I was really looking forward to it and then had to be careful in the water not to get a fin slapped in the face every two seconds. Around 80 ruthless, barely experienced snorkelers fighting for a photo with the sculptures. Never again.

Good to know: You can rent a private boat for 800,000 IDR (= 50 euros)! So if you rent a boat for four people, the price is only 200,000 IDR per person and you can start at sunrise, for example, and then you are most likely all alone and could admire the sculptures under water and be far away before the rush hour.

Yes, I enjoyed at least one massage every week during my time in Indonesia. And the Balinese massage is definitely one of my favorites. There are three Jasmin Spas on Gili Air – here you can get a one hour Balinese massage for IDR 200,000 (= 13 euros) which is REALLY damn good. I also tested two other spas right on the beach, which were unfortunately not that great. That’s why I definitely recommend you to visit Jasmin Spa.

Good to know: You can also rent bicycles from Jasmin Spa!

The island is very small, so you can fully explore it in one day. It’s definitely the most fun to ride a bicycle through the small streets. At some sections of the promenade you may have to push the bike and walk by foot because the sand has filled up the paths. You don’t need Google Maps to explore: just follow the beach promenade and drive along the beach clubs. Or drive across the middle of the island through the winding paths, coconut farms, past the small huts of the locals.

You can rent bicycles almost everywhere: at the harbor, in your accommodation or in the Jasmin Spa mentioned above. I can definitely recommend the bikes from there, as they have a small basket, a lock and a bell (!). #luxury

On Gili Air you will find many different beach clubs, because the island lives from the tourism and is full of countless bars. My favorite place including sunset with the volcano of Bali in the background, very awesome live music, the best chicken pesto pasta and cocktail happy hour (pay one, get two) is the Gili Lumbung Beach Club. You should spend at least one evening here, or if you can’t decide on the menu, almost every evening.

I don’t think I have to say much about that. Cinema on the beach – is this great or great? Treat yourself to a delicious drink, order popcorn and make yourself comfortable in one of the seats in front of the huge screen. The sound of the waves in the background and your feet in the sand really make your visit to the cinema perfect. Over and out.

Good to know: Films are shown every evening from 8pm in two open air cinemas. Just go for a walk to Ombak Paradise (southwest coast) or Bel Air (east coast). There you can find out which films are shown.

Even if you like to have the whole day full of adventures or experiences: use your time here and relax for a day on the beach or pool and just do nothing at all except listening to music, reading, Sudoku and dreaming. Gili Air is perfect for a day like this. No annoying sunglasses sellers, no screeching children, no alcohol body that smell beer on the beach next to you. Just a clean beach with endless peace. And after a day of self-care you are bubbling with energy again!
I read four books in a week. Finally reading again! Never enjoyed so much peace and time for me.

Now you are ready for a few days full of good food, great drinks, lots of sun and relaxation!