7 best things to do in Gili Air, Lombok, in 3 days

Introduction: Gili Air Travel Guide

The Gili Islands are a trio of idyllic tropical islands off the northwest coast of Lombok—Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, and Gili Air. Known for their white sandy beaches, swaying palm trees, and vibrant coral reefs, each island has its own charm and vibe.

Gili Meno, the quietest and smallest of the three, is a peaceful escape and home to Turtle Point, where you can snorkel with sea turtles in crystal-clear waters. Gili Trawangan (or “Gili T”), the largest and most lively, is known for its beach parties, incredible sunsets, and snorkeling at Wreck Point, where a sunken ship lies just offshore. Meanwhile, Gili Air offers a perfect balance—laid-back yet lively, with beautiful beaches and excellent snorkeling right from shore.

Whether you’re into beach hopping, diving, or simply enjoying island life with no motorbikes and no worries, the Gilis are a must-visit paradise in Indonesia.

Getting there

The easiest and most common way to reach Gili Air from Bali is by taking a fast boat from Padangbai Port, located on Bali’s east coast. Most fast boats also stop at Gili Trawangan and Gili Meno, so be sure to double-check with your boat company that you’re getting off at the right island. You can book your ticket directly online.

Another option is to fly to Lombok and then take a short shuttle to Bangsal Harbor, where boats depart regularly for Gili Air. This route can be more comfortable if you’re already planning to explore Lombok or want to avoid the longer sea crossing from Bali.

Important tip: If the sea is rough, the boat ride can be a real challenge. On our way there, the water was calm, and the journey was smooth. But the return trip? Not so much. It was rough, and honestly felt like getting hit by a wave every few seconds. People were seasick, vomiting everywhere—it wasn’t fun. So if you’re sensitive to motion, pack some seasickness pills, sit at the back of the boat, and avoid heavy meals before departure.

Moving Around

One of the best things about Gili Air is the total absence of motorized vehicles. That’s right—no cars, no scooters, just peace and quiet. The island is small enough that you can walk everywhere, and that’s honestly part of the charm.

You can also rent a bicycle from your accommodation or one of the rental spots around the island. It’s the perfect way to explore the sandy paths, beach cafés, and snorkel spots—just be prepared to push your bike through some deeper sand now and then.

If you’ve got luggage or don’t feel like walking, horse-drawn carts (called cidomos) are the island’s version of a taxi. They’re available right at the harbor, but we’d suggest using them only when necessary to minimize the impact on the animals.

When to visit

Gili Air is a year-round destination thanks to its tropical climate, but some seasons are better than others depending on what you’re looking for.

Dry Season (May–October): This is the best time to visit Gili Air. The weather is sunny, the sea is calm, and visibility for snorkeling and diving is excellent. Expect warm days (27–32°C) and pleasant nights. It’s also the busiest time, so book accommodation in advance.
Wet Season (November–April): This season brings more humidity and occasional downpours, especially from December to February. Rain showers are typically short, but seas can be rough—something to keep in mind if you’re prone to seasickness on the fast boat from Bali. However, it’s quieter and more budget-friendly.
Best Overall Month: September – It offers the best balance of great weather, warm waters, and fewer crowds after the peak of summer.

We visited during the wet season and absolutely loved it—warm waters, ok skies, and not too many people. Perfect for exploring the underwater world and chilling on the beach.

Where to stay

Despite being a tiny island, Gili Air offers a great variety of accommodations—from cozy budget bungalows to boutique eco-resorts. The island is small enough that wherever you stay, the beach is never far away. Most accommodations are on the east coast, where you’ll find sunrise views and easy access to snorkeling spots.

(€) Mirna Homestay: warm and friendly family-run homestay just a few steps from the beach. Simple rooms, great breakfast, and a peaceful atmosphere make it a perfect budget-friendly choice to feel at home on the island.
(€€) Hani Hideaway: Tucked away in a quiet part of Gili Air, this boutique-style stay offers stylish bungalows, a small pool, and lots of privacy. It’s ideal for couples looking to unwind, while still being close enough to walk to beachside restaurants.
(€€€) Villa Tokay – Luxury Private Villas: if you’re after a private slice of paradise, this is the place. With beautifully designed villas, plunge pools, and lush gardens, Villa Tokay is the perfect mix of comfort, design, and exclusivity—ideal for honeymoons or a splurge-worthy escape.

What to Eat

The best restaurant in town—and where Tina spent most of her days while I was out diving—was Pachamama Organic Café and Private Villa. They serve delicious organic and plant-based dishes, each with a creative touch and beautifully presented. If you prefer an oceanfront setting, there are plenty of beachside restaurants to try, offering fresh seafood, local specialties, and chilled vibes by the water.

Things to do in Gili Air

Take a Scuba diving class

One of the top things to do in Gili Air is to get your scuba diving license—and that’s exactly what I did with Manta Dive Resort Gili Air. My instructor, Jessy, was fantastic—knowledgeable, patient, and made the whole experience super fun. During lunch breaks or after a dive, the vibe around the dive center is really social. You can hang out, share stories, and grab a beer with the instructors and fellow divers.

The dive spots around the Gilis are stunning, filled with vibrant coral, turtles, and tons of marine life. But be prepared—if the currents are strong, it can feel like you’re flying underwater, drifting fast without much control. It’s exhilarating but definitely something to be aware of!

Go to a Yoga Class

If you’re in the mood for a yoga class, H2O Yoga and Meditation Center is the place to go on Gili Air. While it may not match the level of yoga schools you’d find in Bali, it still offers a peaceful setting and a great experience. Whether you’re looking for a gentle flow, a bit of movement, or just some quiet time to reconnect, it’s definitely one of the best things to do on the island to slow down and recharge.

Enjoy a Sunset cocktail

Enjoy a cocktail: The best spot to sip on a delicious cocktail while watching the sunset is Mowie’s. With its beachfront setting and relaxed vibe, it’s the perfect place to end your day on Gili Air. Grab a beanbag, order your favorite drink, and enjoy the magical colors over the ocean.

Stroll around the island

The island is really small, and you can easily walk around it in just about 2 hours. It’s a peaceful and scenic walk, with plenty of charming stops along the way. One spot not to miss is PinkCoco, where a swing stands in the shallow water—perfect for a photo or just a moment to soak in the view.

Swing at the beach

The swing at the beach is one of the most iconic and Instagram-worthy experiences in Gili Air. Found in several spots around the island, the most famous ones are in front of beach bars like PinkCoco or Mowie’s. Timing it with sunset makes for an unforgettable photo—and an even better memory. Just wade into the shallow turquoise water, hop on, and let the island vibes do the rest.

Snorkel at the sculptures

Snorkel at the Sculptures is one of the must-do experiences on Gili Air. Just off the coast between Gili Meno and Gili Air lies the famous Nest Underwater Statues—a circle of life-sized figures created by artist Jason deCaires Taylor. Over time, these statues have become part of the reef, attracting colorful marine life and offering a surreal snorkeling experience.

You can reach the site by joining a snorkeling tour or simply renting a mask and fins and paddling out from shore. Go early in the morning for the clearest water and fewer crowds.

Jadilah kumbang, hidup sekali di taman bunga, jangan jadi lalat, hidup sekali di bukit sampah. – Life is what you make of it.

About the authors

We are Alex and Tina, a French-Serbian couple who met in China back in 2014. We spent three incredible years there before making France our home. Our shared passion for travel has been the heartbeat of our relationship for over 12 years, taking us across 44 countries and counting.

We launched TheDailyPackers in 2019 as a way to document our adventures. In 2026, we reached a major milestone by officially turning our blog into our full-time job. While we are still growing toward financial independence through this platform, every article we write is fueled by our mission to make your voyages easier through in-depth guides, honest advice, and the lessons we’ve learned from our own mistakes.

Our journey has not been without its storms. In 2023, our world changed forever when our first son, Poppy, was stillborn on November 25th. It was, and remains, the hardest chapter of our lives. In 2025, we were blessed with our second little boy, Milo. He has since joined our traveling tribe, and you’ll be seeing him—and the reality of traveling with a little one-on the blog more and more.

We hope to inspire you to explore the world with curiosity and resilience. Thank you for being part of our story.