Gili Air

Gili Air is the nearest Gili to Lombok. It is also the most populated and you will find more trees there than the other Gili’s. The local inhabitants are: Sasak, Mandar, Bugis and Makassar. You can find their different unique culture from Lombok and wonderful beaches. Many of the older generations still make their living as boatmen, fisherman and farming coconuts.

There are only a few numbers of 2-3 stars hotels (rooms with air conditioning, swimming pool, TV etc) on Gili Air. Most of the places to eat and stay are in the south and east side of the island (near the jetty). You can find many homestays or budget accommodation on this island.

Not much things happening in the last 3-5 years. One of the first dive schools (The Reef seeker) is no longer operate from Gili Air. They have moved to Flores. Returning guests are what they expect to come. Most accommodation is locally owned and managed, while a few of the upmarket hotels own and managed by foreign investors. You can go from one island to another by joining Gili Island’s hoping boat (depart twice a day). People here are friendlier than on Gili Trawangan. There are also a few places to stay around the north and south-west coast in the quieter atmosphere.

There are many activities that the tourists can do in this island. Snorkeling and diving are the highlights of the activities. Snorkeling area is located in the southeast (opposite-facing Lombok Golf Kosaido) and along to the northeast). The tourists can just jump into the water to see the colorful fishes and coral reef. In the western part of Gili Air, you can’t snorkel off the beaches. When the moon is high (low tide), you can’t swim off the beach. You need to walk to the south or east side.

There are few quality scuba diving operations on all the islands. While the island is busiest from May through August, the quieter off-season from January to April provides a better opportunity to enjoy the entire islet has to offer, with accommodation prices at their lowest level.

To get around the aisle, the only means of transport are Cidomos, horse-drawn carriages. Bicycle rentals are available too. Expect higher prices for most things there since all food and goods must be brought over from the mainland.