17 Best Things To Do In Gili Air (2026 Guide + Local Tips)

If you’re trying to decide which of the Gili Islands to visit, Gili Air is the one I ended up falling in love with the most.

I first came here on a snorkelling trip and later returned to live on the island for a while. What surprised me most was how quickly life slowed down here. My mornings became sunrise swims with views of Mount Rinjani, beach walks before work, and weekly runs with locals and long-term travellers who somehow all seemed to know each other.

Compared to Gili Trawangan, Gili Air feels chilled and more community-focused, but there’s still plenty to do once you get off the boat. From snorkelling with turtles and diving to sound healing sessions, beach cinemas, cafés for remote work, and some genuinely incredible local food, this tiny island packs a lot into a very small space.

In this guide, I’m sharing my favourite things to do in Gili Air based on actually living there, including local spots, wellness activities, practical tips, and experiences that are worth your time beyond the typical island tour stops.

#1 Go Swimming And Snorkelling

Gili Air is probably my favourite place where I truly enjoy the beach. I used to swim every day before going to work in the morning. When you get into the water and look around you, there is always an incredible view. It depends on where on the island you are swimming.

If you are on the east side you will swim watching Mt Rinjani, on the west you will see Gili Meno. On a clear day you can even see a small part of Gili Trawangan and Mt Agung in Bali!

But Gili Meno will look so close you would think you could swim all the way there or even walk during the low tide (for the love of God don’t do it!).

Snorkelling is probably the easiest and most popular thing to do here. You can snorkel straight off the beach on the east side of the island, especially around Turtle Point. Rent a mask for about 30k or bring your own. There are also daily boat trips if you want to visit more spots around all three Gilis.

➡️ I recommend this snorkelling tour on Get Your Guide. They take you to the key snorkelling areas around Gili Trawangan, Meno and Air. I did the group tour, which was super affordable and fun! You also have the option of booking the private tour. This is a lot more expensive but worth it if you want to have a deeper experience without the crowds (especially during high season)!

Do you prefer swimming to snorkelling? The best place to swim smoothly without corals and big rocks is on the northeast side of the island. This is also where the current is not too strong and you can swim more comfortably (so the water will be higher than your ankles!).

#2 Take A Cooking Class

Indonesian food is delicious. I could be on a bakso diet any day, give me soto ayam I would be the happiest girl in the hood. Eating local food is good for your heart, eyes and belly.

Trust me when I say you will want to know what the secret ingredients are and try to replicate these recipes at home!

➡️Check out this cooking class! I loved how passionate the teachers were, the classes are very well organised and I finally learnt how to make coconut milk from scratch! You will be surprised to know that will all the coconuts available in Lombok and Bali, nobody sells coconut milk.

#3 Join The Local Run!

This is one of the local activities I liked the most. It’s a free running club where everyone is welcome and it happens once a week no matter what.

It’s called Run Fit On Air, you can find out more on their Instagram page here. The run is about 5k and they run all around the island (yes, it’s that small!). I loved how everyone was motivating and encouraging. The majority of the runners there are absolute athletes and train for marathons but it’s such an inclusive and encouraging group that it made me believe I can do anything I put my mind to.

At the end of each run we stop for free cold drinks offered by the sponsor of the week. That’s a really good time to bond and have a great time together. I highly recommend this run, even if you don’t feel like running, you can even walk it or jog, nobody cares just show up!

#4 Visit The One Year Bookshop

I’ve been following the making of this bookshop week after week and when it finally opened, I couldn’t believe my eyes.

First of all, it looks amazing. We’ve all been told not to judge a book by its cover but when I looked at that fresh paint of red and cool font, I knew I was going to like it.

One Year is so much more than a place selling books; it’s also a place where you can read in silence and meet with the local community. You will also find art and a relaxing place where you can lose yourself in different book titles and covers.

#5 Try Diving Here

If you’ve never dived before or want to get certified, you can do that here. Gili Air has a few dive schools that offer beginner courses, fun dives, and PADI certifications.

If you go on a walk in Gili Air, you will see so many diving centres, and honestly, they are all very good and highly qualified!

The diving here is beginner-friendly and very relaxed. ➡️ If you’ve never tried before and want to book it in advance, check out this experience, It’s a discovery dive and it’s super chilled!

#6 Enjoy Watching A Movie On The Beach

In the south of Gili Air, near the harbour they have movie nights almost every day and even during rainy season. It’s called Open Air Cinema Movie and it’s free to attend as long as you get a drink from the bar.

They show films like “Eat, Pray and Love”, cartoons and Titanic. I’ve always wondered why they show Titanic so much, considering that we all arrived by boat and will have to leave by boat too, but hey!

You can sit on the sand, chairs or bean bags and they have 2 shows per day, normally starting from 7 pm.

#7 Watch The Sunrise From Here

Sunrises in Gili Air are magical. Every morning I would wake up early, make a cup of tea, get dressed and walk to the beach with my towel.

Watching the sun rising from Mt Rinjani will leave you speechless. There will be people half asleep like me, others practising meditation, others swimming in the sea shining from the golden glow. One time I even saw a girl who was painting the sunrise on a small notepad.

Head anywhere on the east side and find a quiet spot, you will love it. If you want to have breakfast while watching the sunrise, head to the Blue Sail. It’s right on the beach and it serves my favourite breakfast on the island! You can also swim from there or snorkel.

➡️ If you want to watch the sunrise from your bedroom, I highly recommend checking out this villa! It’s right in front of my favourite beach in Gili Air. It also comes with an outdoor shower and kitchen. I absolutely loved this place!

#8 Play Padel Here

If you spend some time on the island, I guarantee you will make friends in no time and get invited to a game at Padel Gili Air.

This is a fun way to get moving and right next to it there is an excellent Italian cafe called Il Baretto, where you can have the best cornetto outside Italy and have a chat with Stefania, the friendly owner.

I’ll be honest, I only watch people play padel from the cafe, and that’s also fine!

#9 Go To The Local Gym

The local gym is called Holiday Fit and it’s an experience on its own. Locals and expats go to the gym barefoot, everyone knows each other and most importantly, there are cats!

You will probably notice there are cats everywhere on the island and they are very well looked after.

My favourite cat at the gym is Melati, he does not care. He loves going to the gym and sleeping on the floor, enjoying AC! One time I saw a man complaining to the staff members because he is allergic to cats.

The staff picked up Melati and escorted him outside. He got back inside in the blink of an eye! One time through the back door, then a window, then the main entrance!

#10 Work Remotely From Here

Working On Air is the only coworking space on the island and oh boy, if it’s nice! No task is really tedious if you have a sea view!

They have daily and monthly passes and the wifi is super reliable. There are 3 phone booths upstairs, an on-site restaurant and of course, cats.

Most of the cafes have a stable wifi connection until there is a power cut. Most of the time you have to wait for the generator to reactivate the cafe and then you’re good to go. Of course, this is more likely to happen during the rainy season rather than the dry.

Kopi Susu and GILI COFFEE ROASTERS are some of the most reliable cafes for wifi and laptop work!

#11 Visit Lombok For The Day

Eventually, Gili Air will feel small even for you and after a week, you will wonder what else is out there! That’s when you will hop on a local boat and head to Bangsal Harbour in Lombok.

The local boat is a fun experience and it’s only about 10 minutes or so. It’s even more fun when it’s time to come back to Gili because they fill it with produce ordered from local businesses.

One time we carried ice and it felt amazing; it was like having a natural AC right by my feet.

The price of the local boat is around IDR 20k and it departs every time they reach a minimum number of passengers. When you get your ticket, you will see what number you are on the list. Don’t cry if you’re number 1, people will come eventually! I hope you have something to read with you!

The closest place to visit near Bangsal Harbour is Senggigi. The beaches there are amazing and it’s really relaxing; you can also venture all the way to Mataram. I love it especially at night time. There is always something going on! Food markets, funfairs, basketball games, especially if you go to Taman sangkareang, which is an urban park.

The best way to get around Lombok is by scooter. Rent yours on BikAgo, it’s super reliable and established in Southeast Asia! ➡️ Check out prices and bike availability here

#12 Visit The Other Gilis On A Day Trip

Gili Meno and Gili Trawangan are both just a short boat ride away from Gili Air. You can go in the morning and be back in the afternoon. Gili Meno is quieter, Gili T is louder. Both are worth checking out if you have time.

These islands are always included in snorkelling tours but you won’t spend much time on the islands as most of the trip happens on the boat.

Gili Trawangan can feel really overwhelming so I wrote a blog post on things to do that don’t involve parties!

There are also other islands around Lombok to visit, a lot quieter than these 3, for example, there is Gili Kondo and Gili Lampu. The last one is particularly famous for its mangroves and it’s pretty unique!

#13 Watch The Sunset With Live Music and Shows

I’m a sunrise girl but I have to say that sunsets here are also really nice, especially during the dry season. That’s because there is a lot going on to make sure you have the best sunset experience.

I’m talking live music, bean bags, fire shows and bonfires. We are gifted with one sunset a day but in Gili Air, they really know how to make it special!

If you want to go for live music and fire shows, go to PinkCoco, or for a more chilled experience, head north. Most of the restaurants would offer relaxing music and bonfires.

#14 Sip Herbal Tea From Ra Healing

Ra Healing is my favourite place by the sea. It’s a vegan cafe with lots of food options.

I have to say their herbal tea selection is pretty wide and they are delicious. You can either sit indoors or right by the sea. They also serve a nice ceremonial cacao, if you’re into it!

#15 Cycle Around The Island

It only takes about 30 minutes to cycle the full loop around Gili Air. You can rent a bike almost anywhere.

Some parts get sandy or flooded during high tide, so you might need to push it now and then, but it’s still a nice way to explore. Remember to keep left and you will be ok.

My top tip here is to go cycling early in the morning or after sunset; that way it will be less busy and there won’t be any horse carts.

There are electric scooters too, in theory, they are meant to be for local business owners rather than tourists, so if possible, just walk or ride a bike!

Other ways to get around the island is via horse cart, this is also how material is transported around the island when building houses or businesses. I personally don’t take them and I’m looking forward to see the day they will be replaced with something more ethical, but you do you.

Honestly, I just walk. This island is so tiny and there is nothing urgent to do, so you can take your time and get there when you get there!

#16 Join A Jewellery-Making Class

You guys, this class is always full! It must be one of the most popular activities on the island. That is also during the rainy and quiet months!

During the jewellery workshop, you can make your own silver ring or pendant. These are run by local artists and are super laid-back. It’s a good option if you want a different and creative break between swims.

➡️ Get your reservation here in advance to secure your slot! You will love it!

#17 Cacao Ceremony And Sound Healing

There are 2 yoga studios in Gili Air where you can sign up for a Cacao ceremony event (especially around full moon).

Both H2O and Flowers and Fire provide these events during high season, while during low season, only H2O I’ve noticed. But I highly recommend the cacao events at the Flowers and Fire studio because first of all the cacao is delicious and also the studio itself is amazing.

There are 2 locations, one is central, just off the main road coming from the harbour and the other is by the sea.

Regarding sound healing, both yoga studios have these classes regularly. Again, I have to say I prefer flowers and fire for this because of its location by the sea, I feel like the waves are an additional instrument. It’s almost impossible not to fall asleep for me!

My favourite places to eat in Gili Air

For local food, these are my favourite spots:

Orange’s warung for a delicious nasi goreng. I like how the owner would enrich this dish with whatever fresh produce she has in the kitchen. I feel like it’s a lot more nourishing and creative than the regular nasi goreng.

Air Bakso is my obsession, so I had to add it. They provide a wide range of dishes but obviously, bakso is the king of dishes here. We are talking about a beef soup with meatballs and noodles. Make sure to specify “no bones” if you don’t want them in the meatballs. They normally serve them without but you never know!

Head here for the best soto ayam. The warung on Google Maps is closed and the new owner is not on Google Maps yet but that’s the exact location! She is super friendly and makes a fantastic soto ayam. Don’t miss it!

Here are my favourite international restaurants:

Sands is a beautiful restaurant/beach club with really high-standard food. I got fish here a few times and it was amazing. Of course, I had to share it with a cat! I highly recommend it, although a bit pricier than others but you really pay for the quality here.

Go to Puglia Mia for the best Italian pasta! Here, they make the famous “orecchiette” from Puglia perfectly! The sauce is also out of this world.

For the perfect pizza, head to Mama Pizza. They honestly have the best pizza, probably even compared to Bali. Try it and let me know!

Sharkbites or I am Bagus Sports Bar for burgers. I also love this one called Cè Vvù? The Craft Burger Co. because they offer custom burgers. So you can choose anything you want from the list. I like adding grilled courgettes and I also love their cheesecakes!

Local Religion And What To Expect

Just like the rest of Lombok, Gili Air is a Muslim island. Very open and friendly but you still have to be respectful and considerate.

Meaning: Don’t walk around in a bikini unless you’re on the beach or at your accommodation.

Other than that, there are 2 mosques on the island and you will definitely hear the calls to prayer happening 5 times a day, starting from 4.30AM. They are in the centre and south of the island so if your accommodation is in the north, you will hear a lot less but you can’t escape from it!

I have to say after some time, I stopped noticing the calls to prayer because it becomes part of the environment, and when I do, I feel blessed! I have the opportunity to experience a different culture and I’m grateful for it.

The speaker from the mosque is also a way to communicate with islanders; all communication happens through that. Someone dies? speaker announcement. Are the tax authorities visiting the island today? speaker announcement. There is an announcement for everything as long as you speak Indonesian, you can get all the updates!

Many people ask me about my experience on the island during Ramadan. I have to say it’s probably one of the coolest times to visit, I highly recommend it! There is this sense of community and celebration in the air and obviously, when the sun goes down, the best food is out.

My favourite dessert during Ramadan in Kolak and I could eat it non-stop. It’s served in a glass and it contains coconut milk, palm sugar and bananas.

A lot of local business owners leave the island and go back home in Lombok and parties are not allowed. So it’s quieter and there are also less tourists than usual. I love it!

Where To Stay In Gili Air

As mentioned earlier, the northern part of the island will be the quietest. For that area, my favourite stays are:

If you want to be more central, this is my hot pick:

➡️ Puring Homestay: Each room here is spacious, with great wifi and a lovely bathroom too. This homestay is reasonably priced and not too far from the harbour.

Below is my full guide on where to stay in Gili Air. I tried all these places and I share all the best ones!

-> Where To Stay in Gili Air: My Honest Guide After Living On The Island

How To Get To Gili Air

From Bali:

There are plenty of speedboats from both Sanur and Padang Bai. From Sanur, it would be a longer boat ride so I normally take it from Padang Bai.

Boat rides can be rough, especially during the rainy season so the less you’re on the boat, the better.

➡️ This is the speedboat I take every time from Padang Bai to Gili Air. It’s reliable, professional and fast.

From Lombok:

Getting to Gili Air from Lombok is the fastest and least painful way. It’s a very short boat ride of 10 to 15 minutes. You can read all about it in my full guide here.

➡️ Check speedboat schedule here. This is the most convenient boat to book if you’re carrying luggage.

FAQs About Visiting Gili Air

Planning More of Your Bali and Gili Islands Trip?

If you’re visiting Bali before or after Gili Air, my 2-week Bali itinerary will help you build a route that includes the Gilis without only sticking to the busiest places.

It includes quieter areas in North and East Bali, solo-travel-friendly stops, and experiences that pair well with the slower, local feel of Gili Air.

Read my full 2-week Bali itinerary next to plan the rest of your trip.

Ciao for now,

Silvia x

Related Blog Posts

How To Get From Lombok Airport To Gili Air

Where To Stay in Gili Air: My Honest Guide After Living On The Island

Best Snorkelling Trips from Gili Trawangan: Top Tours and Spots to Explore

11 Things To Do In Gili Trawangan And Travel Guide For 2026

2 Weeks in Bali and the Gili Islands: Full Itinerary + Travel Tips

Unique Places To Stay In Gili Trawangan For Solo Travellers

How to Get from Padang Bai to Gili Trawangan Smoothly

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