The paradise island
that feels like home
Gili Air is one of three stunning islands located off the North coast of tropical Lombok. With its white sandy beaches, lofty palm trees, clear blue waters and burning sunsets, Gili Air is the perfect setting for your holiday of a lifetime. Commonly described as ‘the perfect combination of the other 2 Islands’, Gili Air has a charming ‘chilled out’ vibe by day that is popular amongst families and couples. At night time the island offers camp fires and beach front dining with a variety of entertainment such as live music, fire dancing and beach parties.
It only takes a couple of hours to walk around the island but it’s best to experience Gili Air at a slower pace. Best of all, there are no cars or motorbikes here, and Gili Air’s treasures are best explored on foot or by bicycle. Choose between spending your day lounging on the beach or taking part in some of the various activities. You can dine out and try a range of local and international dishes and cocktails. The Gilis are surrounded by breathtaking coral reefs that offer excellent diving and snorkeling.
If you prefer to change it up from cycling around the island, you can always try horse-riding on the beach. And of course, if staying up late into the night is your thing, you can dance under the stars with your feet in the sand at a Gili Air beach party. Whether you want to sit back and relax or live it up, Gili Air has something to offer everyone.
transportgetting here
The Gili Islands are located between two International Airports, Lombok International Airport in Praya, Lombok; and Ngurah Rai International Airport in Denpasar Bali.
If you need any assistance organising transport to Gili Air, we would be more than happy to arrange it for you. Please allow us a couple of days’ notice. Send us a message through the following contact form or email us at info@staysharkvillas.com
From Bali
The most popular way to get to the Islands and probably the easiest when traveling from Bali is to take a fast boat. There are many boat companies operating currently and the journey from Bali takes between 2/2.5hrs (depending on conditions).
Most boat tickets include free pick up from your hotel in Bali and return tickets should include a transfer to your next destination when returning to Bali. They do not include a transfer to your hotel once you arrive in The Gili Islands!
Fast boats go directly to Gili Trawangan and Gili Air but fast boats going directly to Gili Meno are limited.
BALI HARBOURS
There is actually a number of harbours in Bali that you can leave from however without a doubt the 2 most popular harbours are Serangan and Padang Bai.
Serangan Harbour
Serangan is only a 15 minute drive from Ngurah Rai Airport in Denpasar therefore, it is arguably the easiest harbour to travel from however, currently there is only 2 or 3 boat companies leaving from this harbour each day and the boats sell out tickets fast so make sure you pre book.
Padang Bai
This is the most popular harbour amongst Gili Island visitors. It gets crazy busy during high season (June, July, August) and therefore can feel a little hectic. Most of the boat companies leave from this port. It is roughly a 2 hour drive from the airport so be sure to allow yourself time to get there before your boat is set to depart.
Other harbours in Bali with fast boats going to The Gilis: Sanur Beach, Amed Beach.
HOW TO ARRANGE FAST BOAT TICKETS?
You can book your tickets online or you can book them with one of the many agents in Bali. Most hotels in Bali also help you to arrange your ticket. It is much better to pre book your tickets, the boats get fully booked very quickly and therefore we strongly urge you not to just turn up at one of the ports and attempt to buy your ticket there.
HOW MUCH ARE FAST BOAT TICKETS?
The prices for the fast boats vary throughout the year, depending on season. If you are planning your trip during the Gili high season (June, July, August) then expect to pay more for your ticket than you would at other times of the year.
The harbour that you are leaving from can affect the price of your ticket and some boat companies are cheaper than others. There really is no set price for the boat tickets. Typically, you should expect to pay between IDR 350,000rp – IDR 650,000rp for a one way ticket and for a return ticket between IDR 600,000rp – IDR 900,000rp.
If you are booking your ticket with an agent, don’t be afraid to discuss the price options. You are in Asia after all and most of the time, the first price is not the real price BUT be realistic and don’t expect to pay nothing for your ticket.
From Lombok
The public boats that run to Gili Air are situated in Bangsal Harbour, about a two hours’ scenic drive from Praya Airport. The slow boats run from 7am to 5pm and each boat departs as it fills up. The fast boat leaves quarter past every hour, from 10:15 until 16:15. Metered taxis can be found in the airport parking lot. Private airport pick up, and private boat transfers from nearby Lombok harbours can be pre-arranged.
ISLAND HOPPING
There is an Island Hopping boat that runs from each Island twice a day, every day (weather permitting) between the Islands. There is a set schedule for the Island hopping boat. Please note that tickets for this boat should be purchased at the main harbor ticket office and they can only be purchased on the day that you are traveling. You can not but these tickets in advance.
The Island hopping boat is a traditional, wooden, local Indonesian style long boat. There are life jackets available on board. Although this boat is normally smooth running however, there are some days where the current and the waves in-between the islands are strong therefore, it can turn into a bit of a bumpy ride.
ISLAND HOPPING SCHEDULE
The morning schedule:
Gili Air 8:30am – Gili Meno 8:45am – Gili Trawangan 9:00am
Gili Trawangan 9:30am – Gili Meno 9:45am – Gili Air 10:00am
The afternoon schedule:
Gili Air 3:00pm – Gili Meno 3:15pm – Gili Trawangan 3:30pm
Gili Trawangan 4:00pm – Gili Meno 4:15pm – Gili Air 4:30pm
Gili Island Hopping Prices:
Gili Air – Gili Trawangan/Gili Trawangan – Gili Air : IDR 40,000 one way ticket … IDR 80,000 return ticket
Gili Air – Gili Meno/ Gili Meno – Gili Air : IDR 35,000 one way ticket … IDR 70,000 return ticket
Gili Meno – Gili Trawangan/ Gili Trawangan – Gili Meno :
PUBLIC SPEED BOAT
An alternative to the regular Island Hopping boat service is the Island Hopping Speed Boat service. This boat runs between the Gili Islands and Lombok every hour throughout the day.
Public Speed Boat Timetable
Depart Gili Air – Arrive Gili Meno/Gili T
| 09:10 | 10:30 | 11:30 | 12:30 | 13:30 | 14:30 | 15:30 | 16:30 |
Depart Gili Meno – Arrive Gili T
| 09:25 | 10:45 | 11:45 | 12:45 | 13:45 | 14:45 | 15:45 | 16:45 |
Depart Gili Trawangan – Arrive Gili Meno / Gili Air
| 09:45 | 11:00 | 12:00 | 13:00 | 14:00 | 15:00 | 16:00 | 17:00 |
Depart Gili Meno – Arrive Gili Air
| 10:00 | 11:15 | 12:15 | 13:15 | 14:15 | 15:15 | 16:15 | 17:15 |
PUBLIC SPEED BOAT TICKETS
Tickets are IDR 85 000 per person one way no matter to which Gili you’re going to.
Make sure you ask for the public speedboat tickets. At Gili Air and Gili Meno these tickets can be bought at the local harbour ticket office, whereas in Gili Trawangan these tickets should be bought from the small ticket office close to the jetty. The Public Speed Boat Tickets can only be purchased on the day that you are traveling. You can not but these tickets in advance.
PRIVATE SPEED BOAT
If you prefer to travel between the three Gili islands in your own private speedboat, simply go to the harbour and ask around for one of the speedboats to take you. The price is around 350 000 per boat. The speedboats leave from the jetties, so that’s where you’ll find the captains.
Yoga
A range of yoga classes for all levels are available on the island. Whether you are a skilled yogi or just a beginner, this is one of the greatest places to practice yoga. Namaste.
Scuba diving
A mesmerising underwater world awaits in Gili Air with multiple, recognised diving schools to choose from. There’s hundreds of cool underwater species to look out for and of course the Gilis are famously the home to many resident sea turtles.
Snorkeling
Snorkeling equipment is readily available on the island to explore the marine life rich waters. You can book a private snorkel tour, go along on one of the daily public snorkel trips or simply hire some equipment and go explore straight from the beach.
Free Diving
Whether you are experienced, or want to learn, free diving is a popular local activity. A unique sport, that focuses not only on the marine life but on your mind and body. How far can you dive on just one breath?
SUP
Stand-Up-Paddle boarding is an increasingly popular way to explore the Gili Islands. A great way to strengthen your core muscles, this activity is a lot of fun and boards are available for rental at various dive shops around the island.
Cooking Classes
Discover the flavours of Indonesia through a local, expert, cooking class. If you enjoy the local cuisine, why not learn how to cook it yourself? Surprise your friends back home with your new culinary skills.
Subwing
Explore underwater like never before, embrace the feeling of flying with the fishes. Subwing accommodates to all level of swimmers and life jackets are available on board if needed. Just relax, enjoy, hold on and fly!
Horse Riding
For all levels, Horse Riding provides an alternative way to explore the white sands of Gili Air. This is a popular sunset activity, it’s also a great way to learn more about the history of the work horses of Gili.
Lombok’s Waterfalls
A day trip to Lombok’s Waterfalls will not disappoint you. Enjoy the lush landscape of the nearby island, and bathe in the natural fresh water of the sendang and tiu kelep waterfalls.
Spa and Beauty
Well known for its massages and spas, a range of treatments are available close to our hotel. You can choose between local spas or luxury hotel spas…or why not experience both?
Gym Facilities
For those who want to keep up their training while on vacation, a local gym provides a range of equipment. A fairly new facility on the island, the gym is popular amongst both the local community and tourists.