Things to Do in Gili Air: A Slow Island Escape for Soul Seekers

Things to Do in Gili Air: A Slow Island Escape for Soul Seekers

If you’re looking for a peaceful island with barefoot vibes, crystal-clear waters, and no cars in sight — Gili Air might just be your dream escape. Smaller and calmer than Gili Trawangan, but livelier than Gili Meno, Gili Air offers the perfect balance of chill and adventure.

Here’s your complete guide based on my recent visit — budget-friendly, beginner-friendly, and made for slow travelers like you.

🚲 Getting There: My Route from Lombok

I started my trip in Kuta, Lombok, riding my motorbike all the way to Bangsal Port. I parked at a nearby lot for just IDR 10,000/day, and bought a speedboat ticket for IDR 150,000 (approx. RM45). The ride took only 20 minutes — short, scenic, and totally worth it!

Why Gili Air?
They say Gili T is for the party crowd, Gili Meno is for honeymooners… and Gili Air? Well, it’s perfect for everything in between — solo travelers, chill souls, or anyone seeking balance. And honestly? I have no regrets.

How to Get to Gili Air

If you’re not already in Lombok, you can also reach Gili Air from Bali via Padang Bai port (fast boat options available). But from Lombok (Bangsal Port):

• Public ferry:

  • IDR 25,000 (~RM7)

  • Duration: ~30–40 mins

  • Perfect for budget travelers

• Speedboat:

  • IDR 150,000 (~RM45)

  • Duration: ~10–15 mins

  • Flexible departure times

Tip: Skip the middlemen. Head straight to the official ticket counter at the port to avoid scams or overpricing.

🏝️ My 3D2N Gili Air Itinerary

I spent 3 days and 2 nights on Gili Air — and it turned out to be the perfect amount of time for me.
It gave me just the right balance of slow mornings, active afternoons, and golden-hour sunsets.

During my stay, I got to explore the island and try out some memorable activities. Below are the details of what I did — hope it gives you inspiration for your own island escape:

You can now follow it with the activity sections like:

• 🚲 Bike around the island

• 🤿 Fun dive with Ocean5

• ☕ Chill at Kopisusu

• 🌅 Sunset beach ride

• 🛏 Stay at Captain Coconuts

🚲 Rent a Bike & Explore Freely

There are no cars or motorbikes on the island — just bikes, horses, or your own two feet. And honestly, that’s the charm.

• Bike rental: IDR 50,000/day (~RM15)

• Ride the full island loop in under 90 minutes

• Spot quiet beaches, cute cafés, and photo-worthy swings along the way

🤿 Fun Dive with Ocean5 Dive Centre

Feeling adventurous? I booked a fun dive with Ocean5 Dive Centre and loved it!

What’s included (IDR 700,000):

• Full gear (wetsuit, fins, mask, weights, tank)

• Boat transport

• Friendly, professional dive guide
  It was safe, well-organized, and perfect for both beginners and experienced divers.

Sunset on the West Coast

Evenings in Gili Air are golden — literally. I loved cycling to the west side of the island and watching the sun melt into the horizon , You can also find quiet spots nearby for a peaceful sunset moment.

Indonesian Cooking Class at Warung Sunny

Learn to cook local dishes like nasi goreng, satay, sambal, and more at Warung Sunny.
It’s a hands-on way to dive into Indonesian culture — and you get to eat everything you make. Win-win.

Café-Hopping: My Favorite, Kopisusu

There are lots of aesthetic cafés on the island, but Kopisusu stole my heart.

• Calm, cozy vibes

• Smooth iced coffee

• Delicious smoothie bowls
  Whether you’re working remotely or just cooling off post-bike ride, this café hits the spot.

Yoga Classes — Saving it for Next Time

I came across Flowers & Fire Yoga Garden and H2O Yoga, both with great reviews. The peaceful open-air studios looked inviting, but I decided to skip this time. Definitely on the list for next visit!

🛏 Stay Somewhere Cozy: Captain Coconuts

This was my stay — and honestly, it made the whole trip even better.

Here’s what I loved about Captain Coconuts:

• Traditional Javanese-style rooms with high ceilings

• Private rooms with air-conditioning and a warm, spacious feel

• Open-air bathrooms with Balinese charm

• A serene eco-pool and lush garden setting

• Delicious breakfast bowls from their on-site café

• Bike rental available

• Just minutes from the beach — perfect for catching the sunset

“Where coconuts fall, good vibes rise.”

Highly recommended if you want something eco-friendly, photogenic, and comfortable.

The villa-style private rooms are a blend of traditional Javanese design and island chic — high ceilings, natural wood, and open-air touches that make you feel connected to nature while still enjoying modern comforts like air conditioning and spacious interiors.

Tucked just off the main path, the location is super easy to find, and you won’t miss it — the bold, tropical-style logo is clear at the entrance.

What makes it stand out isn’t just the look — it’s the energy of the space. The entire resort is designed around an open-concept layout

a large common area and a clean, inviting pool right in the center. You’ll often find guests chilling on beanbags, reading books, or simply soaking up the island breeze.

My Stay at Captain Coconuts Gili Air

If you're looking for a stay that feels like a tropical dream — Captain Coconuts is it.

The room was big and spacious, with plenty of natural light and a cozy, laid-back atmosphere.

The bed was super comfy — perfect for collapsing into after a day of biking and snorkeling.

I loved the thoughtful touches too : A wooden chair by the window for reading or just chilling

A clean and well-designed bathroom, with natural textures and that open-air Balinese style I didn’t know I’d love so much

My Room at Captain Coconuts

I stayed in one of the private rooms, and it honestly exceeded my expectations.

🎬 Outdoor Movie Night Under the Stars

One of my favorite surprises during my stay at Captain Coconuts was their free outdoor movie night, held every Wednesday and Saturday.

Imagine this: cozy beanbags, a giant screen under the palm trees, the ocean breeze in the background, and best of all — free popcorn! 🍿

It was the perfect way to wind down after a full day of snorkeling, biking, and exploring. There’s something magical about watching a movie on an island, under the stars, surrounded by nature.

Simple joys like this are what make Gili Air so unforgettable. 🌙

💭 Final Words

More than a retreat — it’s a reminder of who you really are.

Gili Air isn’t about ticking boxes. It’s about feeling free, moving slow, and being present.
Whether you’re snorkeling with turtles, sipping iced coffee by the sea, or simply biking under the sun — this island shows you how beautiful simplicity can be.

If this blog helped you, inspired you, or made you smile —

leave me a comment, share your thoughts, or just say hi 🧡

Let’s stay connected — because stories are meant to be shared, and life is better when we grow together 🌍

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