Sight guide · Lombok · Indonesia
Visiting Gili Air
Gili Air is the closest Gili to the Lombok mainland and has a sandy path around its edge lined with beach cafés, yoga studios and dive shops.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Paxson Woelber, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
Gili Air is an island in Gili Air, Lombok. Allow 1–3 days; it is low cost. Booking ahead is not usually needed.
Key facts
- Type
- Island
- Area
- Gili Air
- Time needed
- 1–3 days
- Cost
- Low cost
- Book ahead
- Not usually needed
- Good for
- couples, kids and outdoors
- Best months
- July–September
About Gili Air
Gili Air is the closest Gili to the Lombok mainland and has a sandy path around its edge lined with beach cafés, yoga studios and dive shops. Shallow reefs off the north and east coasts are good for snorkelling straight from the beach.
Tip: Walk or cycle the full circuit of the island, about 5 km, and stop for a swim at the quieter north-west corner.
Plan your visit
- Time needed: 1–3 days.
- Cost: Low cost.
- Book ahead: not usually needed; buy on arrival.
- Where: Gili Air, the closest Gili to Lombok, relaxed but with good cafés and diving.
Best time to visit Gili Air
Gili Air is outdoors, so weather matters most. The driest, most comfortable months are:
- August: 30°C (86°F) highs, about 3 rainy days, very busy crowds.
- July: 30°C (86°F) highs, about 4 rainy days, very busy crowds.
- September: 31°C (88°F) highs, about 4 rainy days, busy crowds.
When to visit Lombok has the full month-by-month picture.
Fit it into your trip
Our 3-day Lombok itinerary visits Gili Air on day 2, together with Sendang Gile and Tiu Kelep waterfalls and Tanjung Aan.
- No. 4 of the 16 sights in our Lombok things-to-do list.
- Day 1 of the 1-day plan.
- Day 1 of the 2-day plan.
- Day 2 of the 5-day plan.
- One of the picks in outdoors in Lombok.
- A family favourite in Lombok with kids.
If you like Gili Air
- Gili Trawangan — Gili Trawangan, 1–3 days
- Gili Meno and the Nest — Gili Meno, Half a day to 2 days
- Tanjung Aan — Kuta and Mandalika, Half a day
- Selong Belanak — Selong Belanak, Half a day
Staying near Gili Air
Stay in Gili Air ($$) to walk here: the closest Gili to Lombok, relaxed but with good cafés and diving. All areas to stay in Lombok.
Questions travellers ask
+How long do you need at Gili Air?
Plan 1–3 days.
+Is Gili Air free?
No, it is low cost. Tickets are usually available on the day.
+When is the best time to visit Gili Air?
July–September for the most comfortable weather. Walk or cycle the full circuit of the island, about 5 km, and stop for a swim at the quieter north-west corner.
+Do I need to book Gili Air in advance?
Usually not: you can decide on the day.
+Is Gili Air good for kids?
Yes, it is one of our family picks in Lombok. Lombok suits families who want calm beaches and nature rather than theme parks.