The Gili Air Guide – Where to eat, what to do and where to stay in the Gili Islands

A trip to the Gili Islands is full of palm trees, coconuts, tanned skin, turtles, bicycle rides, fruity cocktails & magical sunsets. It’s a remote escape unlike any other in Bali.

And, just a 10-minute boat ride away from festive party island Gili Trawangan lies one of the most romantic getaways in all of Bali – Gili Air. It’s often an island I recommend for anyone planning a Bali honeymoon, because it’s one of my favorite remote islands in the world.

So let’s get to it – what should you do when you get to the Gilis, where should you eat and where should you stay on Gili Air?

But first….

How do you get to the Gili Islands?

I recommend D’camel fast ferry, but many of the ferry companies are similar. The ferry company will pick you up from your hotel and get you all the way to the Gilis (taking you to the ferry port, getting you on the boat, then to your hotel). It’s seamless, but the experience of getting to the Gilis is not exactly first-class. The ferries are crowded and sometimes rowdy and fun if they’re filled with some Gili T-goers – but it’s all part of the experience, right?

Where to stay on Gili Air

For luxury or a honeymoon in the Gili Islands

You’ll be shocked how inexpensive nice accommodation is in the Gili Islands. Because it’s so remote, it is one of the least expensive areas of all of Bali, and even these luxury options in Gili Air will be under $200 per night. 

Anahata Tropical Villas

Slow Gili Air

The Slow- one of my favorite places to stay in Canggu also has some villas on Gili Air that are just gorgeous. 

Where to stay for budget accommodations on Gili Air

The Koho Air Hotel

At under $100 a night, this adorable bungalow hotel is definitely a steal on Gili Air, and includes breakfast!

Where to eat on Gili Air

The best snacks, breakfast, coffee shops and cafes on Gili Air

Coffee & Thyme

B52

Kenza

The best restaurants on Gili Air for Dinner

Mama Pizza

I am literally salivating thinking about their pizzas and bruschetta. YOU HAVE to go here.

The Mexican Kitchen

Because Bali actually has suprisingly good Mexican food (If you’ve read my Ultimate Guide to Bali you know I’m obsessed with Bali’s Mexican food scene -Motel Mexicola, anyone?!?!) – and this place is so yummy!

Ruby’s Cafe

This cozy little spot is hidden off the beaten track and has some seriously delish Indonesian and international food!

Where to watch the sunset on Gili Air

Mowie’s Gili Air

One of my favorite spots to watch the sunset in all of Bali

Gili Lumbung Bar

For the iconic Gili Islands swing, definitely make your way to Gili Lumbung for sunset drinks.

What to do on Gili Air

Snorkel!

Rent a boat for the day (they are really ridiculously cheap), just ask your hotel to arrange it for you. I’d recommend getting over to Gili Meno where you can snorkel with the famous statues! 

Standup paddleboard

On the sunrise side of the island, you’ll see a bunch of SUP’s for rent – it’s pretty waveless out there so it’s a great place to go stand up paddleboarding.

Rent a bike

For a couple of bucks, you can rent a bike to explore the island. It’s very flat, and full of fun areas to explore, making it a great island to bike around!

Head over to Gili T or Gili Meno for the day

All three islands are connected by ferry, or you can rent a private boat and explore for the day.

Check out Jetset Christina’s other blog posts on Bali!

The Biggest Mistakes People Make Traveling to Bali for the First Time: Mistakes to avoid in Bali for first-time travelers.

How to prevent Bali belly

The Ultimate Bali Honeymoon Guide

The most overrated things to do in Bali, and where to go instead

Nusa Lembongan Travel Guide, Nusa Penida Travel Guide

The ultimate guide to Canggu

The Ultimate Ubud Travel Guide

The best hotels in bali

The Ultimate Travel Guide to Canggu, Bali

The Ultimate Bali Honeymoon Guide

 The Most Instagrammable Places in Bali

The 5 Best Smoothie Bowls in Bali

Bali’s Newest Sunset Spot: La Brisa Bali in Canggu

The Best Bali Day Trip: Rice Fields and Waterfalls in Ubud

Jetset Christina’s Guide to the Gili Islands

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Christina is a leading luxury lifestyle and travel blogger with over 2 million readers. Follow her on instagram @jetsetchristina.

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