Most of the accommodation and other tourism facilities are on the south and east coasts, facing Lombok. The boat landing is in the centre of the south coast. A coastal path leads you around the perimeter of the island, and a leisurely stroll all the way around will take about 90 min. For such a small island, the maze of paths that criss-cross the island can get surprisingly confusing, but these always lead back to the coast path eventually.
See [wiki=69022f238b596e1c6fb58ef8fa8dbc53#By boat]Gili Island main page[/wiki] for more info.
The sea is calmest in the morning and all transport stops running in the late-afternoon, well before dark. During periods of southerly winds and in July and August especially, the swell can be a bit hairy and you are very likely to get wet on the crossing. It is advisable to place laptops, cameras and handphones in waterproof bags for the crossing. You will need to wade through shallow sea when disembarking, so wear either appropriate footwear, or none at all.
Not All fast boat operators stop at Gili Air. Here are some of the ones that do:
Amed Sea Express offers a twice daily high-speed schedule to Gili Air from [wiki=a9ed278e61876386b534592913fd73c0]Amed[/wiki] on the East coast of Bali. Boats depart [wiki=a9ed278e61876386b534592913fd73c0]Amed[/wiki] at 10AM and 3:30PM with arrivals on Gili Air at 11:30AM and 5PM. Prices are Rp 600.000 (one-way) and Rp 1,100.000 (return) and tickets can be booked online.
Scoot Cruises also now departs from Sanur in Bali and stops in Lembongan, Lombok and Gili Air. Gili Getaway (formerly Island getaway) go directly to Gili Tawangan but offer a transfer service to Gili Air as soon as you arrive.
Also Kudahitam and Semaya one both stop at Gili Air.
To check live seat availability on a variety of trusted carriers (including many of the above) and book boat tickets online, use the recently established Gilibookings website.
Public boats depart from [wiki=b0552167c2e74ee6c7072f574de4bd66]Bangsal[/wiki] between 8AM-5PM but often no later than 4PM and are fewer in number than go to Gili Trawangan. The voyage takes about 30 min and the official price is Rp 12,000 (from December 1st 2014). Sometimes these services only depart when there are enough people, normally a minimum of 15 is enough. If numbers are insufficient you may have to endure a wait at Bangsal. The official maximum is 20 people but sometimes the boat is overloaded by the time it is ready to depart. The best time to be sure of a crossing to Gili Air is 2PM-3:30PM in the afternoon however this can vary, especially with weather or passenger loads.
From the Lombok International Airport by taxi is about 247,000 around 2 hours if it's a "normal" driver, there are a few taxi providers before you step out of the airport gate.
Buy your tickets direct from the official Koperasi Angkutan Laut Karya Bahari office. In Bangsal this is located inside the main building near the door at the eastern corner. The Koperasi operate the Public Boat, the Shuttle boat, the Island Hopping boat and also offer (official) Charter boats. The office lady still encourage you to buy the rest of the tickets to ensure that you depart on time, but actually it fulled within half hour with locals (by the time I took on April 15th 2014).
There is a ticket office on Gili Air to buy your ticket back to Bangsal, it is located adjacent to the arrival and departure point.
Public boat (ferry)
*This is the standard method to reach Gili Air and is used by both local residents and tourists. The maximum number of passengers is fixed at 20 persons but it is often overloaded with goods and or passengers. If it seems clearly unsafe due to either overloading or prevailing weather conditions then it is most likely best not to board it.
:* Bangsal to Gili Air 1 way is Rp 12,000 - (from December 1st 2014); Also Foreign Tourist Fee is Rp 5,000
:* Gili Air to Bangsal 1 way is Rp 12,000 - (the earliest deaprt at 7:30 am, the next around 8:30, it includes the time for slow boarding)
Shuttle boat
*This service supplements the Public boat (ferry) service.
:* Bangsal to Gili Air departs at 5PM, the official price is Rp 26,000.
:* Gili Air to Bangsal departs at 8:15AM, the official price is Rp 26,000.
(This is more expensive than the standard Public boat cost officially fixed at Rp 8,000).
Charter boat
*The official charter boat service provided by Koperasi Angkutan laut Karya Bahari is permitted to carry a maximum of 12 persons.
:* Bangsal to Gili Air 1 way is Rp 155,000, return Rp 290,000
:* Gili Air to Bangsal no published price
:* Gili Air to Senggigi 1 way is Rp 480,000, return Rp 690,000
*Informal and unofficial charters are also available from private operators to travel from Bangsal to Gili Air. If requiring one try to deal only with the boat operator, ignore the touts and 'facilitators' and use your time over a negotiation, any hint of haste or urgency is sure to raise the price.
There's also a speed boat service by Koprasi Karya Bahari (phone: 087765954418, 081805228126)
:* Gili Air to / 1$/D5
:* Bangsal 450,000
:* Gili Meno 450,000
:* Oboroi 500,000
:* Sira 400,000
:* Teluk Nara 450,000
:* Senggigi 1,500,000
:* Gili Trawangan 500,000; Bangsal to Gili Trawangan 550,000
Perama [url=http://peramatour.com]]has a small office on Gili Air next door to Villa Karang, and they offer daily transfers from [[Senggigi[/url]] at 9AM for Rp 90,000. These should not be relied on outside of the peak tourist season though. Perama is unlikely to take you to Gili Air if you are the only passenger.
Departing from Bangsal to either of the three Gili islands is rarely pleasant due to the very persistent touts who infest the place, just try to ignore them and do not listen to their generally fanciful tales that involve you paying them money to solve an imaginary transportation problem. They often provide a chorus of gloomy predictions regarding the alleged unavailability of services, then if successful they just place unknowing passengers upon the normal scheduled service or a private charter at an often seriously inflated prices.
The situation arising from the activities of pestering touts combined with confusing and inadequate formal services at Bangsal is the source of many disappointments and complaints.
There are 6 dive operators with offices on Gili Air. Most of them are independently run outposts of Gili Trawangan based shops. All dive shops offer a full menu of PADI or SSI dive courses and fun dives.
If you intend to learn to dive or advance existing qualifications and wish to avoid all the temptations of partying whilst doing so, then Gili Air is the ideal base.
* Completely professional dive centre offering all SSI scuba diving courses, Freediving Courses Level 1 & 2. To ensure you receive the most personlised attention, the amazing limit the number of customers on board.
* Professionally run dive centre offering all PADI scuba diving courses, Freediving courses, Yoga and Stand up paddleboard tours. In a great location with fun and professional staff, Blue Marine Dive is the ideal place to enjoy your holiday on Gili Air.
*
* all PADI & SSI dive courses are available in French, English, German, Spanish and Turkish. Guided fun dives, night dives, muck dives. Located at Sun Rise resort. Also offers SSI Freediving courses.
* SSI Dive courses, fun dives, night dives, experienced and professionally run. Traditionally styled bungalows are available behind the dive centre.
* Free wifi for divers and they shop also make provision for people with disabilities.
* Next to Scallywags Beach Club
Freediving, breath-hold diving or apnea, is a form of diving where a person relies on his or her
ability to hold their breath. With an abundance of dive sites and warm, clear waters, Gili Air is the perfect place to
experience the amazing and fast growing sport of freediving. Although diving on a single breath of air may sound difficult, you will be amazed what an experienced team of freediving instructors can do for you in just a few days. By applying the correct techniques, together with informative theory and practical water sessions, you can experience new sensations and realise the natural ability of the human body to dive to depths you previously thought impossible, on just one breath!
* Learn to dive on a single breath with the Apnea Total Gili freedive instructors at Blue Marine Dive Resort. In 2 days you can learn to dive down to 20 metres on just one breath. Everyone can freedive!!!
* Purely freediving diveshop, offers half-day, 2 days and 3 days courses for beginners and advanced freedivers, in both Apnea Total and SSI systems, also training and coaching for certified freedivers. After each course you go snorkelling with turtles on Gili Meno. Yoga lessons are also available, not only for the students.
Any of the dive shops will also be able to organise snorkelling trips for you, including hire of gear. Alternatively, there are some good spots where you can snorkel from the beach. Try almost anywhere along the east coast where the fringing reef is fairly healthy and close offshore. Be careful walking in the shallow waters though as there are a lot of very spiny sea urchins in amongst the sea-grass. Equipment can be hired from almost any cafe or shack close to the beach for about Rp 30,000, or your hotel will be able to help you.
Please note, the coral reef is a sensitive ecosystem, when snorkeling please swim rather than walk over the shallow reef; will be surprised how much is growing under you, as a rule of thumb, as soon as the water is up to your knees you are safe to swim.
Gili Air hardly registers a blip on the global surf scene, which is somewhat surprising. There is a poorly known, barreling right hander off the south coast called Playgili. This is by no means a straightforward wave, breaks over some very sharp coral and is best left to experienced, skilled surfers. It does not always roll, but when it does this is a good wave. Best first stop for any surfer is Ozzy's Surf Shop, where the local crew will be keen to rent you a board and chat about the conditions.
Stefano Cavallucci runs Gili Air Watersports Club @Sun Rise Hotel with Kitesurf, wakeboard, stand up paddle, surf, and kayak.
info@gilikitesurf.com
The circular walk around Gili Air is very pleasant indeed. The highlight for many would be the awe-inspiring views of massive Mount Rinjani towering over Lombok.
For those who want really cheap accommodation (Rp 50,000-100,000), the good option is to walk by the road going inland from the harbor/boat ticket office to the village. There are several homestay-type accommodation options there. In low season, the price can often be bargained down.
Gili Air budget hotels tend to bear a striking resemblance to one another and most are on the east side of the island. There is not a wide range in quality or appeal, although a few stand out.
*These old-style thatched roof bungalows have been around for a long while and it shows. However, the prices reflect that and the location is great.
*Chill Out Bungalows are located on the main beach area of Gili Air, set next to Chill Out Bar and has 5 traditional style lumbungs but with all modern services including A/C & fan, fresh hot water showers, satTV, safe-boxes, comfortable verandahs and breakfast. Chill Out Bar (at the south east coast location) has a chilled relaxed atmosphere and serves imported spirits, beers, wines and cocktails. Food provides some interpretations of Sasak cooking including homemade curries and satays, also Western food including pizzas and burgers and seafood BBQs. Expect to pay about Rp 35,000-80,000 for a main dish. Open late and sometimes evolves into the main bar on the island. Happy Hour, 4-6.30PM. A large bintang beer is Rp 30,000 with a bowl of snack popcorn and kerupuk for free.
*Lovely gardens planted with colourful hibiscus. Restaurant, private villa, spacious verandas on each cottage. Several other restaurants are within a 5 min walk. Ozzy's Surf shop, which arranges day trips and transportation, is about 100 m from the entrance to the Cottages. Cheaper cottages are fan-cooled, A/C is extra.
* 10 bungalows with budget fan cooled rooms and a family option. Set back a little off the main track in a cool, shady coconut grove. Western style bathrooms and thatched roofs. Restaurant is on the beach in front of the bungalows.
* Small cottages with hammock and balcony, friendly staff. About 10 min walk from the harbour or Rp 50,000 in a cidomo.
* Traditional style bungalows are a little bit tired but offer good value to the budget-minded. Free breakfast, coffee/tea all day. Hospitable family. 4 bungalows set back from the beach in a shady coconut grove. Each has a little verandah with a hammock. (As of January 2016 - 150k per room including breakfast)
* Basic, but cheap bungalows not so far from the sea.
* Virtually next door to Mawar and little bit more upmarket. The verandahs all equipped with the obligatory hammock.
* 3 clean homestay-type rooms with small veranda each, nearby to main village shop and several warungs. 5 min walk to either harbor or east coast.
*A picturesque mini-hotel nestled among the swaying palms, nice pool with bale, 2 bedroom villas, 1 bedroom bunglows & 1 bedroom budget rooms
Newish and well designed bungalows with wooden features and hammocks on the terrace.
*A bit out of the way on the north end of the west side of the island. Tranquil grounds, restaurant, modern bungalows. They have four levels of rooms ranging from standard to luxury.
*5 traditional style bungalows and 6 garden rooms/ 3 family rooms, all with A/C, hot water and outdoor bathrooms. Breakfast is included. Swimming pool, central to the main beach and restaurants. Has a generator which is advantageous as electricity is a problem throughout the islands. The coffee shop serves Illy coffees, teas and juices. Friendly staff.
* This is just about as far away from the main strip as you can get. Newer, mid-range lumbung-style bungalows and some older options at budget prices.
* Six rooms with private garden and outdoor shower, flat screen TVs with satellite service, mini bar, wifi. Also has a restaurant on the beach.
* Well designed and maintained, thatched roof, split level lumbung-style cottages. The living areas are upstairs and all have ocean views. The downstairs bedrooms have outdoor bathrooms attached. Swimming pool and the Blue Marlin dive operator is nearby.
* Two storey bungalows in the main strip of the island with an open room downstairs and an upstairs bedroom. Four room categories, the majority of which have a direct sea view. Mature garden, Gili Air Divers operates from the resort.
* Turtle Beach Cottage Gili Air features the traditional building style of Sasak, native Lombok tribes that are blending harmoniously with the island's landscape. Sea views, tropical garden and pool view.
* Unzipp Bungalows, is one of the leading beach bungalows in Gili Air which provides both the modern and the traditional amenities of life to the tourist.Unzipp beautiful bungalows made from recycled Javanese carved timber.
* Good quality bungalows. The grounds are not that nice though, and the south side of the island is more prone to rough water and can be quite windy. The name is misleading as they are not offering villas.
*Great Resort on right of west beach Gili air, Offering Tranquility, peaceful, quit, and Fantastic Sunset view and Mount "Agung" view (Bali's Volcanoes) on the distance. 25 Rooms is constructed by great design a combine of Simply modern and natural concept. Big pool just up front the beach.
Four contemporary styled bungalows set amidst a tropical garden, overlooking the turquoise sea
* Quiet beach, 4 beach houses/cottage, each with different theme and design. All have cold/hot running water from Lombok, open air bathroom (some with massage shower) and friendly service. Free wifi in all rooms.
The Casa Mio Siesta Beach Restaurant has sea views and natural style decoration. International and Indonesian food. Breakfast, fresh ground coffee. Beachside seafood BBQ, fresh made curry. Internet is also available for dining guests. The cafe has a 2Mbps internet connection, speed may vary though due to local conditions.