Best of Gili Air

Top itineraries and travel advice in and around Gili Air
It’s easy to feel as though you’ve stumbled onto the world’s prettiest tropical backdrop on a visit to the Gili Islands. Located off the northwest coast of Lombok, this trio of islands each have a distinct personality, though all have powdery white-sand beaches wedged between coconut palms and aquamarine seas. You can join revelers at oceanfront bars on Gili Trawangan, snorkel the reefs right off Gili Air, or enjoy tranquil yoga sessions overlooking the ocean on quieter Gili Meno. You’ll find great places to stay on all of the islands, though you can also visit for the day from towns like Senggigi on Lombok. 

A visit to the Gili Islands isn’t complete with a look at the coral reefs offshore. Technicolor reefs, sea turtles and a wide variety of tropical fish lurk beneath the surface, along with several wrecks and a series of haunting statues that make up the undersea installation entitled Nest. On land, you can go cycling along coastal paths and over inland trails while looking for wildlife, including egrets and kingfishers on Gili Meno’s saltwater lake. You can also explore the islands on foot and check out unusual highlights, like the remains of a WWII Japanese gun post on Gili Trawangan.
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Sunset over the "island of the gods," Bali
Map of Discover Bali: Ubud, Seminyak & Gili Air - 9 Days
Discover Bali: Ubud, Seminyak & Gili Air - 9 Days

Uncover the secrets of Bali on this trip around the "island of the gods." Visit temples that were built over a thousand years ago, wander through lush green rice terraces around Ubud, drive through lava fields in a vintage Volkswagon convertible, and bask in the turquoise waters of the Gili Islands. End with the trendy beaches and bars of Seminyak, all with plenty of time to relax and learn about the Balinese culture.

Bali scenery
Map of Culture & Beaches in Indonesia: Bali & Gili Islands - 12 Days
Culture & Beaches in Indonesia: Bali & Gili Islands - 12 Days

Experience the world-famous beauty of Indonesia's islands. Begin in the town of Ubud in Bali, where you'll hike through terraced rice fields, learn about local culture and crafts, and visit historic temples. Then, travel by speedboat to Gili Air. You'll snorkel, spot sea turtles, and explore its neighboring islands, with plenty of time for beachside relaxation. Return to Bali and travel to Seminyak to enjoy temple tours, a traditional dance performance, and a surf class.

Child playing on a swing on a beach in Lombok
Map of Lombok's Culture & Beaches for Families - 10 Days
Lombok's Culture & Beaches for Families - 10 Days

To enjoy a relaxed family vacation that's far from the crowds, head to the Indonesian island of Lombok. This 10-day itinerary has your family spending a few days on the beautiful beaches of Lombok, then hopping over to the idyllic Gili Islands for swimming, snorkeling, and cycling. Learn about local Sasak culture and handicrafts in local villages, and get the chance to flex your culinary muscles in a family-friendly cooking class.

The Gili Islands
Map of Unforgettable Indonesia: Bali & the Gili Islands - 11 Days
Unforgettable Indonesia: Bali & the Gili Islands - 11 Days

Perfect for leisurely exploring, this fun and culture-filled 11-day itinerary mixes things up with temple viewing, rice paddy walks, and time on the beach. Meet local people, travel in style in a VW convertible, snorkel in warm waters alongside turtles, and sail away on a sunset cruise. A stay on charming Gili Air will introduce you to a slower pace of life, where motor vehicles don't exist, and you can snooze in a hammock by the ocean at a cool beach bar.

Learn why Bali is called the "Island of the gods" at Tirta Empul
Map of Balinese Escape: Ubud to the Gili Islands - 13 Days
Balinese Escape: Ubud to the Gili Islands - 13 Days

Experience tropical island life on this 13-day escape to Bali's ornate temples and lush landscapes. See the famous sea temple of Tanah Lot, then head to Ubud to look out over the Tegallalang rice terraces and learn to cook Balinese dishes with a local. Wind down with plenty of time to relax and snorkel on the car-free Gili Islands, then end your trip with a sunset cruise and barbecue on the golden beaches of Uluwatu.

Enjoy the white-sand beaches and calm of little Gili Air
Map of Culture & Beaches in Indonesia: Bali & Gili Islands - 13 Days
Culture & Beaches in Indonesia: Bali & Gili Islands - 13 Days

A chilled-out tropical vacation in Indonesia can be as varied as its many islands. Between Bali and the Gili Islands, travelers with various interests will enjoy cultural encounters, beach time, and active pursuits such as snorkeling and gentle hikes. Start in Tanah Lot and Ubud, learning about Balinese culture, before heading to tiny Gili Air off Lombok for snorkeling and deep relaxation. End on the beaches of South Bali, where you can enjoy free time to do whatever you like.

Swim and play with your kids on the beautiful beaches of Indonesia
Map of Family Trip to Indonesia: Culture, History & Beaches - 14 Days
Family Trip to Indonesia: Culture, History & Beaches - 14 Days

Adventurous excursions meet history, culture, and of course, beach time on this 14-day Indonesian family vacation. Begin in Tanah Lot, where you'll see its ancient sea temple, then it's off to Munduk for canoeing on Lake Beratan and a trek to Bali's highest waterfall. Visit terraced rice fields and go whitewater rafting in Ubud, then boat over to the island of Gili Air to swim, snorkel, and play on white-sand beaches. End in Sanur with the bats of Goa Lawah and a traditional kecak fire dance.

Suwat Waterfall in Bali
Map of Indonesia Island Hopping: Bali, Gili Air & Nusa Penida - 15 Days
Indonesia Island Hopping: Bali, Gili Air & Nusa Penida - 15 Days

This island-hopping adventure begins at the sea temple of Tanah Lot. Explore the temple and the nearby Sangeh Monkey Forest, then transfer to Ubud, where you'll discover the surrounding countryside in a vintage VW convertible, climb volcanic Mount Batur & visit a traditional village. Move on to the Gili Islands to enjoy some excellent snorkeling and beach time, then travel to Jimbaran for more beaches, a visit to a traditional fresh seafood market, and a Kecak dance performance at a temple.

Sunrise at Borobudur Temple
Map of Adventure & Wonder in Indonesia: Yogyakarta, Ubud, Munduk, Gili Air & Jimbaran - 11 Days
Adventure & Wonder in Indonesia: Yogyakarta, Ubud, Munduk, Gili Air & Jimbaran - 11 Days

This dynamic 11-day itinerary is perfect for travelers looking for a balance of culture and adventure in Indonesia. Start your tour in Java's capital of Yogyakarta and see palaces and ancient temples before hopping over to Bali to explore Ubud's markets, hidden waterfalls, and rice paddies. Then, you'll top it all off with a snorkeling adventure on Gili Air Island and beach relaxation in Jimbaran.

Tjampuhan Hill in Ubud
Map of Magical Indonesia: Ubud, Sidemen, Gili Air, & Jimbaran  - 14 Days
Magical Indonesia: Ubud, Sidemen, Gili Air, & Jimbaran - 14 Days

Independent travelers will love this 10-day adventure that will take you through two of Indonesia's most beautiful islands while allowing for plenty of free days. You'll start in Ubud, where you will tour ancient temples, take a Balinese cooking class, climb a volcano, and learn about this island's unique culture. Next, you will enjoy the peace of Sidemen's verdant rural communities before wrapping up your adventure on the island paradise of Gili Air and the beaches of Jimbaran.

Lombok
Map of Family Trip to Indonesia: Bali, Gili Air & Lombok - 21 Days
Family Trip to Indonesia: Bali, Gili Air & Lombok - 21 Days

On this three-week tour, enjoy waterfalls and hot springs, take bicycle tours, climb a mountain, go snorkeling, and spend plenty of time relaxing on gorgeous beaches on Bali, Lombok, and tiny Gili Air. There will be plenty of sights and activities included every day, but also enough downtime to relax around hotel pools and spend quality family time together.

Other popular travel destinations in Indonesia
Ubud, Bali · Yogyakarta · Munduk, Bali · Bali · Uluwatu, Bali · Lombok · Pemuteran, Bali · Komodo Island · Senggigi, Lombok · Amed, Bali · Kuta, Bali