Are you looking for an island getaway? Look no further than Gili Air, one of the three beautiful islands in the Gili Islands chain located off the coast of Lombok, Indonesia. With its crystal-clear waters, stunning beaches, and vibrant marine life, Gili Air is a must-visit destination for any traveler seeking an exotic tropical experience.
HOW TO GET TO GILI AIR: A COMPLETE GUIDE
Gili Air is a stunning paradise island located off the coast of Lombok, Indonesia, and getting there is relatively easy. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to get to Gili Air from different locations.
By Plane
The closest airport to Gili Air is Lombok International Airport. From the airport, you can take a taxi or a private car to Bangsal Harbor. The journey takes approximately 2 hours.
By Publik Ferry From Padang Bai to Lembar
If you’re coming from Bali, the most affordable option to reach Lombok is by taking a public ferry from Padang Bai to Lembar Harbor. From Lembar, take a taxi or a private car to Bangsal Harbor, where you can take a public boat to Gili Air. The public ferry runs every hour and takes about 4-5 hours.
By Private Speedboat From Bangsal
You can take a private speedboat from Lombok to Gili Air. The journey takes approximately 10-15 minutes, with a cost of around IDR 400,000-500,000 per boat. Private speedboats operate from 8 am to 5 pm.
By Publik Boat From Bangsal
From Bangsal Harbor, you can take a public boat to Gili Air. The boat ride takes approximately 30-40 minutes, and the fare is about IDR 20,000-25,000 per person. The public boat operates from 8 am to 5 pm.
By Publik Speedboat From Bangsal
You can also take a public speed boat from Bangsal to Gili Air. The journey takes approximately 15-20 minutes, and the fare is about IDR 85,000-100,000 per person. The speed boat operates from 8 am to 5 pm.
By Fast Boat From Bali
If you’re coming from Bali, the most convenient and fastest option is by taking a fast boat directly from Padang Bai to Gili Air. The journey takes approximately 1.5-2 hours, and the fare is about IDR360,000-400,000 per person. Several fast boat operators serve this route, such as Bali Eka Jaya, Ostina Fast Cruise
Where is Best Departure Port in Bali
There are several ports in Bali that you can use to go to Gili Trawangan, depending on where you currently reside. You can use the Padang Bai port, Sanur port, Nusa Lembongan port, and Nusa Penida port to reach Gili Trawangan.
The Padang Bai port is the most commonly used harbor at present due to its efficiency and ideal distance for traveling to the Gili Islands and Lombok. This port is highly recommended if you reside in Bali. Currently, thousands of passengers depart from Padang Bai.
If you are in Nusa Penida, you can directly go to Gili as there are several fastboat companies that can facilitate direct crossings from Nusa Penida to the Gili Islands and Lombok.
If you are in Nusa Lembongan Island, you can directly go to Gili as there are several fastboat companies that can facilitate direct crossings from Nusa Lembongan to the Gili Islands and Lombok.
If you want to go to Gili and Lombok from Sanur, it will actually take longer or be a long journey. The fast boats departing from Sanur to Gili usually make a stop in Nusa Penida to load and unload passengers. The Sanur harbor is actually most suitable for going to Lembongan or Nusa Penida, but if you have specific requirements and need to depart from Sanur, you can take the Sanur-Gili route.
There are several fast boat service providers that offer direct crossing routes from Amed to the Gili Islands and Lombok. However, at the time of writing this, the service is temporarily unavailable due to the construction plans for the harbor in Amed. We are not certain when this route will resume operations, and we will provide updates in the future. In the meantime, for those who are in Amed, you will have to use the Padang-Gili Island or Lombok route.
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EXPLORING THE GILI ISLANDS
Getting around the Gili Islands is very convenient since motorized vehicles are not allowed on the islands. There are various transportation options available for visitors to choose from, including:
Walking
Walking is the most common way to get around the Gili Islands. The islands are relatively small, so most tourist destinations are within walking distance.
Cycling
Renting a bicycle is a popular transportation option in the Gili Islands. This is an affordable and convenient way to explore the islands’ natural beauty.
Cidomo
You can also rent a cidomo, a traditional horse-drawn carriage, for a more romantic and relaxing way to explore the Gili Islands.
Local Boat
Public boats are available to move between the three Gili Islands, Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, and Gili Air. They operate regularly throughout the day and are affordable, making it easy for tourists to explore the beauty of the Gili Islands using water transportation.
Electric Scooters
Electric scooters are available for rent on the islands. They are quiet, environmentally friendly, and easy to use.
ACTIVITIES TO DO
Gili Air is a great place to explore and enjoy a variety of exciting activities, such as snorkeling and diving in crystal clear waters, as well as experiencing the richness of the local culture. This destination is perfect for travelers seeking adventure or relaxation.
Snorkeling and Diving
In Gili Air, there are popular snorkeling and diving activities suitable for all levels of diving experience. Through these activities, you can experience the stunning underwater beauty of the Gili Islands.
Enjoying Sunset
In Gili Air, you can witness the beauty of the sky during sunrise and sunset. You can enjoy this moment by sitting, strolling, or doing other activities such as taking pictures, painting, or just contemplating.
Enjoying Local Cuisine
After exploring Gili Air, you can savor a variety of delicious local cuisine that is unique and savory, such as nasi campur, sate, grilled fish, and many more. Moreover, there are many food stalls and restaurants that serve vegetarian and vegan menus to cater to different tastes and dietary preferences.
Visiting the Art Market
Visiting an art market can be an interesting and entertaining activity. We can see various artworks produced by local artists and buy souvenirs such as paintings, handicrafts, or sculptures as mementos or home decorations.
Cycling Around the Island
Cycling is a great way to explore the entire island of Gili Air. This activity can be done to discover the natural beauty and interesting places throughout the island, as well as an alternative way to exercise and enjoy the fresh air.
Island Hopping
You can explore neighboring islands such as Gili Meno and Gili Air by renting a boat or joining an island hopping tour.