Gili Air is closest to the Lombok mainland and was once most overlooked of the three Gili islands, however this has changed. Gili Air has taken over as the budget / mid range destination and now holds the position of hippy paradise once belonging to Gili Trawangan. A lot of visitors actually prefer the grass roots atmosphere of Gili Air and the feeling of being connected to the close-knit local community.

The circumference of Gili Air island is traversable by foot in approximately two and a half hours, but be sure to pack some supplies as you’ll be heading off the beaten track.

There’s a fair cross section of accommodation options on Gili Air sure to appeal to all budgets.

Island hopper boats are the preferred mode of transport to Gili Air from Gili Trawangan, neighbouring Gili Meno and mainland Lombok. Gili Air is a thirty minute ride from Gili Trawangan. Boats from the Lombok mainland leave from Bangsal at irregular intervals when the outriggers are full with a maximum capacity of thirty people. Rather than waiting for the boats to fill it’s possible to charter a full boat, just make sure to agree to a price before the voyage. there is also a scheduled speed boat service that leaves on the hour direct to Bangsal. (Approx 180,000 per person)

Dive Centre boats access popular spots like Haan's Reef and Gili Air Wall, great for snorkelling. Haan's Reef offers unique muck diving for photographers seeking unusual creatures such as flying gunard, frogfish, and mantis shrimp. Gili Air Wall is a vertical drop with marine life like lion fish and Leaf scorpionfish, and a chance to spot seahorses and turtles.

Gili Air now days debatably has the best full moon parties, the general vibe is much more chilled than that of its big brother Gili Trawangan, with more laid back beach bars, particularly on the south west coast, it still has enough entertainment to keep travelers smiling. In high season expect to stumble across the occasional psychedelic `Goa style’ beach party with raging techno beats that sometimes don’t stop for the best part of two full days!

What Gili Air is less known for is the fickle but sometimes quality surf scene. The right hand break to the south west of the island is known as `Play Gili’ and is far from a playground as the wave jacks up over the jagged coral for a reef break creating pumping barrels.