About the ride from Gili Trawangan Island to Gili Air Island
After a few nights of non-stop partying and crowds on Gili Trawangan, it's time to catch your breath, and Gili Air is just the place to do it.
It's time to slow down, enjoy quieter beaches, and swap late nights for early morning yoga or lazy hammock days. The best part is that you still get the beauty of the Gilis — crystal-clear water and great snorkeling — but with a more peaceful, grown-up feel.
The 30-minute ferry journey between Gili Trawangan and Gili Air has spectacular views. You'll glide over translucent waters with the salty breeze in your hair, watching as you pass Gili Meno.
Top five things to do in Gili Air
Gili Air isn't about jam-packed itineraries. It's the kind of place where slowing down comes naturally. But when you're ready to explore, here are five experiences that capture the island's easygoing charm.
Swim with sea turtles and vibrant marine life. The waters surrounding Gili Air are known for their clarity and abundant underwater world. Whether you join a snorkeling trip or a guided dive, you'll likely spot sea turtles gliding past colorful coral gardens, along with reef sharks and countless tropical fish weaving through the reefs.
Unwind on the island's peaceful beaches. Soft white sand, turquoise water, and not a motorbike in sight — Gili Air's beaches are as tranquil as they come. Rent a sunbed, sip a fresh coconut, or simply lay out a towel and soak up the unhurried pace of island life beneath the shade of a palm tree.
Catch the sunset over Mount Agung. For unforgettable sunset views, make your way to the western shoreline. As the sun dips behind Bali's towering Mount Agung, the sky lights up in shades of orange and pink. It's best enjoyed with your toes in the sand and a cold drink from one of the laidback beach bars.
Join a yoga or wellness session. Gili Air has a strong wellness vibe, with several studios offering daily yoga, meditation, and holistic workshops. Sign up for a sunrise yoga class overlooking the ocean or book a massage to melt away any lingering stress.
Experience the island's relaxed nightlife. When night falls, things are mellow but fun. Grab a seat at a beachfront café, listen to live acoustic music or reggae, and enjoy the simple pleasure of a cool drink and dancing barefoot under the stars.
How to travel from Gili Air to Gili Trawangan
Ready for a swim? Just kidding. Don't do that.
For a whopping $7, you can have your choice of at least 20 ferries a day, even more during the high season. The earliest is 7 a.m., and the latest is 5 p.m., so you'll have plenty of departure times to pick from.
You'll depart from Gili Trawangan Port or Bali Gili Ferries and arrive at Gili Air Harbor about 30 minutes later. This means you can get from Gili T to Gili Air faster than you can finish a beer (don't take that as a challenge).
You have to pay a harbor tax when leaving and arriving from both islands. The fee is small (less than $1), so don't worry about blowing your budget. But keep cash with you to pay the attendant.
Don't be surprised if your ferry stops at Gili Meno along the way for about 15 minutes.
Pro tip: Wear waterproof shoes. Since some boats anchor offshore, you'll need to wade out to board and disembark.
Also, make sure you can lift your bag over your head or be ready to ask for assistance. It might be the only way to get your bag onto the boat.
When's the best time to visit Gili Air?
The ideal time to visit is during the dry season, from May to October.
While Gili Air has warm weather year-round, the clear, calm seas in the dry months make snorkeling and diving much more enjoyable.
The rainy season (November to April) brings thick humidity, rougher waters, and reduced visibility underwater — less than ideal if you're there for marine life.
If you prefer to avoid crowds, steer clear of July, August, December, and January, the island's busiest months.
How many days should you spend in Gili Air?
It's a teeny island where doing nothing is perfectly acceptable. So slow down. Have a massage. Stay a while.
Yes, you could do it in about two days, but it could take you that long to get into the island life rhythm. Might as well stay longer — it will only bring you joy!
Where should you travel after Gili Air?
You've hit two out of three of the Gili Islands. You might as well check out the third. Gili Meno is just minutes away.
Lombok is just around the corner, so head over to Kuta. It's a surfer's paradise with immaculate white sand beaches and world-class waves. But don't worry; it has the totally opposite vibe of Bali's Kuta.
Another choice in Lombok is Senggigi, a well-established coastal town with luxury resorts, beach bars, and a lively nightlife scene.