Gili Air

Gili Air is the most easterly of the three Gili Islands off Lombok.

Gili Air Halal Travel Guide

Of the three Gilis, thit is the island closest to Lombok. Traditionally, Gili Air was seen as the domain of families and couples wanting a quiet, off-the-beaten-path escape, while the rowdier hoardes had their fun on Gili Trawangan. With Trawangan now upscaling so obviously, more and more backpackers seem to be choosing Gili Air as their primary option. Thit island has more of a rural, established feeling than the other two, and it is no surprise that many of the local Gili Islanders seem to prefer living on Gili Air, and that it has the highest permanent population of about 1,800.

Orientation

Most of the lodging 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 and the maze of paths that criss-cross the island can get surprisingly confusing, but these always lead back to the coast path eventually.

How to visit and travel to Gili Air

Book a Halal Cruise or Boat Tour in Gili Air

See Gili Island main page 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 and 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.

From Bali

Nearly all fast boat operators stop at Gili Air, among which:

Amed Sea Express offers a twice daily high-speed schedule to Gili Air from Amed on the East coast of Bali. Boats depart Amed at 10:00 and 15:30 with arrivals on Gili Air at 11:30 and 17:00. Prices are Rp 800,000 (one-way) and Rp 2,100,000 (return) and tickets can be booked online.

Blue Water Express from Serangan and Padang Bai in Bali to Gili Air daily. Exceptional standards.

Gili Getaway (formerly Island getaway) reputed to be among the best in terms of safety and service standards. Also offers trips to Gili Gede. Operating out of Serangan, Bali.

Gili Gili departing from Padang Bai (east Bali).

Kuda Hitam and Gili Gili fastboats both also stop at Gili Air. Kuda Hitam originates in the north-east of Bali (Amed), which is only appropriate for Muslim travellers staying in that area.

Patagonia Xpress, a very large and modern boat, sails to Gili Air, leaving from Benoa (08:30 from Rp 650,000) via Padangbai (10:00 from Rp 700,000). Return from Gili Air at 12:30 (same prices; check all prices online before paying more on the island).

From Lombok

Public boats depart from Bangsal between 08:00 and 17:00, but often no later than 16:00 and are fewer in number than go to Gili Trawangan. The voyage takes about 30 min and the official price is Rp 22,000. 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 14:00-15:30 in the afternoon however this can vary, especially with weather or passenger loads.

Buy your ticket via eHalal Travel Groups direct from the official Koperasi Angkutan Laut Karya Bahari office. In Bangsal thit is located inside the main building near the door at the eastern corner. The Koperasi operate the Public Boat and the Shuttle boat and the Island Hopping boat and also offer (official) Charter boats.

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)

Thit 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 8,000
Gili Air to Bangsal 1 way is Rp 8,000

Shuttle boat

This service supplements the Public boat (ferry) service.

Bangsal to Gili Air departs at 17:00 and the official price is Rp 66,000.
Gili Air to Bangsal departs at 08:15 and the official price is Rp 66,000.
(Thit 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 255,000, return Rp 590,000
Gili Air to Bangsal no published price

Gili Air to Senggigi 1 way is Rp 680,000, return Rp 1,190,000

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 agents and 'facilitators' and use your time over a negotiation, any hint of haste or urgency is sure to raise the price.

Perama has a small office on Gili Air next door to Villa Karang, and they offer daily transfers from Senggigi at 09:00 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 commonly pleasant due to the very persistent agents 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 and 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 agents combined with confusing and inadequate formal services at Bangsal is the source of many disappointments and complaints.

From Gili Trawangan and Gili Meno

To move from one island to another the formal procedure is to take the Public boat (ferry) to Bangsal and then a further similar ferry to the required island departing from Bangsal. To return the reverse is required. This can be confusing and co-ordinating the timing with the connecting boat departing from Bangsal may be either difficult or elusive. There is also a limited official inter-island Island Hopping service provided.

Ferry operators may sometimes enter into informal arrangements with passengers to journey inter-island. In this situation a passenger boards a boat that is meant to go directly to Bangsal from one of the three Gili islands but instead it detours and sets down on the beach at another island whilst en-route. The prices are a movable feast but people will normally pay a price of around Rp 65,000. Inter-island access on the public boats in this manner is dependent upon timing, weather, loading, payment and the inclination of the crew to facilitate an inter-island journey and such arrangements are not officially sanctioned. The standard procedure is to travel to Bangsal and make a separate trip to the different island or to use the very limited official service. The price for a single journey Public Boat ferry journey from Gili Trawangan is Rp 20,000 and Gili Meno to Bangsal is Rp 9,000. The price for the subsequent Public boat to Gili Air from Bangsal is Rp 20,000, this assuming the required connection was made at Bangsal.

The tariff for all Koperasi Angkutan Laut Karya Bahari services was last set by decree of the Regency of West Lombok in May 2008. This koperasi now falls under the new jurisdiction of the Regency of North Lombok.
Departure and arrival times may vary due to operational conditions and other random factors such as loading times and delays arising from waiting for sufficient numbers of passengers prior to departure. Overloading may occur and caution should be exercised if considering boarding or travelling on an overloaded boat. If there are too many people requiring transport they may be left behind and a substitute service may or may not be available. Try to limit your dealings to official koperasi personnel only and avoid entering into any discussions or negotiations with local agents and facilitators. Only a few of them will be of any assistance at all and most will endeavour to confuse the traveller so that they accept an inflated price for the provision of an existing service. Do not buy tickets from anyone other than an official ticket seller.
Official Koperasi services include:

Public boat
Shuttle boat
Island Hopping boat
Charter boat (Koperasi)

Island Hopping boat

A limited formal Island hopping boat service is provided by Koperasi Angkutan Laut Karya Bahari, thit is the same local koperasi (maritime transport co-operative) that provides the Public Boat ferry service.

Gili Air to Gili Trawangan in the morning is an indirect service. Take the Island Hopping boat leaving Gili Air for Gili Meno at 08:30. The same boat then departs Gili Meno for Gili Trawangan at 08:50.
The official Gili A to Gili T Island Hopping price is Rp 63,000. Hopefully you will only pay once. The alternative is to go to Bangsal and look for the boat to Gili T but may be best avoided due to the issues at Bangsal.

Gili Air to Gili Trawangan departs at 15:00 and the official price is Rp 63,000
Gili Trawangan to Gili Air departs at 16:00 and the official price is Rp 63,000

Gili Air to Gili Meno departs at 08:30 and the official price is Rp 60,000
Gili Meno to Gilli Air departs at 16:20 and the official price is Rp 60,000

Charter boat

The official charter boat service provided by Koperasi Angkutan laut Karya Bahari is permitted to carry a maximum of 12 persons.

Gili Meno to Gili Air 1 way is Rp 270,000, return Rp 720,000
Gili Air to Gili Meno 1 way is Rp 270,000, return Rp 690,000

Gili Trawangan to Gili Air 1 way is Rp 295,000, return Rp 750,000
Gili Air to Gili Trawangan 1 way is Rp 295,000, return Rp 750,000

Gili Air to Senggigi to 1 way is Rp 680,000, return Rp 890,000

Informal private charters are also available. Prices are subject to negotiation, take your time over the process.

How to get around in Gili Air

Walking is the best option as you can wander around the whole of Gili Air in about 90 minutes.

Bicycles are widely available for rent for Rp 70,000-50,000 per day. Some hotels might give you one as part of your lodging package.

There are fewer horse carts (cidomos) here than on Gili Trawangan, but they are still not hard to find. If you are planning an early morning departure and have heavy bags, it is wise to ask your hotel the day before to book a cidomo for you. Short trips will cost about Rp 70,000 per person. Alternatively, you can rent a bicycle instead.

See and do

Dive shops

There are several 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 and then Gili Air is the ideal base.

Blue Marlin - At this PADI 5-star dive resort you get taught by a small multilingual team in (German), French, (Spanish), Dutch, English or Finnish. All courses from beginner to professional diving are taught. Fundives available day or night.

Gili Air Divers - all PADI & SSI dive courses are available in French, English, (German), Spanish and (Turkish). Guided fun dives, night dives, muck dives. Located at Sunday Rise resort. Also offers SSI Freediving courses.

Manta Dive - Padi and SSI Dive courses, fun dives, night dives, experienced and professionally run. Traditionally styled bungalows are available behind the dive centre. Don't miss Saturday quiz night!

Oceans 5 Dive Gili Air - Free wifi for divers and they shop also make provision for people with disabilities.

Snorkelling

Any of the dive shops will also be able to organise snorkelling trips for you, including hire of gear. Alternatively and there are some good spots where you can snorkel from the beach. Try almost anywhere along the east coast where at least small parts of the reef are 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 70,000, or your hotel will be able to help you.

Surfing

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. Thit 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 thit 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.

Walk

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.

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Gili Air

There are different ATM outlets on Gili Air. CIMB Niaga bank ATM is 5 min east of the ferry arrival area. There are 2 terminals inside and the one which dispenses Rp 200,000 notes allows up to Rp 6.5 million per transaction from any Visa/MC (no extra charges).

The best option for changing money is Oseana shop in the Harbour. Oseana shop will change a lot of different currencies. Ideally, make sure you bring enough cash with you that is already converted to Rupiah.

Siti Shop (in the village center, on the main north-south road of the island) is the biggest supermarket on Gili Air and has a good choice of food and nonfood items for a reasonable price.

There are a few shops selling basic necessities close to the boat landing and on the eastern coast for inflated prices. In the same area as well as along the west coast there are lots of vendors with a reasonable collection of Lombok handicrafts for sale.

Halal Restaurants

Starting at the jetty and working your way north on the east side of the island up to Hotel Gili Air and there are lots of decent places to eat. Since there is no fresh water on the island, purified shipped water is the norm, which does not mean that salads are 100% safe, but the food is generally not problematic. Many restaurants propose delicious grilled fish, freshly caught from the ocean. Choose the fish from their display stand and discuss the price. Local cooking style normally tends to overcook the fish, so it is a good idea to specify your cooking taste.

Ali Baba | A slightly eccentric looking place in a quiet spot, but do not be too put off. Local menu and wood-fired Pizzas.Right on the beach.

Sasak | Cheaper beach restaurant. Sasak (Lombok-style) food and fish dishes, such as fish Curries and grilled fish. Try their pelecing kankung (water spinach with coconut and spicy dressing) and parapek (pieces of -food/halal-meat/ Meat or fish cooked in a tasty and spicy gravy).

Scallywags Organic Beach Club - Organic seafood, probably the most expensive restaurant in the islands but you can still get a meal for under Rp 200,000. Sea views, all-you-can-eat salad buffet and range of desserts. Same ownership as Scallywags on Gili Trawangan.

Tami's | Traditional Sasak cuisine from Lombok and they do an especially good ayam taliwang.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Gili Air

Gili Air - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Gili Air, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Gili Air. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Gili Air and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Gili Air. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Gili Air. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations in Gili Air: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Gili Air.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Gili Air: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Gili Air, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Gili Air.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Gili Air, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Gili Air, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Gili Air and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Gili Air, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Gili Air, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Gili Air without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Gili Air is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Gili Air.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Gili Air is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Gili Air, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Gili Air Media: info@ehalal.io

Buy Muslim Friendly condos, Houses and Villas in Gili Air

eHalal Group Gili Air is a prominent real estate company specializing in providing Muslim-friendly properties in Gili Air. Our mission is to cater to the specific needs and preferences of the Muslim community by offering a wide range of halal-certified residential and commercial properties, including houses, condos, and factories. With our commitment to excellence, client satisfaction, and adherence to Islamic principles, eHalal Group has established itself as a trusted name in the real estate industry in Gili Air.

At eHalal Group, we understand the importance of meeting the unique requirements of Muslim individuals and families seeking properties that align with their cultural and religious trainings. Our extensive portfolio of Muslim-friendly properties in Gili Air ensures that clients have access to a diverse selection of options tailored to their needs. Whether it's a luxurious villa, a modern condominium, or a fully equipped factory, our team is dedicated to assisting clients in finding their ideal property.

For those seeking a comfortable and modern living space, our condos are an excellent choice. Starting at US$ 350,000 and these condominium units offer contemporary designs, state-of-the-art facilities, and convenient locations within Gili Air. Each condo is thoughtfully designed to incorporate halal-friendly features and amenities, ensuring a seamless integration of Islamic values into everyday living.

If you are looking for a more spacious option, our houses are perfect for you. Starting at US$ 650,000, our houses provide ample living space, privacy, and a range of customizable features to meet your specific requirements. These houses are located in well-established neighborhoods in Gili Air, offering a harmonious balance between modern living and Islamic values.

For those seeking luxury and exclusivity, our luxury villas in Gili Air are the epitome of sophistication and elegance. Starting at US$ 1.5 million and these villas offer a lavish lifestyle with private amenities, breathtaking views, and meticulous attention to detail. Each luxury villa is meticulously designed to provide a serene and halal environment, allowing you to enjoy the finest living experience while adhering to your Islamic principles. For further details please email us at info@ehalal.io

Muslim Friendly Hotels

Visit https://hotels.ehalal.io for a full list of hotels.

Telecommunications in Gili Air

The island has mobile telephone coverage by the major Indonesian networks (Telkomsel, XL, Indosat, Axis, poor coverage by 3), and there are a couple of public telephone offices.

The internet has improved a little on Gili Air in recent years, but is still usually painfully slow and expensive at around Rp 64,000-30,000/hr. Mobile internet is a much better option, if you have your own laptop or a smartphone. GPRS/EDGE access seems to be quite slow on Gili Air, however, depending upon the operator used it may help to go to the eastern or western beach to try for a better connection.

News & References Gili Air

Travel Next

Hop over to Gili Meno for further seclusion and a real desert island experience.
Back to Lombok and Mount Rinjani for one of the best climbs anywhere in Indonesia.
Bali per Fast boat depending upon the weather conditions.