Gilli Air
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Gili Air
A Travel Guide
5 Days | The Gilis, Indonesia
After spending the first two weeks of our time in Indonesia on Bali, we were craving the real island experience and headed to the Gilis. We did visit Gili T and Gili Meno as well, but while one was too busy and the other too quiet, Gili Air turned out to be the perfect balance. We spent five days there and enjoyed breathtaking sunsets, great food, and the joie de vivre you feel all around you the moment you set foot on a small island.
It would have been a great opportunity to go on a snorkelling or diving trip, but we decided to simply relax and enjoy the beach before heading straight into the bustling city life of Tokyo. At the very least, we bought our own snorkelling equipment 🤿 and were thrilled to spot two turtles very close to the shore!
Beyond that, we can only share our experience of the hotel we stayed in and a handful of restaurants we can wholeheartedly recommend. So, let's go!
Accommodation
Pandan Bungalows
Rating: 7 / 10
This small hotel, consisting of roughly ten bungalows, is located in the north-east of the island. That makes it quite a distance to walk from the harbour, but in return it offers an even better spot for sunsets.
Breakfast was included and, while simple, most of the options tasted good. For the price we paid, we were also content with the design of the bungalows. There is a pool in the centre of the hotel area and the staff is very friendly.
The only thing we did not really like was that the shower is situated in the middle of the small bathroom, meaning you have to walk across the wet floor every time you want to brush your teeth or use the toilet. A small annoyance, but worth mentioning.
Overall we were happy with our choice and would describe it as a very good option when travelling on a budget.
Food
Since food is affordable in Indonesia and we did not have a kitchen at our accommodation, we went out for lunch and dinner every day. Most meals were enjoyable, but here are four restaurants that truly stood out:
Pink Coco · 9 / 10
This place was the closest restaurant to our bungalow, which also means it is a wonderful spot for sunsets. They take their name very seriously: everything is pink, from the chairs to the staff uniforms to the coconuts! The menu offers a great variety and the food was delicious. We especially recommend the dip platter, which is more than enough for two people to share. The cocktails were decent as well.
Papaya · 10 / 10
We went there because every time we walked past, the place was packed. And we soon found out why! The burger and the focaccia sandwich we ordered were simply the best we had eaten during our entire time in Indonesia. The atmosphere makes you feel like you are in paradise. Even more so when you order a fresh coconut!
Santorini · 10 / 10
This restaurant has a Greek-themed menu, and I need not tell anyone who has already been to Greece how extraordinarily good that food can be. Santorini interpreted the concept remarkably well. We both opted for a mixed platter, one with meat and one vegetarian, because the decision would otherwise have been too difficult. We were very glad we did, because every single component of the dish was truly outstanding in terms of taste.
Sandy Bakery · 10 / 10
Last but certainly not least, we want to mention Sandy Bakery, part of the Sands Beach Club. They truly know how to work with spices. Their French fries were sheer perfection, and I am not sure if I have ever had a better iced coffee in my life!
Conclusion
Gili Air is a place that gets under your skin in the best possible way. If you are looking for a relaxed island with good food, beautiful sunsets, and plenty of marine life right off the shore, this is your spot. Just be prepared for the walk from the harbour if you stay in the north-east, and do not forget your snorkelling gear!