The Gili Islands are an archipelago of three Indonesian islands located off the island of Lombok part of the Sunda Islands. We chose Gili Air and we're not sorry we did!
We chose Gili Air to spend a few days, because it felt like the sweet spot between two extremes. Gili Meno, with its handful of cosy restaurants and sleepy pace, seemed almost too quiet for us, while Gili Trawangan’s buzzing clubs and all-night parties promised more energy than we were looking for. Gili Air sat comfortably in the middle — small enough to feel intimate and relaxed, but lively enough to keep us entertained. It was the “just right” island, offering a perfect blend of lazy beach days, charming cafés, laid-back bars, and gentle evening music drifting through the warm night air.
Divino Hotel: sober, harmonious luxury
We stayed at the Divino Hotel, perfectly located just a few minutes’ stroll from the bustling harbour we arrived at — close enough for convenience, but far enough from the noise. The hotel is modern and tastefully designed, with bright, spacious suites set around a sparkling central pool. The staff were warm, welcoming, and always ready with a smile to help with anything we needed.
We asked the hotel to organise a fishing trip for us. Since the hotel was new, it was the very first time they had arranged one. After finalising a few details, they told us that local fishermen would pick us up the next day at 6 AM — painfully early for us! When morning came, the air was still cool and the sky dark as we met the fishermen and walked barefoot to the beach where their wooden boat waited. They handed us our gear, and we set off, the hum of the engine blending with the gentle splash of the waves.
Indonesia. Out at sea with the fishermen of Gili Air: wake up at 6am, fresh fish at 10am!
About 30 minutes later, as the first rays of sunshine lit up the horizon, we reached our fishing spot and started casting our lines, with the music of Bob Marley. We caught plenty of fish, mostly colourful tigerfish, and soaked in the peaceful rhythm of the sea. The trip lasted four hours, and although we were invited to their restaurant to enjoy our catch, we politely declined — grilled fish at 10 AM just didn’t sound quite right!
The next day we explored the island on foot, a leisurely walk that took about an hour and a half. It was a beautiful stroll, especially in the morning before the heat set in. The sandy paths were incredibly soft, so much so that I wouldn't recommend renting a bike or scooter. Along the way, we passed shady palm groves, small beachfront cafes, and colourful guesthouses, before finally stopping at the Radiant Beach Club for a fresh coconut and a lazy nap in the shade. For the sporty types, this beach club even boasts an impressive outdoor gym with a sea view.
A gesture for the island: beach clean-up
When passengers become agents of change 💪🌱 #CleanUpGili
Another highlight was joining a community beach clean-up with Oceans 5 Dive Resort. With the tides bringing in debris each day, the shoreline can get messy. Every Friday at 5 PM, they gather volunteers to collect as much plastic as possible. They provided gloves, a grabber, and a sturdy bag for each of us. That evening, our group picked up an incredible 29 kilos of rubbish! While we worked, a few local kids joined in, laughing and racing to see who could collect the most. It was a small effort, but it felt good to give something back to the island.
During our stay, we also met the creator of the concept Gili Smile in his little shop. It’s a bright, cheerful design printed on t-shirts — including the one I happened to be wearing during the beach clean-up. The playful logo felt like the perfect keepsake from an island where smiles seem to come as easily as the sea breeze.
Gili Air may sit between its neighbours in both size and energy, but that’s exactly what makes it so special. It’s the kind of place where you can fill your days with gentle adventures, unhurried walks, and friendly encounters — or simply do nothing at all except watch the sun melt into the horizon. For us, it truly was the “just right” island.
Getting there
To get to Gili Air from Bali, you can choose between the ports of Padang Bai, Serangan or Amed. From these departure points, several fast boat/ferry companies offer their services.
Accommodation
Divino Gili Air
Boutique Hotel 5 *
Gili Air, Lombok, Indonesia
giliair@divinoresorts.com
+6208113802254
Text, photos and videos : Danielle Robinson
