ULTIMATE TRAVEL & FOOD GUIDE FOR 3 DAYS in GILI AIR (BALI/ LOMBOK)

BALI
Written By Magda mag das

I have to be honest - it’s been over eight years since my last trip to Gili Air, and three since I visited Gili Trawangan, as for the longest time I always thought they were just a bit too far. Instead, I kept going back to Nusa Lembongan or exploring other parts of Bali. But this year, I finally made it back & wow, I can’t believe I waited this long.

Gili Air truly is heaven on earth: no cars, only bicycles and horses, peaceful island vibes, friendly locals, crystal-clear turquoise water, amazing snorkel spots, cozy cafés, and the most stunning sunsets you can imagine. It’s the kind of place that makes you slow down, reconnect, and simply breathe.

In this blog post, I’m sharing my favorite Gili Air travel tips - from where to eat, stay, and watch the sunset, to the best activities and hidden corners you shouldn’t miss. I hope this little guide inspires you to visit sooner than I did!

If you enjoy my little guide for Gili Air & maybe you’re also interested in more tips for the area, somake sure to also check out my other blog posts:

Lots of love,
Magda

What to do in Gili Air:

  • Relax at the stunning beaches

  • Bike and walk around the island

  • Watch the beautiful sunset

  • Go for a snorkeling trip

FAV COFFEE, Brunch & DINNER SPOTS in Gili AIR:

  • Gili Coffee Roasters
    This might honestly be the best brunch we’ve had in Gili Air! Everything at this café was simply amazing: from their coffee from the own roastery and smoothies (mangos from their own garden), to the amazing breakfast options (I could have ordered everything on the menu!). The vibe is cozy, calm, and full of island charm. If you’re looking for the best brunch in Gili Air, this is it!

  • Bahia Beach Club
    We found this new beach club when walking around the island and came back twice as everything was simply perfect here. From the comfy day beds (you get a towel as well and there is no min consumption), the lovely service and the super fresh coconuts. We preferred this side of the island especially for swimming as the water is less shallow than on the other side.

  • Sands Beach Club Gili Air
    If you want to know where to spend the whole day in Gili Air, then head to Sands beach club. There is no minimum spend (unlike most beach clubs in Bali), the menu features amazing breakfast, lunch, dinner and drinks and you can enjoy both their pool and the sea from the beach chairs - also an amazing sunset spot!

  • Sela
    This new coffee shop is located directly at the ocean and offers a small but lovely menu including a really really good avocado toast! Their coffee also seems very tasty, but we didn’t try it this time.

  • Papaya
    If you’re looking for a unique dinner with a view right at the beach, I can really recommend Papaya. Especially their beachfront barbecue with many different options such as fresh fish, lobsters, mahi mahi, meat, chicken skewers as well as veggies is amazing. You can also choose the quantity and two sides - 12/10!

  • Barefoot Blondie
    Amazing spot for grabbing your lunch after the arrival at the harbor. They have really tasty bagels, bowls, speciality coffee too & you shouldn’t miss their rooftop!

  • Kopi Susu Gili Air
    Amazing spot for coffee and breakfast in Gili Air. I love their build your own breakfast menu, speciality coffee and nice garden to enjoy a great start to the day!

  • Yanai Gili Air
    This contemporary Japanese restaurant was truly a 12/10! Every dish felt like a small piece of art, the plates full of flavor and the passionate team genuinely doing their best to make the best evening for you. You can feel their love for detail, from the first appetizer to the very last dessert. If you’re into Japanese food (like me) you need to enjoy dinner at Yanai during your Gili Air trip!

  • Mama Pizza Gili Air
    I’d been wanting to try this beachside pizza spot for so long as my friends kept on telling me about it and it was so worth the wait! The Naples-style pizza was absolutely delicious - and you know how picky I am with pizza (especially in Asia it’s sometimes hard to find!). Paired with the ocean view, it for sure is a must visit!

Santorini Greek Restaurant & Resort
I love Santorini in Canggu and thus really wanted to come to their location in Gili Air too. The scenery directly at the beach with the lovely Greek ambience makes you feel like on a Greek island immediately & paired with their tasty authentic menu it’s a place you should not miss on your Gili Air trip! I always love their mezze / dip platter and of course their Gyros plate is a must try!

Further spots which you shall add to your list:

  • H2O Yoga and Meditation Center

  • Damonte "il gelato"

  • Mowie’s Gili Air

  • Ra Healing Food

  • Il Baretto Gili Air - Italian Bakery & Coffee Bar

Where to stay in Gili Air:

  • The Koho Air
    We loved our stay at this small boutique wellness resort. The location is amazing, you can walk there from the harbour and to the beach, while it is still very quiet and calm. The staff is extremely friendly and the rooms as well as all amenities are really modern and well taken care of. Can highly recommend staying here!

Magda mag das
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SESEH & CEMAGI TRAVEL GUIDE: HIDDEN BALI SPOTS BEYOND CANGGU