Where to Stay in Gili Air: Best Hotels and Villas to Book

Gili Air is highly underrated and in my eyes, it's THE best Gili Islands (I know, I'm biased). A combination of the slow Gili Air vibe, stunning beaches, unforgettable sunsets, and sunrises, snorkeling with turtles, and al fresco dinners by the beach – all that after only four days spent on the island made Gili Air jump directly to my top three favorite places in Southeast Asia!

Let me tell you all about Gili Air Island and the best areas and hotels in this tiny, beautiful paradise.

Overview: Best Areas to Stay in Gili Air

Sunset Beach (West Coast): Known for its romantic sunsets and tranquility, Sunset Beach is perfect for couples and honeymooners coming to Bali.

North East Beach: With easy access to the coral reefs and plenty of awesome marine life (here is where turtles start their day), this is a true hotspot for underwater enthusiasts.

South East Beach: The liveliest part of Gili Air, this area is perfect for you if you enjoy socializing and being at the center of activity.

Harbor Area (South Coast): The main entry and exit point of the island, the harbor Area is convenient if you have limited time as you can easily avoid the hassle of traveling across the island.

1. Where to Stay in Gili Air for Couples and Honeymooners: Sunset Beach

Right on the west coast of Gili Air, Sunset Beach lives up to its name, offering breathtaking sunsets that draw visitors from around the island to its romantic shores. Enjoy a refreshing drink or dinner at one of the beachfront bars and restaurants with stunning beach views while watching the sunset – in comparison to European summer sunsets, it's an early but incredibly relaxing experience.

The beaches here have soft white sand and crystal-clear waters. They are ideal for sunbathing, reading, or simply unwinding.

Best Hotels to Stay in Sunset Beach

($$$) Villa Tokay – Luxury Private Villas

($$$) Atoll Haven Villas

($$) PinkCoco Gili Air (Cool Adults Only)

($) Mowies Gili Air

Pros of Staying in Sunset Beach

• The best sunset views on the island.

• The romantic atmosphere makes it perfect for couples and honeymooners.

• More quiet and has fewer tourists compared to other parts of the island.

Cons of Staying in Sunset Beach

• Its location away from the Gili Air harbor makes it less convenient if you're looking for quick access to transportation.

• Not the best area if you like nightlife and entertainment options.

• Less developed in terms of shopping and other amenities compared to the eastern side.

Best Things to Do in Sunset Beach

• I've said it more than once, but really, the best thing to do here is to catch the stunning sunsets on the beach with a cocktail.

• Spend a day relaxing and swimming at the beach.

• Go on a snorkeling trip or simply rent some gear to enjoy the clear and calm waters.

• Go on leisure walks along the long, pristine shoreline.

• Enroll in a yoga class or wellness retreat at one of the many hotels and resorts in the area.

• Dine during sunset at one of the many beachside restaurants and cafes that offer fresh seafood and international and local cuisine.

2. Where to Stay in Gili Air for Snorkelers and Divers: North East Beach

Take it from me: the underwater world here is spectacular, making it a haven for underwater exploration – that's what makes Gili Air so popular among snorkelers and scuba divers.

The area around the North East Beaches is lively yet relaxed, with stunning beaches perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and water sports. The calm waters are ideal for snorkeling, with colorful fish and corals just a short swim away.

Several dive shops in the area offer diving courses and guided tours, perfect for beginners and experienced divers. For those who enjoy a different kind of adventure, there are other activities, such as kayaking and paddleboarding. Last but not least, North East Beach is famed for one more thing: its unforgettable sunrise views.

Best Hotels to Stay in North East Beach

($$$) Anahata – Tropical Private Villas

($$) L'Archipel

($$) Selvática

($) Bambu Cottages

Pros of Staying in Nort East Beach

• Close to marine life, it is ideal for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts.

• Plenty of dining and accommodation options close to the beach.

• A good balance of activity and tranquility.

Cons of Staying in Nort East Beach

• It can be more crowded than other parts of the island, especially during peak seasons.

• While there are several beach bars and restaurants, the nightlife is relatively quiet compared to the South East Beach area.

• Depending on your accommodation, you might hear some noise from nearby bars and restaurants.

Best Things to Do in Nort East Beach

• The coral reefs are just offshore, making this an excellent spot for snorkeling. You can spot lots of colorful fish and you can walk to the turtles in the morning while they are having “breakfast”.

• Enroll in a guided dive course to explore the underwater world around Gili Air (these commonly include the famous underwater statues of Gili Meno).

• Rent a kayak or paddleboard to explore the calm waters at your own pace.

• Enjoy the beautiful beaches, perfect for sunbathing and swimming.

• Watch the sunrise.

• Rent a bicycle and explore the island's scenic routes and beaches.

• Enjoy a massage with the sound of the waves as natural background music.

• Have lunch or dinner at one of the beachfront restaurants serving fresh seafood and local cuisine.

3. Where to Stay in Gili Air For All the Action & Nightlife: South East Beach

This is Gili Air's most developed and bustling area, perfect for those who enjoy being in the center of the action. The dining scene is a highlight, with beachfront restaurants, cafes, and bars serving everything from traditional Indonesian cuisine to international dishes.

Seafood is especially popular here, with many places offering freshly caught fish. Known for its lively nightlife, South East Beach comes alive when the sun sets with music, dancing, and cultural performances at beach bars and clubs. Whether you're looking to dance the night away or enjoy a few cocktails by the beach, this area has plenty of options to keep you entertained.

It's also a great place to pick up unique items at one of the local shops and markets, which offer handmade crafts, souvenirs, clothing, and beach gear.

Best Hotels to Stay in South East Beach

($$$) Rumah Singa – Holistic Healing Retreat

($$) The Koho Air Hotel

($) Zipp Bar Restaurant & Bungalows

Pros of Staying in South East Beach

• Closeness to the harbor, making it easy to access transportation and tours.

• Numerous dining, shopping, and entertainment options.

• A lively atmosphere.

• Plenty of activities and services cater to different interests and age groups, making this the perfect area for families traveling to Gili Air.

Cons of Staying in South East Beach

• It can be busy and noisy, especially during peak seasons and evenings.

• It's more developed and commercialized than other parts of the island, which might not appeal to those seeking a more authentic or secluded experience.

Best Things to Do in Sout East Beach

• Explore local shops and markets selling souvenirs, clothing, and handmade crafts.

• Experience the island's nightlife with live music performances, beach bars, and parties.

• Engage in various water activities such as paddleboarding, kayaking, snorkeling, and diving.

• Participate in a local cuisine cooking workshop.

• Take advantage of the area's proximity to the harbor for easy access to tours and boat trips to the neighboring islands of Gili Trawangan and Gili Meno.

4. Where to Stay in Gili Air for Short-Term Visitors: Harbor Area

The Harbor Area, on the south coast of Gili Air, is the island's busy entry point for arrivals and departures. Staying in the Harbor Area provides easy access to transportation, making it convenient for exploring the remaining Gili Islands or heading to Lombok. It's perfect for travelers who want to see Gili Air on a tight schedule or who prefer minimal commuting.

The harbor buzzes with boats and people from early morning to late evening. Here you'll find amenities like ATMs, currency exchange services, and tour desks. It also has numerous rental shops for bikes and snorkel gear and several stores sell everything from beachwear to handmade crafts and souvenirs.

Best Hotels to Stay in the Gili Air Harbor Area

($$$) Hani Hideaway

($$) Villa Casa Koko

($) Royal Regantris Villa Karang

Pros of Staying in the Harbor Area

• Its proximity to the harbor makes catching early morning or late evening boats easy.

• Close to many amenities, including shops, restaurants, tour operators, bike rentals, and ATMs.

• Lively area with plenty of activity, making it great for socializing and meeting other travelers.

Cons of Staying in the Harbor Area

• It can be busy and noisy, especially when boats arrive and depart.

• The beach and surrounding area are more functional than picturesque compared to other parts of the island.

• The high turnover of visitors can make it feel more transient.

Best Things to Do in the Harbor Area

• Explore the other Gili Islands (Gili Trawangan and Meno) and nearby Lombok.

• Enjoy a variety of dining options, from local warungs to international restaurants and beachfront cafes.

• Browse through shops and stalls offering souvenirs, clothing, and beach gear.

• Engage in snorkeling, diving, and other water sports.

• Rent a bike and explore the rest of the island.

• Enjoy a massage or a pedicure in one of the many saloons on the main harbor street.

Where to Stay in Gili Air – Frequently Asked Questions

🏝️ Is it worth staying on Gili Air?

Absolutely! The island offers a cool mix of relaxation and adventure, with stunning beaches, clear waters perfect for snorkeling and diving, and a laid-back vibe that is ideal for unwinding.

🛏️ How many nights should I stay in Gili Air?

I'd recommend 2-4 nights to fully enjoy the island. This allows you to explore the beautiful beaches, take part in water activities like snorkeling and diving, and soak up the relaxed island atmosphere. It also gives you enough time to experience to try different dining options, catch the beautiful sunsets on the west coast and the magnificent sunrises on the north side, and perhaps even take a day trip to the nearby Gili Islands or Lombok (where you'll also find the nearest airport).

👣 How long does it take to walk around Gili Air?

Walking around the island takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours at a leisurely pace. The island is small and flat, making it easy to explore on foot. It's a great way to get a feel for the island and discover hidden gems. However, remember that some parts of the Gili Air island are not illuminated, meaning you should take your leisure walks while the sun is still up.

Where to Stay in Gili Air – Final Words

Whether you're looking to explore underwater wonders, enjoy delicious food, or simply relax by the beach, Gili Air is my absolute favorite island pick for a reason!

I hope I helped you get a better picture of this unique island. If you are still unsure if Gili Air is the right Gili Island for you, check out this article, which tells you all about the three Gili Islands.