Overall Score
Of the 3 islands, Gili Air is the closest to Lombok, and in terms of building density, population and civility is something in between the bustling, rambunctious Trawangan and rustic and quiet Meno. The boat ride from one island to the neighboring island takes about 10-15 minutes and costs 25.000 Rp.
Gili Air is a small island, which you can walk around unhurriedly, with breaks for swimming and photo sessions, for a couple of hours. Public transportation here is represented by cabs – horses and bicycles.
The sand on the beaches is white and yellow. On the port side (looking towards Lombok), by the way, the most populated and densely built-up hotels – with an admixture of gray rock. The water everywhere is clean and clear. The water on the side of the pier is the coolest. Snorkeling on the entire island of Gili Air is practically nonexistent.
The quietest and most picturesque part of the island is the one opposite Gili Meno. There is no dense hotel development and enough space on the beaches and inland. The beaches here are almost deserted. Quiet and relaxing is a very good place to relax.
There are many different cafes on the island, some even serve ice cream! The prices vary.
On the beaches, there are almost no people on either side of the island. For some unknown reason, people prefer to sit in cafes, which is probably why they go to the islands.
Deeper part of the island is a palm forest, and there are mostly cabins of local residents. There is no nightlife in the form of discos. But all cafes on the beaches work late, and if you have a desire to listen to music, sipping a cocktail, then all at your service.
Overall Score
- Tap water: No, not drinkable
- Religious government: Religious
- Population: 1,800 people
- GDP: $3,570 / year
- Power outlets: 230V50Hz
- Internet: 10 Mbps
- Best wireless: Telkomsel
- Pay without cash: No, cash only esp. for foreigners
- Tipping: Tipping is not mandatory. However, if you want to tip, perhaps provide 5-10% of the total bill. Restaurants: some restaurants will include 5-10% service charge to their bill. But if they don’t levy any service charge, you can tip between Rp10,000 to 10% of the total bill.
- Apartment listings: AirBnb
- Apartments: Airbnb
- Hotels: Booking.com
- More hotels: Hotels.com
- Best taxi: GoJEK
- Online electronics shop: Tokopedia
- Best short-haul air carrier: Lion
- Best intl air carrier: Garuda
- Monthly costs for expat: $340
- Monthly costs for family: $700
- Monthly costs for local: $210
- Meal: $1.7
- Small Cola: $0.3
- Beer 1 Pint: $0.9
- Coffee: $0.7
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