Gili Air – laid back vibe, vibrant skies and turtles
The 3 hour fast ferry from Nusa Lembongan to Gili Air was spent sunbathing on deck, watching dolphins and getting a glimpse of Gili Trawangan. Gili Air is beautiful, its sunsets are fabulous with the volcano Mount Agung on Bali silhouetted and reflected in the shallow sea and coral reef.
Gili Air is fabulous for snorkelling amongst turtles, you don’t have to go out on a boat, just rent fins and snorkel set and swim off the beach. Amazing experience, saw green turtles and hawksbill turtles amongst a million colourful fish
We have loved our stay on the island of Gili Air. There are no cars or regular mopeds on the island, you can walk, rent a bike or an electric moped. People and goods alike are transported by horse and cart, and supplies from Lombok arrive by boat and are carried up the beach to the restaurants and shops. Such a cool vibe and laid back atmosphere on this island. It’s small too, just 5K to walk the sandy track around the entire island. Time to move on again now, a 15 minute motorboat will take us to Lombok and from there a 90 minute drive to the mountains and a complete change of scenery.
25 Comments
Lookoom
Gili Air sounds like the perfect place to slow down after more active island hopping. The combination of spectacular sunsets, Mount Agung in the distance and turtles just offshore must make it especially memorable. I also love the description of the island’s unhurried rhythm, with horses and carts replacing the usual traffic. It sounds wonderfully peaceful.
Phil & Michaela
It really was the perfect getaway, everything about it was so relaxing. Apart from near the small harbour when a ferry was due, that was alive and bustling, another essential part of island life which we love.
Eha Carr
Am delighted the atmosphere you have shown has travelled well . . . looking at your photos nature-led relaxation can be felt here also. Perchance a quiet place but important things like Bintang have crossed from busier hubs it seems 🙂 ! Cannot believe the turtle photos – were you really able to swim SO close – if so, did they pay any attention to you at all ? Must admit I have never seen such clear water . . . unreal pics again! Thank you . . . and may the priceless days continue . . .
Phil & Michaela
Yes, we really did swim that close to the turtles and they took no notice of us at all, they let us swim along with them. Was interesting watching the Hawksbill turtle feed amongst the coral, it just ripped huge chunks away to get at the food.
Eha Carr
By now I have seen you in so many countries in so many situations 99% of us will never encounter . . . but when you are ‘old and grey’ having swum in those unreal waters amongst the turtles surely will be one very special time to remember . . .
Phil & Michaela
🤩
Lynette d'Arty-Cross
Your photos are stunning, especially of the turtles! How wonderful that you were able to swim with them like that.
Phil & Michaela
Yes a beautiful moment, they are so graceful 😊
Miriam
Such a beautiful place
Christie
Such a peaceful island! and what a great opportunity to swim with the turtles right off the beach!
Phil & Michaela
It was a fabulous experience 😃
restlessjo
Fabulous sunsets. What a lovely place xx
Phil & Michaela
They were beautiful 😀
WanderingCanadians
Stunning shots of the sunset and turtles. I’m such a fan of the no cars concept. It’s way more relaxing when walking around.
Phil & Michaela
Its great without cars but the horses come at quite a speed and the electric mopeds are silent, you have to keep your wits about you 😆
Toonsarah
That seems the very definition of laid-back! The sunsets look spectacular and I love all the turtle photos as well as those of island life 🙂
Phil & Michaela
It certainly is the island to chill out on.😎
Monkey's Tale
It looks perfect. We didn’t get to this part of Indonesia on our first visit, but are thinking ow of returning. I’ll keep this one in mind. Maggie
Phil & Michaela
Definitely worth a stop over. Perfect for us😊
Steven Berger
Great photos and snorkeling in Indonesia is so much fun. I can’t imagine a more relaxing place. Those sunsets are spectacular.
Stay safe,
Steve
Phil & Michaela
Thank you Steven😊
gsilvosatrekpix
Amazing photos!
Phil & Michaela
Thank you😊
grandmisadventures
How amazing to see the turtles so close!
Phil & Michaela
It was very special, they didn’t just swim away from us so we were able to spend time with them watching them feed. 😀