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 From Bali, cross to the west coast of Lombok to find a tiny magical island called Gili Air. Once there, Coconut Cottages would like to warmly welcome you to this tropical paradise. Surrounded by clear blue water, coral reefs and colorful tropical marine life, Gili Air is the perfect place for you to relax and chill out on white sand beaches and get back in tune with nature strolling barefoot along the waters edge. The long days with blue skies and warm evenings with epic sunsets are here for you to rejoice in. There are no cars or motorbikes on the island... only the sound of birds calling, waves lapping and the tinkling bells of the horsecarts.
Gili Air is the closest of the Gilis to the Lombok mainland, and it is also the smallest island making it popular with honeymoon couples and travellers seeking a quiter way of life. It has population of about 1,000 and administratively lies in the East Nusatenggara province. The island offers excellent snorkeling and diving off its east coast, and turtles can be seen along the coral reef.
The island still maintains its rural charm, as tourism is relatively new. In the early eighties it was backpackers who first discovered the three little islands of Air, Meno and Trawanggan, (gili, means small island) and basically not much has changed on Gili Air since then except that the level of services and facilities has grown little by little over the years.
Coconut Cottages and The Frangipani Garden Restaurant are located in a Coconut grove on the east coast of Gili Air only 100m from the beach where you can enjoy some of the best snorkeling on the island. Coconut was opened in 1992 by Kamil and his Scottish wife Elaine and together with their family hope to make your stay on the island relaxing and enjoyable.
The Island is also the most populated and you will find more trees there than the other Gili's. The local inhabitants are: Sasak, Mandar, Bugis and Makassar. You can find their unique culture that is different from Lombok and wonderful beaches. Many of the older generation still make their living as boatmen, fisherman and farming coconuts.
There are only a few number of 2-3 stars hotels (rooms with air conditioning, swimming pool, TV etc) on Gili Air. Most of the places to eat and stay are in the south and east side of the island (near the jetty). You can find many homestays or budget accommodation on this island.
One of the first dive school (The Reefseeker) is no longer operate from Gili Air. They have moved to Flores. Returning guests are what they expect to come. Most accommodation are locally owned and managed, while a few of the upmarket hotels own and managed by foreign investors. You can go from one island to another by joining the gili island's hoping boat (depart twice a day). People here are more friendly than on Gili Trawangan. There are also a few places to stay around the north and south west coast in more quiet atmosphere.
Activities
Snorkeling and diving are the highlight of the activities. Snorkeling area are located in the south east (opposite-facing the Lombok Golf Kosaido) and along to the north east). You can just jump into the water to see the colorful fishes and coral reef. In the western part of Gili Air you can't snorkel off the beaches. When the moon is high (low tide), you can't swim off the beach. You need to walk to the south or east side.
While the island is busiest from May through August, the quieter off-season from January to April provides a better opportunity to enjoy all the islet has to offer, with accommodation prices at their lowest level.
To get around the isle, the only means of transport are Cidomos, horse drawn carriages. Bicycle rentals are available too. Expect higher prices for most things there since all food and goods must be brought over from the mainland.
Snorkeling
Gili Air is surrounded by clear blue water with fringing reefs that are full of a great diversity of marine life. Indonesia itself boasts some 3.500 different underwater species as compared to the Great Barrier Reef which offers around 1.500.
Snorkeling here is a great way to pass the hours and take a look at some of that marine life. The 3 Gilis are well known for their wealth of Green and Hawksbill Turtles and it’s not unusual to come across one of these beautiful creatures while snorkeling just off the beach, along with other favourites such as Mantis Shrimps, Squid, Cuttlefish, Eels and an abundance of colourful reef fish. Mask, snorkel and fins can be rented at any of the beach shacks for a small price per day.
Scuba Diving
The dive sites around the Gilis offer relatively easy diving and is a good place to learn with all Padi courses and daily diving trips available.
For fun dives there is something for everyone from gentle dives with little or no current to drift dives and deep dives. Dive sites offer fringing reefs, slopes, drop offs and plateaus with hard and soft corals in clear waters where you can see, for example, White and Black Tip Reef Sharks, Rays, Napoleon Wrasse, Bumpheads, Giant Morays, and even at the right time of year, Manta, Nudis and Flatworms, Pipefish, Ribbon Eels, Scorpion Leaf Fish, Flying Gurnards, Octopus, Cuttlefish, Mantis Shrimps, Frog fish etc...
Money Matters
There are no ATM's on the island, the nearest being in Senggigi or Mataram. There are money changers however who will change cash or travellers cheques. The dive shops can accept payment by major credit cards but payment at Coconut and most other accommodations around the island can be made only with cash or TC's.
Dress around the Island
The people of Lombok and the Gilis are mostly Muslim and appreciate it if you show common courtesy by your dress. Swimwear is only acceptable on the beach! Throw on a sarong for restaurants and wandering around. |
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