Picture a small, no, a tiny island.. put a bunch of people in there as if they were born to smile and "halo" at you.. scatter a few cafes and spas here and there, place colorful bean bags along the white sandy beach, try to fill the gaps wherever you want with a dive shop and then, then like a master painter, paint the lining of the island with the most exquisite shade of turquoise blue that you can find on your palette..
Thankfully, Gili Air is filled with a very different crowd, not the sort that ups the tempo by partying hard but the sort that loves to procrastinate, has hours to spare for just gazing into the bright blue sea ahead as Bintang, the amazing local beer, keeps company, has an occasional desire to cycle a bit and finds oneself around the island in well short of an hour, wishes to enjoy the sunset while taking a dip and gets an entire beach for that.
Gili Air is all about this attitude, has a carefree relaxation written all over it that you can't seem to have enough of.
I've always felt that if there could be a line dedicated to this amazing place, it might just be one for the beer it swears by, "Raise your hand, and somehow a Bintang will find its way to you.
How to Reach:
Gili Air can be reached by fast boats run by multiple carriers from the ports in Bali. You can make your bookings HERE . Personally I would recommend fast boats run by Eka Jaya or Blue Water Express. Tickets Cost USD 50$ on an average. The fast boat ride is an experience by itself. With uber cool seating and refreshments served on board, your journey is promised to be good.
Roaming around in Gili Air:
Gili Air redefines procrastination like no other place. Roam around aimlessly round the island on your foot or hire a bicycle that's easily available. You can explore all of Gili Air in about two hours, that's how small the island is. Stop by any of the shacks sip a Bintang and some Calamari Fries and continue.
No Motor vehicles run in the island, they have horse cart as an alternative though.
Where to stay:
There is a range of resorts /homestays/hostels along the coastline. Booking.com or TripAdvisor as always is THE GO TO PLACE when you are choosing your stays in such islands. We stayed at Grand Sunset Gili Air a decent stay with an infinite pool and a bar to laze around till late nights.
I've always felt that if there could be a line dedicated to this amazing place, it might just be one for the beer it swears by, "Raise your hand, and somehow a Bintang will find its way to you.
There are other plethora of activities to indulge in while in Gili like Scuba Diving or swimming with the turtles, but then sometimes all you need is a place to sit, gaze and do nothing :)
So when are you heading to this Procrastinator's Paradise?