We are pleased to present a new Solo Travel Destination Post from Madhurima, a member of the Solo Travel Society on Facebook. Madhurima is from India, and submitted the following report about Gili Air. Do you have a solo travel destination that you would like to recommend? Submit your description here, along with a few photos, and share it with fellow travelers!
Solo travel rating: 1.5 (1 is easiest, 3 is most difficult. Please see chart below)
Languages spoken: Bahasa Indonesia, English
Costs at Destination: Reasonable (local transportation, dining, tours, events and attractions)
Lovely beach with clear green water
Reasons to Visit Gili Air
Gili Air is the little tropical escape we are all looking for. At first glance, it appeared crowded and a little dirty but it took me less than a day to fall in love with it.
The island is a tropical paradise which can be accessed from Bali or Lombok. I took the public ferry from Lombok which is dirt cheap but not extremely convenient. There are plenty of hotels right on the beach although these aren't exactly a backpacker's definition of cheap (read US$10-20.00). The hostels and homestays are in the interior parts of the island but since the whole island can be covered by foot in 1-2 hours, it's probably not a bad alternative.
The uncountable beach cafes and restaurants offer great food and an extremely chilled vibe that draws visitors from all around the world. My favorite part of the day was just strolling on the beaches then sitting in some area where I was the only living soul. The evening was spent sipping a mocktail from a mini beach hut as the sun slowly made its way behind the hills and the clear green water reflected its rays. I spent nearly 4 hours reading a book in one of these mini huts – an experience I will never forget.
The island is also famous for its coral life. So, take a dive or snorkel trip in the morning, gorge on delicious meals in the afternoon, and then laze away at the sunset point in the evening–that would be my tip for a perfect day! You don't have to break the bank to find a tropical paradise, it can be done within a budget and in Asia!
Beach chairs at the sunset point
Sunset behind the hills
Solo Travel Destination Rating System
Safety – 1 (1 very safe, 2 safe in most areas, 3 be cautious at all times.)
Language – 2 (1 English is first language, 2 English speakers easy to find, 3 English speakers rare)
Navigation – 1 (1 easy to navigate by transit or car, 2 poor transit, car necessary, 3 not easy to get around)
Culture – 2 (1 Similar to North America or Western Europe, 2 Different from above but relaxed and easy, 3 Challenging)
Average Rating – 1.5 (1 is easiest, 3 is most difficult)
