I recently had the chance to spend a dreamy week on Gili Air, and I still can’t get over how mellow and refreshing the place felt. No cars, no motorbikes, and endless sea views. The moment I stepped onto the sandy shoreline, I felt a gentle breeze that whispered, “Relax, you’re on island time now.” Gili Air’s beach bars have a special vibe that fits so perfectly into that laid-back spirit. I found myself hopping between them, sipping colourful cocktails, and letting the ocean lull me into an afternoon daze. I swear, each bar had its own charm, and I was never bored. I also discovered that the local people were super friendly, which made my bar-hopping adventures even more delightful. ☺️
The Gili Islands are part of Lombok province in Indonesia. Gili Air is the closest one to the Lombok mainland, and it has a perfect balance of chill beach life and fun bars. To reach Gili Air, I took a short ferry ride from Lombok’s Bangsal Harbour. Some travellers come directly from Bali via fast boats. If you need official info about connections and schedules, check the Indonesian tourism website: Indonesia Travel. Upon arriving, you can jump on a horse cart (a “cidomo”) or simply walk since the island is quite small. It felt so peaceful without the roar of engines. That’s how every beach paradise should be, right?
In this post, I’m excited to share my top 5 great beach bars in Gili Air. I tried different drinks, local snacks, and experienced some unforgettable sunsets at each place. Every bar here makes a fantastic spot to unwind, but these five have a special something I can’t forget. If you’re heading to Gili Air, trust me, you’ll want to pop by at least one of these bars!
1. Mowie’s Bar
Mowie’s Bar was the very first beach bar I visited when I arrived on Gili Air. I’d heard so much about their chilled atmosphere and irresistible sunset views. When I got there, I was greeted by vibrant beanbag chairs right on the sand. I tried their signature coconut mojito, which cost around US$6 (roughly 90,000 IDR). It was so refreshing that I wanted a second glass almost immediately! The bar also offers plenty of fruit smoothies, including a mouth-watering mango smoothie for about US$3.50 (around 52,500 IDR). My tastebuds were super happy after just a few sips. 😋
Their food menu is definitely worth exploring as well. I experienced the grilled tuna steak, served with a tangy sauce that woke up my taste buds. The cost was about US$8 (120,000 IDR). They try to incorporate fresh, local ingredients, and you can really taste the difference. If you’re feeling snacky, you could also try their homemade hummus or French fries. One thing I appreciated about Mowie’s is that they cater to vegetarians and vegans with options like veggie wraps and fruit bowls. All that variety makes Mowie’s an easy pick for anyone with dietary restrictions.
The location is super convenient, right on the beach’s western coast. It’s a hotspot for seeing the sun dip below the horizon in a magical swirl of purples and oranges. The mood changes from day to night quite seamlessly. During the day, you see carefree swimmers, stand-up paddleboarders, and snorkellers heading out in front of the bar. By evening, the lighting gets cosy, and the island music sets a friendly vibe. The staff here truly know how to make you feel at home. They’ll chat with you about their lives on the island, and it feels like you’re part of the family. If you want to learn more or book any activities through them, check out their official website: Mowie’s Gili Air. I found it helpful for planning a snorkelling trip.
There’s even a small lounge area with pillows where you can relax if you don’t fancy sitting in the sand. I totally loved chilling there with my mango smoothie. The Wi-Fi was decently strong, so I could share all my pictures with friends back home in Tokyo right away. 📱 Mowie’s Bar really left a sweet impression on me. If you visit, don’t skip their incredible sunset sessions.
2. Gili Lumbung Beach Club
Gili Lumbung Beach Club gave me such a warm welcome with its bohemian decor. I felt like I’d stepped into a chic island paradise. They have cute wooden swings right along the shore. I tried them out, and I swear, it made me feel like a kid again! Their unique seating area features wooden pavilions that are decorated with comfy cushions and breezy drapes. It’s the perfect place to lie back and watch the ocean. There’s even a hammock near the water that’s ideal for snapping Instagram-worthy photos. 📸
When it comes to drinks, their cocktail list is surprisingly extensive. I tried the Lumbung Breeze, which was a fruity mix of rum, pineapple juice, and a dash of coconut cream. It cost about US$5.50 (approximately 82,500 IDR), and it tasted like a holiday in a glass. I also sampled their fresh watermelon juice, which was around US$3 (45,000 IDR). If you’re looking for a bit of caffeine, they serve iced lattes for around US$2.50 (roughly 37,500 IDR). It’s quite refreshing under the hot island sun. My friend even tried their local Bintang beer, a staple in Indonesia. It’s cheaper than cocktails, usually around US$2 (30,000 IDR) a bottle.
I also indulged in a plate of nasi goreng (fried rice), a classic Indonesian dish. The portion was generous, and it cost around US$3.50 (about 52,500 IDR). The cook included fresh veggies and a side of homemade chilli sauce. Hot but so tasty! For those seeking international fare, they offer sandwiches and pasta dishes too. I was happy to see vegetarian choices like veggie burgers and tofu stir-fry. I chatted with some travellers who told me that Gili Lumbung’s highlight is their nightly acoustic music sessions. It starts around sunset and goes on until about 10 PM.
Location-wise, Gili Lumbung sits on the western side of Gili Air. That means, once again, epic sunset views. My favourite moment was relaxing on their beach cushions with my toes in the sand, listening to acoustic guitar. The staff were approachable and laid-back. If you need more details about their events or special promotions, you can visit their official site: Gili Lumbung. I peeked at their website to see if they had any live music schedule. It seems they update it often. Personally, I’d come here just for the swings and the Lumbung Breeze cocktail again. 🏖️
3. PinkCoco Gili Air Beach Bar
PinkCoco Gili Air is a playful spot that stands out for its whimsical pink theme. The entire place is swathed in soft pink accents, from the umbrellas to the lounge chairs. It looks perfect for photos. I tried their signature Pink Sunset cocktail, which blends vodka, fresh strawberries, and a splash of lime. It was about US$6 (close to 90,000 IDR). The colour matched the bar’s vibe so well. I also tried a watermelon mint cooler, which was extra refreshing after snorkelling. One sip, and I was hooked!
The bar belongs to the PinkCoco Gili Air hotel, so you can expect a more upscale feel. The staff wear bright pink uniforms, and they always have these big smiles on their faces. I saw a live DJ spinning tropical house tunes during the late afternoon, which added a subtle party atmosphere. But don’t worry, it’s never too loud. You can still enjoy a nap on one of their sunbeds. They also serve a range of tapas, like calamari rings and crunchy vegetable spring rolls. Each dish was priced around US$4–5 (60,000–75,000 IDR). Nothing beats nibbling on crispy tapas while gazing at the turquoise sea.
I experienced a bit of a sweet tooth there, so I tried their house-made gelato. They had a variety of flavours, including an intriguing coconut-lime. One scoop cost around US$2.50 (37,500 IDR). It was beyond delicious, melting quickly under the tropical heat. 🏝️ Another friend recommended their grilled chicken salad, which came with a tangy passion fruit dressing. It was about US$5 (75,000 IDR). PinkCoco also has some comfy daybeds near the bar if you want to soak up the sun in style.
The location is near the island’s quieter southeastern side, making it peaceful yet still convenient for exploring. For further details or to reserve a daybed, check their official page: PinkCoco Gili Air. Their website also lists packages if you want a stay at the resort. I think the pink colour scheme might not be for everyone, but I found it adorable. It’s definitely a must-visit if you want to add a pop of colour to your island holiday. 🦩
4. The Exile Gili Air
The Exile gave me some serious castaway vibes, but in a good way. It’s tucked away on the quieter southwestern edge of the island. I nearly missed it while wandering along the shore, but a friendly local pointed me in the right direction. When I arrived, I saw wooden driftwood signs and rustic decor that exudes a real island feel. No fancy frills, just a raw beach atmosphere. I tried a pineapple juice for around US$3 (45,000 IDR) first, and it tasted so fresh. Their bartenders are warm and super chatty. I ended up learning about some hidden snorkelling spots just off Gili Air’s coast.
One of the best parts about The Exile is their nightly bonfire sessions. People gather around, share stories, and enjoy local acoustic sets. I loved the sense of community. Sometimes they even organise beach games like volleyball or limbo competitions, which is a blast if you’re feeling social. I met travellers from all over the world, and we bonded over our shared love for the island. The bar also has a small menu of beach bites, including grilled corn with spicy butter for about US$2 (30,000 IDR). If you’re lucky, you might stumble upon a beach barbecue event.
They have daily specials, like a local Lombok coffee for about US$1.50 (22,500 IDR) in the mornings. If you’re more adventurous, you might like their arrack-based cocktail. Arrack is a local spirit made from coconut or sugarcane. It has a strong kick but a unique taste. 🍹 The staff can also arrange snorkelling tours, so you could enjoy a day out at sea and then lounge at their bar afterwards.
The view here is unbeatable during sunset. The Exile has a direct vantage point facing west. With the silhouettes of trees and traditional fishing boats, it feels like you’ve slipped into another world. They don’t have a big official website, but you can check their Facebook page for updates on events. I recommend timing your visit for the evening glow. It truly lives up to its name as an “exile” from the busier corners of Gili Air.
5. Lucky’s Bar
Lucky’s Bar is possibly the most relaxed place I’ve ever chilled at on Gili Air. It’s located on the northeast coast, near some popular snorkelling spots. That’s perfect if you want to explore the reefs by day and unwind with a drink by afternoon. I tried their local coconut water, which was served with a bright yellow straw. It cost about US$2 (30,000 IDR), and sipping it while gazing at the horizon felt like pure island bliss. They also serve cocktails, with prices starting around US$4 (60,000 IDR) for something simple like a rum and coke. One day, I had a strong margarita for about US$5 (75,000 IDR). Couldn’t resist that salty tang on a hot afternoon!
I experienced their grilled fish special, which is often freshly caught around the Gilis. It was served with rice and sambal (a spicy chilli sauce). The cost is usually around US$6–7 (90,000–105,000 IDR), depending on what fish is available. The flavours were divine, especially if you love spiced seafood. Lucky’s also offers small bites like fried bananas (pisang goreng) for around US$2 (30,000 IDR). Trust me, you’ve got to try those if you have a sweet tooth.
The bar has a few plastic chairs on the beach and wooden benches under a rustic roof. It’s not fancy, but that’s part of the charm. The owners are locals who’ve lived on the island for years. They told me stories of how Gili Air has changed over time. A few other travellers and I ended up chatting until the stars came out. No pretence, no fuss, just friendly vibes. Sometimes, Lucky’s hosts live acoustic music, especially on weekends. Check with the staff, because it’s not always set in stone.
During the day, you might see the staff offering snorkel rentals for about US$3 per day (45,000 IDR). That’s cheaper than many spots on the island. You can also ask them where the best sea turtle hangout is. They know the local reefs by heart. The sunset here is lovely in a more subtle way. It might not be as spectacular as the western side, but I adore the peacefulness. Lucky’s Bar doesn’t have an official site, but you’ll find it easily by strolling the beach. If you’re curious about Gili Air’s overall atmosphere, Indonesia Travel has more on local spots. In my opinion, Lucky’s is the perfect example of genuine island life. 🏝️
Final Thoughts
Gili Air surprised me with how many different beach bars it had to offer. Each spot has its own charm, from hippie chic to pink glam. I loved waking up early for snorkelling adventures, then stopping by these bars to refuel with a juice or cocktail. By late afternoon, music would drift along the sand, and I’d simply move from one comfy beanbag to another. My holiday quickly became a routine of pure relaxation. I also discovered how warm and laid-back the locals are. They seem to enjoy sharing their island culture and favourite secret snorkelling areas. It’s that personal touch that made me fall in love with Gili Air. ❤️
The cost of a trip here can vary widely. You can go for budget-friendly drinks like a fresh coconut for US$2, or treat yourself to a fancy cocktail for around US$6. The same goes for accommodation, with hostels and luxury resorts side by side. The bars I listed in this post are a great mix of casual hideouts and more stylish lounges. You’ll definitely find something that fits your vibe. No matter which one you choose, you’ll be greeted by gentle waves and a sense of total calm.
Gili Air doesn’t have loud parties like Gili Trawangan, but that’s what I loved about it. The energy is calm yet sociable. I spent my days snorkelling with sea turtles, cycling around the island, and enjoying fresh smoothies at different bars. It’s such a small island that you can pop into each bar I mentioned with ease. Feel free to explore them all if you have time. For more tips on exploring the Gili Islands, you can browse the Gili Islands category on travel.lv99.gg for additional insights. I hope you have a fantastic time discovering Gili Air’s best beach bars. Sometimes, all you need is good company, a sandy beach, and a chilled cocktail to feel that life is beautiful. Cheers! 🍹
