Gili Air

Gili Air is the island closest to Lombok and sits between Gili Trawangan's buzz and Gili Meno's calm. It has a real village at its heart, sandy lanes lined with cafés and warungs, and a ring road you can walk around in about an hour and a half.

The water is the draw. Reefs run close to shore, so snorkelling off the beach is excellent, and turtles are common. Several well-run dive centres offer courses and fun dives around all three Gilis, and freediving schools are popular here. The east side has the busiest beach strip; the west and north are quieter and better at sunset.

Accommodation runs from simple bungalows to boutique resorts, and the food scene is strong for an island this size, with plenty of vegan and healthy options. Gili Air is a good choice for couples, families and anyone who wants a social island that still goes to bed early.