Gili Air, Indonesia, a paradise tropical island near Bali and Lombok is blessed with beautiful sunsets. As sunsets are one of my favourite subjects to photograph, I took a plethora of Insta-worthy pictures when greeted with the endless glorious sunsets on Gili Air!
We lived on Gili Air for 15 months, and witnessed so many stunning sunsets. We would choose various beachfront locations dotted along the West coast, sometimes for a Bintang and a burger, other times for sunset and sangria. But which place is the best?
Islanders have their favourites and others are undecided, so I made it my personal mission to research all the sunset venues to help you decide …
Which is the best sunset spot on Gili Air?
It’s a hard job … but someone has to do it!
We lived on Gili Air for 15 months, and witnessed so many stunning sunsets. We would choose various beachfront locations dotted along the West coast, sometimes for a Bintang and a burger, other times for sunset and sangria. But which place is the best?
Islanders have their favourites and others are undecided, so I made it my personal mission to research all the sunset venues to help you decide …
Which is the best sunset spot on Gili Air?
It’s a hard job … but someone has to do it!
On Gili Air’s West coast, there are about ten sunset spots within a 200 metre stretch along the beach, but which one would I recommend?
I’m not going to sugar-coat this, I’m going to jump straight in with my favourite spot! No counting down, I’m not going to bother building up the suspense, I’m simply going to declare that after extensive research, my favourite sunset spot is …
Gili Lumbung
I have to confess that when I found Gili Lumbung, it immediately became my favourite, and I have taken many people here for sunset, dinner and drinks. It has never failed to disappoint.
Lumbung is located 10 minutes (if that) away from the harbour along the West coast… let me start with the visuals; there is a double swing for that quintessential perfect sunset experience as well as a glorious view. The first establishment on the island to add a swing, a donation box sits next to it collecting money for the local school. Rarely do I see people dropping notes into this box, despite queues of people lining up to capture their own Instagram worthy moment.
I’m not going to sugar-coat this, I’m going to jump straight in with my favourite spot! No counting down, I’m not going to bother building up the suspense, I’m simply going to declare that after extensive research, my favourite sunset spot is …
Gili Lumbung
I have to confess that when I found Gili Lumbung, it immediately became my favourite, and I have taken many people here for sunset, dinner and drinks. It has never failed to disappoint.
Lumbung is located 10 minutes (if that) away from the harbour along the West coast… let me start with the visuals; there is a double swing for that quintessential perfect sunset experience as well as a glorious view. The first establishment on the island to add a swing, a donation box sits next to it collecting money for the local school. Rarely do I see people dropping notes into this box, despite queues of people lining up to capture their own Instagram worthy moment.
The gorgeous Gili Lumbung and it's romantic swing during the day
Perfect sunset spot for couples
|
Also a perfect sunset spot for friends
|
On a clear night, Bali’s Mount Agung is visible which means if Mother Nature decides to do her thing and Agung starts puffing, you will be able to witness this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity from the safety of a beanbag.
You can see Bali's Mount Agung on a clear night
The same beachfront position, a different glorious sunset
Yep ... you guessed it - same view, different sunset!
But wait a minute … I haven’t finished! Next to the swing is a heart … yet another Instagram-worthy opportunity! You can have your photo taken in the middle of the heart with the sunset behind you – how much more romantic can you get?
One of the most magnificent sunsets the island had seen - the entire sky lit up, as far as the eye could see
Gili Lumbung on Gili Air provides many Instagram-worthy opportunities
As for the food, well, in my opinion, it serves the best spaghetti bolognaise on the island! Sy always chooses the burger which never disappoints, other friends have sampled different dishes and agreed it was delicious. Chilling on the beach in a beanbag, listening to the ambient music which can sometimes be a live guitarist, well, it doesn’t come much better than that if you ask me. With excellent customer service, Gili Lumbung ticks all my boxes for the perfect sunset viewing spot.
Large Bintang: 40,000 IDR
Typical meal: 70,000 IDR
Happy hour: 3-4-2 on cocktails
Large Bintang: 40,000 IDR
Typical meal: 70,000 IDR
Happy hour: 3-4-2 on cocktails
View of the beachfront from a baruga inside Gili Lumbung
We always took our friends for sunset here, whether they were islanders, or visitors
Celebrating the end of a successful Cat Clinic ... of course it was at Gili Lumbung!
If you enjoy home comforts when you travel, check out where you can find the Best Western Food on Gili Air
Solabose/TIki Bar
Next to GIli Lumbung, is my joint favourite place to view sunset! We have been here many times and again, it has never been a disappointment. For food, we always have Chicken Gordon Blue (yes, this is chicken cordon blue) with mashed potato or chips because we love it that much!
On many occasions we have tried to order something else but then we remember how tasty our favourite dish is and cannot stop ordering it. Their customer service is also excellent and, as it’s next to Gili Lumbung, we get to appreciate the same fabulous view, so this also ticks all my boxes.
Next to GIli Lumbung, is my joint favourite place to view sunset! We have been here many times and again, it has never been a disappointment. For food, we always have Chicken Gordon Blue (yes, this is chicken cordon blue) with mashed potato or chips because we love it that much!
On many occasions we have tried to order something else but then we remember how tasty our favourite dish is and cannot stop ordering it. Their customer service is also excellent and, as it’s next to Gili Lumbung, we get to appreciate the same fabulous view, so this also ticks all my boxes.
Check out Mount Agung... it's on fire! (not literally, it's just another glorious sunset :D)
Every sunset in this area seems to be different. Sometimes there is a live band next door, sometimes there are sunset horse rides, other nights there may be fire twirlers, plus there is a slackline if you wanted to test your balance skills!
Every single time the sun sets, being in this area makes me happy. I always feel so blessed to live on such an amazing island watching the sun disappear behind Bali’s Mount Agung. This is what happiness in paradise feels like.
Large Bintang: 40,000 IDR
Typical meal: 45,000 - 75,000 IDR
Happy hour: 3-4-2 on cocktails
Update: Since the Gili Air beach reclamation in July 2018, this beachfront restaurant is no longer here. But the glorious sunset view is obviously still visible!
Every single time the sun sets, being in this area makes me happy. I always feel so blessed to live on such an amazing island watching the sun disappear behind Bali’s Mount Agung. This is what happiness in paradise feels like.
Large Bintang: 40,000 IDR
Typical meal: 45,000 - 75,000 IDR
Happy hour: 3-4-2 on cocktails
Update: Since the Gili Air beach reclamation in July 2018, this beachfront restaurant is no longer here. But the glorious sunset view is obviously still visible!
Sunset horse rides are popular on Gili Air
Barabos/Pura Vida
Barabos is my favourite sunset spot in the north. We sat on a baruga (a bamboo recliner with large cushions) facing Mount Agung and watched a horse trot along the beach during another glorious sunset. Uniquely, they turned a small, old fishing boat into seating with big comfortable cushions … perfect if there is a small group of you.
The food menu is extensive and, on the few occasions we have eaten here, we’ve always been happy. Our first visit was on a Sunday, and, as the sun dipped behind the horizon, a live band were sound-checking Bob Marley songs at Pura Vida next door. It was perfect. The live band at Pura Vida play every Sunday between 7-10pm.
Barabos is my favourite sunset spot in the north. We sat on a baruga (a bamboo recliner with large cushions) facing Mount Agung and watched a horse trot along the beach during another glorious sunset. Uniquely, they turned a small, old fishing boat into seating with big comfortable cushions … perfect if there is a small group of you.
The food menu is extensive and, on the few occasions we have eaten here, we’ve always been happy. Our first visit was on a Sunday, and, as the sun dipped behind the horizon, a live band were sound-checking Bob Marley songs at Pura Vida next door. It was perfect. The live band at Pura Vida play every Sunday between 7-10pm.
Our beruga where we watched the sun set at Barabos
There is something pretty special about sitting in a beruga on the beach, ambient lighting provided by a small candle, the gentle sound of waves lapping against the shore and soothing reggae tunes to sway along to. Surely this is what life on a perfect island is all about? Oh yes, this is what I call living the dream, and I lived it every day for 15 months!
Large Bintang: 40,000 IDR
Typical meal: 50,000 IDR
Happy hour: 3-4-2 on cocktails
Large Bintang: 40,000 IDR
Typical meal: 50,000 IDR
Happy hour: 3-4-2 on cocktails
The islands' cats always like to get in on the action
Yes ... another glorious sunset
Mowies
Considered by many ex-pat islanders to be the best sunset spot on the island, Mowies is located on the south-west coast boasting soft white sand and turquoise ocean views. Whenever I would sunbathe, I would sit on the stretch of beach in front of Mowies.
Understandably, it’s always busy. The food menu isn’t very extensive, but it is delicious. They do have a different spin on your average burger, serve delicious eggs benedict, and offer an organic, healthy range.
Mowies has lovely beachfront accommodation, and Trip Advisor reviews are very complimentary.
Considered by many ex-pat islanders to be the best sunset spot on the island, Mowies is located on the south-west coast boasting soft white sand and turquoise ocean views. Whenever I would sunbathe, I would sit on the stretch of beach in front of Mowies.
Understandably, it’s always busy. The food menu isn’t very extensive, but it is delicious. They do have a different spin on your average burger, serve delicious eggs benedict, and offer an organic, healthy range.
Mowies has lovely beachfront accommodation, and Trip Advisor reviews are very complimentary.
Mowies during the daytime
Choose between sitting on a beanbag on the beach or, if there is a small group of you, at a wooden table.
On any night, you will people from the diving community here as it’s the go-to sunset spot and a popular meeting point. We visited Mowies most weeks for breakfast, lunch, or to meet up with friends, however for sunset, in my personal opinion, there are other places that suit me better.
Large Bintang: 45,000 IDR
Typical meal: 60,000 - 85,000 IDR
Happy hour: No
Note: All prices are subject to 10% tax and 7% service charge (you can ask for the service charge to be removed)
On any night, you will people from the diving community here as it’s the go-to sunset spot and a popular meeting point. We visited Mowies most weeks for breakfast, lunch, or to meet up with friends, however for sunset, in my personal opinion, there are other places that suit me better.
Large Bintang: 45,000 IDR
Typical meal: 60,000 - 85,000 IDR
Happy hour: No
Note: All prices are subject to 10% tax and 7% service charge (you can ask for the service charge to be removed)
Sunset from Mowies
Pink Coco
When updating this article, I had to add Pink Coco. This hotel hasn't long opened, but we still managed to visit a few times when we wanted a special treat. Located in the middle of the west coast, Pink Coco is pink by name and pink by nature!
The prices here are a little more than other establishments, but it does make a wonderful sunset spot. For a girlie evening, we ordered a jug of sangria, for a group of friends celebrating, we enjoyed a delicious pizza.
Pink Coco become one of my favourite places to visit, hope you enjoy it as much as we did!
When updating this article, I had to add Pink Coco. This hotel hasn't long opened, but we still managed to visit a few times when we wanted a special treat. Located in the middle of the west coast, Pink Coco is pink by name and pink by nature!
The prices here are a little more than other establishments, but it does make a wonderful sunset spot. For a girlie evening, we ordered a jug of sangria, for a group of friends celebrating, we enjoyed a delicious pizza.
Pink Coco become one of my favourite places to visit, hope you enjoy it as much as we did!
|
|
Sunset from Pink Coco
Lucky's Bar & Restaurant
Choose your hammock, pick a drink from a fresh coconut and settle in for the sunset at Lucky's
Located the other side of Gili Lumbung, Lucky’s also has wonderful views (although I seem to say that about every sunset spot! Do you think it’s safe to say that pretty much the entire west coast is beautiful?).
I like to arrive over an hour before sunset at my chosen venue, soaking up the atmosphere and enjoying the simplistic beauty of nature. This is exactly what I did at Lucky’s! I watched the sunset from a sea hammock, casually dipping my toes into the crystal clear waters and swinging gently in the ocean breeze.
People watching is also a great sunset pass time. In the neighbouring hammock, I casually observed as a lady looked up from reading her book to sip a cool drink from a coconut.
Is this your vision of paradise? It's mine!
They serve enjoyable snacks and have a simple menu of pizzas, burgers etc. Customer service was good and the music, a mixture of reggae then more up-tempo when the sun began to set. Lucky's host regular beach party's and I have been advised this is the place to be for sunset at New Year.
Large bintang: 45,000 IDR
Typical meal: Snacks start from 35,000 IDR and meals from 65,000 IDR
Happy hour: 3-4-2 on cocktails
Is this your vision of paradise? It's mine!
They serve enjoyable snacks and have a simple menu of pizzas, burgers etc. Customer service was good and the music, a mixture of reggae then more up-tempo when the sun began to set. Lucky's host regular beach party's and I have been advised this is the place to be for sunset at New Year.
Large bintang: 45,000 IDR
Typical meal: Snacks start from 35,000 IDR and meals from 65,000 IDR
Happy hour: 3-4-2 on cocktails
Legends
Located in the very North of the Island, Legends has the beauty of Bali’s Mount Agung visible as well as Lombok’s Mount Rinjani (West and East respectively). We visited on a number of occasions, sat on a baruga or slouched on a beach beanbag to watch the sunset whilst sipping a cold beer.
Legends has a beach party every Wednesday from 10pm until sunrise with fire dancers and a live DJ playing reggae music, this is the party place where everyone heads after the bars close.
Located in the very North of the Island, Legends has the beauty of Bali’s Mount Agung visible as well as Lombok’s Mount Rinjani (West and East respectively). We visited on a number of occasions, sat on a baruga or slouched on a beach beanbag to watch the sunset whilst sipping a cold beer.
Legends has a beach party every Wednesday from 10pm until sunrise with fire dancers and a live DJ playing reggae music, this is the party place where everyone heads after the bars close.
Sunset at Legends with the friends we met at Chiang Rai Elephant Sanctuary ... it's great when travelling friends come and visit!
Mount Agung makes yet another appearance at sunset
Zipp Sunset
The sister restaurant to Zipp Bar (which is located on the east coast), Zipp Sunset on the west is about 20 metres north of Gili Lumbung. The beauty here is the romantic dinner option; we started the evening on a beach beanbag but then moved to a table to view the sunset whilst enjoying our food.
After the sun has dipped behind the horizon, the staff hang old fashioned candle lanterns along the front which creates a soft, romantic view. When we were here, we ordered an extremely tasty pizza, however others have said they ran out of a few of the dishes on the menu including pizza, and what they did order wasn’t that great. We have yet to try it again to make further judgement.
Large Bintang: 45,000 IDR
Happy hour: 2-4-1 on cocktails
The sister restaurant to Zipp Bar (which is located on the east coast), Zipp Sunset on the west is about 20 metres north of Gili Lumbung. The beauty here is the romantic dinner option; we started the evening on a beach beanbag but then moved to a table to view the sunset whilst enjoying our food.
After the sun has dipped behind the horizon, the staff hang old fashioned candle lanterns along the front which creates a soft, romantic view. When we were here, we ordered an extremely tasty pizza, however others have said they ran out of a few of the dishes on the menu including pizza, and what they did order wasn’t that great. We have yet to try it again to make further judgement.
Large Bintang: 45,000 IDR
Happy hour: 2-4-1 on cocktails
Romantic old-fashioned lanterns at Zipp Sunset
Other sunset spots on Gili Air
To find the best sunset spots, this obviously meant visiting almost every establishment along the west coast, it was a very difficult job carrying out this research and meant hours of staring at glorious sunsets sipping cold beers, but it needed to be done to give you a comprehensive post! Here is a summary of the places that I personally felt didn’t make it into the “best category” (please note that not every single sunset spot is mentioned in this post, there are a few establishments that are missing as I didn’t have much to say about them – sorry).
Island View – The only reason this glorious spot didn’t make it into “the best” is because we haven't yet had a chance to eat or drink here. It is located half way up the west coast so a little far from most places, but it does have a lovely double swing and, due to its more remote location on the island, there are less people here.
To find the best sunset spots, this obviously meant visiting almost every establishment along the west coast, it was a very difficult job carrying out this research and meant hours of staring at glorious sunsets sipping cold beers, but it needed to be done to give you a comprehensive post! Here is a summary of the places that I personally felt didn’t make it into the “best category” (please note that not every single sunset spot is mentioned in this post, there are a few establishments that are missing as I didn’t have much to say about them – sorry).
Island View – The only reason this glorious spot didn’t make it into “the best” is because we haven't yet had a chance to eat or drink here. It is located half way up the west coast so a little far from most places, but it does have a lovely double swing and, due to its more remote location on the island, there are less people here.
Sapari’s – Located next door to Mowies. When we visited, the music was far too loud and wasn’t conducive for sunset ambiance, more for “getting the party started” which is great if you plan to attend one of their weekly beach parties. There is a lovely single swing here as well as a new double swing in the sea, so maybe I will try visiting again. Large Bintangs are 45,000 IDR and the service was fast and friendly.
Ombak – Walking from the harbour, Ombak is the first place to view the sunset. This large, white 5* hotel has an outside theatre playing movies nightly at 8pm and you can have a BBQ dinner from 6pm. Prices are high for the island and Indonesian standards; a large Bintang is 70,000 IDR and happy hour 2-4-1 cocktails are 95,000 IDR, however if you are staying at this hotel, the price for convenience may not be an issue.
Ombak has pretty multi-coloured beanbags to enjoy the sunset and afterwards, at 8pm they show movies on the beach
Krishna Sunset – In between Lucky’s and Gili Lumbung, this establishment is unlucky as it has to compete with music from both its neighbours. When we sat here, we could hear 3 different sets.
The customer service was excruciatingly slow and, although the food menu was extensive, the portions were small and I feel it’s trying to be a little upmarket and not in-keeping with this area. If I am honest, I can see why Krishna Sunset is often empty when its neighbours are busy. Large Bintangs are 40,000 IDR but I did enjoy their cocktails priced 2-4-1 at 70,000 IDR.
The customer service was excruciatingly slow and, although the food menu was extensive, the portions were small and I feel it’s trying to be a little upmarket and not in-keeping with this area. If I am honest, I can see why Krishna Sunset is often empty when its neighbours are busy. Large Bintangs are 40,000 IDR but I did enjoy their cocktails priced 2-4-1 at 70,000 IDR.
Relaxed beachfront setting for Krishna Sunset
Camila Beach Resort – In the north-west of the island, every Sunday they advertise a No Party, Party… and this is what we got – no party!
A DJ played funky music which was good if you wanted to party, but it just didn’t fit in with the island as there is nowhere to take the party once it’s over. Unsurprisingly, there was no one here and the location isn’t quite right for a decent sunset.
They only sell small Bintangs for 30,000 IDR and no decent happy hour deal on cocktails (buy two signature cocktails for 200,000 IDR and you receive a free “sunset bite”. Other establishments such as Buras nearby offer 2-4-1 cocktails for around 70,000 – 90,000 IDR and they have comfortable barugas to sit on.
A DJ played funky music which was good if you wanted to party, but it just didn’t fit in with the island as there is nowhere to take the party once it’s over. Unsurprisingly, there was no one here and the location isn’t quite right for a decent sunset.
They only sell small Bintangs for 30,000 IDR and no decent happy hour deal on cocktails (buy two signature cocktails for 200,000 IDR and you receive a free “sunset bite”. Other establishments such as Buras nearby offer 2-4-1 cocktails for around 70,000 – 90,000 IDR and they have comfortable barugas to sit on.
The chic Camila Beach Resort and their Sunday night No Party Party
I hope you have enjoyed looking at our gorgeous sunset photos as much as I enjoyed taking them. To end this post I will share with you one last time my favourite sunset spot, Gili Lumbung. This final photo was taken on my birthday because, well, naturally, I’m going to spend the sunset on my special day at my favourite spot!
What better way to end my birthday with sunset at my favourite beachfront location .. Gili Lumbung!
Wondering what to pack for your Indonesian trip? Let us help with the essentials in our Ultimate Packing List for Worldwide Travel (tried and tested!
Disclaimer: This post contains some affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, it won't cost you any extra. The small commission we may earn will enable Feet Do Travel to continue running.
Travelling to the Gili Islands? We suggest checking bus/ferry schedules ahead of time, and booking in advance online with Bookaway. It will save time and hassle, and help you plan your travel itinerary.
Book your Gili Air, Indonesia, worldwide hotel or weekend break through our Hotel Booking Page. We always use Booking.com, and are proud to have a partnership with them. If you are on a mobile phone, turn the device horizontally, the “search” button will be bottom right.
Do you want to be a better traveller and reduce your single use plastic? Hop over to our Travel Shop for inspiration. Refillable water bottles, reusable cutlery, bamboo straws, bamboo toothbrush, toothpaste power, shampoo bars and many more ideas.
Want to know more about the Gili Islands, Lombok & Bali?
Gili Trawangan - Not Just A Party Island
Gili Meno - The Island of Love
Gil Air - The Perfect Island?
25 Best Things to Do in Gili Air
Gili Asahan - The Secret Gili Islands
Gili Sudak and Gili Kedis - The Secret Gili Islands
Kuta Lombok - The New Kuta Bali?
Is Pink Beach Lombok Worth Visiting?
Wonderful Waterfalls of Lombok
World Oceans Day: Conservation Success on Gili Air
Volunteering at Gili Air Cat Clinic
10 Must Try Indonesian Dishes
Bali - Is Sanur Worth Visiting? You May Be Surprised
Searching for Street Art in Canggu, Bali
15 Things to Do in Canggu, Bali
Travelling around Indonesia? Hope these links help!
Awesome Things to Do in Nusa Penida - Bali's Best Kept Secret
Lembongan - Bali, but Better!
Tarsiers and a Monkey Selfie
Komodo Dragon Hike in Rinca
Komodo, Flores, More Than Just Dragons
Jewels of Java - Borobudur & Prambanan
Indonesian Orangutan Adventure
Derawan & Sangalaki - Borneo's Hidden Gem?
Raja Ampat on a Budget
Gili Trawangan - Not Just A Party Island
Gili Meno - The Island of Love
Gil Air - The Perfect Island?
25 Best Things to Do in Gili Air
Gili Asahan - The Secret Gili Islands
Gili Sudak and Gili Kedis - The Secret Gili Islands
Kuta Lombok - The New Kuta Bali?
Is Pink Beach Lombok Worth Visiting?
Wonderful Waterfalls of Lombok
World Oceans Day: Conservation Success on Gili Air
Volunteering at Gili Air Cat Clinic
10 Must Try Indonesian Dishes
Bali - Is Sanur Worth Visiting? You May Be Surprised
Searching for Street Art in Canggu, Bali
15 Things to Do in Canggu, Bali
Travelling around Indonesia? Hope these links help!
Awesome Things to Do in Nusa Penida - Bali's Best Kept Secret
Lembongan - Bali, but Better!
Tarsiers and a Monkey Selfie
Komodo Dragon Hike in Rinca
Komodo, Flores, More Than Just Dragons
Jewels of Java - Borobudur & Prambanan
Indonesian Orangutan Adventure
Derawan & Sangalaki - Borneo's Hidden Gem?
Raja Ampat on a Budget
Pin this post for future reference!
|
|
