Gili Air Family Holidays: Christmas & New Year in Paradise Island

If you’re wondering how to make this year’s festive escape truly special for the whole family, why not swap crowded cities for something unforgettable: an island-style Christmas or New Year on Gili Air?

For families, the holidays are more than dates on a calendar — they’re about slowing down, reconnecting, and creating memories together. Instead of battling traffic, malls, and overbooked restaurants, imagine barefoot days, warm breezes, and dinners by the sea where the only soundtrack is laughter and waves.

Many families first look at Bali for year-end holidays, but here’s the secret: Bali is buzzing(and often crowded, especially in December. On the other hand, Gili Air offers a quieter, more intimate setting that’s perfect for families. You still get turquoise waters, beautiful beaches, and vibrant island culture, but without the chaos. Here, your festive season isn’t about rushing; it’s about regrounding with your loved ones. And isn’t that what Christmas and New Year are really about?

Gili Air Christmas & New Year Activities for Families

The holidays on Gili Air are less about shopping malls and long queues, and more about creating simple, joyful experiences with your family. Here’s how you can celebrate Christmas and New Year island-style:

• Christmas Eve & Christmas Day Dinners

  Many beachfront restaurants in Gili Air host special Christmas dinners for families visiting in December. The menu features fresh seafood, tropical cocktails for adults, and plenty of kid-friendly options. The vibe is casual and welcoming: think toes in the sand, live acoustic music, and tables lit with lanterns.

  
  

• New Year Fireworks by the Sea

  Gili Air puts on a small but magical show of fireworks at midnight. If you’re spending New Year’s Eve in Gili Air with kids, the west coast, like Gili Lumbung, is the best spot. Unlike Bali’s massive crowds, here you can sit together on beanbags, enjoy a mocktail or Bintang, and watch the sky light up in a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere.

  
  

• Private Boat Trips for Snorkelling

  Skip the crowded group tours and book a private fisherman’s boat. Kids love hopping between calm snorkel spots like Turtle Point (where sea turtles are almost guaranteed) or Hans Reef, known for its shallow corals and colourful reef fish. This makes a fun, safe adventure for the whole family.

  
  

• Cycling the Island Together

  Rent bicycles (with child seats available at many rental shops) and take a gentle ride around the 7km sandy loop. Stop for coconuts or fresh smoothies at JUJU Zero Waste Store & Vegan Cafe, then continue until you find a quiet beach to play and relax.

• Horse Riding on the Beach

  Few things feel as magical for kids (and parents!) as riding a gentle horse along the shoreline at sunset. On Gili Air, horse riding usually takes place along the west coast beaches, where the sand is wide and the sunsets frame Mount Agung in the distance. Families can enjoy short rides perfect for children, or longer guided walks where you’ll trot past beach cafés and quiet stretches of sand.

  
  

• Fishing Trips

  Join a local fisherman for a half-day fishing trip, kids will love learning how to cast a line, and you might even bring home dinner for the family. Around Gili Air, it’s common to catch snapper, grouper, trevally, and sometimes tuna depending on the season. The best part? Many local restaurants are happy to cook your fresh catch for you, turning it into a memorable island-style family feast.

  
  

• Cooking Classes for All Ages

  Join a family-friendly Indonesian cooking class with places like Gili Cooking Classes or Warung Sunny Cooking Class with Chef Hero. These experiences are designed so kids can join in, chopping vegetables, stirring sauces, and tasting their creations, while parents get hands-on with recipes to recreate back home.

  
  

  Typical dishes you’ll make include nasi goreng (Indonesian fried rice), gado-gado (vegetable salad with peanut sauce), and satay skewers with homemade sambal. It’s an interactive, delicious way to introduce the whole family to Indonesian flavors, and you’ll all leave with new cooking skills plus full bellies.

• Sunset Dining & Family Time

  Sunset on Gili Air is a must for families. The west coast offers stunning views of Mount Agung, with space for kids to play while parents unwind. PJ’s and Sands are top picks, both welcome families to enjoy their pools alongside relaxed beachfront dining.

At Rimba Villas, we’re happy to help you arrange these experiences, from private boat trips and fishing excursions to horse riding sessions and restaurant reservations, so your family can enjoy a stress-free holiday. Explore more island experiences here.

Gili Air Family Travel: How to Get Here & Why It’s Kid-Friendly

One of the top questions parents ask is: “Is Gili Air good for families?” The answer is a big yes! It’s one of Indonesia’s most family-friendly islands. Here’s what you need to know before planning your trip:

Getting to Gili Air

• From Bali (Most Convenient): The easiest option for families is to take a short flight (about 30 minutes) from Bali to Lombok. From Lombok’s airport, it’s a 2-hours drive to Bangsal Harbour or Teluk Nara Harbour, followed by a 15–20 minute boat ride to Gili Air. Many families choose this route because it avoids long hours at sea and keeps little ones comfortable.

  
  

• Fast Boat from Bali (Direct): If you prefer to go straight from Bali, fast boats leave from Padang Bai or Serangan. The trip takes 2–3 hours, depending on the route and sea conditions. It’s quicker overall, but seas can sometimes be choppy, so it’s best for families with older children or good sea legs.

  
  

• Slow Ferry from Padang Bai (Safe & Steady): For those who want a calmer sea journey, the public ferry (slow boat) from Padang Bai to Gili Air is another option. It takes longer (about 4–5 hours) but travels on a much larger vessel, which many parents feel is safer with small kids.

Safe & Relaxed Island Life

One of the biggest reasons families love Gili Air is the peaceful pace of life. Unlike Bali or Lombok, there are no cars here. While you’ll now see some electric bikes used by locals for business, they are not available for tourists, which means the island still feels safe, quiet, and easy to explore with children.

Most families get around by bicycle (child seats are available at many rental shops), or simply by walking the sandy paths. The beaches are also calm and shallow in many spots, gives kids more freedom to play and explore, while parents can relax knowing the island remains calm and family-friendly.

Healthcare & Essentials

Gili Air has small clinics and pharmacies that can handle everyday needs such as minor illnesses or injuries. For anything more serious, full hospitals are available in Mataram City, Lombok — about a 1-hour drive from Bangsal Harbour after the boat crossing. Because of this, it’s highly recommended that families purchase travel insurance before their trip for extra peace of mind.

You’ll also find ATMs, convenience stores, and laundry services across the island. Many restaurants and cafés accept card payments, though it’s common to be charged a 2–3% card fee. Having cash in Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) on hand is always useful for bike rentals, small shops, and local warungs.

Food Options for Families

You’ll find everything from local Indonesian warungs to family-friendly cafés with pasta, pancakes, burgers, and smoothie bowls. Even picky eaters won’t go hungry.

In short: Gili Air is a safe, easy, and welcoming destination for families, where parents can relax knowing kids are comfortable, entertained, and well cared for.

Gili Air Family Accommodation: Why Families Choose Rimba Villas

When families search for Gili Air family accommodation in December, they’re often looking for more than just a place to sleep. They want space for the kids to play, privacy for downtime, and comfort that feels like home. That’s exactly why Rimba Villas has become a top-rated choice for families and why we’re proud to be recognized with the Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Award.

Villa Bayu (3 Bedrooms) — For Larger Families

If you’re traveling with a big family or bringing grandparents along, Villa Bayu is designed with space in mind. With three bedrooms, a large tropical garden, and a private pool, it’s the kind of place where kids can splash and play while parents relax with coffee or cocktails nearby. The villa’s open-plan living and dining areas make it easy to spend time together, while still offering quiet corners when you need them.

Explore Bayu's Availability

Villa Kayu (2 Bedrooms) — For Smaller Families

Villa Kayu is a favorite among smaller families who want comfort and convenience without compromising on style. With two spacious bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, and a private pool framed by lush greenery, it’s a cozy yet elegant setting for families to connect. The option to prepare simple meals in the kitchen is a big win for parents traveling with younger children or picky eaters.

Explore Kayu's Availability

At Rimba, staying in a villa isn’t just about where you sleep, it’s about creating a home base for your family holiday. A place where every family member feels comfortable, free, and connected, making your Gili Air festive escape even more memorable. Discover more about Rimba Villas Gili Air here.

Family stay Gili Air. Rimba Villas Gili Air, what a dream. A wonderful welcome. All staff very helpful and friendly. Villa beautiful and cleaned to a high standard. Pool a good temperature and gardens lovely. We hired bikes and used them everyday. You will need them. And perhaps a torch if you are venturing far at night. We saw sea turtles off the shore at Sandy Beach every morning. Enjoyed playing Padel tennis at the new courts. Watch out for the monitor lizard. Souvenirs at the end a lovely touch. We stayed for 6 nights. Amazing. | Harrison - Tripadvisor

Planning Tip: Book Early for Gili Air Christmas & New Year Holidays

December in Gili Air is one of the busiest times of the year, especially for families. Villas with private pools are in high demand, and availability fills up quickly. If you’re thinking about spending Christmas or New Year on Gili Air, we recommend booking your villa early, ideally by September or October, to secure your preferred dates.

To make planning even sweeter, we’re offering an exclusive EARLYBIRD promotion — book your festive stay with us between now and December 15th, 2025 and enjoy an extra 5% off your stay. Simply use the code EARLYBIRD at checkout when booking directly with us.

Don’t miss your chance to celebrate the holidays island-style with your loved ones.

Book your Rimba Villa now and lock in your festive escape.

Book Now

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Frequently Asked Questions About Gili Air Family Holidays

1. Is Gili Air suitable for families with kids? 

Yes! Gili Air is one of the most family-friendly islands in Indonesia. With no cars or motorbikes, kids can move around safely by bike or on foot. The beaches are calm, the pace is slower, and there are plenty of activities families can enjoy together.

2. How do you get to Gili Air with children?

Families have a few options depending on comfort and convenience. The easiest way is to take a short flight from Bali to Lombok (about 30 minutes), then continue with a 2-hour drive to Bangsal or Teluk Nara Harbour followed by a 15–20 minute boat ride to Gili Air — many parents prefer this route with young kids as it avoids long hours at sea.

Alternatively, families with older children can take a fast boat directly from Bali (Padang Bai or Serangan), which takes 2–3 hours depending on conditions. For those who prefer calmer seas, the slow ferry from Padang Bai is a larger vessel and takes about 4–5 hours, often considered safer and more comfortable for small children.

3. Are there medical facilities on Gili Air? 

Yes. Gili Air has small clinics and pharmacies for everyday needs such as minor injuries, fevers, or common illnesses. For bigger emergencies, Lombok is just a short boat ride away, where you’ll find full hospitals in Mataram.

4. What family activities can we do on Gili Air? 

Families can enjoy snorkelling trips to see turtles, horse riding on the beach at sunset, Indonesian cooking classes, paddleboarding, or fishing trips (common catches include snapper, tuna, and mahi-mahi). At Rimba Villas, we can help arrange all of these experiences for you.

5. What kind of food is available for kids on Gili Air? 

Aside from local Indonesian food, many family-friendly cafés offer familiar dishes like pasta, pancakes, burgers, and smoothies. This makes it easy to please even the pickiest eaters. Villas like Rimba also include fully equipped kitchens so parents can prepare simple meals for children at home.

6. What type of accommodation is best for families on Gili Air? 

Private villas are the most popular choice for families because they offer space, privacy, and a safe environment for kids. At Rimba Villas, our Villa Kayu (2 bedrooms) and Villa Bayu (3 bedrooms) are especially suited for families, with private pools, large gardens, and indoor–outdoor living areas.

7. When is the best time for families to visit Gili Air?

December is especially popular for families looking for a Christmas or New Year holiday in Indonesia. However, September–November is also a great period for fewer crowds. We recommend booking early for the festive season to secure your preferred villa.

8. Is Gili Air good for Christmas and New Year family holidays?

Absolutely! Gili Air is one of the best places in Indonesia for a family Christmas or New Year escape. Instead of crowds, you’ll find a relaxed, festive vibe perfect for kids and parents alike. Families can enjoy Christmas dinners on the beach, join in small but magical New Year’s Eve fireworks by the sea, and take part in family-friendly activities like snorkelling with turtles, horse riding at sunset, or joining an Indonesian cooking class together. It’s a safe, welcoming island where your family can celebrate the holidays island-style while creating unforgettable memories.