In September 2018 my mother and I had a great stay at Pink Coco at Gili Air in Indonesia. If you are planning to go to Gili Air I can recommend staying at Pink Coco. It’s a wonderful small resort with a hip pink design. The staff is friendly, the food is amazing, hanging out at the pool is relaxing and the views and sunsets are splendid.
Gili Air
In the northwest corner of Lombok in the Bali Sea are a group of islands, the Gili Islands. These three idyllic islands have powder white beaches, crystal clear turquoise waters and impressive pink-orange sunsets over Bali and Mount Agung Volcano. The islands are the best place for snorkelling, swimming and diving. You can go snorkelling straight out from the beach. You don’t need a boat to bring you to the best spots.
Gili Air is the smallest island and is closest to Lombok. In terms of development Gili Air is the one that is most overlooked. Gili Trawangan is the party island with the biggest crowd. The second island, Gili Meno is a bit quieter. Gili Air is perfect when you prefer a down-to-earth atmosphere. You can walk around the island in two or three hours. I liked the easy-going and local vibe of the island. I never visited the other Gili Islands because I’m a huge fan of Gili Air.
The Gili Islands endured a heavy earthquake in August 2018. Many buildings, hotels, restaurants and other structures were destroyed. Or damaged by the earthquake. My mother and I visited Gili Air at the end of September of 2018. The local community was looking forward to receive tourists again so they could rebuild the island. We talked to a few locals and remember their strength and positivity. We hope they are doing well and perhaps I return to Gili Air some day to see how the locals rebuild their beloved paradise.
Pink Coco
The Pink Coco Hotels opened their first hotel in 2011 in Bali. Now they have three hotels: Bali, Gili Trawangan and Gili Air. Pink Coco at Gili Air feels more like a small resort. They have an amazing pool with surrounding palm trees and a great view of the Bali Sea. Watch the colourful sunset from the poolside. The rooms and cottages are implemented in a beautiful garden. The use of the colour pink gives the resort a modern and hip touch. From the resort you have a direct entrance to the beach.
Rooms
The interior of the rooms is nicely decorated with local handicrafts and art. A noticable feature is the colour pink. Most rooms have a terrace with lounge area. They offer several room options in different price categories. You have the affordable rooms like the Cocoon Room and Grande Room. And the luxury options like the Cottage, a huge Honeymoon Cottage, the Suite del Mar and a two bedroom villa. Most rooms and cottages have an excellent view on the garden and the poolside. Breakfast is included in the room rate. I can recommend eating lunch or dinner at the hotel restaurant at least one time. The food is excellent and made fresh daily.
What’s around?
There is a wellness centre at the resort and there is an option to rent a bicycle. Gili Air is a small island and it’s possible to walk around the island. The best place to swim in the sea is at the east side of the island. If you like to go snorkelling ask the locals or the staff at the hotel for the best spots and times to go. There are a few diving centres on the island that offer diving courses, boat trips, snorkelling trips or a PADI diving course. In the mood for less active activities? Drop down on one of bean bags at the beach bars and relax. Enjoy the natural surroundings, be in the moment and realise you are in paradise.
Gili Shark Conservation
Gili Shark Conservation is an international research centre for marine life. They conduct research about sharks, turtles, coral reef conservation and a campaign for a plastic free paradise. The most sharks are killed in Indonesia. It’s the number one country with the most dead sharks. They are targeted for their fins. Shark fin soup is a delicacy in Asia and it’s served as a status symbol. They kill the sharks for just a small part of their bodies. The sharks are essential for a healthy marine eco-system. Without sharks researcher predict that the fisheries collapse, diseases are going to spread and a major degradation of the reefs and local eco-systems.
The Gili Shark Conservation offers a unique package for a PADI Open Water Diver Course. You can get involved in the shark and marine protection program and get your diving certificate. You support the organisation with their research, protection of sharks and the marine environment.
How to get there?
There are many boat and tour services between Bali, Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, Gili Air and Lombok. There are a few fast boat services. One of them is the Blue Water Express. They are safe and reliable. It cannot be said of all boat services. Be careful which boat service you book!
From the Gili Air Harbour you can either walk to Pink Coco or go by horse and carriage, also known as Cidomos. There is no motorized traffic at Gili Air. Which means no traffic noise and less pollution.
Other In The World’s Jungle articles
I have written several articles about sustainable travel, like how to fly more sustainable and tips to make your trip more sustainable. Read more practical tips on how to setup a travel budget, how to plan a long term journey or find out the best travel apps I use.
Are you looking for inspiration about destinations to visit? Have a look at other amazing countries in Asia. Or go explore India with the Beginners Travel Guide of India or learn more about the Indian Culture and Hinduism.
