When people talk about Gili Air, they often mention the sea — how clear it is, how turtles drift just beyond the reef. They talk about the sunsets, the laid-back cafés, the barefoot walks. And they’re right. This little island is full of beauty.
But beyond the beaches and villas is something even more meaningful:
a living, breathing community.
Gili Air is home to local families, generations of Sasak culture, and daily life that continues quietly alongside the rhythms of tourism. It’s not a resort island. It’s a real place. And when you visit, you become part of that shared space — even just for a little while.
The culture here moves gently — and it’s worth noticing.
Five times a day, the call to prayer echoes across the island. Children walk to school through sandy paths. Elders sit beneath trees in the late afternoon sun. Local fishermen mend nets by the harbor. These moments may pass quietly, but they are the heartbeat of Gili Air.
As guests, how we move through this space matters.
Respect doesn’t need to be loud or performative — but it should be intentional. It shows up in the smallest details: how we dress, how we speak, how we take photos, how we give back.
Here are a few ways to move respectfully through the island:
1. Dress with care
Yes, this is an island — but it’s also a predominantly Muslim community. Swimwear is fine at the beach, but when walking through the village, stopping at local shops, or visiting warungs, wearing a sarong, t-shirt, or modest cover-up is appreciated. It’s a small gesture that shows awareness.
2. Honor the call to prayer
You’ll hear it throughout the day, most clearly at sunrise and sunset. On Fridays, many businesses pause during prayer hours. This rhythm is not an interruption — it’s a deeply rooted part of life here. Let it be a moment to pause with the island, rather than rush past it.
3. Be mindful with your camera
The island is full of beautiful scenes, but not everything is meant to be captured. Please ask before photographing people, especially children and elders. A smile and a nod go further than a lens.
4. Support local, move gently
Whether you’re choosing a dive guide, eating at a family-run warung, or buying fruit at a small stand, supporting local businesses helps sustain the community that makes Gili Air what it is. And when exploring the island, take only memories — and leave the place as clean as you found it.
At Slow, we try to honor these values in everything we do.
Our villas are designed to be in harmony with the land — private, quiet, respectful of space and surroundings. We work with local builders, therapists, and guides. We ask our guests to walk gently, listen deeply, and be aware that even paradise is someone’s home.
Because true slow living isn’t just about taking a breath — it’s about noticing where you are, and caring for it while you’re there.
So if you’re planning your stay, or already here with us:
Enjoy the sea. Enjoy the food. Enjoy the warmth of this place.
But also take a moment to look beyond the surface — and thank the island in the way you show up.
Travel slow. Travel kindly. Travel with respect.
We’re so grateful to share this island with you.