Gili Air is the easternmost of the three Gili Islands, located just off the northwest coast of Lombok in West Nusa Tenggara. The small island is surrounded by coral reefs and shallow tropical waters, with sandy beaches and coconut palms lining much of its coast. Gili Air has a resident community and a more relaxed settlement pattern than Gili Trawangan, while still offering guesthouses, restaurants, cafés, and dive centers. The island's compact size makes it practical to explore on foot or by bicycle, with horse-drawn cidomo carts also used for local transport.

Gili Air's community has strong connections to the Sasak culture of Lombok, and fishing remains part of the island's traditional way of life. Islam is the predominant religion, and mosques form an important part of the village landscape. Community traditions, family networks, and local celebrations continue alongside the island's tourism economy. As on the other Gili Islands, motor vehicles are generally not used, so bicycles and cidomo carts provide the main forms of transportation. This limited road traffic helps preserve a quieter atmosphere within the residential areas and along the island's smaller paths.

Marine life is one of Gili Air's main attractions, with coral reefs surrounding the island and providing habitat for tropical fish, sea turtles, and other reef species. Snorkeling is possible from several beaches, while local dive operators provide access to deeper sites around Gili Air and the neighboring islands. The waters between Gili Air, Gili Meno, and Gili Trawangan can be explored by boat, and the nearby Lombok coastline is visible across the channel. The island also offers walking and cycling routes that pass through coconut groves, village areas, and quieter stretches of coast.

Dining on Gili Air includes Indonesian dishes such as nasi goreng, mie goreng, satay, and grilled seafood, alongside restaurants serving international food. Fresh fish and other marine products are commonly featured in meals, reflecting the island's coastal setting. Gili Air is also associated with environmental initiatives focused on coral reefs, waste reduction, and marine conservation. Its combination of a permanent island community, traditional transport, small-scale tourism businesses, and accessible reef habitats gives Gili Air a distinct identity within the Gili Islands, particularly when compared with the larger tourism scene of neighboring Gili Trawangan.