Island Magic
A Tropical Paradise For Families
Most families don’t come to Gili Air planning to stay long. They come for a holiday, a short break, or “just one season.” But then life starts to feel different here. Kids spend more time outside than inside. People know each other’s names. Days become simpler, slower, and somehow fuller at the same time.
For many families, Gili Air becomes more than a beautiful island. It becomes a place to reconnect, with nature, with community, and with the kind of childhood they want for their kids.
At Bumi Kecil, we’ve seen this happen again and again. Families arrive unsure of what island life will really be like, and slowly begin building a life here that feels calmer, healthier, and more intentional.
Moving to a small island can feel like a big step, especially with children. Questions about schooling, housing, healthcare, and everyday life naturally come up. That’s why we try to make the transition feel less overwhelming. We connect families, share local knowledge, and help new parents feel part of the community from the beginning.
Finding Your Dream Home
Finding a home here usually starts with community. Some families stay in a small bungalow near the beach, while others settle into family villas surrounded by gardens and coconut trees. Whether you’re planning a short stay or thinking about something longer-term, there are plenty of beautiful places to call home on Gili Air.
Because the island is small, most things happen through local connections and word of mouth. We’re always happy to share trusted contacts and local recommendations to help families settle in more easily.
We often recommend our friends at Gili Air Properties, who specialise in island homes and long-term rentals. Many families also find housing through the Gili Air Pinboard or our WhatsApp group, Gili Air Kids, where people regularly share available homes, advice, and helpful local tips.
One of the nicest things about island life is that people genuinely help each other here. Whether it’s finding a house, a babysitter, a doctor, or simply where to buy good bread, there’s always someone willing to help.
Health Care On Gili Air
One of the most common questions families ask before moving here is about healthcare. Gili Air has several local clinics for everyday medical needs, and larger hospitals and medical centres are easily accessible in Lombok and Bali for more specialised care.
Many families also choose to keep international health insurance for extra peace of mind. Some international insurance providers families here often use include:
Like many small islands, healthcare here looks a little different from what some families may be used to, but the community is incredibly supportive when it comes to sharing trusted doctors, dentists, therapists, and emergency contacts.
Working Remotely From Gili Air
The island has several cafes and comfortable spaces to work from, and with Starlink now available in many locations, internet access has become much more reliable than people often expect from a small island.
Some parents work from cafes near the beach, while others use spaces like Working on Air a coworking space designed for people working remotely from the island. Many parents also spend their mornings working at our sister organization The Place Cafe, a communoity hotspot where families often gather while their kids are in school. It’s become a natural meeting place for parents, freelancers, creatives, and entrepreneurs living on the island.
Gili Air Daily Life
There’s something very special about watching kids grow up on a small island. Childhood here happens mostly outdoors. Kids ride their bikes to school, spend afternoons building forts, climbing trees, collecting shells, and running barefoot with friends until sunset. Nature becomes part of everyday life, not something reserved for weekends or holidays.
Life on Gili Air can be beautifully simple. There are fewer distractions, more freedom, and a stronger sense of connection, both to the natural world and to the people around us.
For many families, that’s what makes this place feel so meaningful. It’s not only about living on a tropical island, but about creating a childhood that feels slower, more grounded, and deeply connected to what matters most.
Thinking of Moving to Gili Air
Moving to an island is a big decision, and it’s not for everyone. But for many families, life here brings a sense of calm, connection, and balance that can be hard to find elsewhere.
At Bumi Kecil, we’re always happy to answer questions, share honest experiences, and help families get a feel for what everyday life on Gili Air is really like.
Whether you’re dreaming about a short family adventure or considering a longer move, we’d love to connect and help you explore whether this community might feel like home for your family too.
Inspiring Young Minds in a Tropical Paradise
At Bumi Kecil, we nurture big dreams, curious minds, and kind hearts in a one-of-a-kind setting. Join us in creating a childhood filled with adventures and a love for learning.