What to Do on a Rainy Day in Gili Air 🌧️

Rainstorms: nature’s way of telling you to put down the sunscreen and pick up something more interesting. Gili Air might be small, but it’s got more rainy-day options than you’d expect. Here are all the fun things to do when the skies open up (or even just threaten to).

Quick answer: On a rainy day on Gili Air you can scuba dive (rain does not affect underwater visibility), tackle the 75-minute “Uncle Joe’s Inheritance” escape room at Escape Room Gili Air for groups of 2 to 6, take an Indonesian cooking class for nasi goreng or satay, make silver jewelry at the Kaktus class, enjoy a massage or cafe-hop over banana pancakes, and snorkel or do an island hopping tour once the clouds clear.

1. Scuba Diving: It’s Better Down Where It’s Wetter 🤿

Pro tip: rain doesn’t ruin diving. In fact, it’s often better underwater than on the surface when it pours. The fish don’t care if it’s raining, and the visibility isn’t affected by clouds. If anything, you’ll get fewer boats, fewer snorkelers, and more “peaceful ocean kingdom” vibes. Just try diving, get certified or book a fundive, so while everyone else sulks in their bungalow, you can be hanging out with turtles thinking: “Rain? What rain?”

2. Escape Room: Outwit Uncle Joe’s Inheritance 🗝️

Stuck indoors? Try solving puzzles before time runs out. Escape Room Gili Air offers a 75-minute mystery called “Uncle Joe’s Inheritance.” It’s packed with riddles, hidden clues, and plenty of laughs.

Great for groups of 2-6,  and way more fun than doom-scrolling the weather forecast.

3. Cooking Classes: Spice It Up 🍛

If you can’t lounge on the beach, you might as well learn how to cook like a local legend. Join a cooking class and master classics like nasi goreng or satay. Bonus: you eat everything you cook, so this is basically lunch with bragging rights.

4. Silver-Making Workshops: Bling It On 💍

Ever wanted to make your own jewelry? Rainy days are perfect for sitting down with some silver and getting creative. After a few hours, you’ll walk out with a handmade ring, bracelet, or pendant. And when people back home ask where you bought it, you can casually say: “Oh this? I made it on a tropical island while it was raining.” Instant legend status. I can recommend Kaktus Silver Jewellery Making Class.

5.Spa & Café Hopping: Because Self-Care Counts 💆☕

Rain = official excuse to do absolutely nothing productive. Get a massage and a pedicure, let someone scrub off your “beach-sweat layer,” or just curl up in a café with good coffee and banana pancakes while the rain taps on the roof. Read about the best cafés and restaurants here.

6.Snorkeling When the Clouds Clear 🌊

If the rain lets up but the sky stays moody, snorkeling is still a solid bet. Grab a mask and fins, wade out, and you’ll probably spot turtles doing their thing while you float around feeling smug about not hiding indoors. Bonus points if you do an island hopping tour to explore the other islands.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you still scuba dive when it rains on Gili Air?

Yes. Rain does not affect underwater visibility, so diving is often even better on rainy days with fewer boats and snorkelers around.

What is there to do indoors on Gili Air when it rains?

Indoor options include the Escape Room Gili Air mystery, Indonesian cooking classes, silver jewelry making at the Kaktus class, and spa and cafe hopping.

How long is the escape room on Gili Air and how many people can play?

Escape Room Gili Air runs a 75-minute mystery called “Uncle Joe’s Inheritance” that works best for groups of 2 to 6 people.

Is it worth visiting Gili Air during the rainy season?

Yes. Showers in the wet season are usually short, there are plenty of indoor and underwater activities, and sunsets are often clearer and better after a day of rain.

Rain on Gili Air isn’t the end of your holiday,  it’s just the island’s way of saying: “Chill, try something new.” Whether you’re diving with turtles, spicing up your cooking game, crafting silver souvenirs, or melting into a massage table, you’ll barely notice the clouds. And usually the sunsets are better after a day of rain!

And hey, when the sun comes back out, those cocktails will taste even better. 🍹Or just try day drinking until you forget it is raining. Spending the day on the bigger island instead? Check our guide to a rainy day on Gili Trawangan for even more options.

Rather spend the rain underwater? Book an island hopping snorkel tour or message us on WhatsApp and we’ll sort it out.