Working with an Ocean View on an Engine-Free Island
For the final leg of my trip to Indonesia, I chose Gili Air, which is the quietest of the three Gili islands and the best for snorkeling. I wanted to use this space to put a period on my trip, focus on my work, and enjoy some deep relaxation. Sitting in the car heading toward the harbor along the winding mountain road, looking at the path ahead through the sunlit windshield, a subtle flutter of excitement rose in my heart.
When we arrived at the harbor, a large boat was floating calmly on the turquoise sea, which was so clear that the bottom was completely visible. The moment right before boarding a boat always makes my heart race. After all, once I get off this boat, another world I haven't seen yet will unfold, and a strange land I've never stepped foot on will be waiting for me.
When the boat cut through the water and landed on Gili Air, the first things that caught my eye were the horse-drawn carriages. Carriages similar to the ones I saw in Yogyakarta were lined up, waiting for guests. Gili Air is an island where motorized vehicles that emit exhaust fumes are prohibited. Therefore, the only means of transportation here are bicycles, electric scooters, and your own two feet. The clicking sound of horseshoes and the sound of the wind filled my first impression of the island.
I moved to the accommodation located further inland on the island. It was a pool villa I had booked for a large sum of 120,000 KRW per night, and it even included breakfast. I plan to stay in this cozy space, complete with a private pool, for five nights. The thought of working, swimming to my heart's content, and spending time doing absolutely nothing brought an automatic smile to my face.
Since I arrived on the island later than expected, I just dropped off my luggage and immediately headed out to find a place to eat. I ordered a warm, deep-flavored soup that tasted like galbitang (beef short rib soup) and nasi goreng topped with a fried egg. Looking back, this was my first meal of the entire day. The moment the warm soup and food entered my body, I could feel the warmth spreading through every cell in real-time.
A Workplace Embracing the Sea, the Daily Life of a Digital Nomad
The next morning, when I requested breakfast via messenger, a staff member brought a carefully prepared breakfast to the table at my pool villa. Fresh tropical fruits, golden toasted bread, watermelon juice, and coffee were served. Living the life of a digital nomad working from a pool villa was a dream I had long held, and to have achieved it so easily made me feel a slight, undeserved sense of guilt.
After finishing my meal, I went for a light stroll around the village. Gili Air preserves the atmosphere of a small, warm countryside village. As I walked slowly along the road, I came across two chickens sitting closely together on a pipe in the shade. It was a small but peaceful scene of daily life.
There are also many cats on the island. Looking up at a tree blooming with pink frangipani flowers, I locked eyes with a cat lying comfortably between the branches, looking down. Gili Air is a perfect island for resting your mind just by looking at scenes like this, without having to stay busy.
For lunch, I went to a small restaurant called 'Curry Corner Gili Air'. The food here was so outstanding that I visited three times during my stay on the island. Every dish, featuring rich curry, crispy krupuk, and warm rice, was absolutely wonderful. I understood instantly why it was always packed with customers when lunchtime came.
After lunch, I moved to a co-working space located right on the beach. I worked on my laptop while looking out the window at the refreshing, emerald-green sea and the blue mountains of Lombok on the other side. Just the fact that I could work with the ocean as my backdrop filled my heart with deep emotion.
As I walked along the beach road after finishing my work, I heard a pleasant clinking sound in the breeze. Looking around, I saw a cute signpost made of pieces of wood, shells, and conch shells strung together, fluttering in the wind. The sounds produced by nature and the charming scenery made me stop in my tracks.
The Lingering Sunset Glow and the Rich Tastes of the Island
The sunsets on Gili Air are exceptionally beautiful. Every day at dusk, I was drawn to the western beach as if under a spell. The red sun slowly hid itself beyond the horizon, coloring the sea and sky entirely in gold and crimson.
Even after the sun had completely hidden itself, I couldn't leave the beach. The lingering glow of the sunset left in the sky and the faint silhouette of the mountains in the distance created a spectacular view. Standing on that sea of mysterious hues, feeling the gentle waves rolling in, left a long-lasting impression.
While walking to dinner, I saw a restaurant that had fresh beef neatly displayed in a refrigerator out front. I couldn't just pass by, so I went in and ordered a thick steak infused with a rich charcoal aroma. The tender and abundant juices spread throughout my mouth, perfectly washing away the day's fatigue.
The next evening, I visited a grilled fish restaurant by the beach. It was a system where you chose your favorite fresh fish displayed on ice, and the staff would immediately place it on the grill and cook it right then and there.
The golden-grilled fish was served on a banana leaf. A savory aroma wafted from the fish, which was crispy on the outside and moist on the inside. Eating it with warm rice, lime, and sambal sauce made the savory flavor truly exquisite.
Encountering Sea Turtles, and Returning to Daily Life
Since the island is small, you can greet the sunrise by walking east in the morning, and enjoy the sunset by walking west at dusk. Breathing in the fresh morning air, I went out to the eastern beach and absorbed the energy of the sunrise rising over the horizon.
Gili Air is very famous for snorkeling where you can meet sea turtles. Just 30 to 50 meters from the beach, colorful coral colonies unfold. As I waited while quietly looking around, I spotted a large sea turtle swimming leisurely. Next to it, I also met a unique fish that swam past haughtily, rarely showing its side.
On the morning of my departure, I walked slowly around the harbor. Even the harbor scenery, with various colored boats floating on the clear, transparent sea, was so beautiful. Gili Air was an island where every single moment was beautiful, even if you were just walking in contemplation and casually looking around. Passing through the lively main street, I headed back to the pier where the boat was waiting.
I board the boat heading to the mainland to return to my daily routine. Perhaps this special feeling I have right now exists only because there is a daily routine to return to. With a full heart, let's head home!!
