The Gili Islands — particularly Gili Air — have developed into one of Southeast Asia's leading yoga destinations. The combination of warm climate, beautiful open-air shalas, laid-back energy, and world-class international teachers creates an environment where yoga thrives. Whether you want a single drop-in class or a multi-week teacher training, you will find it here.
Yoga on Gili Air (the yoga capital)
H2O Yoga and Meditation Centre
The most famous yoga centre in the Gili Islands. Known for its stunning circular bamboo dome shala, which creates a naturally resonant space for meditation and sound healing. Offers daily drop-in classes in Vinyasa, Hatha, Yin, Kundalini, and meditation. Also runs multi-day retreats, 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training certifications, and sound healing sessions. One of the most respected schools in Asia.
Flowers and Fire Yoga Garden
A stunning outdoor yoga space with a lotus-shaped bamboo shala as its centrepiece. The garden is thick with tropical plants and flowers, creating an immersive natural environment. Daily Vinyasa, Yin, and Hatha classes, plus weekend workshops on arm balances, inversions, and pranayama. Particularly beautiful at sunrise and sunset.
Gili Yoga Air
A smaller, more intimate drop-in studio with experienced international teachers. Class sizes are kept small (8-12 students) for personal attention. Good for travellers who want a regular practice without committing to a retreat.
Yoga on Gili Trawangan
Gili Yoga (Manta Dive)
Attached to Manta Dive Resort, this open-air shala offers daily Vinyasa, Yin, and meditation classes. A natural complement to diving — many divers take yoga here to help with recovery and breath work. Drop-in friendly.
Flowers and Fire Yoga Garden Trawangan
Sister studio to the Gili Air location. Outdoor jungle setting with daily classes across multiple styles. Weekend workshops go deeper into specific topics.
Yoga Place Gili Trawangan
Affordable drop-in yoga with daily classes. A more casual option for travellers wanting regular practice without the commitment of a retreat package.
Yoga on Gili Meno
Meno has a handful of small yoga options, befitting the island's quiet character:
- Gili Meno Yoga — bamboo shala with daily drop-in classes
- Mao Meno Yoga Shala — beachfront shala at the boutique resort, open to non-guests
- BASK Yoga Pavilion — luxury resort yoga, mostly for guests
Styles of yoga available
Vinyasa Flow
The most common style offered. Dynamic, breath-linked movement between poses. Builds heat and strength. Good for intermediate practitioners and energetic mornings.
Hatha
Slower, more foundational practice. Poses are held longer with attention to alignment. Ideal for beginners and as a grounding practice.
Yin
Long-held passive poses (3-5 minutes each) targeting deep connective tissue. Restorative and meditative. Perfect for evening classes and recovery days.
Kundalini
More spiritual style involving breath work, mantra, and dynamic movement. Less commonly offered but available at H2O.
Meditation and pranayama
Most studios offer separate meditation and breathing practice classes, often at the start or end of the day.
Sound healing
H2O Yoga is particularly known for sound healing sessions using crystal bowls, gongs, and other instruments. Deeply relaxing and increasingly popular.
Retreats
If you want to commit more deeply, multi-day retreats combine daily yoga with meditation, plant-based meals, accommodation, and often workshops on specific topics. Typical retreats run 3-14 days and cost $300-1500+ USD depending on inclusions and accommodation standard.
Most retreats on the Gilis are held at dedicated yoga venues like H2O or Flowers and Fire, or at resorts that partner with visiting teachers. Good for anyone wanting a deeper reset than a few drop-in classes can provide.
Yoga Teacher Training (YTT)
The Gili Islands are a popular destination for Yoga Teacher Training certifications. H2O runs internationally recognised 200-hour YTT programmes that attract students from around the world. Other schools offer 50-hour, 100-hour, and 300-hour advanced courses.
A 200-hour YTT takes 3-4 weeks of intensive daily training and costs $1500-3000+ USD depending on inclusions (food, accommodation, materials). It is a significant commitment but a transformative experience for many participants.
Drop-in class logistics
- Cost: Rp 120,000-200,000 ($8-14) per class. Multi-class passes offer better value.
- Schedule: Morning classes usually 6:30am or 7:30am. Afternoon classes around 4:30-5:30pm. Evening classes around 6:30-7:30pm.
- Booking: Most classes are drop-in but it's worth checking the schedule the day before. Popular classes can fill up.
- What to bring: Bring your own water bottle. Mats are usually provided. Wear comfortable yoga clothes.
Beyond yoga
The wellness scene on the Gilis extends beyond yoga:
- Massage and spa — extensive options across all three islands, from budget massages to luxury resort spa packages
- Reiki and energy work — available at some yoga centres and independent practitioners
- Breathwork workshops — especially at freediving schools like Apneista
- Ayurvedic treatments — available at H2O Spa and some other wellness centres
- Plant-based nutrition — several restaurants cater specifically to the yoga and wellness community
The vibe
What makes the Gili Islands special for yoga is the integration of practice into everyday life. You can take a morning Vinyasa class, snorkel over coral reefs, eat plant-based food at a cafe, and end the day with sunset meditation on the beach. Everything is close at hand and everything is geared toward slowing down and tuning in. Even travellers who "don't do yoga" often find themselves drawn in by the atmosphere.