The Gili Air Coke Zero Index: A Scientific Study of Island Affordability

Anyone who knows me knows that I enjoy a Diet Coke or Coke Zero. Some people judge the affordability of a destination by the cost of accommodation. Others compare restaurant meals. Seasoned backpackers might calculate the cost of a local beer.

Not me.

I judge an entire destination based on the price of a can of Coke Zero.

It’s a system that is highly sophisticated, completely unregulated, and probably won’t be recognised by any international economic institution anytime soon.

Nevertheless, after a few days in Indonesia, I am pleased to present my findings.

A matter of national importance

Before we get to pricing, I need to address a matter of national importance. In Australia, Coke Zero comes in a respectable 375ml can. Here in Indonesia, it comes in a 330ml can. Tall. Skinny. Elegant, perhaps. But also 45ml smaller. I miss those extra 45 millilitres. It suddenly feels like a significant amount of liquid.

The mainland bargain

My cheapest Coke Zero of the trip so far was purchased in Sanur before catching the ferry to Gili Air. Price: 8,000 IDR ($0.63 AUD)

Island pricing

Once you arrive on Gili Air, prices naturally increase. This is hardly surprising. Everything has to arrive by boat. There are no cars. There are no giant supermarkets. And there is a certain premium attached to drinking a cold beverage while staring at turquoise water and swaying palm trees.

Rather than viewing this as a price increase, I’ve decided to call it a “view tax.” And frankly, some of the views are worth every rupiah.

The island breakdown

At most local warungs around Gili Air, a can of Coke Zero will set you back 15,000 IDR ($1.18 AUD) This appears to be the standard island rate. You order your meal, your cold can arrives, and everybody leaves happy. No frills. No extras. Just you and your artificially sweetened companion.

Head towards the beach bars on the south-east side of the island and the price increases to 25,000 IDR ($1.96 AUD) At first glance, this may seem expensive. However, this version comes with a glass of ice and a wedge of lemon. This is important. The lemon wedge somehow transforms the experience from “drinking a soft drink” into “enjoying a refreshing tropical beverage.” The fact that the contents remain exactly the same is irrelevant. Psychology is a powerful thing. Coke Zero at beach bar also often lets you use one of the beach day beds – I look on this as a wise investment.

Then we arrive at the premium end of the market. The famous sunset side of Gili Air. As the sun begins its nightly descent into the ocean, the price climbs to: 45,000 IDR ($3.53 AUD) Now, some might argue this is excessive for a 330ml can of Coke Zero. I disagree. Because at sunset you’re not just buying a drink. You’re purchasing an experience. For your additional investment you receive: A stainless-steel straw, a fancy glass, ice, fruit garnish AND breadsticks and dip. As well as a spectacular sunset, a fire-twirling performance on the beach and, on the evening I visited, a gentleman playing a saxophone while wearing a bright pink suit. Try finding that package deal at your local supermarket. Suddenly the economics start making sense.

The smart shoppers option

Of course, for those looking to maximise value, there is another choice. WMart on Gili Air sells a 1.25-litre bottle for 24,000 IDR ($1.89 AUD)

This is, without question, the best value Coke Zero on the island. There is a small catch. It’s sitting on a shelf at room temperature. You must provide your own refrigeration. This requires planning, patience, and the ability to delay gratification.

Three qualities I don’t always possess when I am thirsty.

Final Findings

After extensive field research, I can conclude that Gili Air’s affordability can indeed be measured using the Coke Zero Index.

8,000 IDR ($0.63 AUD) in Sanur buys you a can.
15,000 IDR ($1.18 AUD) buys you a can at a local warung.
25,000 IDR ($1.86 AUD) buys you a can, ice, a glass, a slice of lemon and a beach view.
45,000 IDR ($3.53 AUD) buys you a can, a top end garnished glass, an eco friendly straw, snacks, a sunset, a fire show and a saxophonist in a pink suit.
24,000 IDR ($1.89 AUD) buys you 1.25 litres if you’re willing to chill it yourself. And wait.

And you know what? Not one of them feels overpriced on Gili Air. Every Coke Zero comes with something different: convenience, atmosphere, entertainment, or a spectacular view.