The Gili Islands off the coast of Lombok each do island life their own way. Gili Trawangan is the buzziest: home to dive schools, night markets, and cycling between bars with late-night music. Gili Air is the in-betweener, a middle child where beach cafés meet yoga shalas and reef snorkels are just a stroll from your bungalow. Then there’s Gili Meno, the peaceful one. Here, there is birdsong, hammocks, and sunset walks with barely a soul around.
Three different personalities and plenty of stays between the three. We’re talking everything from laid-back villas, thatched huts, and boutique stays that swap big builds for beach access. Simply use Traveloka to find a stay that fits your island tempo.
Where to stay in Gili Islands
There are three Gili Islands, each with a totally different vibe. If you’re not sure which one to choose, or where on the island to stay, here’s the low-down on each:
- East Side: The vibrant heart of T‑Town is close to the pier, where dive shops, night markets and beach bars are all within walking distance. Ideal for those who want action, and easy ferry access for day trips.
- North/West coast: A quieter vibe just a bike ride from the buzz, with sunset-ready beaches, laid-back villas and fewer fellow travellers.
- East beach stretch: The best spot for snorkelling and turtles, with seaside cafés and dive hubs. Families and couples will feel right at home here.
- North/Inland lanes: Calm and green, with eco-bungalows under palm canopies. A peaceful contrast to the harbour and main strip.
- Central beach: The heart of the island with direct sandy access, small bars and boutique stays. Perfect for swim-doze-repeat days.
- Turtle Point / South Beach: Quiet dunes where turtles hatch, few crowds and barefoot luxury villas. Great for serious R&R.
How much is Gili Islands accommodation?
Gili stays span the full spectrum, from bare-bones bungalows to beachside boutique hideaways. Prices shift with the seasons - July–August and December–January have some serious spikes. But if you sidestep these peak periods, it’s not hard to find a place under AU$60. On average, you’re looking at AU$70–120 a night for a private room on the Gillis.
- Backpackers and hostels: From AU$25 per night. Dorm beds, shared kitchens, social common areas. Handy for meeting people who want to hit up the beach bars and keeping costs low on Gili T and Gili Air.
- Budget bungalows and homestays: From AU$60 per night. Often run by friendly locals who are happy to give you insider tips, with simple rooms run on fan or A/C, and a banana pancake brekkie.
- Mid-range resorts and beach cabins: From AU$110 per night. Think pool dips, sunset cocktails and bikes included in your stay - perfect for making the rounds on the island.
- Luxury villas and boutique stays: From AU$200 per night. Private pools, outdoor showers and beachfront breakfasts. Look for those uber-romantic ones on Gili Meno or Gili T’s quieter edges.
Top-rated hotels in Gili Islands
- PinkCoco Gili Air: Sleek beachfront villas with terraces, daybeds, a 30 m lap pool and delicious volcano views. If you’re after an adults-only stay, complete with sunset cocktails, lazy daybeds and playful swim sessions, this one’s for you.
- BASK Gili Meno: A design-forward, eco-conscious stay, with a stretch of private beach. Look out for its underwater ‘Nest’ reef art installation - a one-of-a-kind experience for snorkellers and art lovers alike.
- Pondok Santi Estate Luxury Beachside Resort: Romantic beachfront bungalows and villas, daybeds under the trees, plus private cruises aboard the traditional Princess Margaux. After laidback luxe? If you’re a couple or honeymooner, this one is for you.
- Kuno Villas: Heritage‑chic meets eco‑luxury. Hand-carved Javanese wood villas with private pools, antique character and a strong sustainability ethos in lush tropical surrounds. This is rustic but refined.
Tips for finding the perfect accommodation in Gili Islands
- Pick your island vibe first. Gili T is for meeting strangers and bar hopping, Gili Meno for peace and seclusion, and Gili Air lands somewhere in between. Your base will shape your whole stay.
- Check the extras, not just the room. Some stays throw in bike hire, snorkel gear or breakfast. Pretty handy when there are no cars and you’re on island time.
- Travel outside peak season. July–August and Dec–Jan bring the crowds and price hikes. May, June or September are quieter but still sunny.
- Use Traveloka filters. Filter for pool, breakfast, beachfront or guest ratings so you’re only looking at the places that tick your boxes.
- Look at a map. Walkability matters here, especially on Gili T. A beach cabana might sound dreamy until the moment you realise it’s a 30-minute suitcase drag from the pier. Although the islands are small, without cars, getting around can be more of a challenge than expected.