Becky is an avid rock climber and outdoor enthusiast and is now living in France as an expat. When she is not writing about travel gear and various destinations she has visited during her travels, you can find her playing with her two dogs.
The Gili Islands in Indonesia are a vision of paradise. Or rather, three visions!
Made up of Gili Trawangan, Gili Air, and Gili Meno, the Gili Islands are known for their pristine beaches lined with palm trees and their incredible coral reefs. I don’t need to tell you why these places are so popular, but they each offer so much more than the obvious.
For a complete island getaway, head to Gili Meno where you can swim with sea turtles at Turtle Point. Gili T is the place to go for a vibrant party scene and the best wreck diving points. For an island escape with a great social buzz, Gili Air is perfect for you to get to know the locals.
To help you in planning your trip, here are our top picks for the best places to stay in the Gili Islands for any budget.
Location: West; Near Pituq Warung and Jungle Merah Reggie Bar
Superhost: Yes
Price Range: From $55 per night
For a quiet, relaxing stay on Gili Trawangan, check out this charming villa. With two bedrooms and two bathrooms, this place is suitable for up to four people but can accommodate up to six persons with extra beds placed in.Â
The villa has a rustic charm with its thatched roof and boho-style furnishings. The open-air living room is large and comfortable, and there are other spots to chill out such as daybeds and hanging chairs. If you want to prepare your own meals, there’s a kitchen in the villa.Â
The bedrooms are spacious and air-conditioned which means a great night’s sleep. During the day, you can beat the heat with a long soak in the private pool.Â
Looking for a stylish Airbnb stay on GiliT? Check out this gorgeous villa in central Gili Trawangan that has a Scandinavian-inspired design.Â
You’ll have a restful stay in this space that’s mostly white and decorated with vintage touches. The main space has a high ceiling and consists of a large airy living room and a fully-equipped kitchen. Two bedrooms complete the ground floor, and the master bedroom occupies the second floor.Â
The villa has three outdoor terraces which are fabulous spots to chill out. On the front, there are hanging chairs and a dining area while the back has a garden and sofa. The second floor also has another terrace where you can enjoy the sunset.Â
A stay here also including breakfast from their restaurant Casa Vintage Living and can be delivered straight to the villa! What a treat!
For a luxury Airbnb stay on Gili Trawang, check out this villa on the west side of the island.Â
Set amongst greenery and fronting the beach, this two-storey villa has four bedrooms and four bathrooms that can accommodate up to 10 guests (with two extra beds). You can’t miss the large pool in front of the house – the perfect spot to hang out and catch some sun.Â
The inside of the house is an oasis of comfort, with a semi-open living room, kitchen, and dining area. The bedrooms also have a fresh and airy feel, decorated with creamy walls and wood furniture. There’s also a lovely balcony on the second floor that overlooks the pool.Â
This spot, with its ideal location by the beach and dreamy vibes, can’t be beaten for a peaceful retreat on GiliT!
There’s a reason why Little Woodstock Homestay is in high demand from budget backpackers.
Actually, there’s three! A comfortable bed to sleep in, a big hearty American breakfast to cure the hangover and a pool to chill in all day. I think the staff knowing you by name has something to do with it too!
The rooms are very simple but do the job, and each comes with a terrace and seating area. Get up early one day and walk to Sunrise beach for the views, there’s nothing like it.
Room Type: Double | Twin | Standard | Deluxe | Superior Rooms
Wifi: Yes
Near:Â Diversia Diving
Price Range: $40-70 a night
If you’re keen on doing activities and exploring the island, you can do almost everything from M’adison Gilli. Perfectly located, the resort is only a five-minute walk from the island’s best snorkeling spot! You can arrange to do snorkeling, diving, island hopping, cycling and horse riding all from your hotel.
The bungalows in M’adison Gilli are situated around the outdoor pool, with private terraces and hammocks. The rooms themselves are spacious and comfortable, and just a walk away from the main strip of bars and restaurants.
The Resota Twins boasts of a really cozy and family-like atmosphere, as well as highly maintained rooms and modern furnishings.
Rooms are an adequate size with comfortable four-poster beds and a terrace facing the garden. The location is ideal, just five minutes away from the main street, Gili T’s white sand beach, and the Gili Harbor.
You can rent bicycles and snorkels for free (so take advantage!) and book island hopping, kayaking or horseback riding from reception.
Room Type: Double | Family | Deluxe | Superior Rooms | Suites | Villas | Cottages
Wifi: Yes
Near:Â Gili Trawangan Art Market
Price Range: $130-350 a night
This four-star hotel is perfectly located at the end of the main strip, away from the noise but close enough to the bars, restaurants, the market, and boutiques.
Featuring two outdoor swimming pools (one with a swim-up bar and the other with a hot tub!) and a beachfront restaurant, it’ll be difficult to leave this place! We’d recommend trying though as there are so many water sports activities you can do. One highlight is the speedboat transfers to Teluk Kodek in Lombok.
The stunning tropical scenery extends into the rooms at this resort, with their rustic design and semi-open en-suite bathroom. You can choose between garden or sea views.
For a true Indonesian island escape, Vila Ombak is a great luxury option located right on the beach. The resort is beautiful with Lombok-inspired architecture, immaculate gardens, and a large outdoor pool. The Indonesian-style rooms are big with modern wood furnishings, and views overlooking Mount Rinjani.
It offers the usual on-site facilities and the resort is highly recommended for the food at its beachfront restaurant. They also often have outdoor cinema screenings which just adds to the novelty of the place.
Editor’s Note: Be sure to check out our Bali packing list so that you have everything you need for your island adventure!
✨The 1 Thing We Never Leave Home Without…✨
Coming from someone who has been traveling the world for the last 8 years AND has been in the hospital 2x, travel insurance is something everyone NEEDS to get. Get a quote below!
For unbeatable hospitality and a lovely little villa, check out this place called Casa Koko. Guests rave about the warmth and friendliness of the host Sopian and love the villa as well!
Located near the dock, this one-bedroom villa is a lovely spot for couples. The lounge area is open and faces the private pool, making it a cool place to just relax. The bedroom is spacious and airy, with sliding doors that open out to the pool and little garden.Â
The highlight here is definitely the hosts, who are always on hand to help you make the most of your time on Gili Air. Plus, your stay also includes the free use of bikes and snorkel equipment!
If you want a secluded, upscale stay, this lovely one-bedroom villa is a solid luxury pick. Located in the northwest of Gili Air, this villa is in a quiet spot and just 100 meters from the beach!Â
The canopy king-size bed exudes dreamy vibes and is the focal point of the bedroom. Outside, there’s a semi-open lounge area where you can enjoy the breakfast that’s delivered to you every morning. Spend your lazy mornings and afternoons lounging on wooden sundeck and taking a dip in the pool.Â
If you want to head to town, there are bikes available for your use.Â
The privacy and seclusion of this villa makes it an excellent choice for couples traveling to Gili Air.Â
Traveling with family and friends? This gorgeous two-bedroom villa may be the place for you! Just a five-minute walk from the harbor, Kempas Villa 1 offers lots of space for you and your group.Â
Decorated in light neutral colors and wood furniture, you’ll be vacationing in comfort and style. There’s a large living room where you can hang out, plus a kitchen-cum-dining-area that’s semi-open and faces the pool. A wooden deck surrounds the private pool, a great spot to take in some sun.Â
At night, retreat to your comfortable bedrooms for some R&R.Â
Room Type: Dorms | Double | Twin | Superior | Double | Superior Rooms | Suites | Villas
Wifi:Â Yes
Near:Â 7SEAS Dive Gili
Price Range: $7-300 a night
7SEAS Cottages might not seem like your first choice for a budget stay. However, as it is a two-star resort, you get the cleanliness and service all for a much cheaper price!
Opt for a mixed dorm room or private double room; either way, the cozy cottages will have private terraces overlooking the sea.
Breakfast is said to be huge with a lot of drink options and fresh fruit, and you can eat it on your terrace while staring out into the stunning ocean views. Located on a good stretch of beach just meters from the sea, expect to see a lot of snorkeling and diving facilities around!
Room Type: Double | Standard | Superior Rooms | Bungalows
Wifi: Yes
Near:Â Blue Marlin Dive Centre
Price Range: $30-60 a night
Located right next door to the Blue Marlin Dive Centre, Salili Bungalow is a perfect choice for accommodation if you plan on doing watersports.
The bungalows are found on the ‘quieter’ side of the island, but as the island is on the tiny side, you’re never far away from a good bar or restaurant. The beachfront bungalows are adequately sized, with cozy rooms and an outdoor bathroom.
The highlight of your stay is the free breakfast. Served right on the private beach, you can start your day by relaxing with amazing views.
Just a one-minute walk from Gili Air Beach, Bambu Cottages takes full advantage of its views. From its beachfront cottages and outdoor pool to the beach bar and restaurant and beachside spa, you can enjoy the island vibes wherever you are.
The bamboo cottages are pretty minimalist but comfortable nonetheless, with each one equipped with a terrace and garden views. The resort itself is very social, offering a big communal lounge and private beach area with free snorkeling and bikes to rent.
If you love the friendly environment, you can eat at the Bambu Beach Restaurants. If you want to explore, there are plenty of good food places near by.
Room Type: Double | Twin | Standard | Deluxe | Premier Rooms
Wifi: Yes
Near:Â West Beach
Price Range: $75-140 a night
As the name suggests, Grand Sunset Gili Air is one of the best places to view the sunset on the whole island.
Rooms here are spacious with comfortable beds and a partially open en-suite. If you’re not up for an adventurous day, you can opt to enjoy the views from the outdoor infinity pool or relax with an in-room massage!
Try some of the amazing food in one of the beachfront restaurants. Not only do you get amazing local dishes, you get unobstructed and picture perfect views of the sun setting over the sea. Sounds perfect to me!
Only 6 yards away from the idyllic white sands of West Beach, you have a range of water sports at your disposal.
Room Type: Double | Standard | Superior | Deluxe Rooms | Suites
Wifi: Yes
Near:Â Pemenang Market
Price Range: $55-180 a night
You guessed it, Sunrise Resort is the place to go for the best views to wake up to!
Imagine yourself rolling out of bed in the mornings and heading down to the lounge chairs on the beach. You watch the sunrise over Mt Rinjani, lighting up the beach with an orange glow, before enjoying your complimentary breakfast buffet. Sounds like the best way to start the day!
The resort also offers sunrise rooms full of bamboo beds and hammocks, or you can watch from your private balcony. The rooms are very stylish, taking on the calm and beachy feeling from its surroundings.
As well as the amazing views, you are only a walk away from the Pemenang Market and most popular snorkeling beach where you can arrange to do a PADI Open Water Certification course.
To see prices and read reviews, check:  Booking.com  | AgodaÂ
A rustic stay awaits you at Villa Santai on Gili Meno. Built with natural materials, this two-storey is a lovely spot to stay.Â
The ground floor holds the lounge area and kitchen that opens up to face the pool. For some relaxation, have a drink and lay out on the sunbed or take a dip in the pool. The second floor is where you’ll find the master bedroom that comes with a king-size bed. You’ll also love the outdoor bathroom with a natural rock bath with solar-heated fresh water.Â
You’ll also enjoy a daily breakfast and free use of bikes to explore the island.Â
This sprawling villa is the ideal spot to stay with friends and family when you’re visiting Gili Meno. With three bedrooms and lots of space, your group will surely be comfortable and relaxed on your stay here. Â
The main feature of the villa is surely the huge pool. The pool actually extends into the interior of the house, with two lounge areas with sofas and a dining table surrounding it. On the opposite end of the pool, there’s another set of lounges so that you can bask in the sun.Â
The middle of the house holds the kitchen, and it’s flanked by the bedrooms which have canopied beds.Â
Decorated in light neutral colors and wood furniture, this villa is stylish, comfortable, and uber-spacious making it an awesome place for an island retreat.Â
For an unforgettable group retreat Gili Meno, look no further than the Crusoe Beach House. Set right by the beach, this four-bedroom villa has all the amenities you need for a top-notch stay.Â
This beach house is just brimming with rustic charm as it’s made of bamboo, wood, and thatch. There are a few different buildings on the site. The main pavilion has the living room and two bedrooms and a bathroom. On the front building, there’s another living area as well as the kitchen and one more bedroom. The fourth bedroom lies in a separate garden bungalow.Â
This unique spot will make your stay on Gili Meno so special!
Room Type: Standard | Superior | Deluxe Double Rooms
Wifi: Yes
Near:Â Sasak Cafe
Price Range: $17-23 a night
A great budget choice for Gili Meno accommodation is Putri Home Stay.
Located in the middle of the island, you get your pick of the best snorkeling locations all the same distance away! You are also close to the harbor, which is ideal for island hopping, and also arguably the best cafe on the island. Sasak Cafe serves great Indonesian and Western dishes!
As well as the local food, Putri Home Stay is praised for its clean and spacious rooms, each with private bathrooms. The highlight of the stay is definitely the hospitable and extremely helpful owner.
For a peaceful island retreat, book a stay at the AVIA Villa Resort. This stylish resort offers bungalows and villas that are perfect for a relaxing holiday.
The accommodations here are plush and private, with comfortable beds and your own outdoor seating area. The island design makes it feel like paradise.
Just a walk away from the island’s best diving and snorkeling spot, you can spend your days having adventures. Once you’ve had your fill of diving trips and beach kayaking, you can then return back to your cozy villa, soak in your private pool, and have some delicious food.
With an amazing location right on the white sandy beach, Seri Resort is the perfect place to wake up to. Rooms here are very spacious and modern with the best views of the beach in front of you!
Watch the sunrise, spend the day snorkeling, cycling or horse riding, and walking over to the west side of the island to watch the sunset. You can also take a 15-minute boat ride to Gili T Island if you’re feeling more adventurous!
With plenty of food options on-site and great local restaurants nearby, you have so much choice every day. Just make sure to try the resort’s lime soda, it’s been recommended by guests as the best refreshing drink!
For something truly out of the ordinary, choose a stay at Karma Reef where you can choose between bungalows and luxury sea tents.
Situated along Gili Meno Beach, Karma Reef is ideal for your island paradise retreat. Both the bungalows and sea tents are luxuriously appointed and will ensure you have a relaxing stay.
Spend your days soaking up in the sun and working on your tan, right by the water. If you prefer a more action-packed day, the staff can help arrange activities such as fishing, snorkeling, and diving.
End off your day with a drink as you savour the sunset, before enjoying dinner at the on-site restaurant.
Les Villas Ottalia may be further away from the beaches, but with free bike hire, you get to enjoy a stunning scenic ride to any beach of your choice.
Being slightly offshore, you also get the benefit of lush tropical gardens. Each luxury bungalow is complete with a thatched roof, spacious rooms with natural furnishings, and an outdoor seating area that faces your own private pool.
If you can bear to leave your grand bungalow, the restaurant and terrace are also pretty fancy. Unlike many other resorts on the island, you can arrange for airport transfer and a handy shuttle service.
We've scoured the internet for the best ALL-AROUND travel shoe and Tropicfeel wins by far. We've taken ours through rivers, jungles, and cities and they're still alive and kickin'. Check them out below.
When traveling around Indonesia, we recommend using the Skyscanner App or looking at the Bookawayor 12Go website so you can prebook boats, buses and ferries.
In terms of safety, traveling around Indonesia is relatively safe but just to be sure, make sure you have travel insurance during your trip. We recommend World Nomads mainly because they cover a lot of adventure activities like diving, snorkeling, etc. You can also check out Safety Wing, which is a great budget-friendly alternative.
Happy travels!
If you’re looking for things to do in the area, check out some of our guides!
2 thoughts on “Where to Stay in the Gili Islands, Bali | Trawangan, Air & Meno [Guide]”
I stayed at Gili Klapa on Gili T and really liked it. Great relaxed vibe, in the middle of the island (so a little far from the partyscene.) and nice pool.
x
I stayed at Gili Klapa on Gili T and really liked it. Great relaxed vibe, in the middle of the island (so a little far from the partyscene.) and nice pool.
x