Where to Stay on the Gili Islands, Indonesia: 3 Best Areas & Hotels

Wondering where to stay on the Gili Islands? We’ve got you covered! 

These gorgeous islands may be tiny, but choosing where to stay can make a BIG difference to your trip! They’re all car-free, so you’ll be getting around on foot or by bicycle, and each island has its own distinct personality. But whether you’re here for nightlife or total peace and tranquility, we’re here to help you find the perfect base.

We’ve been lucky enough to visit the Gili Islands quite a few times now. In this guide, we’ll break down all three islands and share our favorite hotels for every budget. Let’s find your ideal Gili getaway!

Where To Stay on The Gili Islands Map

Overview of the Best Areas to Stay on the Gili Islands

First things first, there are no cars, motorbikes, taxis, or ride-hailing apps on the Gili Islands! You’ll get around on foot, by bicycle, or by horse-drawn cidomo, so we recommend checking how far your hotel is from the harbor before booking. Oh, and one other thing you’ll notice pretty quickly: cats are everywhere, but dogs are virtually nonexistent!

Boats connect all three islands, but they don’t run like continuous water taxis, and schedules can be limited or affected by the weather. For this reason, we recommend choosing the island where you’ll spend most of your evenings rather than hopping between them for dinner and drinks.

Finally, bring some Indonesian rupiah. Cards are increasingly accepted, and there are ATMs on the islands, but payment terminals, machines, and internet connections aren’t always reliable. Bring as much cash as you think you’ll need, plus a little extra just in case!

• Gili Trawangan – Best for first-time visitors – If it’s your first trip to the Gilis, we think Gili T is the best place to start! It has the biggest choice of restaurants, beach bars, dive centers, and nightlife. Hotel Lumi offers a peaceful, mid-range stay away from the island’s busiest areas.

• Gili Air – Best for couples and a balanced island stay – Gili Air is perfect if you want plenty of restaurants and things to do without quite as much buzz as Gili T. PinkCoco is our top pick here, with a beachfront location that’s perfect for watching the sunset!

• Gili Meno – Best for complete relaxation and honeymooners – The smallest and quietest Gili, it’s our pick for couples who want to switch off, with uncrowded beaches and fantastic snorkeling. MAHAMAYA offers a gorgeous, modern stay right on the beach. 

Where to Stay on the Gili Islands

Gili Trawangan

Pros

• Biggest choice of hotels, restaurants, and activities
• Best nightlife of the three islands

Cons

• Busier and noisier around the harbor
• Less peaceful than Gili Air and Gili Meno

If it’s your first time visiting the Gili Islands, we recommend starting with Gili Trawangan, or Gili T as everyone calls it! It’s the largest and liveliest of the three islands, with tons of restaurants and beach bars to visit, plus plenty of dive centers and hotels. 

The east coast is where most of the action is. You’ll find the harbor here, along with lots of restaurants and nightlife, so it’s super convenient but can get pretty busy. If partying isn’t your thing, don’t write Gili T off completely! Head to the western or northern side instead, where you’ll find quieter resorts, beautiful beaches, and some amazing sunset views.

There’s plenty to keep you busy during the day, too. Snorkeling and scuba diving are two of the biggest draws, and you can also rent a bicycle and ride around the island. Since there are no cars or motorbikes, cycling is actually one of our favorite ways to explore!

Overall, Gili T is our top choice for first-time visitors because you get the classic island experience without sacrificing restaurants, activities, or nightlife. With quieter parts of the island to escape to, you can have the best of both worlds here.

Pondok Santi Estate – $$$

If you’re looking for somewhere special, Pondok Santi Estate is our top luxury pick on Gili T! This beautiful boutique resort spans 7 hectares (about 17 acres) of a former coconut plantation, so there’s tons of space to relax. The villas and bungalows are gorgeous, and you can really splash out with a private pool villa if you’re celebrating something special.

There’s also a large infinity pool, beachfront dining, and plenty of space to lounge beneath the palm trees. We especially love the location on the quieter southern tip of Gili Trawangan.

You’re away from the noise around the harbor, but the main strip is still only a short bicycle ride away, so you don’t have to sacrifice convenience for peace and quiet. Rooms typically start from around $200 USD per night.

Kardia Resort is another romantic beachfront option, with stylish rooms and a front-row seat for Gili T’s famous sunsets. It’s on the quieter western side of the island, making it a great choice if you’d rather visit the busy east coast than sleep there.

Kaleydo Villas is also a lovely villa-style stay with a large swimming pool and tropical surroundings. Set inland from the east coast, it’s close enough to reach restaurants, dive shops, and nightlife without staying directly on the busy waterfront.

Hotel Lumi – $$

We LOVE Hotel Lumi if you’re after a stylish island escape without paying luxury-resort prices. The whole place has a really cool design, with lots of natural materials, lush gardens, and a gorgeous outdoor pool. 

Hotel Lumi sits on the west side of Gili Trawangan, which is a big part of why we like it! It’s much quieter than the harbor area, and you’ll be perfectly positioned for those famous Gili T sunsets. Sounds pretty dreamy to us! Rooms typically start from around $150 USD per night.

Cocana Resort is another beautiful beachfront option with gorgeous suites and a sunset beach club. It’s also on the sunset side of Gili T, so we like it for travelers who want a polished resort away from the busiest part of the island.

Alternatively, Kuno Villas is perfect if you’d rather have a traditional villa feel, with beautiful wooden architecture and lots of tropical greenery. It’s tucked away on Jalan Kima toward the quieter northern side of Gili T, which works well if you prefer peace and privacy over nightlife.

Pearl of Trawangan – $

Pearl of Trawangan is our pick if you want to be closer to the action! It has two swimming pools, including a large beach-view pool overlooking the ocean and Mount Rinjani. You can also choose from a wide range of rooms and villas, including options with private plunge pools if you want to upgrade.

Unlike our first two picks, Pearl puts you on Gili T’s livelier east coast. We like this location if you want restaurants, dive shops, and nightlife within easy reach and don’t want to cycle across the island every time you head out. You’ve also got the beach right in front of the resort, so it’s a really convenient base for enjoying Gili T.

Oh, and it’s budget-friendly, too! Rooms typically start from around $100 USD per night.

Vila Ombak is another beachfront resort with a large outdoor pool, spa, restaurant, and views toward Mount Rinjani. It’s close to the action on Gili T, making it a handy choice if you want plenty of restaurants and activities nearby.

The Beach House Resort offers modern rooms and villas, including options with direct pool access or private plunge pools. It faces the Lombok Strait and Mount Rinjani on Gili T’s busier side, so you’ll have the island’s restaurants and nightlife within easy reach.

Gili Air

BEST FOR COUPLES AND A BALANCED ISLAND STAY

Pros

• Quieter than Gili T, but still has plenty of restaurants and beach bars
• Fantastic snorkeling and diving just offshore

Cons

• Not much nightlife if you’re looking to party
• Fewer high-end resorts than Gili Trawangan

Can’t decide between lively Gili Trawangan and sleepy Gili Meno? We think Gili Air is the perfect middle ground! It has a laid-back island feel, but plenty of dive centers and beach bars keep you entertained.

Gili Air is especially popular with couples, and we can totally see why. Days here are all about snorkeling, diving, cycling around the island, and hanging out on the beach. You can snorkel straight from shore in several spots, with coral reefs and sea turtles among the big draws. In the evening, plenty of beachfront restaurants and bars let you grab dinner and watch the sunset, but there are no big, rowdy parties!

The south and southeast are the busiest parts of the island, especially around the harbor, which is handy if you want restaurants and boat connections close by. Head north or west, and things get much quieter, with super tranquil beaches and some beautiful sunset spots.

Gili Air doesn’t have the big nightlife scene of Gili T or a huge selection of luxury resorts. But that’s part of its appeal! You still get plenty of choice without losing that laid-back tropical island feel.

Villa Tokay – $$$

If you’re looking for luxury on Gili Air, Villa Tokay is pretty hard to beat! This boutique resort is full of beautiful bamboo architecture and tropical gardens, with a collection of individually designed villas and rooms.

Most villas have a private pool, and some can sleep larger groups, so it works just as well for a romantic getaway as it does for a family trip. We also love that breakfast is served right at your villa, and the on-site restaurant and spa are perfect when you want to treat yourself.

Villa Tokay sits in a peaceful part of Gili Air, just 200 meters (656 feet) from the beach, so you can enjoy plenty of privacy without feeling cut off from the island. Rooms typically start from around $200 USD per night.

If Villa Tokay is fully booked for your travel dates, Santorini Resort Gili Air is another gorgeous beachfront option with sea-view rooms, a plunge pool, and an on-site Greek restaurant and bar, yum! It sits right on Gili Air Beach, so it’s perfect if you want to wake up just steps from the sand and spend most of your stay by the ocean.

Divino is another gorgeous option for a romantic escape, with a boutique feel and tropical surroundings. Tucked away on Gili Air rather than right by the busy harbor, it’s ideal for couples who want a peaceful island stay, and it even has an on-site spa for ultimate relaxation!

PinkCoco – $$ 

If you love a hotel with a bit of personality, PinkCoco is such a fun choice! As the name suggests, splashes of pink appear everywhere, and this adults-only hotel has 31 stylish rooms, each with its own terrace and daybed. There’s also a huge 30-meter (98-foot) pool, a spa, and a beachfront restaurant where you can grab dinner and cocktails.

However, the location might be our favorite thing about PinkCoco. It sits on Gili Air’s west coast, facing across the Lombok Strait toward Bali, so you get some beautiful sunsets! It’s perfect for couples who want somewhere romantic but still sociable, all without staying near the busier harbor area. Rooms typically start from around $100 USD per night.

If PinkCoco is fully booked, Four Elements Eco Dive Resort is a great alternative for divers, with its own dive facilities and private stretch of beachfront. Its beachfront setting means you can go from breakfast to snorkeling or diving with minimal fuss, and we love its rustic treehouse vibe.

Or if you want somewhere very Instagram-friendly, Isla de Agua is another great choice, with just eight rooms and a laid-back, Boho vibe. It’s only a few minutes’ walk from Gili Air Beach on a quieter part of the island, and the included breakfast is fantastic!

My Island Home – $ 

If you like finding hidden gems, then you’ll love My Island Home, especially if you’re looking for a more affordable stay! Just five beautiful teak rooms are arranged around a tropical garden and swimming pool, so it feels much more intimate than a big resort.

We also love that breakfast is served on your private terrace each morning. And if you’re traveling with friends or family, there’s even a two-bedroom suite with its own kitchen. You’ll be just a two-minute walk from the beach, with swimming and sunset spots nearby.

It’s also away from the busier southern end of Gili Air, so this is a great choice if you want somewhere peaceful while still having bars and restaurants within easy reach. Rooms typically start from around $70 USD per night.

We also absolutely love Les Sables Blancs, an adults-only hotel offering beautiful bungalows gathered around a small but stylish pool. It’s super close to the beach, too, and there’s a dive center nearby.

For yet more Boho bungalows, Corabelle is another adults-only boutique retreat. It’s surrounded by tropical gardens which create more of a jungle feel, and there are a handful of restaurants close by, including a Mexican spot and a bistro.

Gili Meno

BEST FOR COMPLETE RELAXATION AND HONEYMOONERS

Pros

• Quiet beaches and a wonderfully peaceful atmosphere
• Fantastic snorkeling right off the island

Cons

• Far fewer restaurants and bars than the other Gilis
• Very little nightlife or evening entertainment

If your dream Gili getaway involves doing as little as possible, Gili Meno is calling your name! It’s the smallest and quietest of the three islands, with uncrowded beaches and lots of romantic resorts. It’s the perfect place to come and switch off for a few days, which makes it especially popular with couples and honeymooners.

Snorkeling is one of the biggest draws here, and the famous Nest underwater sculptures are just off the west coast. This collection of human figures has become one of the most iconic sights in the Gilis, and you can swim out to see it for yourself. Sea turtles are another highlight, while back on land you can walk around the saltwater lake in the middle of the island or simply find a quiet stretch of sand and settle in for the afternoon.

Of course, all of that peace comes with a trade-off. Gili Meno has fewer restaurants, hotels, and beach bars than its neighbors, and nightlife is practically nonexistent. But if you’re coming here for tranquility, snorkeling, and romantic evenings by the sea, we think that’s exactly the point!

BASK – $$$ 

If you’re coming to Gili Meno for a honeymoon or romantic getaway, BASK is an amazing place to splash out! This gorgeous beachfront resort offers everything from stylish studios to huge three-bedroom suites, with several options featuring private plunge or infinity pools. The beach club also has a 35-meter (115-foot) infinity pool, plus a restaurant and plenty of spots to lounge by the water.

But what REALLY makes BASK special is its location. The famous Nest underwater sculptures are just offshore, so one of Gili Meno’s most iconic snorkeling spots is practically on your doorstep—how cool is that? Plus, this is the island’s western side, so you’re perfectly positioned for sunset. Rooms typically start from around $200–$300 USD per night.

Meno House is another gorgeous adults-only beachfront retreat with spacious villas, a swimming pool, and complimentary snorkeling gear and bicycles for guests. It’s at Sunset Point on Gili Meno’s west coast, so it’s another fantastic option for peaceful beach days followed by sunset cocktails—the dream, if you ask us! 

MAHAMAYA – $$ 

We think MAHAMAYA is an amazing place to stay on Gili Meno because it allows you to spend as much time by the water as possible! This beautiful boutique resort sits right on the beach, with two swimming pools and modern villas surrounded by tropical greenery. You can even book a beachfront villa and wake up to ocean views every morning.

Snorkeling is a BIG selling point here; you can head straight from the beach into the clear water to look for tropical fish and sea turtles. There’s also an on-site restaurant for lazy evenings when you don’t want to go anywhere. Rooms typically start from around $180 USD per night.

Seri Resort – $

Seri Resort proves you don’t need to spend a fortune to enjoy a lovely beachside stay in Gili Meno! This adults-only resort offers a wide range of accommodation, from affordable standard rooms to beach bungalows and private pool villas. It also has a swimming pool and a beachfront restaurant with views across the water to Mount Rinjani.

The location is a big selling point if snorkeling is high on your Gili Meno wish list. You can head straight from the beach into the water to explore the coral gardens and look for tropical fish and sea turtles!

The resort also rents snorkeling equipment, kayaks, and bicycles, so it’s a great base if you want to explore without spending a ton on accommodation. Rooms typically start from around $60 USD per night, including breakfast.

Gili Meno Escape is a small adults-only retreat with stylish bungalows set around a tropical swimming pool. It’s tucked inland on Gili Meno, so you sacrifice the beachfront location in exchange for a peaceful, private-feeling stay, but the good news is that this island is small enough to easily explore on foot or by bicycle! 

Top Activities on the Gili Islands 

Now that you know which Gili Island to stay on, it’s time to start planning what to do! Unsurprisingly, a lot of the best activities here involve getting out on that gorgeous turquoise water, but we’ve also included a fun foodie experience for when you need a break from snorkeling. These are our top picks:

• Learn to cook Indonesian food – We LOVE taking cooking classes when we travel, and this Indonesian cooking class on Gili Trawangan was so much fun! Depending on which class you choose, you’ll learn to prepare between three and six Indonesian dishes, which can include fried tempe with peanut sauce, noodles, yellow chicken curry, and gado-gado.

• Go on a private snorkeling trip – If snorkeling is high on your Gili Islands bucket list (and it should be!), this private snorkeling tour is one of the best ways to do it! We got a boat just for our group as we visited four snorkeling spots. We even explored the famous underwater Nest sculptures near Gili Meno, and saw sea turtles! 

• Take a BBQ sunset cruise – For the ultimate afternoon in the Gili Islands, book this three-island BBQ sunset cruise! This four-hour trip takes you snorkeling around the three Gilis to see underwater statues and sea turtles! You’ll also enjoy a delicious BBQ meal on a pontoon before watching the sunset. All snorkeling gear is included, too!

Thanks for reading!

The Gili Islands may be small, but each one offers something special! We love that you can enjoy the buzzing nightlife and beautiful beaches of Gili Trawangan, soak up the laid-back atmosphere of Gili Air, or escape to the peaceful shores of Gili Meno. Whichever island you choose, you’re in for some incredible snorkeling, gorgeous sunsets, and plenty of island time!

If you’re planning more adventures in Asia, be sure to check out our other Asia blogs here! We’ve spent lots of time exploring this beautiful country and have plenty more travel tips, itineraries, and recommendations to share. Or, keep reading with a few of our most popular guides below!

Where to Stay in Bali, Indonesia: 8 Areas & Hotels

15 Best Things to do in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Where to Stay in Singapore: 7 Areas & Hotels