Gili Islands hotel and lodging guide
Comfortable homestays make great choices
First discovered by intrepid backpackers in the 1980s, the Gili Islands still have a wealth of good value homestays and guest houses. The widest range is to be found on Gili Trawangan where there are over 100 budget and mid-range places to stay.
There is lots of unique accommodation on the islands in traditional ‘lumbung’ rice barns which are thatched chalets made entirely of wood and feature stylish open air bathrooms. Prices in general for all categories are slightly more expensive than in Bali with bottom end accommodation starting at around rp70,000 up to around rp850,000 for a luxury suite.
For most of the year prices are stable and decent discounts are available especially for long stays. However, it is a very different story in the hectic months of July and August. It is essential to book ahead at this time as it is not uncommon to see people sleeping on Gili Trawangan beach at night.
The laws of supply and demand apply here and unsurprisingly prices rise dramatically and in some places they increase by over 300 per cent! It also pays to enquire beforehand if your hotel has their own generator as power outages are common during the high season due to the massive increase in electricity consumption.
Gili Trawangan hotels
Rumah Kundun
Tucked away at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac behind the ‘Sentral’ beach strip, this Balinese run home stay offers four very large and spotless bungalows set in a lovely tranquil garden. Prices are rp85,000 a night for a double or twin room and breakfast is included. (Sentral, Gili Trawangan, Tel: +62 (0)819 33276543)
Quiet Water
Good value budget fan rooms upstairs (shared bathroom) and two stylish ground floor rooms with air con, TV and hot water. It also has a large shady garden and separate TV lounge. Prices are rp80,000 for a double fan room or rp200,000 with air conditioning with a choice of double or twin beds. A good inexpensive option and just a five minute walk to the restaurants and bars. (Sentral, Gili Trawangan, Tel: +62 (0)819 33141290)
The Keraton has lovely cottages
The Keraton
Located in a tranquil spot set back 100 metres inland behind the harbour, this laid back family-run place features spacious cottages with a choice of fan or air conditioning, hot water, TV and DVD. Rooms are beautifully furnished with modern art and imposing king size beds and they also offer a laundry service, tour desk and private Indonesian language courses. Stylish fan rooms cost rp175,000 or air conditioning for rp300,000. (Harbour, Gili Trawangan, Tel: +62 (0)81 353342452, thekeraton@yahoo.com)
Manta Bungalows
Offering the pick of the dive centre accommodation, Manta Dive and Bungalows have 10 lovely ‘lumbung’ style thatched cottages with spacious terraces, sumptuous open bathrooms and king size beds. There is an attached beachfront cafe and swimming pool and it is just a stone’s throw away from the harbour. Walk in rates are rp400,000 per night and there are good value ‘dive and stay’ deals available outside the peak season. (Harbour, Gili Trawangan, Tel: +62 (0)370 643649, info@manta-dive.com)
Desa Dunia Beda
Boasting rooms with the biggest wow factor on Gili Trawangan, this tranquil upscale resort is the perfect spot for honeymooners. Accommodation is in antique wooden Javanese cottages with huge beds that could accommodate a small army.
Balconies are wide and catch the cool sea breezes in the exposed north of the island. Rooms are worth the splurge at rp1,400,000 per night. There is also an inviting swimming pool and pleasant canopied restaurant with sea views. (North beach, Gili Trawangan, Tel: +62 (0)370 641575)...More details and booking
Vila Ombak Hotel
For many years the only luxury option on Gili Trawangan, this huge beachfront hotel still sets the pace with a choice of two storey lumbung cottages and villas. The newer ones facing the beach are fabulous and worth the extra rupiah. Prices start at rp750,000 for a standard garden cottage, rising to rp1,400,000 for a stylish sea view suite. The hotel itself pretty much ticks all the boxes for a five star beach resort with swimming pools, water sports and dive centre plus three restaurants. (Sentral, Gili Trawangan, Tel: +62 (0)370 642336)...More details and booking
Gili Meno hotels
Malia’s Child
A long running bungalow resort in a great beachfront location. There are half a dozen detached bungalows with traditional thatched roofs and large breezy verandahs. These well appointed double rooms cost rp200,000 and represents decent value. Breakfast is included. (Harbour, Gili Meno, Tel: +62 (0)370 622077)
Casablanca
This is a quite stylish bungalow compound set back in a coconut grove just beyond Gili Meno jetty. Nicely furnished fan rooms are rp100,000 and there are a couple of family sized air conditioned cottages for rp275,000. It boasts a swimming pool and restaurant offering cheap Indonesian meals. (Jetty, Gili Meno, Tel: +62 (0)370 633847)
Gili Air hotels
Sunrise
This friendly place boasts a great beachfront location with views across to Lombok. Accommodation is in spacious thatched bungalows with a separate living area and sizeable verandahs that benefit from cool breezes. Prices are rp200,000 per night and there is a laundry service and attached restaurant.(Southeast beach, Gili Air, Tel: +62 (0)370 642370)
Hotel Gili Air and Restaurant
This is an elegant three star resort with a fantastic beachfront location. It offers upmarket detached bungalows set in pleasant gardens and surrounding a large swimming pool. All accommodation is furnished with plenty of style and has air con, spacious fresh water bathrooms and mini bar. Prices start at rp500,000 and decent discounts are usually available during the off season.(Northeast beach, Gili Air, Tel: +62 (0)361 634435)...More details and booking
