Three small coral islands, none more than a few square kilometres, sit off the northwest coast of Lombok with no motorised vehicles on any of them. Between them, the Gili Islands cover an unusually wide range of traveller types: Gili Trawangan for dive courses and late bars; Gili Meno for honeymooners and turtle snorkelling; Gili Air for everyone in between.
Choosing where to stay in the Gili Islands is essentially the same decision as choosing which island - each has a distinct character, and there are no bridges between them (only the daily island-hopper boat). This guide covers each island’s accommodation by budget tier so you can match your choice to your priorities.
Gili Trawangan: the social island
Gili Trawangan (universally called “Gili T”) is the largest and most developed of the three. The main strip along the east coast is lined with dive schools, beach bars, restaurants, and shops. The west coast, a 20-minute walk across the island, is quieter, less built-up, and popular for sunset views.
Budget (IDR 200,000–450,000 / USD 12–28 per night)
Gili T has the most budget accommodation of any of the three islands - simple bungalows and guesthouses clustered just behind the beach strip.
- Budget guesthouses on Gili Trawangan - Simple fan-cooled bungalows from IDR 200,000–350,000 per night with private bathroom are widely available in the streets behind the main strip. These won’t win on aesthetics but are clean enough and put you a two-minute walk from the beach at a fraction of beachfront prices.
Mid-range (IDR 500,000–1,200,000 / USD 31–75 per night)
The mid-range tier on Gili T is competitive - small boutique hotels and well-maintained dive-resort properties with pools at reasonable prices.
- Mid-range hotels on Gili Trawangan - Several mid-range hotels on the quieter west side of the island offer sea-view rooms and small pools from IDR 600,000–1,000,000 per night. These are well-suited to divers who want to be near the main dive schools (east coast) during the day and a quieter base at night.
Luxury (IDR 1,500,000+ / USD 94+ per night)
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Villa Ombak - One of Gili T’s most established full-service hotels, with traditional Sasak-style bungalows around a large pool complex. Rates from approximately IDR 1,600,000–2,800,000 per night. Well-run, with a dive centre, restaurant, and spa on site. A step up in comfort and facilities from most island competitors.
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Aston Sunset Beach Resort - Beachfront resort on the west side of the island with direct sunset views across to Bali and Agung. Rooms from approximately IDR 2,000,000–3,500,000 per night. Private beach, multiple pools, and the most complete facilities on the island.
Gili Meno: the honeymoon island
Gili Meno is the smallest and quietest of the three - 50-plus registered accommodation options on an island you can walk around in under an hour. There are a few beachside restaurants and bars, but no party scene. The main draws are Turtle Point (reliable green turtle snorkelling from the beach, free), and the slower pace.
Budget (IDR 200,000–400,000 / USD 12–25 per night)
- Budget guesthouses on Gili Meno - Simple bungalows on Gili Meno start around IDR 200,000 per night. Options are more limited than on Gili T, but a budget stay on Meno means total quiet - no bars, no generators beyond 11pm, no road noise (there’s no road, either).
Mid-range (IDR 500,000–1,000,000 / USD 31–62 per night)
- Ana Bungalows - One of Gili Meno’s well-reviewed mid-range options, with garden bungalows from approximately IDR 500,000–750,000 per night. Close to Turtle Point and well-placed for snorkelling.
Luxury (IDR 1,200,000+ / USD 75+ per night)
- Shades of Meno - Gili Meno’s best boutique property, with well-designed bungalows on the beach and a pool. Rates from approximately IDR 1,200,000–2,200,000 per night. The most comfortable base on the island by a significant margin - well-suited for couples who want the quiet of Meno without roughing it.
Gili Air: the balanced choice
Gili Air splits the difference between Gili T and Gili Meno. The east coast has beach bars and a social scene; the north and west coasts are quiet. There are enough restaurants to keep three nights interesting, a dive school with a good reputation, and a pace that allows both early morning snorkelling and an evening beer without either defining your entire trip.
Budget (IDR 200,000–450,000 / USD 12–28 per night)
- Budget guesthouses on Gili Air - Gili Air has a good spread of budget guesthouses from IDR 200,000–380,000 per night. Particularly well-suited for those who want budget accommodation without Gili T’s party-island vibe.
Mid-range (IDR 500,000–1,000,000 / USD 31–62 per night)
- 7Seas Hotel Gili Air - Popular mid-range option on Gili Air with a pool and direct beach access. Rooms from approximately IDR 600,000–900,000 per night. Consistently well-reviewed for cleanliness and service quality relative to the price.
Luxury (IDR 1,200,000+ / USD 75+ per night)
- Manta Dive Gili Air Resort - Dive resort with accommodation from IDR 1,200,000–2,000,000 per night. Well-regarded dive school on site, sea-facing rooms, and a pool. Best for divers who want to combine comfortable accommodation with quality guided dives.
Compare prices and availability across all Gili Islands hotels - Search hotels in Gili Islands.
Which Gili Island should you choose?
Gili Trawangan: Widest choice of accommodation, best dining range, active nightlife, multiple dive schools. Right for divers, solo travellers, and those who want evening options.
Gili Meno: Quietest island, reliable turtle snorkelling at Turtle Point, minimal food options beyond your guesthouse. Right for couples and anyone wanting genuine peace.
Gili Air: Balance of social scene and quiet, good dive school, more dining than Meno. Right for those who don’t fit neatly into either extreme.
The island-hopper makes it easy to visit all three regardless of where you base yourself - so if you’re unsure, base yourself on Gili Air and take a day each to Trawangan and Meno.