Where to Stay in Gili Islands: Which one to choose

Where to Stay in Gili Islands: Which one to choose

Wondering where to stay in the Gili Islands and which island is best for you? The Gili Islands, known for their palm-fringed sandy beaches, are a popular destination for snorkeling, diving, and a tropical getaway.

Snorkel with turtles, bike around the islands, join a local cooking class, relax on the beaches with a cocktail, or take a day trip to the underwater sculptures.

In this post, you will find the best hotels in the different Gili Islands and which island to choose if you want to stay here.

Where to Stay in Gili Islands

1. Gili Air – Best for Everyone

Where to stay in the Gili Islands if you want tropical escape, laid-back nightlife, and relaxed beach bars? Gili Air is a mix of the other two islands, with a peaceful atmosphere, beaches, fantastic accommodations, and great live music bars. It was our favorite Gili island! We recommend renting a bike on the island, it’s the best way to find hidden gems, the best restaurants and bars, or meet the locals.

Recommended post → Things to Do in Gili Air

Gili Air is also a paradise for scuba divers and snorkelers, so this will be the best experience on the Gili Islands. You can ask your accommodation for information on where to find the best turtle spots, which can be reached without a boat tour. But usually, the eastern part of the island is the best for this activity.

If you are planning to visit the Gili Islands for the first time, we think the best place to stay is Gili Air.

Villa Tokay – Luxury Private Villas

Villa Tokay is located away from the harbor, in a quiet area, just a 5-minute walk from the beach with bars and restaurants. The luxury villas are set among lush gardens and offer a peaceful and relaxing retreat. Each villa has a private pool, a spacious terrace, and everything you need for a comfortable stay.

Treat yourself to a floating breakfast by the pool, or a rejuvenating massage. For breakfast, a wide range of freshly prepared dishes from tropical fruits to local cuisine and a variety of Western options are served in your own villa.

The Villa Tokay offers an unforgettable luxury experience from the beginning to the end of your stay in the Gili Islands, perfect for a romantic or family retreat.

Photo credit: Villa Tokay

PinkCoco – Adults Only

The adults-only PinkCoco is located on the west side of the island in a very quiet location. The pool area and tropical garden are stunning and perfect for relaxing, while the rooms are clean, modern, and incredibly comfortable. Each room has a private terrace with sofas and a unique, elegant design that creates a welcoming atmosphere.

The Sunset beachfront restaurant offers delicious Asian, Western, and vegan dishes, using fresh and local ingredients. PinkCoco is one of the top-rated adults-only hotels to stay at if you’re planning your next trip to the Gili Islands.

Photo credit: PinkCoco

Captain Coconuts Gili Air

Captain Coconuts is perfectly located a few minutes walk from the beach in a peaceful area. Under the palm tree shade are cute small bungalows and a relaxing pool, a great place to unwind and enjoy a smoothie or fresh coconut. They offer various bungalows for couples or a larger villa for families, but they also offer shared rooms for solo travelers.

Guests can enjoy a free breakfast of banana pancakes, omelets, or apple pie oats with fresh coffee. We stayed in a Deluxe room and enjoyed the comfort of the hotel and our stay in the Gili Islands.

2. Where to Stay in Gili Islands for Nightlife – Gili Trawangan

Gili Trawangan is the largest of the 3 islands, and it is important to plan where to stay as it is much more vibrant than the other islands. However, you can still find quieter areas and hotels on this island.

If you want a quiet place away from the crowds, stay on the west side of the island. The beaches on the West Coast are clean and well-maintained, with different turtle spots and a wide choice of restaurants. If you want to be in the vibrant part of the island where all the shops, trendy cafes, bars, and clubs are, stay on the east side of the island, near the pier or a little further inland.

Recommended post → Best Areas and Hotels in Gili T.

Whether you want to relax on the white sandy beach, take a day trip to the other islands, spend the day snorkeling and diving, or watch the beautiful sunset, here you have everything you need. Of the Gili Islands, Gili Trawangan is the best place to stay if you like nightlife and a vibrant atmosphere.

Kardia Resort Gili Trawangan

Kardia Resort is located on the quieter, western side of the island. A hotel that highlights local materials, it welcomes guests with bright, airy spaces, fire shows, and traditional dance performances. The hotel offers four types of accommodation, each with its cozy interior and modern facilities.

Its outdoor bar and restaurant on the beach offer a relaxed dining experience with views of Mount Agung. The eco-friendly rooms in the garden-view suites are solar-powered. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served a la carte every day in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere.

It is designed for solo travelers or couples looking for a unique island getaway and a quieter area to stay.

Photo credit: Kardia Resort

Belukar Villas

Where to stay in the Gili Islands if you are looking for villas with private pools? You will find most villas on the island of Gili T. as it is one of the most visited. Belukar Villas is located on the northwestern part of the island, just a few minutes walk from the quieter beaches, famous for their sunsets.

Relax by the 25-meter swimming pool surrounded by palm trees and tropical flowers. The one-bedroom villa has a spacious veranda that provides the perfect outdoor space to relax by the private pool.

For breakfast, you can choose from a variety of delicious American and authentic Indonesian options, complemented by fresh seasonal fruit, tea, and coffee. This villa is recommended for those who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of life and enjoy the true quiet and calm of Gili Trawangan.

Photo credit: Belukar Villas

Pearl of Trawangan

The Pearl of Trawangan is located on the edge of the island’s bustling center, close enough to walk to all the shops, bars, and restaurants, yet far enough away to provide a peaceful oasis for those who want a truly relaxing holiday. Relax and enjoy doing nothing on the white sandy beach in front of the hotel, surrounded by pristine azure waters.

The hotel’s tropical garden features two swimming pools where you can enjoy a refreshing cold drink or a cocktail. The air-conditioned rooms feature a double bed, an open shower, a terrace with garden views, and garden furniture.

This is one of the best and most affordable hotels to stay in Gili Trawangan if you want to enjoy the nightlife but still want a quieter place to stay.

Photo credit: Pearl of Trawangan

3. Where to Stay in Gili Islands for Honeymooners – Gili Meno

Gili Meno is the smallest of the 3 Gili islands and has the quietest, calmest atmosphere, and cleanest environment of all the other islands, perfect for a romantic getaway. The island is an idyllic escape for couples, with plenty on offer to make everyone’s stay memorable.

Explore the underwater sculptures of Gili Meno or relax on the beaches and unwind with a tropical cocktail. The island’s rich marine life makes this hidden gem ideal for all levels of divers. If you’re looking for a quiet Gili island to stay in, surrounded by palm trees and white sandy beaches, Gili Meno offers peaceful island relaxation.

BASK Gili Meno

Where to stay in the Gili Islands if you want a luxury getaway? BASK Gili Meno is located on the west side of the island, away from the harbor. It offers luxurious beach villas, restaurants, a cocktail bar, and a spa retreat. You’ll enjoy a paradise of white sand, crystal-clear water, and a breathtaking 35-meter infinity pool.

Directly in front of the hotel is one of the most beautiful coral reefs and the famous underwater statues, which are the perfect spot for snorkeling. The villas are stunning and spacious, with plenty of extras offering the perfect blend of luxury and comfort. Relax and unwind on your spacious private terrace with elegant garden furniture or enjoy a refreshing cocktail and soak up the soothing ocean breeze.

Photo credit: BASK Gili Meno

Le Pirate Gili Meno – Adults Only

Located directly on the beach, Le Pirate Gili Meno features 2 swimming pools, a cocktail bar, and a beach club. Set along a pristine white sand beach surrounded by coral reefs, its beach club overlooks the sunset and is also a perfect place for snorkeling. The cabins are clean, air-conditioned and have a balcony, hammock and outdoor bathroom.

They offer a range of activities, including scuba diving and movie nights on the beach to make sure your stay is memorable and perfect. It’s an adults-only hotel, so the whole resort is quiet and peaceful, perfect for couples and honeymooners.

Photo credit: Le Pirate

Gili Meno Escape – Adults Only

Gili Meno Escape offers traditional deluxe bungalows surrounded by a tropical garden with pool views. The adults-only hotel is just a 5-minute walk from crystal clear waters and white sandy beaches. The bungalows are spacious, air-conditioned, with a fridge and minibar and a tropical outdoor shower.

American and various daily breakfasts are served on the terrace of your bungalow. You can rent a bicycle at the hotel, which makes it very easy to explore the island. This affordable adults-only accommodation is a great place for a tropical getaway on the island of Gili Meno.

Photo credit: Gili Meno Escape

Gili Islands: FAQ

Top Tours

Private or Shared Snorkeling Boat Trip
Sunset Boat Tour and Snorkeling
Private Fishing Trip All Inclusive

Best time to Visit

The islands are a popular destination all year round! But the best time to visit is during the dry season, from April to October.

How to Get to the Gili Islands

You can get to from Bali by public ferry, speed boat, and helicopter, or fly into Lombok and travel by boat from there. The fast boat is the most comfortable and quickest way to get from Bali to the islands!

Recommended post → Bali to the Gili Islands Guide

How many days do you need?

As the journey from Bali is long, we recommend you spend your first day relaxing. Stay at least 2 full days on one of the islands, and if you have more time, explore the island of Lombok.

Where to Stay in Gili Islands: Map of the Best Islands Areas

We hope our post on the best hotels on the Gili Islands helps you plan to choose where to stay. If you have any questions or thoughts, let us know in the comment below.

More Travel Guides about Indonesia

• Lombok Itinerary for 2 weeks
• Best Areas and Hotels in Gili T.
• 7 Best Things to Do in Senggigi
• Epic Waterfalls in Lombok
• 7 Best Things to Do in Gili Air

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