A beginner’s guide to the best hotels on Gili Trawangan from budget choices near the main harbour to luxurious beachfront villas on the edge of fringing coral reefs.
When compared with Bali, Lombok, or even Nusa Penida, the island of Gili Trawangan is significantly smaller than all of them.
Despite its small size of only 3 km long and 2 km wide, Trawangan remains the largest and the most popular island out of its nearby sister islands Gili Meno and Gili Air.
There are numerous accommodation options to choose from on the island that cater to all budgets and travel styles. This includes hotels, hostels, and spacious villas for large group vacations.
In this first-timers guide, I have included all of the best hotels, hostels, and villas so that you can choose the perfect place for your next Indonesian vacation.
Top Places to Stay on Gili Trawangan
Below are my top 3 picks for the best Gili Trawangan luxury, mid-range, and budget accommodation choices to suit all travel styles and budgets!
1. Pondok Santi Estate Luxury
Located on the beachfront with stunning views, private pools, spectacular gardens, and on-site wellness packages. This luxury accommodation option is a great pick.
2. Hotel Lumi Mid-Range
Want to relax away the hours in your own private bungalow at an exceptional price? Set on stunning grounds with a large outdoor swimming pool it's hard to beat.
3. Mad Monkey Budget
Looking to meet other backpackers whilst hanging out in the enormous outdoor swimming pool? Look no further than the Mad Monkey Hostel.
Where to stay on Gili Trawangan
So you've chosen Gili Trawangan as your next holiday destination. Getting to Gili T is done via a fast boat from Bali (various port options) and Bangsal (Lombok). When planning where to stay, it is important to know there are no cars.
East Coast: This is the main area for nightlife, cafes, restaurants, and bars. This is also the place where you will arrive via boat as the main boat pier is located here. An ideal choice for those who want to be close to the action.
West Coast: This area is well established with many accommodation options with beach bars and clubs. It is a popular area to watch the sunset sipping on cocktails or hanging out at one of the many infinity pools overlooking the ocean. From the pier, it is roughly 2 km from East to West.
Inland, North & South Coast: These less-developed areas are great choices for those who want a more laid-back atmosphere. The South offers a great place to watch the sunset without the crowds. The North offers some great areas to swim with turtles and is away from most crowds.
Top 11 Best Hotels on Gili Trawangan
Below is my list of my top hotel picks on Gili Trawangan. Whether you're visiting for a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or a solo adventure these hotels will help you tick off your Gili Island bucket list.
Best Luxury Hotels on Gili Trawangan
 | Pondok Santi Estate | $$$$ |
 | Ponte Villas | $$$ |
 | Gili Teak | $$$ |
1. Pondok Santi Estate
The Pondok Santi Estate is certainly not the most affordable place to stay, however, it is important to mention that the services here are mindblowing.
Not only does the luxury hotel have a pleasant selection of spacious villas, but there are fantastic activities and experiences during your stay. This includes cooking and yoga classes, even horseback riding is offered to hotel guests!
This is one of the best places to stay on Gili Trawangan, and you are guaranteed to experience a pleasant stay.
2. Ponte Villas
As you might have already guessed, Ponte Villas is a group of villa-styled rooms, making it a great place for those wanting to enjoy a vacation in style.
When choosing one of the four accommodation options here, you have the choice of either a villa with a private pool, or a deluxe suite. If you prefer to stay in one of their private pool villas, I would highly suggest selecting the Ponte Villa number 2 and not number 1.
For the extra cost, you are offered two air-conditioned rooms rather than one. However, the key difference lies in the fact that their first villa doesn't have a double bed, but two single beds instead.
Besides all of the above, their largest villa offers its own family seating area, open-air private bathroom, room service, 24-hour access to the front desk and reception, and LCD flat-screen TV.
Pretty sweet deal if you're looking for a comfortable place to stay.
3. Gili Teak
Gili Teak is a newly built boutique-styled hotel with beautifully designed rooms and is located on the west side of Gili T Island. If the location is high on the priority list of your desired hotel then Gili Teak sits at the top!
Simply stepping outside will bring you close to the Sunset Viewpoint, which is more than ideal if you are the hiking type. Climbing to the top will bring astounding Island and ocean views.
Alternatively, you can also journey to the Malibu Beach Club which is known for providing extravagant food and drink options. This is one of the best places to unwind in the afternoon with your favorite cocktail. The best part is that Malibu Beach Club is only a short walk from your doorstep.
Another attractive feature of staying a night here is the outdoor swimming pool. This outdoor pool is a large 19 meters in length, offering more than enough room to take a refreshing dip.
When considering everything that Gili Teak offers, it is well worth booking a night or two here.
Best Mid-Range Hotels on Gili Trawangan
4. Pearl of Trawangan
When considering affordable and luxurious hotel options, the Pearl of Trawangan comes to mind.
There is a wide and dynamic selection of rooms to choose from. This includes double rooms, villas, and cottages all with their own tropical garden space.
One of my favorite spacious rooms here has to be the Pool View Room, featuring an en suite bathroom and direct access to the beach. The room features a safety deposit box, a private terrace, and free wifi access.
Its outdoor swimming pool lights up at night and becomes the perfect place to unwind.
5. Gili Eco Villas
For those desiring both quality and more sizeable accommodation, the Gili Eco Villas are a satisfying fit.
The villas here range from a simple 1 bedroom villa, all the way to a large 3 bedroom villa that fits 7 adults or family. If you decide to go for their biggest option, you can expect everything you will possibly need and more.
Its beachfront location makes it an excellent choice for watching the sunset with a cold drink from the on-site bar. Babysitting services can be arranged meaning a night out with your significant other can be enjoyed.
6. Hotel Lumi
Designed by an award-winning architect Hotel Lumi on Gili Trawangan is aesthetically stunning.
From their uniquely offered guest experiences such as water sports, to public areas, such as their own onsite cinema for a movie night with friends and family, you are bound to appreciate a night or two here.
You can pick from a beach cabin, a cottage, or a deluxe cottage. They all offer comfortable beds, garden views, and private bathrooms and each is just a short walk from the beach.
When you combine all of the factors above, with the fact the hotel offers free bikes for rental to its guests, I would say you have a recipe for one of the best hotels on Gili Trawangan.
Best Hostels on Gili Trawangan
7. Gili Pirates
When it comes to hostels in convenient locations, Gili Pirates is in what most would consider to be the best area on the entire island.
The hostel is essentially located in a tourist hotspot, so you are guaranteed to get in on the action of whatever is going on. This includes diving trips, or group island hopping snorkeling trips from Gili Trawangan Harbor.
You can choose from both dorm and private rooms. The private rooms at Gili Pirates come with a queen-sized double bed, air-conditioning, a private bathroom, free wifi, and even free breakfast.
This is a great deal for a hostel, so make sure to get your hands on one if you're craving more of a private space.
8. Mad Monkey
If you haven't stayed at one of Mad Monkey's many hostels, allow me to introduce their Gili Trawangan hostel.
Although their room rates are on the pricey scale for a hostel, I would still consider staying here for many reasons.
One of the aspects about the hostel here that I enjoy, is the fact they essentially have the option of private rooms. This isn't the same as a typical private room, but instead, it is in the form of a Teepee which can be enjoyed by just you and your partner.
You can expect terrific shared facilities here as with any of the hostels from the Mad Monkey brand. This includes an infinity pool overlooking the ocean and a restaurant and bar. The hostel also offers foam parties for all of its guests, these are not only free but feature a live DJ.
The hostel also offers a Gili T Cheat Sheet. This gives information on some of the best places to visit, including Turtle Bay and locations of coral reefs close by.
9. Jati Village
When discussing Gili Trawangan's cheap hostel accommodation, Jati Village can't be missed in my opinion.
Jati Village is by far one of the most budget-friendly hostels on the island, and when combined with the fact they offer comfortable dorm rooms and an outdoor swimming pool, it makes it worth the value.
If you are a fan of hiking and exploring, you will find the sunset viewpoint less than 4km away, making it easy to access by scooter.
The rooms here all have a modern and clean design considering their more than affordable pricing. These are preferable for backpackers on a budget, who want to make the most of their trip.
If you have some free time you can join the Beach Clean Project every Friday run by Gili Eco Trust which is a short 600 m walk from the hostel.
Best Villas with Private Pools
 | Kuno Villas | $$$$ |
 | Wilson's Retreat | $$$ |
10. Kuno Villas
If you are searching for villa resorts that exude both pure quality and immaculate design, Kuno Villas is a solid choice.
Whether you are a couple, a family of four, or on a group vacation of 6 people, it is possible to book a villa to match any group size.
The most sizeable villa options are the Villa Oscar and Villa Jade, which accommodate 6 people. The most impressive aspect about these villas besides their size, is the tropical scenery and saltwater private pools.
Getting to the villa is made easy as direct pickup from Lombok Airport via private transportation is available.
The villa offers an on-site spa. Although many hotels offer spa services, what makes Kuno Villa's service special is that you can get a spa treatment in your room. This means a massage in your living room, or next to your private pool is possible as requested.
11. Wilson's Retreat
Wilson's Retreat is another villa option for those craving a private pool, and it is located at the northernmost point of the island.
This retreat-style resort is ideal for those who crave peace and quiet, reflected in the private beach area exclusively offered to hotel guests.
The accommodation is traditional wooden villas with comfortable double beds, private pools, a personal fridge, TV, and room service.
Similarly to Kuno Villas, Wilson's Retreat also offers a spa with a wide range of packages and options. This makes it easier to get a massage, especially instead of searching around the island and comparing ratings of different spas.
I recommend the on-site restaurant and ordering their 'Surf n Turf' which is delicious!
My Hotel Selection Process
- Accommodation Criteria: I make sure to add hotels based on my personal experience and those that meet high-quality standards with location, reviews, and price.
- My Experience: I've visited Gili Trawangan multiple times and stayed in many hotels and hostels. I base my recommendations on this list from my own experiences and read through hundreds of reviews to select only the best hotels.
- Top Reviews: The accommodation options I have provided have reviews across major booking platforms such as Booking.com, Hotels.com & Expedia. I regularly update these recommendations.
- Local Insights: I stay updated with my good friend Dayat from Lombok about recommendations or new suggestions as he visits Gili Trawangan regularly and is familiar with the best accommodation options.
Read more about how I review & select hotels & accommodations.
I'm Olly, a full-time traveler for the past 5 years. Each accommodation option in this guide is handpicked by me. Read my travel review ethics statement.
Unmissable Activities on Gili Trawangan
A small island with unlimited activities. Below I have noted the best activities to do during your time on the island. I should mention it is important to book in advance due to the high demand for these activities.
1. Gili Islands: Half-Day Snorkeling Tour
Spend half a day snorkeling around Gili Trawangan and the surrounding islands. Swim alongside turtles, tropical fish and witness the incredible coral forests.
Watch the sunset from the water on an 18-meter catamaran whilst enjoying mouth-watering food. A great way to end the day on Gili Trawangan.
A cooking class filled with lots of information about Indonesian culture, cooking, and traditions. And the best part is you'll leave with a full stomach.
FAQ About Visiting Gili Trawangan
Which is better: Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, or Gili Air?
Gili Trawangan is great for nightlife and water activities, making it perfect for adventure seekers. Gili Meno offers tranquility and romantic escapes, while Gili Air combines a relaxed vibe. It all comes down to what you're looking for as a traveler. However, I favor Gili Trawangan.
When is the best time to visit Gili Trawangan?
The best time to visit is from June to October. However, this is the busy season so book accommodation early. If you don't mind visiting during the shoulder seasons April-June this is a great way to save money and avoid the crowds. The island can be enjoyed year-round.
How do I get to Gili Trawangan?
You can reach Gili Trawangan by fast boat from Bali or Lombok, with services departing from various ports daily. Be sure to check the weather as it can be rough if the seas are not calm.
Can I move between the Gili Islands easily?
You can easily move between Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, and Gili Air using local boat services that operate frequently throughout the day.
More Gili Islands & Indonesia Travel Blogs
I hope you have enjoyed this extended guide on where to stay as a beginner on Gili Trawangan.
For other guide posts to popular travel destinations in Indonesia, check out my posts below.
- Lombok Travel Guide - my popular & comprehensive guide to exploring the island of Lombok
- The Waterfalls of Lombok - a guide to the best waterfalls on Lombok Island
- Epic Lombok to Komodo Boat Trip - one of my personal favorite boat tours in Indonesia!
- Nusa Penida Travel Guide - an adventure guide to visiting the island of Nusa Penida off Bali
- Things to do on Gili Trawangan - discover Gili T in this epic adventure guide
- Accommodation guides: Discover epic Tree Houses in Bali, awesome accommodations on the Gili Islands, the best beach resorts in Bali & hotels in Bali with private pools
