Where to Stay in Gili Trawangan: Best Areas & Hotels for Every Budget (2026)
Choosing where to stay in Gili Trawangan can be surprisingly difficult.
At first glance, the island looks tiny (and technically it is), but each side of Gili T has a completely different atmosphere. Some areas are full of restaurants, bars and nightlife, while others are much quieter and better suited for relaxing beach days.
During our two months travelling around Bali, we originally planned to spend just a few days on Gili Trawangan. However, we loved it so much that we kept extending our stay and ended up spending nearly two weeks on the island! During that time, we stayed in three different accommodations and explored almost every corner of Gili T, which gave us a really good idea of where is best to stay depending on what kind of trip you’re looking for.
Whether you’re visiting Gili T for the first time, looking for a luxury beachfront resort, travelling on a budget or wanting somewhere with easy access to restaurants and nightlife, this guide will help you find the perfect area.
If you’re planning a wider Indonesia trip, we’d also recommend checking out our two-month Bali itinerary, which includes how Gili T fitted into our route around the islands.
Quick Answer: Where is the Best Place to Stay in Gili Trawangan?
For most first-time visitors, we’d recommend staying on the east coast of Gili Trawangan, close to the harbour.
This is where you’ll find the biggest choice of restaurants, cafés, dive shops and nightlife, while still being within easy cycling distance of the quieter parts of the island.
However, the “best” area really depends on what you’re looking for:
| If you want.. | Best area to stay |
| First time visiting Gili T | East Coast |
| Restaurants and nightlife | East Coast / Harbour |
| Backpacking and meeting people | East Coast |
| Quiet beaches | North Gili T |
| Sunset views | West Coast |
| Luxury resorts | South Gili Trawangan |
| Couples and romantic stays | West or South Coast |
Unlike areas in Bali, you don’t need to worry too much about being far away from everything. The entire island can be cycled around in roughly an hour, so even if you stay somewhere quieter, you’ll never be too far from the action.
Map of Where to Stay in Gili Trawangan
To make choosing an area easier, we’ve marked the different parts of Gili Trawangan on the map below, along with some of our recommended hotels.
Things to Consider When Deciding Where to Stay in Gili Trawangan
Before booking your accommodation, there are a few things worth considering.
Mobility
One of the best things about Gili Trawangan is that there are no cars or motorbikes on the island. Instead, most people get around by walking, cycling or using the horse-drawn carts known as cidomos – which we don’t recommend if you can help it.
Because of this, location matters slightly more than it might on other islands. While nowhere is particularly far away, cycling in the heat every day might not be something you want to do if you’re only staying for a couple of nights.
We’d recommend staying somewhere within walking distance of the things you want to do most, whether that’s restaurants, nightlife, diving or relaxing on the beach.
Noise Levels
Gili Trawangan has a reputation as the “party island” of the Gili Islands, and this is especially true around the harbour area.
If you’re someone who enjoys nightlife and meeting other travellers, staying near the east coast is perfect. However, if you’re a light sleeper or visiting for a relaxing break, we’d recommend staying further north, west or south.
Your Surroundings
One of the biggest decisions is whether you want convenience or tranquillity. The east coast has the most restaurants, shops and activities, while the western side offers some of the best sunset views on the island. The north and south are much more relaxed, with fewer crowds and a slower pace of life.
Budget
Accommodation prices on Gili Trawangan vary massively depending on location and facilities.
Budget travellers can find excellent hostels and guesthouses, while luxury travellers can enjoy beachfront resorts with pools, ocean views and high-end dining. The good news is that compared to many popular islands in Southeast Asia, you can still find some really good value accommodation here.
1. East Coast (Harbour)
The east coast of Gili Trawangan is the busiest and most convenient area to stay, making it our top recommendation for first-time visitors.
This is where you’ll arrive if you’re travelling from Bali, with most fast boats stopping directly at the harbour. If you haven’t booked transport yet, we’ve put together a full guide on how to get from Bali to Gili Trawangan, including everything you need to know before travelling.
The harbour area is also where you’ll find the biggest concentration of restaurants, cafés, shops, dive schools and bars. During our time on the island, this was the area we found ourselves returning to most often, especially for food, grabbing a coffee or meeting friends before heading out to explore.
Although this is the liveliest part of Gili T, don’t think you’ll be stuck in a busy tourist area the entire time. The island is so small that you can cycle away from the crowds within minutes and quickly find quieter beaches and more relaxed spots.
Best for: First-time visitors to Gili Trawangan
Things nearby include:
Gili Trawangan Harbour, Trawangan Night Market, bike rental shops, bars and nightlife, ferry connections to Bali and Lombok and plenty of cafés and convenience stores.
Pros:
- Most convenient location for first-time visitors
- Biggest choice of restaurants and cafés
- Close to the harbour and boat connections
- Best nightlife on the island
- Easy to meet other travellers
- Lots of tour operators and dive schools nearby
Cons:
- Can be noisy at night, especially near the bars
- More crowded than other parts of the island
- Beaches are generally busier
- Less peaceful than the north, west or south
Our recommendations on the East Coast
For budget travellers, there are plenty of social hostels and guesthouses where it’s easy to meet people. For those wanting something a little nicer, there are also lots of mid-range hotels within walking distance of the beach and restaurants.
Hostel: My Mate’s Place
Guesthouse: Mango Tree House
Budget: Warna Beach Hotel
Mid-range: Lighthouse Hotel
Luxury: Kaleydo Villas
2. North Gili T
If you’re looking for a quieter side of Gili Trawangan, the north of the island is where we’d recommend staying.
Compared to the busy harbour area, the northern part of Gili T feels much more relaxed and peaceful. The beaches are quieter, the pace of life is slower, and you’ll often find yourself with much more space to enjoy the island without the crowds.
One of the biggest misconceptions about staying further north is that you’ll be too far away from everything. However, because Gili T is so small, you’re still only a short bike ride away from the main restaurants, activities and nightlife.
During our time on the island, we regularly cycled around the northern area and loved how much calmer it felt compared to the east coast. It was also home to one of our favourite restaurants on the island, Jali Kitchen, which we loved so much that we visited three times during our stay. You can read more about our favourite places to eat in our where to eat in Gili Trawangan guide.
Best for: Travellers wanting a more relaxed island experience
Things nearby include:
Quieter beaches, turtle spotting areas, snorkelling spots, relaxed beachfront cafés and Northern coastline cycling routes.
The north is also a great place if your main goal is simply enjoying island life. You can spend your mornings swimming, afternoons cycling and evenings watching the sunset without feeling like you need to be constantly surrounded by restaurants and bars.
Pros:
- Much quieter than the harbour area
- More peaceful beaches
- Great for couples and longer stays
- Beautiful cycling routes
- Easier to escape the crowds
- Still close enough to reach the main areas quickly
Cons:
- Fewer restaurants and shops nearby
- You’ll need to cycle more often
- Less nightlife
- Not ideal if you only have one or two nights on the island
Our recommendations for North Gili
There are some lovely boutique hotels and beachfront stays here, ranging from affordable guesthouses to more luxurious resorts. We’d particularly recommend looking here if you’re travelling as a couple or visiting Gili T after spending time exploring busy areas of Bali and want somewhere peaceful to unwind.
Hostel: Mad Monkey Gili Trawangan
Guesthouse: Pantai Karang
Budget: Maza Soda Resort
Mid-range: Coco Lemon Gili Resort
Luxury: Segreto Boutique Resort or Jambuluwuk Oceano
3. West Coast
If waking up to beautiful ocean views, spending your evenings watching the sunset and enjoying a slower pace of island life sounds like your idea of paradise. The west coast of Gili Trawangan could be the perfect place to stay.
The western side of the island has a completely different atmosphere compared to the busy harbour area. Instead of being surrounded by shops, restaurants and nightlife, you’ll find quieter beaches, beachfront restaurants and some of the best sunset spots on Gili T.
This side of the island is particularly popular with couples and travellers looking for a more relaxed experience. Many of the beachfront bars and restaurants set up seating directly on the sand, making it the perfect place to grab a drink and watch the sky change colour at the end of the day.
If you’re planning what to do during your stay, we’d recommend spending at least one evening on this side of the island for sunset. It’s one of the experiences we think everyone should have when visiting Gili Trawangan, and we cover more of our favourite island activities in our things to do in Gili Trawangan guide.
Best for: Couples and honeymooners
Things nearby include:
Sunset beach, beachfront bars and restaurants, sunset swings, snorkelling spots, beach clubs and beautiful cycling routes around the island.
The west coast is also a great choice if you enjoy having a drink or dinner with a view. Many restaurants here focus on the experience as much as the food, with tables set up overlooking the ocean.
Pros:
- Best sunset views on the island
- More peaceful than the harbour area
- Beautiful beachfront accommodation
- Romantic atmosphere
- Great for relaxing beach days
- Easy cycling distance from the main areas
Cons:
- Fewer restaurants and shops nearby
- Less nightlife
- Can feel very quiet outside of sunset hours
- You’ll likely need to cycle for most meals and activities
Our recommendations for the west coast of Gili Trawangan
The west coast has some of the most beautiful accommodation options on Gili Trawangan, especially if you’re looking for beachfront hotels or a more romantic stay.
There are plenty of boutique hotels, villas and beach resorts here, with many offering direct access to the sand and incredible sunset views.
Guesthouse: SHOTI Gili
Budget: Lost Paradise Gili
Mid-range: Ombak Sunset
Luxury: Gili Teak Beach Front Resort
4. South Gili
The southern part of Gili Trawangan is one of the quietest areas on the island and is a great option if you’re looking for a more peaceful, resort-style stay.
Compared to the east coast, where most of the action happens, the south feels much more secluded. You’ll find fewer restaurants, fewer crowds and a much slower pace of life, making it a great choice for travellers who want to spend their days relaxing by the pool, enjoying the beach and taking things a little slower.
This area is particularly popular with couples and travellers looking for more luxurious accommodation and resort stays. Many of the hotels and resorts here offer beachfront settings, swimming pools and beautiful ocean views, giving you that classic tropical island experience.
One thing to keep in mind is that staying in the south does mean sacrificing some convenience. You won’t have as many restaurants and cafés within walking distance, so you’ll likely want to rent a bike to explore the rest of the island.
Best for: Luxury travellers
Things nearby include:
Quiet beaches, beachfront resorts, swimming spots, snorkelling areas and Southern coastline viewpoints.
The south is also a great place to stay if you’re planning to spend a lot of your trip enjoying your accommodation rather than constantly exploring. Many resorts here are designed around relaxing, with pools, restaurants and beautiful beachfront locations.
Pros:
- Quiet and peaceful atmosphere
- Some of the best beachfront accommodation
- Less crowded beaches
- Great for couples and romantic trips
- Beautiful ocean views
- More relaxing than the harbour area
Cons:
- Fewer restaurants nearby
- Less nightlife
- Requires cycling to reach most activities
- Can feel too quiet for solo travellers or backpackers
Our recommendations in South Gili:
The south of Gili Trawangan is where we’d look if we wanted a more luxurious island experience.
There are some beautiful resorts here, many offering pools, beachfront dining and rooms with incredible views. While you’ll generally pay more compared to staying closer to the harbour, the extra space and tranquillity can be worth it.
If you’re visiting Gili T for a romantic getaway, honeymoon or simply want to switch off after travelling around Bali and the Gili Islands, this area is definitely worth considering.
Guesthouse: Radika House
Budget (for the area): The Trawangan Resort
Mid-range: PinkCoco
Luxury: Pondok Santi Estate or Pearl of Trawangan
Where We Stayed in Gili Trawangan: Our Honest Experience
During our nearly two weeks on Gili Trawangan, we stayed in three different accommodations: Tipsea Turtle, My Gili Paradise and Tir Na Nog Beachfront Resort.
We originally only planned to stay for a few days, but after falling in love with the island, we kept extending our trip. Because of this, we ended up experiencing a few different styles of accommodation, from a social hostel to a more private and relaxing stay.
Each place had something different to offer, so here’s our honest opinion on where we stayed and who we think each accommodation would suit best.
Tipsea Turtle
Best for: Backpackers and solo travellers
Location: East side of Gili Trawangan
Price range: Budget
Tipsea Turtle was our first accommodation on Gili Trawangan and is a great option if you’re looking for somewhere social and affordable.
The biggest selling point of this hostel is definitely the atmosphere. They organise lots of activities, making it really easy to meet other travellers and make friends, especially if you’re visiting Gili T solo.
The private rooms were small but comfortable, and we appreciated that they still offered a little more privacy compared to staying in a dorm. Breakfast was also included every morning, which was a nice bonus and helped keep costs down.
That being said, by the time we arrived at Gili T, we were already coming towards the end of our trip and had been travelling Indonesia for nearly two months. While we loved the social atmosphere, we personally found ourselves wanting somewhere a little quieter after a while.
If you’re a solo traveller, backpacker or someone who wants to meet people, we think Tipsea Turtle would be a really fun choice. However, if you’re looking for a peaceful island escape, you might prefer somewhere a little more relaxed.
My Gili Paradise
Best for: Couples and travellers wanting comfort without breaking the budget
Location: East side of Gili Trawangan
Price range: Mid-range
My Gili Paradise was easily our favourite place we stayed during our time on Gili Trawangan.
After trying a couple of different accommodation options, this was where we settled for the largest part of our stay, and it genuinely felt like home.
The rooms were really comfortable, with good air conditioning, reliable Wi-Fi and a nice private bathroom. However, what made this place stand out was the staff. The owners were incredibly friendly and welcoming, and they even brought our breakfast to our balcony every morning.
The location was also perfect. It was close enough to walk or cycle to the main restaurants, bars and harbour, but far enough away that it didn’t feel overly busy. They also offered bike rentals, which made exploring the rest of the island really easy.
For us, My Gili Paradise was the perfect balance of comfort, location and value for money. If we returned to Gili Trawangan, this is somewhere we would happily stay again.
Tir Na Nog Beachfront Resort
Best for: Travellers wanting beachfront accommodation and nightlife
Location: East coast near the harbour
Price range: Mid-range
Tir Na Nog Beachfront Resort was another place we stayed during our time on Gili Trawangan and has one major advantage: location.
Being attached to the famous Irish bar, it’s right in the middle of the action and is a great choice if you want easy access to nightlife, restaurants and the busy side of the island.
The room itself was nice, and we loved that the resort had a cute little swimming pool. It was a great place to relax during the day before heading out in the evening.
However, the main thing to be aware of is that the attached bar does mean it can get noisy. This was actually the reason we decided to move on, as we were looking for somewhere a little more peaceful towards the end of our trip.
If you’re only staying for a few nights, enjoy partying and want to be close to everything, Tir Na Nog could be a great choice. But if you’re a light sleeper or looking for a quiet romantic stay, we’d recommend choosing somewhere further away from the nightlife.
Our Overall Recommendation
If we had to choose just one place to stay in Gili Trawangan, we’d pick My Gili Paradise.
It gave us everything we wanted: a comfortable room, friendly staff, a great location and a peaceful place to come back to after exploring the island.
However, the best accommodation really depends on the type of trip you’re planning. Solo travellers might love the social atmosphere of Tipsea Turtle, while those wanting nightlife and convenience may prefer Tir Na Nog.
The great thing about Gili Trawangan is that there are accommodation options for every type of traveller, whether you’re backpacking the Gili Islands or looking for a relaxing island getaway.
How Much Should You Budget for Accommodation in Gili Trawangan?
One of the best things about Gili Trawangan is that there’s accommodation to suit almost every budget.
Whether you’re backpacking around Indonesia or treating yourself to a luxury island escape, you’ll find plenty of options across the island. Prices can vary depending on the time of year, so expect to pay a little more during the peak season (July to August) and around Christmas and New Year.
Here’s a rough guide to what you can expect to pay per night:
| Budget | Average price per night | What to expect |
| Hostels | £10-20 | Dorm rooms, social atmosphere, shared facilities and often breakfast included. |
| Budget hotels & guesthouses | £15-45 | Private rooms with air conditioning, Wi-Fi and sometimes a small pool. |
| Mid-range hotels | £40-100 | Comfortable rooms, swimming pools, breakfast and great locations close to the beach. |
| Luxury resorts | £90+ | Beachfront locations, larger rooms, resort facilities, restaurants and swimming pools. |
From our experience, mid-range accommodation offers the best value for money.
We found that spending just a little more than a backpacker budget gave us a much more comfortable stay, with reliable air conditioning, good Wi-Fi, friendly hosts and a private room to relax in after a day of exploring the island.
Of course, if you’re travelling on a tighter budget, there are still some fantastic hostels and guesthouses on Gili Trawangan. Likewise, if you’re celebrating a honeymoon or special occasion, there are some beautiful beachfront resorts that are surprisingly affordable compared to many other tropical destinations.
Frequently Asked Questions About Where to Stay in Gili Trawangan
For most first-time visitors, we’d recommend staying on the east coast near the harbour. It’s the most convenient part of the island, with easy access to restaurants, cafés, dive centres, the night market and ferry connections.
It depends on the type of trip you’re planning. The east coast is best if you want convenience, nightlife and plenty of places to eat, while the west coast is ideal if you’re looking for a quieter atmosphere, beautiful beaches and some of the best sunsets on the island.
After staying in three different accommodations, our favourite was My Gili Paradise. We loved the friendly owners, comfortable rooms, great location and the fact that breakfast was brought to our balcony every morning.
Absolutely. Gili Trawangan is one of the most popular backpacker destinations in Indonesia thanks to its social hostels, lively nightlife and relaxed island atmosphere. It’s easy to meet other travellers, whether you’re joining a snorkelling trip, learning to scuba dive or simply enjoying a drink by the beach.
If it’s your first visit, we’d recommend Gili T. If you’re looking for something quieter, Gili Air is a great alternative, while Gili Meno is perfect for a peaceful escape.
We originally planned to stay for just three nights but ended up spending nearly two weeks because we loved it so much. For most people, we’d recommend staying three to five nights, which gives you enough time to explore the island.
Final Thoughts on Where to Stay in Gili Trawangan
Although Gili Trawangan is a relatively small island, choosing the right area to stay can make a big difference to your trip.
If it’s your first visit, we’d recommend basing yourself on the east coast for easy access to restaurants, tours and the harbour. If you’re looking for a quieter escape, the north, west and south all offer a much more relaxed atmosphere while still being just a short bike ride from everything else.
No matter where you decide to stay, we’re sure you’ll end up falling in love with Gili Trawangan just like we did. What was meant to be a short stop during our two-month Bali itinerary quickly turned into one of our favourite places in Indonesia, and it’s somewhere we’d return to in a heartbeat.
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