The Gili Islands have been famous since the 1980s, and for good reason. These three small islands off the coast of Lombok, Indonesia, are known for their crystal clear water, white sand beaches, and lush green landscapes.

Getting to the Gilis is easy. You can fly to Lombok International Airport (LOP) and then take a taxi or private car or the Damri bus to Bangsal Port or Teluk Nade port. You can get a public wooden boat or speed boat from Bangsal. While from Teluk Nade port is mostly for speed boat. 

You can also take a fast boat from Sanur or Padang Bai, Bali, to Gili Trawangan, Gili Air, or Gili Meno. It is relatively easy to arrange the tickets, which usually include shuttle service from your hotel in Bali to the port.

Of the three Gili Islands, Gili Trawangan is the most developed and popular. It’s home to a wide variety of accommodations, restaurants, and bars, as well as a lively nightlife scene.  Gili Meno is the smallest and quietest of the three islands. It’s a great place to relax and escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Gili Air is my personal favorite of the Gili Islands because it’s more laid-back and relaxed than Gili Trawangan, but still has all the facilities you need, such as restaurants, hotels, and cafes. It’s a great option for travelers who want to enjoy the Gili Islands’ natural beauty without the crowds. In this article, I’ll share recommendations on hotels in Gili Air for every budget. Let’s start. 

Budget Hotels

Si Pitung Village from $23 a Night

Si Pitung Village Tanjung on Gili Air is a laid-back island hotel with a fenced swimming pool, perfect for families with young children. The owner and his wife are very kind and helpful, and the staff are all very friendly. Laundry and bike hire are just a step away from the property, and the hotel is located in the center of the island, making it a great base for exploring. While the hotel is not directly on the beach, it is close to the local residential area, which gives it a more authentic feel.

Beranda Ecolodge from $12 a Night

Beranda Ecolodge in Gili Air provides an authentic Indonesian experience with its traditional village atmosphere, furniture made of wood and bamboo, and comfortable outdoor spaces. At night, the ambiance can be really lovely. All rooms come with a terrace or balcony, and some have a pool or garden view. The hostel also has a handball court, lots of trees with flowers, and a cozy green area. The staff are friendly and helpful, and most of them speak good English.

Colour Cottage from $26 a Night

Colour Cottage in Gili Air is a basic but comfortable place to stay set just 100 meters from the beach. A better deal than accommodations right by the beach in terms of quality and facilities. It offers a continental breakfast every morning, and both bicycle and car rental services are available. The staff is very helpful and can arrange fast boat transportation back to Padang Bai, snorkel tours, and bicycle rentals. The hotel is perfectly located near the beach, restaurants, yoga studios, and a gym.

Adinda Bungalows $18 a Night

Adinda Bungalows is a beachfront resort in Gili Air that is perfect for watching the sunset. The bungalows are spacious and comfortable, and the garden is lush and inviting. The resort has a restaurant that serves tasty breakfasts (continental, Full English/Irish, or Asian) and delicious freshly caught fish for dinner.

 

Mid-range

Captain Coconuts Gili Air $64 a Night

Captain Coconuts Gili Air is a beautiful and well-maintained resort with great facilities. The resort has a cafe, CocoLoco Café, which is open daily for breakfast and lunch and offers a healthy à la carte menu with gluten, dairy, and sugar-free options. The rooms are large and nicely decorated, with comfortable beds, big showers, mini fridges, water coolers, and special beach towels and bathrobes. The staff is friendly and can help with laundry, bike rental, airport transfers, and day trips for an extra fee.

Sandy Beach Bungalows from $30 a Night

The Sandy Beach Bungalows in Gili Air is a beachfront getaway with beautiful views of the sunrise and sunset. It offers a lovely pool and is surrounded by lush greenery. Accessing Gili Air Beach and exploring the magnificent Hans Reef for snorkeling and diving is incredibly convenient. The resort also provides diving and snorkeling activities. You can enjoy breakfast directly on the beach. The bungalows are on the quiet side of the island, perfect for relaxation and escape.

Scallywags Smugglers Hideaway from $34 a Night

Scallywags Smugglers Hideaway is a stylish and affordable hotel in Gili Air, located just a 2-minute walk from the harbor. The rooms are spacious and modern, with cream-tiled marble floors and light and airy décor. Guests can enjoy free access to the hotel’s beach club. The club offers breathtaking views of the sea and has a range of hammocks for guests to relax in.The beach is also perfect for swimming and snorkeling. Other facilities at Scallywags Smugglers include a garden, sun terrace, gift shop, luggage storage, laundry, and daily housekeeping.

 

Banana Cottages from $39 a Night

Banana Cottages in Gili Air is a charming hotel located just 90 meters from the beach. It offers a variety of room types, all with balconies and well-maintained and decorated pool and garden views. Guests can enjoy a continental, or Asian breakfast each morning. The staff is friendly and helpful, and can organize trips around the island and boat transfers. Banana Cottages is also in a great location for watching the sunrise and snorkeling. 

 

 

Luxury

Villa Tokay – Luxury Private Villas from $ 471 a Night

Villa Tokay – Luxury Private Villas is a secluded oasis on the beautiful island of Gili Air. The villas are spacious and beautifully decorated, with private outdoor pools, bathrooms, terraces, balconies, sun beds, and lounge areas inside. Guests can choose between continental, American, or Asian breakfast options each morning. They can also enjoy activities such as cycling nearby or relaxing in the garden. Guests staying at Villa Tokay can enjoy complimentary bicycles and snorkeling equipment to explore the beautiful area of Gili Air at their own leisure.

La Isla Bonita Gili Air from $104 a Night

La Isla Bonita Gili Air is a boutique hotel with a beautiful lagoon-shaped swimming pool surrounded by coconut trees in a wonderful garden. The pool area is a lovely place to relax, with lots of different seating options to choose from. The hotel also rents bikes, which can be delivered directly to the property. La Isla Bonita is located just a 2-minute bike ride from the best sunset location on the island, making it the perfect place to end your day. The breakfast is also amazing, with many choices and as much as you want.

Blue Marlin Dive Gili Air from $88 a Night

Blue Marlin Dive Gili Air is a beachfront hotel with a dive shop located just steps away from the best beach for sunset. The hotel provides different types of rooms, all with clean, spacious, and well-kept accommodations, comfortable beds, and bathrooms. Guests can enjoy a Full English/Irish, American, or Asian breakfast each morning. The staff is very friendly and helpful. They can answer guests’ questions about the island, including the best spots for snorkeling. Marlin Dive is also a top-notch scuba diving operation.

 

Jago Gili Air from $74 a Night

Jago Gili Air is a modern mix traditional well-designed hotel with a great location in the center of the island, close to both West Side and East Side beaches. It offers super comfy rooms with big bathrooms, big showers, and fast Wi-Fi, making it ideal for remote workers. Breakfast is available every morning, and includes Full English/Irish, Asian, and vegan options. The staff is knowledgeable about the area and can provide excellent recommendations for local attractions and dining options.