Wondering where to stay on the Gili Islands? Well, then I have good news for you as I visited these islands twice.
My first visit was in 2014, and not so long ago, I had the luxury of visited these islands again.
If you’re dreaming of turquoise waters, powdery white sand, and that laid-back island vibe that makes time feel like it’s standing still, the Gili Islands are probably already on your radar.
Just off the northwest coast of Lombok, this tiny trio – Gili Trawangan, Gili Air, and Gili Meno – packs a whole lot of charm into a small footprint.
No cars, no motorbikes, just bicycles, horse carts, and barefoot wandering.
Whether you’re here for the snorkeling, sunsets, or just some serious hammock time, choosing where to stay can shape your entire Gili experience.
Each island has its own personality.
Gili Trawangan (or “Gili T”) is the liveliest, known for its beach parties, beach bars, and incredible mix of food and diving scenes.
Gili Air strikes a perfect balance between chill and buzz – think sunset cocktails, morning yoga, and friendly locals.
Then there’s Gili Meno, the quietest of the three, ideal for couples or anyone craving true island seclusion with postcard views.
But in this article, I cover more than just these three islands.
I’ve stayed on all three, at everything from rustic beach huts to boutique bungalows, and the vibe shift between them is real.
This guide will help you figure out which island suits your travel style, where to stay on each, and what you can expect from your time in paradise.
Whether you’ve got a backpack or a suitcase on wheels, the Gilis welcome you – just be warned, you might not want to leave.
The best areas to stay at the Gili Islands are Gili T, Gili Air, Gili Meno, West Gili Trawangan, and North Gili Air.
Whether you’re craving parties, peace, or something in between, the Gili Islands offer a perfect base for every type of traveler – from the buzz of Gili Trawangan to the tranquility of Gili Meno.
Each area has its own unique vibe, so you can choose exactly how relaxed or lively you want your island escape to be.
Let’s break them down.
⚠️ Tip: Tap on the name to go directly to the part of the article where you can find more information about that neighborhood.
Gili Trawangan (Gili T): The most popular of the three, Gili Trawangan is the place to be if you’re after energy, nightlife, and plenty of things to do. It’s the largest and most developed island, buzzing with beach bars, live music, and a mix of travelers from all over the world. The east side is where most of the action happens – think party spots and late-night fun – while the northern stretch is noticeably quieter, great for recharging after a big night out.
Gili Air: Looking for something in between party and peace? Gili Air is your sweet spot. It’s more mellow than Gili T, but still offers a solid range of restaurants, bars, and beachfront cafes. You can fill your days snorkeling over coral reefs, scuba diving, or simply lounging with a fresh coconut in hand. It’s got a friendly, down-to-earth vibe that draws both backpackers and couples alike.
Gili Meno: Gili Meno is the quietest of the three, and that’s exactly its charm. Ideal for couples or solo travelers craving tranquility, it’s where you go to unplug. There’s not much in the way of nightlife, but you’ll find peaceful beaches, great snorkeling (including the famous underwater statues), and the kind of silence that makes you forget what day it is.
West Gili Trawangan: Want the Gili T experience without the noise? Head to the island’s west coast. It’s more low-key, with stunning sunset views and a laid-back feel that still keeps you close enough to the action if you want it.
North Gili Air: For a slower, more serene slice of Gili Air, the northern part of the island is your best bet. It’s quieter than the busier southern end, offering a peaceful place to stay with fewer crowds and plenty of space to relax.
If it’s your first time visiting the Gili Islands and you’re unsure where to stay, Gili Trawangan – often just called Gili T – is hands down the best all-around choice.
It’s got the energy, the variety, and the kind of effortless island vibe that makes you want to extend your trip “just one more night” again and again.
Yes, it’s known as the party island, but that label only tells part of the story.
Gili T is far more than beach bars and late-night bonfires, it’s where you’ll find the most options for accommodation, food, activities, and community.
From the moment you arrive, there’s a buzz in the air.
The east side is where most of the action happens, with a fun mix of beach clubs, night markets, and dive shops.
If you’re up for socializing, it’s easy to meet fellow travelers here, whether it’s over a Bintang during happy hour or on a dive boat heading to Shark Point.
And the best part? When you want to escape the crowd, you can.
Head north or west on the island, and you’ll find quieter stretches of beach, boutique resorts, and even spots where you’ll have the sunset all to yourself.
What really makes Gili T stand out is how much freedom it gives you.
You can snorkel with turtles in the morning, take a cooking class in the afternoon, dance barefoot under the stars at night, or do absolutely nothing for days on end.
There’s no pressure here, just options.
And despite being the most developed of the three Gilis, it still holds onto its no-motorbike, barefoot charm.
In short, Gili Trawangan is the island that does it all.
Whether you’re a solo traveler looking for connection, a couple chasing sunsets, or just someone who wants variety without sacrificing the island feel, Gili T gives you the freedom to create your own pace, and that’s what makes it the best place to stay.
If you want the best of both worlds – laid-back island life with just enough buzz to keep things interesting – Gili Air is where you want to be. It doesn’t have the nonstop energy of Gili T, but it’s far from boring.
You’ll find a mix of cozy beach bars, yoga studios, scuba schools, and excellent restaurants, all spread out along peaceful coastlines that invite you to slow down and stay a while.
What makes Gili Air special is its rhythm. Mornings start with a sunrise coffee by the sea, and days melt into afternoons spent snorkeling, diving, or just reading in a hammock.
You can still grab a cocktail and listen to live music at night, but it’s more intimate here – think acoustic jams over thumping DJs.
The vibe is friendly and local, and it’s easy to get to know both other travelers and the islanders who call this place home.
The island is small enough to bike around in under an hour, and if you stay on the north side, you’ll find even more seclusion and some of the best snorkeling right off the beach.
Gili Air is perfect for couples, digital nomads, or anyone who wants to unplug without completely disconnecting.
It’s the kind of place where your biggest decision is whether to watch the sunset from a beanbag on the beach or from your bungalow’s porch, and either way, you’ll feel like you made the right choice.
If your idea of paradise includes silence, empty beaches, and slow, meaningful moments, Gili Meno will speak to you.
It’s the smallest and quietest of the three Gili Islands, and it wears that title like a badge of honor.
This is not the place for parties or social scenes, this is where you come to disconnect completely, to hear your thoughts, and to truly unwind.
Gili Meno feels like stepping into a postcard: palm trees swaying gently, crystal-clear water, and wide-open beaches with hardly another soul in sight.
It’s especially popular with couples and honeymooners, but solo travelers looking for solitude will love it too.
The pace is slow here, meals take time, walks are unhurried, and sunsets are events you plan your day around.
Snorkeling is a highlight, especially with the famous underwater statues just offshore.
You can often spot turtles just a few meters from the beach.
Accommodations range from rustic huts to boutique eco-resorts, and there’s a quiet charm to the island that makes even the simplest stay feel special.
Don’t expect nightlife or a long list of activities, Gili Meno is about doing less, not more.
But if you’re looking to recharge, reconnect, or just spend a few days in total peace, this is easily the best place to stay.
For those who want the excitement of Gili T without being in the middle of the party scene, the island’s western side offers the perfect compromise.
Here, things slow down.
You’re still close enough to the main strip to enjoy the restaurants and nightlife when you want, but far enough to fall asleep to the sound of waves instead of thumping bass.
This part of the island is known for its incredible sunset views.
Every evening, the beach transforms into a golden hour paradise, with beanbags, bonfires, and chilled-out music playing in the background.
It’s an ideal spot for couples or solo travelers who want a more relaxed Gili T experience without feeling completely removed.
The west coast also offers a more upscale feel, with boutique resorts, villas, and beachfront bungalows that prioritize comfort and calm.
The beaches here are less crowded, the water is clear, and the vibe is effortlessly romantic.
You can still rent a bike and be in the center of town in ten minutes, so nothing feels out of reach.
But you’ll love returning to this side of the island at the end of the day, where the pace is slower, the mood is softer, and the sunsets are unforgettable.
If you’re torn between staying on Gili T or somewhere quieter, West Gili T gives you the best of both, without the noise or the FOMO.
The last option I recommend is the Northern part of Gili Air.
If you’re drawn to Gili Air’s charm but want something a bit more secluded, head to the northern tip of the island.
This area is noticeably quieter than the central and southern coasts, with fewer bars and more wide-open beach space. It’s where time seems to slow down even more, and the crowds thin out.
Staying in North Gili Air feels a bit like discovering your own hidden corner of paradise.
The beaches are beautiful and often nearly empty, and it’s one of the best areas on the island for snorkeling right off the shore.
Sunsets here are peaceful and unobstructed, with fewer beach clubs and more moments of pure stillness.
It’s ideal for couples, wellness travelers, or anyone looking to completely unplug for a few days.
The accommodations lean toward boutique bungalows and eco-lodges, with a strong emphasis on privacy and nature. You’ll likely fall asleep to the sound of geckos and wake up to birdsong – no traffic, no crowds, just you and the ocean breeze.
It might take a bit longer to reach the livelier parts of the island, but if you’re okay with a short bike ride or stroll, the trade-off is absolutely worth it.
North Gili Air offers a deeper sense of calm, and a more intimate island experience that’s hard to find elsewhere.
