Gaining popularity among intrepid backpackers only a few decades ago, LombokIt is Gili Islands – Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno and Gili Air – have been a hotspot for budget travel ever since. While mid-range boutique hotels now dot the waterfronts of all three islands, the budget-conscious traveler remains the mainstay of island tourism, particularly during the low-season months. All it takes is a little know-how to travel inexpensively to the Gili Islands.
A budget trip to the Gili Islands is all about the beaches and reefs, with the only major expense likely being a scuba diving package. You won't find golf courses, theme parks, or motorized transportation. These islands are home to one of the most sociable backpacker scenes in the world. South East Asia it is therefore the ideal budget destination for solo travelers. The friendly locals are used to Westerners' prevarication over prices. Of course, companies may try to convince you to spend more than you actually need. Here are our budget travel tips for the Gili Islands to make every rupee stretch further.
Which Gili Island is the most affordable?
Each of the three Gili Islands has developed its own character and ambiance. Party Island Gili Trawangan has by far the largest concentration of inexpensive restaurants and budget accommodations (as well as the best restaurants and luxury resorts). On the other hand, the diminutive Gili Meno is the discreet castaway island, more suitable for couples. There is much less competition for budget meals and homestays here, which is reflected in higher overall costs. While no-frills homestays exist, mid-range boutique accommodations are becoming the norm. A happy medium between these two is Gili Air, a less cosmopolitan and arguably more authentic version of Gili Trawangan. There's a distinct bohemian vibe here with a laid-back bar scene.
A budget bungalow can be as cheap as a dorm bed
There is little difference between the nightly rates of a cheap homestay or bungalow complex and a hostel. Both have their advantages: Gili Islands hostels usually have modern amenities like a swimming pool, bar, and indoor and outdoor social areas. At family homestays, you will enjoy the privacy of your own en-suite room and be exposed to a more authentic experience of Gili Island.
Head inland for cheap eats
There are a wide variety of beachfront dining options to suit every palate, but walk a few meters inland to discover local restaurants at a fraction of the price. There are many small warungs (family cafes) serving simple fried rice and noodles, satay and more for less than the price of a small beer. For a happy compromise between price and more familiar Western options, Gili Trawangan's bustling night food market is the place to be.
Book the speed boat service from Bali in advance
Planning a trip to the Gili Islands will invariably mean arriving via Bali on one of the many speed boat services. With around a dozen operators, fares vary widely, ranging from around IDR 300,000 to IDR 600,000 for a one-way ticket. They can fill up quickly during the peak months of July and August, when you can expect to pay at the higher end of the range. Most offer advance online reservations (see Eka Jaya, Wahana And Gili Gili Speedboat), and the price includes hotel pickup from most tourist areas in South Bali. Note that there are often arbitrary additional fees if you take a surfboard to the Gili Islands. Always inform the shipping company in advance to avoid an unpleasant surprise.
Benefit from a significant discount for long stays
Many travelers arrived on a short detour from Bali and I ended up staying a month or more. Pricing for long stays is very fluid and it is not uncommon to negotiate a cheap host family for only a third of the daily rate in low season for a stay of a month or more. However, even the best merchant will struggle to get a significant discount for peak season (July and August) or New Year.
Scuba diving from any island
The Gili Islands are among the cheapest diving destinations in Southeast Asia. A three-day PADI Open Water course will cost you IDR 6,400,000, while a two-day PADI Advanced Open Water course costs IDR 5,400,000.
Which island is the best and cheapest for scuba diving? In short, it doesn't really matter. Most SSI and PADI accredited dive schools are present on all three islands and each dive company visits the same dive sites in turn. All dive centers have their own accommodation and offer dive and stay packages, with good deals in low season.
Move with the power of the pedal
To get from point A to point B on the Gili Islands, you have a simple choice: on two feet, on two wheels or on four hooves. A cidomo (horse-drawn cart, traditional form of transportation on the Gili Islands) is the most expensive, with a tour of the island costing at least IDR 300,000, while bike rentals are cheap and ubiquitous at around IDR 50,000 for the day. Make sure to check the condition of the bike carefully beforehand, as you will have to pay for any damage. The three islands are fortunately free of cars and motorbikes.
Spend the day on another island
There are two main options for traveling between the three islands. The slow outrigger boat makes a round trip to the three islands twice a day, at set times in the morning and late afternoon. This makes a day trip to another island possible. The fare is around 30,000 IDR and lasts 40 minutes maximum (Gili Trawangan – Gili Meno – Gili Air). The much faster public speedboat service is more convenient, operating every hour but costing about three times as much.
Collect beach trash for a free beer
Earn a free cold beer while keeping the beaches of Gili Trawangan clean and pristine. Regular beach cleanings on Fridays are organized by the Gili Eco Trust from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. and all are welcome. You'll help keep beaches litter-free and will also meet like-minded travelers. The prize of a free cold beer for your efforts just in time for sunset will certainly sweeten the deal.
Book activities in your accommodation
Let's be real: the Gili Islands aren't exactly a hotbed of culture and history (human settlement didn't begin until the 1970s). Besides yoga, crazy golf and horseback riding, the attractions are all on or under water. Activities to do in the Gili Islands on a budget include SUP, kayaking, kitesurfing, and snorkeling. Although prices are based on seasonality, you'll find the best deals at your mid-range hostel or resort, as many offer discounted group rates.
Daily costs
- Hostel room in shared dormitory: IDR 200,000
- Budget hotel room for two: IDR 350,000
- Bike rental: IDR 50,000 per day
- Fried rice in food cart: IDR 20,000
- Beer at the bar 30,000
- Cocktail in a bar at sunset: IDR 60,000
- Dinner for two on the beach: 200,000 to 400,000 IDR
- Coffee: IDR 25,000
- 60-minute massage: IDR 150,000
- Snorkeling trip: IDR 170,000 (private charter boat: IDR 500,000)
Average daily cost: From IDR 500,000 to IDR 800,000.
