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Accommodation Guide

Accommodation Guide

Indonesia

Accommodation Types

Diverse Lodging Options

  • Hostels

    Budget-friendly dorms and private rooms, concentrated on the lively east side. Ideal for backpackers and solo travelers. Find hostels.

  • Bungalows & Guesthouses

    Small, locally owned establishments with basic to mid-range rooms, often with porches or gardens. Offers intimate, traditional stays.

  • Mid-range Hotels & Resorts

    Comfortable rooms, often with pools and on-site restaurants. A balance of comfort and value. Book hotels.

  • Luxury Villas & Boutique Hotels

    High-end options with private pools and personalized service, often on quieter parts of the island. Explore luxury stays.

Other Options

  • Unique Local Accommodation

    Traditional style bungalows with thatched roofs, blending local aesthetics with modern comforts. A charming, distinct look.

  • Vacation Rentals

    Private villas and apartments via platforms like Airbnb or local agents. Space and privacy, suitable for families or groups. Find rentals.

  • Homestay & Community Tourism

    Many smaller guesthouses run by local families. Supporting these local businesses is a direct contribution to the community. Consider house sitting.

  • Camping

    No designated campsites on Gili Trawangan. Camping is generally not permitted on the beaches. Consider simple bungalows with garden areas for an outdoor feel.

Neighborhood Guide

Gili Trawangan, though small, features distinct areas, each with a different character and ambiance.

East Side Main Strip

Character
  • Most developed and bustling.
  • Fast boats arrive here.
  • Majority of restaurants, bars, dive shops, souvenir stalls.
  • Known for lively nightlife.
Considerations
  • Can be noisy.
  • Less private.
  • Generally higher prices.

North & West Sides

Character
  • Quieter than the east.
  • Mix of mid-range to luxury resorts (North).
  • Dominated by resorts and beach clubs (West).
  • Stunning sunsets (West).
Considerations
  • Longer walk or bicycle ride to main strip.
  • Less budget-friendly options (West).
  • Dining choices more limited.

Interior

Character
  • Mainly residential.
  • Guesthouses and bungalows tucked away.
  • More local feel, away from tourist buzz.
  • Cheaper accommodation options.
Considerations
  • Further from beaches and amenities.
  • Can be difficult to navigate at night.
  • Paths less lit.

Safety & Proximity

Safety Across the Island

Gili Trawangan is generally safe island-wide. Standard precautions against petty theft on the main strip. A flashlight helps for less lit paths at night.

Proximity to Hubs

East Side: Closest to main boat landing, dive shops, dining, and nightlife. North/West Sides: Further from main landing, bicycle ride or cidomo needed.

Booking Strategies

Smart booking helps you find suitable accommodation at the right price, especially during peak travel times.

Advance Booking by Season

  • High Season (July, Aug, Dec, Jan): Book several months in advance. Prices rise.
  • Shoulder Season (May, June, Sep, Oct): Book a few weeks to a month ahead. Good choice of accommodation.
  • Low Season (Nov, Feb, Mar): Walk-in availability common, but a few days ahead for specific preferences or deals.

Trusted Booking & Policies

  • Online Travel Agencies: Booking.com, Agoda, Expedia are reliable.
  • Direct Booking: Hotel websites sometimes have better deals.
  • Dive Resorts: Book accommodation directly via their dive center websites.
  • Negotiation: Smaller guesthouses may have room for negotiation on walk-in rates during low season.

Deposit, Cancellation & Prices

Policies
  • Policies vary by property and platform.
  • Always check specific policies before booking.
  • Many properties need a deposit or full payment for non-refundable rates.
Seasonal Prices
  • Prices increase by 30-100% or more during high season.
  • Adjust your budget based on travel dates.

Long-Stay Accommodations

Extended Visits

For extended stays, look for guesthouses or private villas offering weekly or monthly rates.

Discounted Rates

These provide significantly discounted prices compared to daily rates.

Inquire Directly

Inquire directly with owners or agents for long-term availability and tailored deals.

Accommodation Recommendations

Specific recommendations based on budget, travel style, and unique features.

Top Picks by Budget

Budget

Dorms or basic rooms with a social atmosphere.

  • Gili Meno Eco Hostel
  • My Mate's Place
  • My Gili Paradise
Mid-Range

Comfortable bungalows or rooms, often with pools and good amenities.

  • Pearl of Trawangan
  • Aston Sunset Beach Resort
  • Desa Dunia Beda Resort

Other Travel Styles

Luxury

High-end service, private pools, and refined experiences.

  • Hotel Vila Ombak
  • The Beach House
  • Pondok Santi Estate
Family-Friendly

Resorts with family rooms and pools for children, or villas with private pools for space.

  • Hotel Vila Ombak
  • Aston Sunset Beach Resort
  • Villas with private pools

Solo Traveler Recommendations

  • Hostels

    Gili Meno Eco Hostel or My Mate's Place. Excellent for meeting other travelers and social opportunities.

  • Dive Resorts

    Foster a social atmosphere as participants often bond during courses and dives.

Cultural Significance

  • Modern Constructions

    Most accommodations on Gili Trawangan are relatively new, built to cater to tourism.

  • No Deep Historical Significance

    Properties do not hold deep historical significance, unlike ancient temples or ruins elsewhere in Indonesia.

  • Traditional Indonesian Styles

    Some properties incorporate older, more traditional Indonesian bungalow styles, giving a sense of local architecture and charm.

Considerations

Location Impact

Your choice of area greatly impacts your Gili Trawangan experience, from lively party spots to tranquil retreats.

Booking Habits

Advance booking in high season is strongly advised for best choices and prices, or more flexibility in low season.

Final Tips for Accommodation

Read Reviews

Check recent reviews on booking platforms for honest guest experiences and updated information.

Confirm Amenities

Confirm specific amenities like air conditioning, hot water, or Wi-Fi, as standards vary across the island.

Island Transportation

Remember no motorized vehicles. Factor in walking or bicycle rental for getting around, especially if staying away from the main strip.