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The view from a thatched beach hut on Gili Air, looking out over the sea

Where to Stay on Gili Air

Small island, big choice: beach clubs by the harbour, private-pool villas on the quiet side, and bungalows for every budget.

Gili Air is small enough that nowhere is far from anything — but where you stay still shapes your trip. The harbour and east coast are the most convenient and sociable; the west, north and interior are quieter, with bigger gardens, private-pool villas and the sunset on your doorstep.

There are no big chain resorts on the island. Expect bungalows, boutique hotels, villas and a few beach clubs — many with pools, some with salty showers at the budget end. Book early for July, August and Christmas–New Year.

Where to stay

Harbour, east & south coast

Close to the boats, dive schools, ATMs and most restaurants, with sunrise over Lombok and the best beach snorkelling. Livelier — and closer to the mosque.

Scallywags Beach Club

★★★★
8.8 32 reviews

A long-running four-star beach club and resort on the south-east coast, a short walk from the harbour — pool, sun loungers on the sand and one of the island’s best-known beach restaurants.

  • Beachfront with pool
  • Minutes from the boat landing
  • Restaurant and bar on the sand
from US$80 / night See rates & availability

Chill Out Bungalows

★★★
9.5 339 reviews

Well-kept bungalows close to the harbour with excellent guest scores across hundreds of reviews — an easy, good-value base for divers and first-timers.

  • Near the harbour and dive schools
  • Very strong reviews
  • Good value for the location

Sunrise Resort

★★★★
8.2 31 reviews

As the name says: an east-coast resort facing Lombok and the sunrise, close to the harbour, restaurants and the best beach snorkelling.

  • Sunrise views over Lombok
  • Walk to the harbour
  • East-coast snorkelling on the doorstep
from US$97 / night See rates & availability

Divino Gili Air

★★★★
9.5 15 reviews

A newer, stylish four-star hotel in the south of the island, with a pool and rooms whose balconies come with their own hot tubs.

  • Balcony hot tubs
  • Pool
  • Short walk to the harbour
from US$150 / night See rates & availability

Gili Air Bungalows

★★★
9.5 42 reviews

Simple, spotless bungalows a few minutes inland from the east coast — friendly, quiet and among the best-reviewed budget-to-mid-range stays on the island.

  • Excellent guest scores
  • Quiet garden setting
  • Close to east-coast cafés
from US$74 / night See rates & availability

Turtle Beach Hotel

★★★

A small hotel on the east coast, handy for the beach snorkelling spots where turtles are often seen — good value if you want to be near the water without resort prices.

  • East-coast location
  • Near turtle snorkelling spots
  • Budget-friendly
from US$65 / night See rates & availability

Rumah Tiga Gili

★★★
8.0 112 reviews

Traditional lumbung-style bungalows (modelled on Sasak rice barns) in the village — one of the cheapest well-reviewed beds on Gili Air.

  • Very low rates
  • Lumbung-style bungalows
  • Village atmosphere
from US$14 / night See rates & availability

Gili Guest House

★★★
7.9 104 reviews

A straightforward guesthouse in the south of the island, near the harbour — clean rooms, a friendly welcome and low prices for backpackers and divers.

  • Backpacker prices
  • Near the harbour
  • Helpful with boats and tours

Sunset side, north coast & quiet interior

Peace, gardens and private-pool villas, with the sunset bars a short walk away. You will want a bike to get to the harbour.

Taman Senang – Private Pool Villas

★★★★
9.9 440 reviews

Private pool villas in a tropical garden in the quiet south-west of the island — with a near-perfect guest score from hundreds of reviews, the best-rated stay on Gili Air.

  • Your own private pool
  • Outstanding guest reviews
  • Walk to the sunset side
from US$91 / night See rates & availability

PinkCoco Gili Air (adults only)

★★★
9.3 134 reviews

An adults-only boutique hotel on the sunset side, painted in its trademark pink, with pools, a playful design and sunset views from the beach in front.

  • Adults only
  • Sunset-side location
  • Pools and a sociable feel
from US$138 / night See rates & availability

Dolcemare Resort

★★★★
9.3 265 reviews

A highly rated four-star resort towards the south-west of the island, with a pool, garden bungalows and an easy walk to the sunset bars.

  • Strong guest reviews
  • Pool and garden
  • Near the sunset beaches
from US$105 / night See rates & availability

Senang Villa by Ambassador

★★★★
8.8 217 reviews

Villas in the south-west of the island, steps from the beach and restaurants, known for generous breakfasts with vegan and gluten-free options.

  • Close to the beach
  • Good breakfasts
  • Hundreds of positive reviews

The Sanctuary – Private Pool Villas

★★★★
9.5 199 reviews

Private pool villas towards the north of the island — secluded, romantic and far from the harbour bustle, with excellent guest scores.

  • Private pool villas
  • Quiet north side
  • Ideal for honeymooners

Anahata – Tropical Private Villas

★★★★
9.5 154 reviews

Tropical private villas in the green north of Gili Air — spacious, calm and close to the north-coast snorkelling.

  • Private villas
  • Peaceful setting
  • Excellent reviews

Blue Marlin Dive Gili Air

★★★
8.9 677 reviews

A dive resort on the north-west coast: rooms above a dive school with a pool — the obvious choice if you are coming to Gili Air to get certified.

  • Dive school on site
  • Pool for training
  • Near the sunset side

Salili Bungalow

★★★
8.1 676 reviews

Relaxed bungalows on the north-west side with hundreds of reviews — simple, good value and a few minutes’ walk from the sunset beaches.

  • Good value
  • Walk to sunset bars
  • Quiet side of the island

Which part of Gili Air suits you?

Area Good for Less good for Budget
Harbour & south-east Convenience, divers, short stays Peace and quiet Budget to mid-range
East coast Snorkelling from the beach, sunrise, cafés Sunsets Mid-range
North coast Quiet, romantic villas Walking to the harbour with luggage Mid-range to upscale
West / sunset side Sunsets, space, calm Restaurant choice after dark Mid-range to upscale
Village interior Value, local life, pool villas Sea views Budget to mid-range

Tips for booking

  • Check the water: reviews will tell you whether showers are fresh or salty — it matters more than you think.
  • Air-con or fan: nights are warm year-round; most travellers want air-conditioning.
  • Luggage: cidomos carry bags from the harbour. Ask if your hotel offers a free pickup.
  • Pool: some beaches are shallow at low tide, so a pool is handy, especially with children.
  • Mosque proximity: light sleepers should avoid rooms right next to a mosque.
Guest scores and indicative rates come from Trip.com and change frequently; the price shown when you book is the one that applies. We may earn a commission on stays booked through these links, at no extra cost to you.
Plan your days on Gili Air

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Good to know

Where to stay: FAQs

Frequently asked questions

What is the best area to stay on Gili Air?

For convenience and snorkelling, the east coast near the harbour. For peace, space and sunsets, the west or north side. Nothing is more than about 30 minutes’ walk away.

How much does a room on Gili Air cost?

Simple bungalows can be found from around US$15–40 a night, good mid-range hotels and pool bungalows from roughly US$60–150, and private-pool villas from about US$90 upwards. Prices rise sharply in July, August and at New Year.

Should I stay on Gili Air or Lombok?

Stay on Gili Air for the island experience and the snorkelling; stay on Lombok (Senggigi, Kuta or Senaru) if Rinjani, waterfalls and the south-coast beaches are your priority. Many travellers do both.