How Much Does a Gili Islands Trip Cost? Price Guide 2026
One of the first questions people ask when they start dreaming about the Gili Islands is simple: how much will it actually cost? And honestly, the answer depends entirely on how you want to travel. You could spend a week here on less than you'd burn through in a long weekend in Bali, or you could go all out with beachfront villas, private dining, and sunset cocktails that make the whole trip feel like a movie.
I've put together a full breakdown of what things actually cost on the Gili Islands in 2026, from boats and beds to beers and diving certifications. Whether you're backpacking through Southeast Asia or planning a once-in-a-lifetime romantic escape to Gili Meno, this should give you a pretty clear picture of what to expect.
Getting to the Gili Islands
Your first expense is the boat. There are no airports on the Gili Islands, so you'll need to take a fast boat from Bali or a short hop from Lombok. Here's what the main routes cost:
| Route | Duration | Cost (per person) |
|---|---|---|
| Bali (Padang Bai) to Gili Trawangan | 1.5 - 2.5 hours | IDR 350,000 - 600,000 ($22 - $38) |
| Bali (Serangan/Sanur) to Gili Trawangan | 1.5 - 2 hours | IDR 400,000 - 750,000 ($25 - $47) |
| Lombok (Bangsal Harbour) to any Gili | 15 - 30 min | IDR 15,000 - 35,000 ($1 - $2) |
| Lombok (Teluk Nare) private boat | 10 min | IDR 350,000 - 500,000 ($22 - $32) |
| Inter-island hopping (Gili to Gili) | 5 - 15 min | IDR 35,000 - 75,000 ($2 - $5) |
The public boat from Bangsal to any of the three Gilis is dirt cheap, but you'll need to get to Bangsal first. From Lombok airport, a taxi runs about IDR 200,000 ($13). If you're coming from Bali, fast boat companies like Eka Jaya, BlueWater Express, and Gili Getaway handle everything from pickup to drop-off. For more details on all your options, check out our full guide on getting to the Gili Islands.
Accommodation Costs by Island
This is where the biggest variation in your budget shows up. Each island has its own personality and price range, and what you pay depends a lot on which one you choose.
Gili Trawangan
Trawangan is the biggest island with the widest range of accommodation. Backpackers love it for the cheap hostels, and couples love it for the boutique hotels and beachfront bungalows. Browse the full range on our Gili Trawangan hotels directory.
| Type | Nightly Cost |
|---|---|
| Dorm bed (hostel) | IDR 100,000 - 200,000 ($6 - $13) |
| Budget guesthouse | IDR 250,000 - 500,000 ($16 - $32) |
| Mid-range hotel | IDR 600,000 - 1,500,000 ($38 - $95) |
| Boutique/luxury hotel | IDR 1,500,000 - 4,000,000 ($95 - $250) |
Gili Air
Gili Air sits in the sweet spot between Trawangan's energy and Meno's solitude. It draws a mix of yogis, digital nomads, and couples who want somewhere relaxed but not too quiet. Prices tend to be slightly lower than Trawangan for comparable quality. See what's available on our Gili Air accommodation page.
| Type | Nightly Cost |
|---|---|
| Dorm bed (hostel) | IDR 80,000 - 180,000 ($5 - $11) |
| Budget bungalow | IDR 200,000 - 450,000 ($13 - $28) |
| Mid-range hotel | IDR 500,000 - 1,200,000 ($32 - $75) |
| Boutique hotel | IDR 1,200,000 - 3,000,000 ($75 - $190) |
Gili Meno
Gili Meno is the quietest of the three islands and the one that feels most like a natural paradise. There are fewer hostels and more boutique properties here, which pushes the average price up a bit. But that's also what makes it special. With no motorbikes, no party scene, and white sand beaches that feel like something out of the Maldives, Meno attracts travelers who want something genuinely unspoilt.
At the top end, BASK has become the island's standout luxury resort. Beachfront villas with private pools, a 35-metre infinity pool overlooking the ocean, an underground cocktail bar, and some of the best food in the entire archipelago. Studios start from around IDR 4,500,000 ($280) per night, while the larger beachfront villas with private pools go up from there. It's a splurge, but the kind where you walk away feeling like every rupiah was worth it. Check out all Gili Meno accommodation options.
| Type | Nightly Cost |
|---|---|
| Budget guesthouse | IDR 250,000 - 500,000 ($16 - $32) |
| Mid-range bungalow | IDR 600,000 - 1,500,000 ($38 - $95) |
| Boutique resort | IDR 1,500,000 - 3,500,000 ($95 - $220) |
| Luxury villa (e.g. BASK) | IDR 4,500,000 - 15,000,000+ ($280 - $940+) |
Food and Drink Prices
You can eat incredibly well on the Gili Islands without spending much at all, or you can treat yourself to meals that rival anything in Bali or beyond. The range is huge, which is part of the charm.
Budget Eating
Local warungs (small family-run restaurants) are scattered across all three islands, especially on Trawangan and Air. A plate of nasi goreng or mie goreng will cost you between IDR 25,000 and IDR 50,000 ($1.50 - $3). Fresh fruit smoothies run IDR 20,000 - 35,000, and a cold Bintang at a beach bar is usually IDR 35,000 - 50,000 ($2 - $3).
The night market on Gili Trawangan is one of the best cheap eats experiences in all of Indonesia. Grilled fish, satay skewers, corn on the cob, and fresh juices, all at prices that make you wonder why you ever considered cooking for yourself. Check out Gili Trawangan restaurants for more options at every price point.
Mid-Range Dining
Most sit-down restaurants across the islands charge IDR 60,000 - 150,000 ($4 - $10) for a main course. Expect wood-fired pizzas, grilled seafood platters, Thai curries, and fresh salads. A meal for two with drinks at a nice beachfront restaurant typically comes in around IDR 400,000 - 700,000 ($25 - $44).
Fine Dining and Splurge-Worthy Meals
Gili Meno has quietly become the fine dining destination of the archipelago. BASK's restaurant is where fire and open-flame cooking take centre stage, with fresh fish delivered daily, wood-fired pizzas, flame-cooked steaks, and bread baked in-house every morning. A dinner for two with cocktails runs around IDR 1,200,000 - 2,000,000 ($75 - $125), which feels like a steal when you compare it to equivalent restaurants in Seminyak or Canggu.
Just along the shore, Pomona brings Latin American soul food to the beach. The entire menu is gluten-free, built around South American flavours and open-fire cooking. Think ceviche, soft shell crab arepas, Peruvian chicken, and picanha steak with chimichurri. Shared plates for two with drinks come to around IDR 800,000 - 1,400,000 ($50 - $88). Sunday Beach BBQ sessions from 3pm to 8pm are a weekly highlight that shouldn't be missed.
For more recommendations, our complete restaurant guide covers all three islands.
| Meal Type | Cost Per Person |
|---|---|
| Warung meal (nasi goreng, mie goreng) | IDR 25,000 - 50,000 ($1.50 - $3) |
| Smoothie or fresh juice | IDR 20,000 - 40,000 ($1.25 - $2.50) |
| Beer (Bintang) | IDR 35,000 - 60,000 ($2 - $4) |
| Cocktail | IDR 80,000 - 180,000 ($5 - $11) |
| Mid-range dinner | IDR 80,000 - 150,000 ($5 - $10) |
| Fine dining main course | IDR 200,000 - 450,000 ($13 - $28) |
| Coffee (local style) | IDR 10,000 - 15,000 ($0.60 - $1) |
| Specialty coffee (flat white, latte) | IDR 35,000 - 60,000 ($2 - $4) |
Activities and Experiences
The Gili Islands punch well above their weight when it comes to things to do, and most activities are surprisingly affordable.
Diving and Snorkeling
This is the big one. The Gilis sit in some of the best diving waters in Indonesia, with regular turtle sightings, colourful reef systems, and visibility that often stretches beyond 25 metres. Gili Meno in particular is known as the turtle capital of Indonesia, and you can snorkel with them right off the beach for free.
| Activity | Cost |
|---|---|
| Snorkel gear rental (full day) | IDR 50,000 - 75,000 ($3 - $5) |
| Snorkeling boat trip (3-4 hours) | IDR 150,000 - 250,000 ($10 - $16) |
| Fun dive (certified diver, 1 dive) | IDR 450,000 - 650,000 ($28 - $41) |
| Fun dive package (3 dives) | IDR 1,100,000 - 1,600,000 ($69 - $100) |
| PADI Open Water certification | IDR 6,000,000 - 8,500,000 ($375 - $530) |
| PADI Advanced Open Water | IDR 4,500,000 - 6,500,000 ($280 - $405) |
| Freediving course | IDR 3,500,000 - 5,000,000 ($220 - $310) |
Head to our diving and snorkeling guide or the Gili Trawangan dive shops directory to find the right operator.
Water Sports
If you want to get out on the water without going under it, there's plenty of that too. Browse our full water sports guide for the details.
| Activity | Cost |
|---|---|
| Stand-up paddleboard rental (1 hour) | IDR 75,000 - 150,000 ($5 - $10) |
| Kayak rental (1 hour) | IDR 50,000 - 100,000 ($3 - $6) |
| Glass-bottom boat tour | IDR 100,000 - 200,000 ($6 - $13) |
| Sunset sailing trip | IDR 350,000 - 750,000 ($22 - $47) |
| Private boat charter (half day) | IDR 1,500,000 - 3,000,000 ($95 - $190) |
Wellness and Relaxation
A one-hour Balinese massage on the beach is one of the best-value treats in all of Southeast Asia. Yoga classes are plentiful across all three islands. More options are listed in our spa and massage directory and yoga guide.
| Activity | Cost |
|---|---|
| Beach massage (1 hour) | IDR 100,000 - 200,000 ($6 - $13) |
| Spa treatment (1 hour) | IDR 200,000 - 500,000 ($13 - $32) |
| Yoga class (drop-in) | IDR 100,000 - 200,000 ($6 - $13) |
| Yoga retreat (multi-day) | IDR 3,000,000 - 8,000,000+ ($190 - $500+) |
Other Activities
| Activity | Cost |
|---|---|
| Bicycle rental (full day) | IDR 50,000 - 75,000 ($3 - $5) |
| Cooking class | IDR 300,000 - 500,000 ($19 - $32) |
| Turtle sanctuary visit | IDR 50,000 - 100,000 ($3 - $6) |
| Horse riding on the beach | IDR 200,000 - 350,000 ($13 - $22) |
| Island hopping day trip | IDR 150,000 - 350,000 ($10 - $22) |
Getting Around the Islands
Here's something most first-timers don't realize: there are no cars or motorbikes on any of the Gili Islands. Zero. Getting around is by foot, bicycle, or horse-drawn cart (cidomo). It's one of the things that makes these islands so special. Read our transport guide for the full picture.
| Transport | Cost |
|---|---|
| Walking | Free (and the best way) |
| Bicycle rental (full day) | IDR 50,000 - 75,000 ($3 - $5) |
| Cidomo (horse cart, short trip) | IDR 100,000 - 200,000 ($6 - $13) |
| Cidomo with luggage from harbour | IDR 150,000 - 250,000 ($10 - $16) |
You can walk around Gili Meno in about 90 minutes, Gili Air in about the same, and Gili Trawangan in roughly two hours. Most people just grab a bike and cruise.
Sample Daily Budgets
Here's what a typical day might cost across three different travel styles. These assume you're already on the islands and cover accommodation, three meals, a couple of drinks, one activity, and basic transport.
Budget Traveler
Staying in dorms, eating at warungs, drinking at happy hours, and snorkeling with rented gear.
| Expense | Daily Cost |
|---|---|
| Dorm bed | IDR 120,000 ($8) |
| Breakfast (warung) | IDR 30,000 ($2) |
| Lunch (warung + smoothie) | IDR 55,000 ($3.50) |
| Dinner (night market) | IDR 50,000 ($3) |
| 2 beers | IDR 70,000 ($4.50) |
| Snorkel rental | IDR 50,000 ($3) |
| Daily total | IDR 375,000 ($24) |
A week on the islands for a budget traveler runs about IDR 2,625,000 ($165) not including boats to get there.
Mid-Range Traveler
Private room in a guesthouse or mid-range hotel, a mix of warungs and restaurants, one or two paid activities.
| Expense | Daily Cost |
|---|---|
| Hotel room | IDR 800,000 ($50) |
| Breakfast (cafe) | IDR 65,000 ($4) |
| Lunch (restaurant) | IDR 100,000 ($6) |
| Dinner (beachfront restaurant) | IDR 150,000 ($10) |
| 2 cocktails | IDR 200,000 ($13) |
| Activity (diving/tour) | IDR 500,000 ($32) |
| Daily total | IDR 1,815,000 ($115) |
A week comes to around IDR 12,700,000 ($800), which is still incredibly good value for a tropical island holiday.
Luxury Traveler
Beachfront villa on Gili Meno, fine dining, sunset sailing, spa treatments, and the full resort experience.
| Expense | Daily Cost |
|---|---|
| Luxury villa (e.g. BASK) | IDR 6,000,000 ($375) |
| Breakfast (resort) | Included |
| Lunch (beach club + daybed) | IDR 800,000 ($50) |
| Dinner (BASK or Pomona) | IDR 1,000,000 ($63) |
| Cocktails | IDR 400,000 ($25) |
| Spa treatment | IDR 400,000 ($25) |
| Sunset sail or private activity | IDR 750,000 ($47) |
| Daily total | IDR 9,350,000 ($585) |
A week at this level comes to approximately IDR 65,450,000 ($4,100). Compared to similar luxury experiences in the Maldives, where a single night can easily cost $1,000+, the Gili Islands offer world-class quality at a fraction of the price. Gili Meno in particular gives you that same feeling of serene, unspoilt luxury. It's often described as where the Maldives meets the Greek islands, and once you're there, you understand exactly why.
Money and Payment Tips
A few practical things that will save you headaches:
ATMs are available on Gili Trawangan and Gili Air, but they run out of cash regularly, especially during peak season. Gili Meno has limited ATM access. Bring enough cash from the mainland to cover at least a couple of days, and always have a backup card. Check our money and budgeting guide for more tips.
Credit cards are accepted at most mid-range and upscale hotels and restaurants, but warungs, dive shops, and small businesses are still largely cash-only. BASK and Pomona accept cards.
Currency is Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). All the USD conversions in this article use an approximate rate of IDR 16,000 = $1 USD.
Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated. Rounding up the bill or leaving 5-10% at restaurants where service charge isn't included is a nice gesture.
How to Save Money on the Gili Islands
Even if you're not traveling on a strict budget, a few simple habits can stretch your money further:
- Travel in shoulder season (April-May or September-October) for lower accommodation prices and fewer crowds. Our best time to visit guide has the full seasonal breakdown.
- Book dive packages rather than single dives. Three-dive packages typically save you 15-20% per dive.
- Eat where locals eat. The warungs tucked behind the main strips serve the same Indonesian staples for half the price.
- Bring your own snorkel gear if you plan to use it more than two or three days. A decent mask and snorkel cost less than a week of rentals.
- Take the public boat from Bangsal instead of a fast boat from Bali if you're already on Lombok. It's less than $2.
- Negotiate cidomo prices before you get in, especially near the harbour where prices tend to be inflated for arriving tourists.
- Happy hours are everywhere on Trawangan. Two-for-one cocktails from 4pm to 6pm are common and a great way to enjoy sunset drinks without the full price tag.
For a more detailed breakdown of budget strategies, check out our budget travel guide.
Is It Worth the Money?
Here's what I always tell people: the Gili Islands are one of the last places in Southeast Asia where you genuinely feel like you've discovered something special. There's nowhere else where you can snorkel with wild turtles in the morning, cycle around an entire island before lunch, eat world-class food for a fraction of what you'd pay back home, and watch the sun drop behind a volcano while your feet are in the sand.
Whether you spend $25 a day or $500 a day, the islands deliver something that's hard to put a price on. The quiet mornings on Gili Meno, the underwater world just metres from shore, the sound of nothing but waves and birdsong. It's a natural paradise that somehow manages to feel both exclusive and totally accessible.
Start planning your trip by browsing our island guides for Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, and Gili Air, or explore everything there is to do in our activities guide.
Tags