The Gili Islands on the northwest coast of Lombok are one of Indonesia’s most beautiful (and popular) destinations.
The largest of the three Gili Islands, Gili Trawangan, is a tropical paradise with white sand beaches and some of the best snorkelling and scuba diving in the world.
As Gili T has increased in popularity, prices have increased. But, it’s not impossible to find a great place to stay on a budget. Hostels to the rescue!
Let’a take a look at 12 of the best Gili Trawangan hostels.
My Favourite Hostel in Gili Trawangan
Atlas Gili
Social and vibrant Atlas Gili doesn’t quite meet party hostel standards, making it easy to meet other travellers without having a constant hangover.
With a selection of private rooms and dorms, it is perfect for those on a budget. The reasonably sized 3-bed rooms are bright and comfortable – and super affordable if you are travelling as a threesome!
Take advantage of the on-site restaurant and bar, swimming pool, and bike rental. All just a short walk from the beach, you can enjoy all that Gili T has to offer in mere moments.
In the evening, Atlas Gili hosts a free dinner with vegan and vegetarian options. They also have breakfast available!
Best Hostel for Solo Travellers
My Mate's Place
My Mate’s Place is an award winner on HostelWorld and probably the most recommended hostel in Gili Trawangan.
It’s also the biggest hostel on the island, where solo travellers will have plenty of opportunities to strike up conversations and make friends. If its your first time travelling alone, this is a great place to stay on the Gili Islands.
Each morning, you’ll be treated to a free breakfast with tea and coffee. In the evenings, join drinking games at the hostel bar before hitting the town.
This is a party hostel, so it can get loud at night!
Best Party Hostel
M Box
Gili Trawangan is known for its party hostels, and M Box is one of a few in and around Jalan Kepiting.
As well as having a lively and cheap bar on-site (drinking games hosted most evenings), you’re just 4 minutes from the famous Gili T nightlife on foot, and 15 from the night market.
Even with a hangover, it’s nice to soak up the sun on the loungers around the outdoor pool.
Want to keep up your workout regime on holiday? There’s a yoga and gym room too!
Great Hostel for Budding Divers
Compass Divers Hostel
From the hostels you’ve seen so far, you’d be forgiven for thinking that Gili Trawangan is a party destination and not much else.
You couldn’t be more wrong. It’s not only one of the best scuba diving and snorkelling islands in Indonesia, but the entire world!
Compass Divers is a boutique hostel near the main strip, which offers scuba tours with expert divers. You can even practice in the pool!
There is an option of affordable private rooms or 3-bed dorms. Get a good night’s rest before another day of wandering the ocean floors.
Compass Divers is one of the cheapest hostels on Gili T.
Just 100m from the Beach
Gili Pirates
Gili Pirates has a dive centre right on site! It has courses for beginner to professional level, with two guided dives a day for certified divers.
Prefer other water sports? You can choose between snorkelling, stand up paddle boarding, kayaks, and tubing.
For those who prefer a lazy day, cough me cough, you can just chill out by the hostel pool and order a few beers from the bar. Paradise!
Featuring both private rooms and dorm options, there is a space for everyone at Gili Pirates.
Coolest Hostel in Gili T
Gili La Boheme
Staying with your other half? A sweaty and smelly dorm probably isn’t what you have in mind. Thankfully, that’s not what you’ll have to settle for at this colourful and friendly hostel.
As well as a comfortable double room, you can expect a nice swimming pool with beanbags, and a free breakfast! There’s even a cinema room where you can catch a romantic flick together, as long as other guests agree to it!
Gili La Boheme is a lovely hostel in Gili Trawangan thta can give you both the privacy you want as a couple, and the friendly atmosphere hostels are famed for.
Best Beachfront Gili T Hostel
Gili Beach Bum
You won’t get closer to the beach than Gili Beach Bum.
It’s the island’s only hostel that is right on the beach, and the hostel’s Lava Bar is one of the hottest nightspots on the island!
While the bar is open to all visitors, the rooftop terrace is for guests only. That’s where you’ll go in the morning for your complimentary breakfast, you can watch the waves lapping against the shore as you make your plans for the day.
A colourful and vibrant place to base your island adventures, Gili Beach Bum is comfortable, peaceful and tropical.
Gili T’s Cheapest Hostel
Stay just steps away from the beach and explore Gili Trawangan with ease at Gili Castle! This vibrant hostel is close to the beach, ferry port and has colorful dorms with free Wi-Fi, lockers and shared bathrooms.
Plus, enjoy a free breakfast and a pool with its own swim-up bar and climbing wall. Come for the beach, stay for the fun at Gili Castle!
Best Hostel Private Rooms
Deep House Bungalows
Okay, you got us. This one isn’t quite a hostel. Instead, it’s a bed and breakfast. Which means a huge selection of private rooms including twins, doubles, and triples.
It’s perfect for travellers who want the hostel atmosphere, but don’t want to share their space.
Deep House has traditional bungalows on a tree-lined lane, set around a swimming pool. The B&B also features an onsite bar which is perfect for meeting other travellers!
A Bohemian Dream
Escape to Tipsea Turtle, the friendliest and most down to earth hostel on Gili Trawangan!
Just 5-minutes from the harbour, you can relax and explore with an outdoor swimming pool, 24-hour front desk, shared kitchen, comfy rooms and free Wi-Fi. You can join the family and take advantage of their snorkelling and sunset tours, day trips and ferry transfers. Get ready for the ultimate island-style living at Tipsea Turtle!
Most Intimate Gili T Hostel
La Boheme Mini
If the idea of a huge hostel with loads of people gives you anxiety, meet La Boheme Mini.
It has just four rooms – yet you get all of the benefits of the other 2 La Boheme hostels!
Chill and relax on the terrace, on a beanbag, after a day of exploring the island, or head inside and catch a movie in the common room.
Not only is the hostel small, but it’s located on a quiet street, so you’re assured a good night’s sleep.
Final Thoughts
Well, there you have it. Those are the 11 best hostels in Gili Trawangan.
We’ve seen wild party hostels, budget bed and breakfasts, and delightful dive hostels. Now, it’s over to you to decide where you want to be.
No matter which hostel you choose for your Gili T stay, we hope you have an incredible time!
Featured image: Gili La Boheme
