Best Pet-Friendly Hotels and Stays in Gili Islands for Travelers With Furry Companions
Words by
Andi Pratama
Best Pet-Friendly Hotels and Stays in Gili Islands for Travelers With Fur Companions
I have spent the better part of three years living on and between the three Gili Islands, and if there is one question I get more than any other from fellow travelers, it is this: where can I stay with my dog? The short answer is that the best pet friendly hotels in Gili Islands are fewer than most people hope, but the ones that do exist are genuinely welcoming, often run by owners who are animal lovers themselves. Gili Air, Gili Meno, and Gili Trawangan each have their own character when it comes to traveling with pets, and knowing which island suits your companion best will make or break your trip. This guide covers every verified pet-allowed accommodation I have personally visited with my own dog, a scrappy mixed breed named Kecil who has become something of a local celebrity on Gili Air.
Gili Air: The Most Dog-Friendly Island for Travelers
Gili Air is where I always recommend people start. It is the quietest of the three islands, closest to Lombok, and the one where dogs roam freely along the beach paths without the party noise of Gili Trawangan or the near-total silence of Gili Meno. The local Sasak community here has a long history of coexisting with dogs, many of whom are semi-owned by warungs and homestays. That cultural comfort with animals makes it the natural home for the best pet friendly hotels in Gili Islands.
1. Gili Air Natural Bungalows (East Coast, near the Jetty)
This is the first place I stayed with Kecil when we arrived from Lombok, and it set the tone for the entire trip. The bungalows are simple, built from reclaimed wood and bamboo, set back from the beach path behind a low coral-stone wall. The owner, Pak Wayan, keeps two cats and a very old Labrador who greets every new guest at the gate.
The Vibe? Rustic, peaceful, and genuinely relaxed. No pretense, no infinity pool, just a hammock and the sound of waves.
The Bill? Rooms run between 350,000 and 550,000 Indonesian rupiah per night depending on the season. Pet fee is a flat 50,000 rupiah per stay, not per night, which is incredibly fair.
The Standout? The breakfast is served on your porch, and they will bring a small bowl of rice and chicken for your dog without being asked. I have never seen that anywhere else on the islands.
The Catch? The bathrooms are open-air and basic. If you are used to resort-style plumbing, the bucket shower and squat toilet will be an adjustment.
One detail most tourists would not know: the property backs onto a small mangrove area where monitor lizards come out at dusk. Kecil was fascinated but terrified. Keep your dog leashed in that area after sunset.
Local tip: arrive on the morning public boat from Bangsal rather than the fast boat. The public boat docks right near the east coast, and you can walk to the bungalows in under ten minutes with your dog and luggage. The fast boat drops you on the south side, which means a longer walk on hot sand that is rough on paws.
2. Manta Dive Bungalows (East Coast, central stretch)
Manta Dive is primarily a dive shop with attached accommodation, and the fact that they allow dogs is almost an afterthought, which makes it feel more authentic. The rooms are clean and functional, tiled floors that are easy to sweep sand out of, and the staff are used to seeing dogs because several instructors bring their own.
The Vibe? Dive-trip energy. People come back from the water sunburned and happy, and the communal area has that lived-in feel of a place that has hosted thousands of travelers.
The Bill? Around 400,000 to 600,000 rupiah per night. No pet fee, which is rare.
The Standout? The dive shop itself. If you dive, booking accommodation here gives you a small discount on fun dives, and your dog can hang out at the front desk while you are underwater. The staff will check on them.
The Catch? The rooms closest to the dive briefing area can be noisy in the early morning when groups gather before heading out. If your dog is startled by sudden noise, request a room at the back.
What most people do not realize is that Manta Dive has been on Gili Air since the early 2000s, making it one of the oldest dive operations on the island. The building itself has survived two major renovation cycles and still has the original wooden bar counter from when it opened. There is a quiet pride in that history, and the staff will tell you stories about how the island has changed if you ask.
Local tip: the reef right in front of Manta Dive is one of the best spots on Gili Air to see sea turtles while snorkeling. Bring a dog life jacket if your pup likes to paddle in the shallows, because the current on the east coast can be stronger than it looks.
Gili Trawangan: Party Island With a Softer Side for Pets
Gili Trawangan is known for its bars and full-moon parties, but the southern and western coasts are surprisingly calm, and a handful of accommodations there welcome dogs. The island is the largest of the three, which means more walking for you and your pet, but also more shade and more variety in where you can eat and rest.
3. Gili Trawangan Resort (South Coast, near the quiet beach stretch)
This is the most upscale option on this list, and it is the only place on Gili Trawangan that I would describe as genuinely dog friendly hotels Gili Islands travelers can rely on. The resort has a formal pet policy posted at reception, which includes a refundable deposit and a list of rules that are reasonable and clearly communicated.
The Vibe? Polished but not stiff. The gardens are immaculate, the pool is large, and the staff treat dogs like guests rather than inconveniences.
The Bill? Rooms start around 1,200,000 rupiah per night and go up to 2,500,000 for beachfront villas. Pet deposit is 200,000 rupiah, refundable at checkout.
The Standout? The pet deposit system actually works. I have heard stories from other travelers at less organized places where deposits were "forgotten." Here, it is itemized and returned without fuss.
The Catch? The resort is a fifteen-minute walk from the main bar strip, which is either a pro or a con depending on your tolerance for loud music at 2 AM. The walk back along the beach path at night is unlit in sections, so bring a flashlight for yourself and a reflective collar for your dog.
One thing most tourists would not know: the resort was built on land that was previously a coconut plantation, and several of the original coconut palms still stand in the garden. The oldest one, near the main restaurant, is estimated to be over 80 years old. It is a small reminder that these islands were working agricultural land long before backpackers arrived.
Local tip: the south coast gets the best sunsets on Gili Trawangan. If your dog is not afraid of the sound of waves crashing, the beach directly in front of the resort is one of the few stretches where dogs can run off-leash without bothering other guests. Go around 5:30 PM when the day-trippers have left and the beach empties out.
4. Goodheart Homestay (West Coast, near the quiet snorkeling spot)
Goodheart is a family-run homestay with six rooms, and it is the kind of place where the owner remembers your dog's name after one visit. Ibu Ketut, who runs the place with her son, grew up on Gili Trawangan and remembers when there were no tourists at all. She is one of the few original residents who still operates accommodation.
The Vibe? Like staying with a very organized aunt. The rooms are simple but spotless, and the communal kitchen is available for guest use.
The Bill? 250,000 to 350,000 rupiah per night. No pet fee, but a gentle request that dogs not be left alone in rooms.
The Standout? Ibu Ketut cooks the best nasi campur on the west coast, and she will make a plain version for your dog if you ask the night before. Her chicken and vegetable mix is legendary among long-stay guests.
The Catch? The homestay is on the west coast, which means the walk to the main harbor area is about twenty-five minutes along the beach path. In the heat of midday, that walk is genuinely uncomfortable for dogs with thick coats. Go early morning or late afternoon.
Most tourists do not know that the west coast of Gili Trawangan was the last area to be developed. Until about fifteen years ago, this stretch was mostly scrubland and a few fishing huts. Goodheart Homestay was one of the first guesthouses built here, and Ibu Ketut can point out exactly where the old boat moorings used to be.
Local tip: the snorkeling spot directly in front of Goodheart is shallow and calm, perfect for dogs who like to wade. There is a small reef about fifty meters out where I have seen reef sharks in the early morning. Keep your dog close to shore, not because the sharks are a threat to dogs, but because the coral can cut paws.
Gili Meno: The Quietest Option for Anxious or Older Dogs
Gili Meno is the smallest and least developed of the three islands. There are no cars, no scooters, and very few tourists at any given time. For dogs who are nervous around noise or crowds, this is the best choice. The trade-off is that pet-allowed accommodation Gili Meno options are extremely limited, and you will need to book well in advance.
5. Gili Meno Cottages (North Coast, near the salt lake)
This is a small cluster of four cottages run by a Sasak family who have lived on Gili Meno for generations. The property is set back from the beach behind a screen of tamarind trees, and the family keeps chickens, a rooster with no sense of time, and three very friendly local dogs who will immediately try to befriend your pet.
The Vibe? Off-grid calm. No Wi-Fi in the rooms, no air conditioning, just fans and the sound of insects at night.
The Bill? 200,000 to 300,000 rupiah per night. No pet fee.
The Standout? The family's homemade coconut oil, which the mother sells in small jars. It is the purest I have found on any of the islands, and it works wonders on dry dog paws after a day on sandy paths.
The Catch? There is no restaurant on-site, and the nearest warung is a ten-minute walk. If your dog needs to eat on a strict schedule, plan ahead and bring supplies from Gili Air or Lombok.
One detail most tourists would not know: Gili Meno has a salt lake in the center of the island that dries up partially in the dry season. The family can show you a path to it, and it is one of the few inland landmarks on any of the Gili Islands. The lake has a slightly surreal, almost lunar quality, and it is completely empty of other people most of the time.
Local tip: the north coast of Gili Meno is where sea turtles nest. If you are visiting between April and October, ask the family to take you to the beach at night with a red-filtered flashlight. Your dog will need to be leashed and calm, but watching a turtle lay eggs is one of the most extraordinary things I have experienced in Indonesia.
6. Seri Resort (East Coast, near the main jetty)
Seri Resort is the most polished accommodation on Gili Meno, and it is one of the few hotels that allow dogs Gili Meno visitors can book with confidence. The property has a small pool, a restaurant, and rooms that are a noticeable step up from the basic homestays elsewhere on the island.
The Vibe? Boutique without being pretentious. The design uses a lot of local stone and woven panels, and the garden is full of frangipani trees.
The Bill? 800,000 to 1,500,000 rupiah per night. Pet fee is 100,000 rupiah per night, which is the highest on this list, but the facilities justify it.
The Standout? The restaurant serves a grilled mahi-mahi with sambal matah that is worth the trip to Gili Meno on its own. They will prepare a plain grilled fish portion for your dog at no extra charge.
The Catch? The pet fee adds up quickly on a longer stay. For a week-long trip, you are paying an extra 700,000 rupiah just for your dog, which is more than the nightly rate of some rooms on Gili Air.
Most tourists do not realize that Seri Resort was built on the site of one of the first tourist bungalows ever constructed on Gili Meno, dating back to the late 1980s. The original structure was demolished, but the resort's owner kept the old well, which still functions and is used to water the garden. It is a small but meaningful connection to the island's tourism history.
Local tip: the east coast jetty area gets busy in the late morning when boats arrive from Gili Air and Gili Trawangan. If your dog is reactive to strangers, keep them in the room or garden between 10 AM and noon, when the jetty is at its most chaotic.
Practical Stays Near the Harbor Areas
The harbor areas on all three islands are chaotic, loud, and generally not ideal for dogs. However, if you are arriving late or departing early, there are a couple of places near the jetties that will accommodate you and your pet without stress.
7. Karya Homestay Gili Trawangan (South Coast, near the harbor)
Karya is a no-frills homestay about three minutes' walk from the Gili Trawangan harbor. It is not glamorous, but it is cheap, clean, and the owner, Pak Komang, is a dog lover who has hosted pets here for years.
The Vibe? Functional. You are here to sleep, not to linger.
The Bill? 150,000 to 250,000 rupiah per night. No pet fee.
The Standout? Location. If you arrive on the last fast boat at 5 PM and need a place to crash before heading to a nicer resort the next morning, this is the most practical option on the island.
The Catch? The walls are thin, and you can hear the harbor noise late into the night. Dogs with sensitive ears may struggle to settle. Bring a familiar blanket or bed so they have something that smells like home.
One thing most people would not know: Pak Komang used to work as a boat captain between Gili Trawangan and Lombok for over a decade. He has stories about the islands that no guidebook contains, including the time a pod of dolphins followed his boat for twenty minutes. Buy him a coffee and ask.
Local tip: the harbor area has stray dogs who are generally friendly but can be territorial around food. Keep your dog leashed and do not feed them near the warungs along the main path, as it can trigger competition with local strays.
8. Sunset Beach Bungalows Gili Air (West Coast, near the sunset point)
These bungalows are on the western tip of Gili Air, facing the open ocean and the sunset over Mount Agung in the distance. The owner, Pak Agus, is a retired fisherman who built the bungalows himself using wood salvaged from old jetties. He has a deep affection for animals and has never turned away a guest with a pet.
The Vibe? End-of-the-road solitude. You are as far from the harbor as you can get on Gili Air, and that is the point.
The Bill? 300,000 to 450,000 rupiah per night. No pet fee.
The Standout? The sunset view from the bungalow porch is the best on Gili Air. I have watched dozens of sunsets from this spot with Kecil asleep at my feet, and it never gets old.
The Catch? The west coast gets the strongest afternoon heat, and the bungalows have fans but no air conditioning. If your dog is a thick-coated breed, bring a cooling mat or plan to spend the hottest part of the day in the shade of the beachside warung next door.
Most tourists do not know that the west coast of Gili Air was historically where the island's fishermen kept their boats. The beach here is slightly rockier than the east coast, and at low tide you can see the old wooden boat moorings still embedded in the coral. Pak Agus can point out exactly where his father's boat used to be tied up.
Local tip: the warung next door, called simply "Warung Sunset," serves a grilled banana with palm sugar that is extraordinary. Order one for yourself and a plain grilled banana for your dog. It sounds ridiculous, but Kecil became obsessed with them and would refuse to walk past without stopping.
When to Go and What to Know
The dry season, from May to September, is the best time to visit the Gili Islands with a dog. The paths are dry, the heat is slightly more manageable, and there is less standing water, which means fewer mosquitoes and a lower risk of mosquito-borne illness for both you and your pet. October through April is the wet season, and while it is still possible to visit, heavy rain can turn the sandy paths into muddy trails that are hard on dog paws.
Veterinary care on the Gili Islands is extremely limited. There is no full-time veterinarian on any of the three islands. The nearest reliable veterinary clinic is in Mataram on Lombok, which requires a boat crossing. I always recommend bringing a basic pet first-aid kit, including antiseptic, tick removal tools, any regular medications, and a supply of your dog's usual food, as specific brands are not available on the islands.
All three Gili Islands are car-free. Transport is by cidomo (horse-drawn cart), bicycle, or on foot. Cidomos will generally allow dogs, but the horses may be spooked by an unfamiliar animal. Introduce your dog to the horse slowly and keep them on a short leash. Bicycles are the best way to get around with a dog, and several rental shops on Gili Air and Gili Trawangan have baskets that can accommodate a small dog.
Water is a constant concern. Bring a collapsible bowl and carry fresh water for your dog at all times. The heat is deceptive because of the ocean breeze, but dehydration happens fast, especially for dogs not used to tropical climates. Signs of overheating include excessive panting, drooling, and unsteady walking. If you see these signs, get your dog into shade and offer water immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average cost of a specialty coffee or local tea in Gili Islands?
A specialty coffee, such as a cappuccino or iced latte, typically costs between 35,000 and 60,000 Indonesian rupiah at most cafes across the three islands. Local Indonesian coffee, known as kopi tubruk, is cheaper at around 15,000 to 25,000 rupiah. Fresh tea, either hot or iced, generally falls in the 10,000 to 20,000 rupiah range. Prices on Gili Meno tend to be slightly higher due to the cost of transporting goods to the smallest island.
What is the standard tipping etiquette or service charge policy at restaurants in Gili Islands?
Most restaurants and warungs on the Gili Islands do not add a service charge to the bill. Tipping is not mandatory but is appreciated, and a tip of 5 to 10 percent is considered generous. At smaller family-run warungs, rounding up the bill by a few thousand rupiah is common practice. At more upscale resorts, particularly on Gili Trawangan, a 10 percent service charge may already be included, so check the receipt before adding extra.
Is Gili Islands expensive to visit? Give a realistic daily budget breakdown for mid-tier travelers.
A mid-tier traveler can expect to spend between 500,000 and 800,000 Indonesian rupiah per day, covering accommodation at a decent homestay or small resort, three meals at local warungs or mid-range cafes, bicycle rental, and a couple of drinks. Adding activities like snorkeling tours, which cost around 150,000 to 300,000 rupiah, or a dive session at roughly 500,000 to 700,000 rupiah per fun dive, will push the daily total higher. Traveling with a pet adds a modest amount, mostly in pet fees at certain accommodations and the cost of bringing or sourcing pet food locally.
Are credit cards widely accepted across Gili Islands, or is it necessary to carry cash for daily expenses?
Credit cards are accepted at some of the larger resorts and dive shops, particularly on Gili Trawangan, but the vast majority of warungs, small homestays, cidomo drivers, and local shops operate on a cash-only basis. ATMs are available on Gili Trawangan and Gili Air, but they occasionally run out of cash, especially after weekends or public holidays. Carrying sufficient Indonesian rupiah in cash for at least two to three days of expenses is strongly recommended.
What is the safest and most reliable way to get around Gili Islands as a solo traveler?
Walking and cycling are the safest and most practical ways to get around any of the three Gili Islands, as there are no motorized vehicles on Gili Air or Gili Meno, and only limited cidomo use on Gili Trawangan. Bicycles can be rented for approximately 50,000 to 75,000 rupiah per day from numerous rental shops. Cidomo rides are available for longer distances or when carrying heavy luggage, with fares typically ranging from 50,000 to 100,000 rupiah depending on the route. For inter-island travel, public boats and fast boats operate regularly between the islands and Lombok, with public boat fares around 40,000 to 80,000 rupiah and fast boat fares between 150,000 and 300,000 rupiah per person.
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