Island chef plating an Indonesian seafood dinner in the Gili Islands
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Trip cost and daily budget

Spend clearly.
Travel easily.

A Gili trip can be simple and affordable or a private-villa escape. Accommodation and activities create the biggest differences; food and local transport are easier to control.

Updated 17 July 2026

Indicative daily budget per person

StyleDaily planning rangeTypical approach
ValueIDR 600,000–1,100,000Simple room, local food, bicycle, selected shared activities
ComfortIDR 1,500,000–3,000,000Boutique stay, mixed dining, snorkel trip or wellness
PremiumIDR 4,000,000+Private villa or resort, private transfers, diving and premium dining

These are planning estimates, not quotes. They exclude international flights and vary with season, island, room occupancy and booking terms.

Common cost categories

Local warungs and the Gili T night market offer the easiest food savings, while imported drinks and beachfront dining cost more. Bicycle rental is usually the lowest-cost transport option. Cidomo fares should be agreed before travel. Shared snorkelling is less expensive than a private boat; scuba diving is a major budget item, with 2026 operator price lists commonly placing one guided fun dive around the mid-hundreds of thousands of rupiah plus applicable park or conservation fees.

Costs people forget

  • Road transfer to the Bali departure port or from Lombok Airport.
  • Harbour, marine park or local fees not included in the first fare shown.
  • Dry bags, reef-safe sunscreen and travel insurance.
  • Extra night on Bali or Lombok before an international flight.
  • Card conversion fees and cash withdrawals.
Budget method: price the room first, add return boat and road transfers, then set a daily food allowance and list paid activities separately. Add 10–15% contingency.

Information checked 17 July 2026. Useful official and specialist references: 2026 Gili Air diving prices · Gili Islands price guide. Schedules, prices, entry rules and conditions can change; verify before booking.

Visual guide

See what the trip can feel like.

Frequently asked

Practical answers.

Are the Gili Islands expensive?

They cost more than many mainland Indonesian towns because goods arrive by boat, but simple rooms and local food still make a value trip possible.

Which island is cheapest?

No island is always cheapest. Gili T has the widest inventory, Air often balances value and comfort, and Meno's smaller supply can limit low-cost choice.

How much is scuba diving?

Prices are coordinated among many local centres and change. Check the current operator list, inclusions and marine fees; one 2026 published example lists a guided fun dive at IDR 650,000.

Should I carry cash?

Yes, with a backup card. Do not carry all cash in one place.

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