Budget — Gili Trawangan

Gili Trawangan sits at a slightly higher price point than the Indonesian average, thanks to its status as an insular destination where everything has to be shipped in by boat. The reference budget of around €45 (USD 50) per person per day covers a comfortable stay.

Accommodation spans a wide range. A dorm bed in a surf-camp or hostel runs 120,000-200,000 IDR (USD 8-13). A simple double room on the east side of the island sits at 250,000-500,000 IDR (USD 17-33). Bamboo bungalows with terraces on the northern beaches cost 500,000-1,000,000 IDR (USD 33-65). Over-water villas or stilted suites — the most coveted accommodation type — start at 1,500,000 IDR (USD 100) and can reach 4,000,000 IDR (USD 265) for suites with a private pool.

Food is more expensive than on Bali, since everything has to be shipped over. A local warung serves nasi goreng for 30,000-60,000 IDR (USD 2-4). Tourist restaurants on the east coast charge 80,000-200,000 IDR (USD 5-13) per dish. A seafood barbecue dinner (prawns, fish, calamari) on the beach with a Bintang costs 200,000-350,000 IDR (USD 13-23) per person — one of the signature meals of the island.

Dive activities are the main spending category. Discover Scuba (first try): 500,000-700,000 IDR (USD 30-47). Guided dive (1 tank, full gear): 350,000-500,000 IDR (USD 23-33). Full PADI Open Water course (3 days): 4,000,000-5,000,000 IDR (USD 265-330). Three-island snorkelling tour (3 hours): 150,000-250,000 IDR (USD 10-17). Mask and snorkel rental: 30,000-50,000 IDR per day.

Three daily-budget profiles work for Gili Trawangan. The budget traveller at €25-30 per day sleeps in a dorm, eats in warungs and snorkels independently. The mid-range traveller at €45-65 per day has a comfortable private room, two meals out and one guided dive per day. The luxury traveller at €120+ per day stays in an over-water bungalow and dives the best sites with a private guide.