Lombok’s Gili Islands Rising As Tourism Alternative to Bali

Lombok’s Gili Islands are fast growing in popularity as an alternative to Bali according to new research by C9 Hotelworks. Situated off the northwest coast of Lombok, the Gili Islands, comprising Gili Trawangan, Gili Air, and Gili Meno, together recorded 773,148 visitors in 2024, an increase of 26% compared to 2019. The destination has strengthened its presence in both regional and international markets, with a growing share of Bali-based visitors including the Gili Islands in their itineraries. Visitors are attracted by the islands’ natural beauty and opportunities for snorkelling and diving, as well as their smaller scale, absence of motorised transport, and less commercialised environment compared to more developed parts of Bali such as Canggu, Ubud, and Kuta.

Gili Trawangan, the largest of the three islands, continues to hold the largest share of tourist arrivals, accounting for 541,199 visitors in 2024, which represents 70% of the total. Gili Air received 25% percent of visitors, while Gili Meno, the smallest and least developed, attracted the remaining 5%. Domestic travellers formed the largest segment with 695,834 arrivals in 2024, a 23% increase compared to pre-pandemic levels, reflecting rising domestic demand.

The hotel market comprises 364 establishments with a total of 4,150 keys. Gili Trawangan holds the largest share, with 166 properties and 2,320 keys, representing 56% of the total supply. Gili Air accounts for 31% of the inventory, while Gili Meno represents the remaining 13%. Most properties are positioned in the economy to midscale segments, consisting largely of guesthouses and small hotels targeting budget and mass tourism markets. Upscale and luxury offerings remain limited. However, projects such as BASK Gili Meno and Cocana Resort on Gili Trawangan reflect growing investor confidence and the expansion of upscale to luxury supply in the Gili Islands.

In 2024, overall hotel market occupancy averaged 42%, an increase of 4.4 percentage points compared to 2023. Hotel occupancy varied by island, with Gili Trawangan recording 47.7%, followed by Gili Air at 41.6% and Gili Meno at 36.9%. International-grade midscale to luxury properties typically achieve higher occupancy levels, with annual occupancy estimated between 50% and 70%. Key international source markets include Australia, the United Kingdom, France, and the United States, with most visitors aged 20 to 40, staying for an average of 2 to 3 nights.

The Gili Islands’ tourism outlook remains positive, underpinned by the continued recovery of regional air traffic and improving connectivity. In 2024, total passenger movements at Denpasar and Lombok International Airports reached 26.3 million, representing a 10% year-on-year increase and only 3% below 2019 levels. Growth in regional air traffic is expected to generate continued spillover benefits for the Gili Islands tourism market. Taking a forward-looking view of the market, the Gili Islands are expected to see continued growth, with the conservation of marine biodiversity and green areas remaining crucial to preserving the destination’s sustainability and long-term appeal.

For more on Lombok, download and read C9 Hotelworks and Horwath HTL’s Lombok Hotel and Branded Residences Market Update 2025 CLICK