How Much Does Gili Meno Cost? Full 2026 Budget Breakdown
How much does Gili Meno cost? It’s one of the most common questions people ask before visiting this quiet Indonesian island — and the answer isn’t as simple as “cheap” or “expensive.”
Gili Meno is often seen as the most peaceful and untouched of the Gili Islands, but prices here can vary massively depending on how you travel. From budget beach huts and local warungs to boutique beachfront villas and private snorkelling trips, your daily spend can look completely different from someone else’s.
In this guide, I’m breaking down exactly how much Gili Meno costs in 2026 — including transport, hotels, food, and activities — so you know what to realistically expect before you go.
Unlike a lot of generic travel guides, this is one of the most up-to-date and accurate breakdowns available, combining current prices with real on-the-ground insight. Whether you’re travelling on a tight budget or planning a more relaxed island escape, this guide will help you understand exactly where your money goes in Gili Meno.
At a glance
ATM on the island: There is only one, next to the ferry terminal
My return fast boat cost: £53
My hotel cost: £70 per night at Gili Meno Escape
Budget hotel range: You can go lower than £20 per night
My horse cart ride: IDR 150,000 to reach my hotel in the middle of the island
Gili Meno Costs at a Glance
- Budget stay: around IDR 260,000–620,000 per day
- Mid-range stay: around IDR 750,000–2,000,000 per day
- Higher-end stay: around IDR 1,900,000–4,100,000+ per day
- Cheapest meals: local warungs from around IDR 30,000
- Biggest costs: transport to the island and accommodation
Top tips and things to know before visiting Gili Meno
There are a few things about Gili Meno that aren’t always clear when you’re planning your trip — especially when it comes to money and day-to-day logistics.
One of the biggest areas of confusion is ATMs. I saw a lot of conflicting information online before visiting, but from my experience, I can say for certain that there is only one ATM on the island, and it’s located right next to the ferry terminal. It’s very easy to find as it’s basically at the main arrival point.
While it’s convenient, I wouldn’t rely on it too much. The withdrawal limit is IDR 2,000,000 (~£100 / ~$125) per transaction, which is reasonable, but availability is the real issue. I used it twice without any problems, but when I tried a third time, the machine had already run out of cash.
That’s something worth keeping in mind, especially during busier periods when more people are using it.
Another thing that surprised me was how widely card payments were accepted. Despite some places advertising “cash only,” I was actually able to pay for every meal with my card during my stay. For restaurants and cafés, you’ll likely be fine most of the time.
However, that doesn’t mean you can rely entirely on card. For things like activities booked in person, smaller services, or anything more informal, you’ll still need cash. If you’re not booking things online in advance, having cash on you becomes essential.
Overall, the safest option is to bring enough cash with you from Bali or Lombok, rather than depending on the ATM once you arrive. It works when it’s stocked, but it’s not something you want to rely on completely.
Useful tip: If you are still planning your route to the island, read my full Bali to the Gili Islands transport guide.
How much does it cost to get to Gili Meno?
Getting to Gili Meno is not as cheap as you might expect, especially if you’re travelling from Bali. While the island itself can be fairly affordable, transport costs can quickly add up depending on how you choose to get there.
Most travellers take a fast boat from Bali, typically departing from Padang Bai. I would personally recommend this option as it is the most convenient. If you’re coming from Lombok, then congratulations — the journey is a lot quicker and cheaper.
Fast boat from Bali
This is the same general Bali route I would recommend most people look at first when travelling to the Gili Islands.
Check Bali fast boat
Private speedboat from Lombok
If you are already in Lombok, this kind of speedboat transfer is a faster and easier option to compare.
Check Lombok transfer
My experience with fast boats from Bali
Personally, I paid £53 (~$67 / ~IDR 1,060,000) for a return journey with Ekajaya Fast Boat, although I didn’t actually return with this company — you can read about that drama here.
I also booked a one-way journey with Gili Gili Fast Boat via giliferries.com for £33 (~$42 / ~IDR 660,000). However, this journey didn’t take place. Not long after taking my payment, they changed the departure time and moved me onto a cheaper boat service. At the time of writing, I’m still waiting for a refund.
Based on my experience, I would strongly recommend avoiding this company.
Extra costs to be aware of
The following information was provided during the booking process with Gili Gili Fast Boat. While I don’t recommend booking with them, these extra charges are relevant for most fast boat transfers to the Gili Islands.
- Surfboards: Additional fee from IDR 100,000 (~£5 / ~$6.30) per board, per journey (cash only at check-in)
- Extra luggage: Additional fee from IDR 50,000 (~£2.50 / ~$3.15) per item, per journey (cash only at check-in)
Harbour tax and entrance fees
These fees are not included in your boat ticket and are collected separately by harbour officials on departure and arrival. Prices can change without notice.
- Departure: Padang Bai IDR 10,000, Gili Trawangan IDR 20,000, Gili Meno IDR 20,000, Gili Air IDR 20,000, Bangsal IDR 10,000
- Arrival: Padang Bai free, Gili Trawangan IDR 20,000, Gili Meno IDR 20,000, Gili Air IDR 20,000, Bangsal free
Important travel warning: To avoid missing connecting flights, it’s highly recommended to schedule your return trip from Lombok or the Gili Islands at least 1–2 days before your flight departure. Delays, cancellations, and schedule changes are not uncommon.
How much does food cost in Gili Meno?
Food in Gili Meno is one of the areas where you can control your budget the most. Prices vary depending on where you eat, from cheap local warungs to more polished beachfront restaurants and cocktail bars.
Based on real menus from places like New Sasak Cafe, Pomona, and a local warung, here’s what you can realistically expect to pay.
Local warungs (cheapest option)
Local warungs are by far the cheapest places to eat on the island.
- Nasi goreng (fried rice): IDR 30,000–45,000 (~£1.50–£2.30 / ~$1.90–$2.80)
- Fried noodles: IDR 30,000–45,000 (~£1.50–£2.30 / ~$1.90–$2.80)
- Chicken or fish dishes: IDR 40,000–65,000 (~£2–£3.30 / ~$2.50–$4.10)
- Satay: IDR 55,000 (~£2.80 / ~$3.50)
These are proper local prices and easily the best way to keep your daily budget low.
The menu did say cash only, but during my time in Gili Meno I was actually able to pay for every meal with my card.
Mid-range restaurants (most common)
Places like New Sasak Cafe sit in the middle. They offer a nicer setting and bigger portions, but are still fairly reasonable.
- Fried rice or noodles: IDR 80,000–90,000 (~£4–£4.50 / ~$5–$5.70)
- Chicken or beef dishes: IDR 90,000 (~£4.50 / ~$5.70)
- Seafood curry: IDR 90,000 (~£4.50 / ~$5.70)
- Fish, chicken or squid: IDR 120,000 (~£6 / ~$7.60)
- Mixed seafood: IDR 200,000 (~£10 / ~$12.70)
This is where most travellers will end up eating, as it offers a good balance between price and quality.
Drinks and cocktails
At places like Pomona, drink prices are noticeably higher than food.
- Cocktails: IDR 130,000–150,000 (~£6.50–£7.50 / ~$8–$9.50)
- Sangria (jug): IDR 295,000 (~£15 / ~$18.70)
Drinks are often the most expensive part of eating out, especially if you’re having a few each night.
My real experience eating in Gili Meno
From my own experience, I found food in Gili Meno to be excellent value for money, especially compared to what you might expect from a small island.
Lunch for two at The Beach House Gili Meno cost £16 (~$20 / ~IDR 320,000).
Dinner for two, including pizzas and a few drinks, cost £22 (~$28 / ~IDR 440,000).
Another dinner at The Beach House Gili Meno came to £19 (~$24 / ~IDR 380,000).
In my opinion, this is fantastic value, especially considering that each meal included more than one drink and a dessert. This gives a very realistic idea of what a typical mid-range dining experience actually costs on the island.
What you’ll actually spend per meal
- Budget (warung): IDR 30,000–60,000 (~£1.50–£3 / ~$2–$4)
- Mid-range restaurant: IDR 80,000–120,000 (~£4–£6 / ~$5–$7.50)
- Meal with drinks: IDR 150,000–300,000+ (~£7.50–£15+ / ~$9–$19+)
How much do hotels cost in Gili Meno?
Accommodation in Gili Meno is where your budget can vary the most. The island has everything from very basic beach huts to boutique resorts and private villas, so what you spend per night really depends on your travel style.
Compared to Bali, prices are slightly higher for what you get, mainly because Gili Meno is smaller, quieter, and less developed. That said, it’s still very possible to find good value.
Budget accommodation
At the lower end, you’ll find simple guesthouses and basic bungalows.
- Price: IDR 200,000–400,000 (~£10–£20 / ~$13–$25 per night)
- Fan rooms or basic air conditioning
- Simple bathrooms
- Limited facilities
They’re a good option if you’re travelling on a tight budget and don’t mind keeping things basic.
Mid-range hotels
This is where most travellers will end up, and where Gili Meno offers the best balance between comfort and price.
- Price: IDR 500,000–1,200,000 (~£25–£60 / ~$32–$75 per night)
- Air conditioning
- Pool access (often)
- Better location, sometimes beachfront
- More modern rooms
My experience staying in Gili Meno
Personally, I paid £70 per night (~$88 / ~IDR 1,400,000) to stay at Gili Meno Escape, and it was a fantastic hotel.
For that price, the quality was noticeably higher than standard mid-range options, and it felt much more like a boutique stay. If you’re looking for something a bit nicer without going full luxury, this kind of price point offers excellent value on the island.
Higher-end and boutique stays
Gili Meno has a growing number of more premium hotels and private villas.
- Price: IDR 1,200,000–3,000,000+ (~£60–£150+ / ~$75–$190+ per night)
- Private villas or larger rooms
- Swimming pools or direct beach access
- More polished service and design
This is where Gili Meno starts to feel more like a quiet luxury island rather than a budget destination.
What you’ll realistically spend
- Budget: £10–£25 per night
- Mid-range: £25–£70 per night
- Higher-end: £70–£150+ per night
How much do horse and carts cost in Gili Meno?
Since there are no cars or motorbikes on Gili Meno, the main form of transport (other than walking or cycling) is the traditional horse and cart, known locally as a cidomo.
Prices aren’t fixed, so what you pay can vary depending on distance, time of day, and how busy the island is.
From what I saw and experienced, a typical journey costs:
- Short ride (around the island / nearby hotel): IDR 100,000–150,000 (~£5–£7.50 / ~$6–$9.50)
- Longer ride (across the island): IDR 150,000–200,000 (~£7.50–£10 / ~$9.50–$12.50)
Most rides are negotiated on the spot, so it’s always worth agreeing on a price before getting in.
In reality, Gili Meno is small enough that you can walk almost everywhere, especially if you’re travelling light. The horse and carts are most useful when you’re arriving or leaving with luggage, or if your accommodation is further away from the harbour.
My real price: I paid IDR 150,000 for my horse and cart journey to my hotel in the middle of the island.
Average daily cost in Gili Meno
So, how much does a typical day in Gili Meno actually cost?
Based on real prices across accommodation, food, and activities, most travellers will fall into one of these three ranges.
Budget traveller
If you’re staying in a basic guesthouse, eating mostly at local warungs, and keeping activities minimal:
- Accommodation: IDR 200,000–400,000
- Food: IDR 60,000–120,000
- Activities / extras: IDR 0–100,000
- Total per day: IDR 260,000–620,000 (~£13–£31 / ~$16–$39)
This is very doable if you’re keeping things simple.
Mid-range traveller
This is where most people will land — a decent hotel, eating at restaurants, and doing a few activities.
- Accommodation: IDR 500,000–1,400,000
- Food: IDR 150,000–300,000
- Activities / transport: IDR 100,000–300,000
- Total per day: IDR 750,000–2,000,000 (~£38–£100 / ~$47–$125)
This matches pretty closely with my own experience on the island.
Higher-end traveller
If you’re staying somewhere nicer, eating out with drinks, and booking tours:
- Accommodation: IDR 1,400,000–3,000,000+
- Food & drinks: IDR 300,000–600,000
- Activities / extras: IDR 200,000–500,000
- Total per day: IDR 1,900,000–4,100,000+ (~£95–£205+ / ~$120–$260+)
What this means in reality
For most travellers, a realistic daily budget is around:
£40–£100 per day (~$50–$125 / ~IDR 800,000–2,000,000)
This gives you a comfortable hotel, meals at good restaurants, drinks and a few activities.
FAQ
Is Gili Meno cheap or expensive?
It depends on your travel style. Gili Meno can be done on a budget, but transport and accommodation are what usually push costs up the most.
How much does a hotel cost in Gili Meno?
Budget places can start around IDR 200,000–400,000 per night, while more comfortable mid-range stays are usually around IDR 500,000–1,200,000. Boutique stays can be significantly higher.
How much is food in Gili Meno?
Warung meals can start from around IDR 30,000, while typical mid-range restaurant meals are more like IDR 80,000–120,000. Drinks can raise the total quickly.
Is there an ATM on Gili Meno?
Yes, but from my experience there is only one ATM on the island, located next to the ferry terminal.
Can you pay by card in Gili Meno?
For meals, I was able to pay by card every time during my trip, even in places that said cash only. But for activities and smaller informal payments, cash is still important.
How much does transport on the island cost?
Horse and cart rides are usually around IDR 100,000–200,000 depending on distance, luggage and negotiation.
Final thoughts
Gili Meno can be done on a budget, but it’s not as cheap as some parts of Bali. Accommodation and activities are what push costs up, while food can still be very affordable.
The biggest factor is how you choose to travel — keep it simple and it’s cheap, add comfort and experiences, and the cost rises quickly.
