When I first visited the Gili Islands, I assumed the beautiful beachfront lounges I saw—white umbrellas, infinity pools, cocktails served in coconuts—were strictly for resort guests. It turns out, that’s not the case at all.
One of the best things about Gili Trawangan, Gili Air, and Gili Meno is how open and welcoming their beach clubs are. You don’t need to be staying at a fancy resort to swim in their pool, stretch out on a beanbag, or enjoy a sunset cocktail.
For a solo traveller like me, that freedom makes the islands even more special.
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You Don’t Have to Stay to Indulge
Most beaches on the Gilis are lined with small resorts that blur the line between hotel guest and day visitor. Wander along the sand, and you’ll see open-air lounges, cushions under palm trees, and tables sitting right on the shoreline.
Nearly every one of them welcomes walk-ins.
All you usually need to do is order a drink or a bite to eat, and you can enjoy the same pool, beach access, sun loungers, and atmosphere that hotel guests do. There’s no need to flash a room key or explain where you’re staying—just bring your towel, sunscreen, and a relaxed attitude.
Even better? On most of the Gilis, there’s no minimum spend required.
Luxe Vibes Without the Luxe Price
As someone who often books modest guesthouses or homestays (partly for the character, partly for the budget), I love using beach clubs as my “luxury top-up.”
Think of it this way:
- You sleep in a comfortable local bungalow for IDR 400,000 a night (~AUD $40)
- Then spend your afternoon at a stylish beach club with views, cocktails, and soft music—without paying resort prices.
For the cost of a smoothie or a light lunch, suddenly your day feels a lot more upmarket. The sunbeds are plush, the service warm, and you get to dip into an infinity pool that overlooks one of the prettiest coastlines in Indonesia.
It’s a win-win.
A Place to Meet People
Beach clubs on the Gilis are also sociable in that easygoing, barefoot kind of way.
As a solo traveller, I often found it’s where conversation flows most naturally. You might start by borrowing sunscreen from the person at the next lounger and end up watching sunset drinks together.
Some of the most interesting people I met on Gili Air weren’t in hostels or tours — they were reading books beside me at Mowie’s on the Beach or sipping coffee at PinkCoco Gili Air
There’s no neon nightlife required — just good energy and soft reggae playing from somewhere nearby.
No Rules, Just Island Etiquette
Because the islands are small and community-driven, most places operate on trust and friendliness rather than strict policies.
You can wander into a beach club for a few hours, use the facilities, meet people, swim, and leave with nothing more than a heartfelt “terima kasih” (thank you) and a small bill for your smoothie bowl.
Just be mindful of that island etiquette:
- Don’t monopolize sunbeds if you don’t plan to order.
- Ask politely before using the pool.
- Always greet staff — smiles go a long way on small islands.
Beach Clubs on Gili Air to Try
Gili Air Lagoon: A popular spot to spend the day, featuring a pool and a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.
Gili Air Lagoon Resort’s menu offers a mix of Western and local options, featuring breakfast items like pancakes, toast, and eggs, alongside a poolside bar serving cocktails.
Scallywags Beach Club: Features a restaurant with daily barbecues and a swimming pool.
Scallywags Beach Club offers relaxing sun loungers, clean beach towels, fresh water shower, refreshing cocktails, a beautiful beach and stunning cool blue water.
Click here for the menu
Sunrise Gili Air: A relaxing, rustic beachfront resort and club on Gili Air’s east coast, renowned for its excellent on-site snorkeling, and two natural stone pools. The venue features a bar/restaurant serving international, Indonesian, and seafood dishes, with free sun loungers for guests, making it ideal for sunrises
Bahia Gili Air: Designed as an open space that flows with island life. Wooden tables, woven shades, handmade details, and soft lines create a setting that feels relaxed and easy to settle into
As the day fades, music drifts across the shoreline, cocktails flow, and the stars appear.