🇮🇩 Indonesia Bali & Gili Trawangan
20230401-20230407
A Private Oasis Among Accommodations in Gili Trawangan
Gili Trawangan is a small island, and perhaps because of its size, you won’t find large-scale resorts or well-known brand hotels here. While there are a few 5-star options, they’re not what you might typically imagine. Most accommodation in Gili Trawangan are 3 to 4-star stays, with a variety of guesthouses and Airbnb options available. My trip to Bali & Gili Trawangan in 2023 was a belated honeymoon, delayed due to the pandemic, so I wanted to stay in the best possible place.
After thorough research, I found Insana Villa, one of the top accommodation in Gili Trawangan, where I stayed for two nights. It was so satisfying that I even considered canceling the rest of my Bali trip to extend my stay here.
Arrival and First Impressions
Upon arrival, I met the host at the villa to check in and receive the room key. We were welcomed with a refreshing coconut drink and introduced to Atun, the housekeeper who would take care of us during our stay. Atun prepared our daily breakfast, and we could choose our preferred menu from a provided list.
After the host left, my husband and I explored the villa. Insana Villa is a small villa with a maximum capacity of four people, but it’s surprisingly spacious. There are two bedrooms; the main bedroom we used was incredibly large with high ceilings, giving it a grand feel despite being a wooden structure. The floor-to-ceiling windows provided excellent natural light and views of the lush green garden. The main bathroom connected to the bedroom had an indoor bathtub and an outdoor rain shower. Basic amenities were provided, but I used my own products.
The second bedroom was smaller and cozier, with a convenient indoor shower. The beds were king and queen-sized, making it comfortable for a family of four or a group of friends. While it was just the two of us, the villa felt a bit too large, and I thought it would be perfect to bring children or friends next time.
Living Spaces and Amenities
The villa’s roof connects all spaces, but the layout is divided into two buildings: one with the two bedrooms and another with the living room, kitchen, and dining area. The living spaces are spacious with high ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows, creating an open and airy atmosphere. We spent most of our time in the living room, lounging on the comfortable sofa. The only downside was the indirect lighting, which might be inconvenient for those with night blindness.
The kitchen was well-equipped with an oven, gas stove, microwave, and various cooking utensils, but we didn’t use it much since there were plenty of dining options nearby, and breakfast was prepared for us. Families with babies or those who prefer cooking might find it useful.
One of my favorite features was the mini-bar fridge. My husband and I enjoy ending our day with a beer and snacks in our accommodation. The mini-bar was stocked with drinks at convenience store prices, which was a pleasant surprise. We could enjoy Indonesia’s famous Bintang beer without the hassle of buying it elsewhere. The villa also offered various paid services like snorkeling tours, trips to other Gili islands, boat reservations to Lombok or Bali, and even babysitting services. The host was always available to assist with any needs, like helping us find motion sickness pills for our speedboat ride to Bali.
Dining and Pool Area
The dining area connects to the outdoor pool, which is quite large for a villa accommodating up to four people. The pool, about 1.5 meters deep, is surrounded by beautifully maintained trees and flowers, creating a serene atmosphere. The water was slightly salty, likely due to the island’s use of seawater, and there were some leaves and sand at the bottom, but it didn’t bother me. However, snorkeling at Gili Trawangan’s turtle point was far more exciting than swimming in the villa’s pool.
A Wonderful Breakfast
After a peaceful day, we had breakfast the next morning. We had pre-selected our menu and preferred time, but there was a slight delay as Atun arrived a bit late. The breakfast spread was colorful and abundant, with bread, butter, jam, coffee, tea, and fresh fruit juice (options included watermelon, banana, pineapple, papaya, ABC juice, and green juice). The main dishes included egg dishes, granola smoothie bowls, banana cinnamon porridge, granola fruit yogurt, nasi goreng, and pancakes. We chose pancakes, nasi goreng, watermelon juice, and papaya juice.
The portion was generous, easily enough for two. The bread, coffee, and tea were good, and the nasi goreng was as expected. The pancakes were average, and the egg dishes the next day were visually different from what we imagined. While the food wasn’t gourmet, it was satisfying. The fruit platter was impressive but not very sweet, which seemed to be a common issue in Indonesia during our visit.
The wooden villa, with its bright natural light and views of the green garden and pool, provided a peaceful escape from the noisy city life. It felt like a second honeymoon, even years after our wedding.
Final Thoughts
One of my initial concerns about staying on Gili Trawangan was insects, given the warm and humid climate. However, during our two-night stay, we hardly saw any bugs. The villa was well-maintained, and we only encountered a large grasshopper in the living room and a spider in the bedroom. The overall cleanliness and comfort were excellent.
Insana Villa is a private, standalone villa available only to its guests, located in the northeastern part of Gili Trawangan. It’s set slightly inland, away from the bustling edges of the island, making it perfect for a quiet and private stay. The villa’s secluded atmosphere was exactly what I was looking for in accommodation in Gili Trawangan. It’s about a 10-15 minute walk to the outer areas of the island where most restaurants are located, and the snorkeling turtle point is easily accessible to the east. The villa even provides free bicycles, making it quicker to get around. I enjoyed leisurely 20-minute walks, though the lack of streetlights meant I had to use my phone flashlight at night.
The lack of high-end accommodation in Gili Trawangan wasn’t an issue for us, thanks to Insana Villa. This private pool villa offered a unique blend of Airbnb-style lodging with hotel-like services, making our stay incredibly satisfying. Gili Trawangan is more about relaxation than sightseeing, and having a comfortable place to stay is crucial. Insana Villa exceeded our expectations, and I even found myself researching land prices on the island. If I could, I’d build a similar villa and visit regularly. I would definitely return to Insana Villa and highly recommend it to anyone visiting Gili Trawangan, especially small families or groups of friends looking for the perfect accommodation in Gili Trawangan.
