Ever dreamt of that perfect island getaway with the fam – private space, a kid-friendly pool, and a price tag that makes you smile? Well, your search might just be over! I’ve just returned from a full 7-night adventure at Cinta Cottage on Gili Trawangan, and I’m ready to spill all the deets on why this could be the spot for your tribe’s next island escape!
Did you know Gili Trawangan is famed for its complete absence of motorized vehicles? That’s right – it’s all bicycles and horse-drawn carts (cidomos), making it incredibly peaceful and safe for kids to explore! Plus, with the Gili Islands attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors annually (many of them families!), finding the right stay is key.
So, grab a coconut (or your beverage of choice), and let’s dive into this detailed look at one of Gili T’s promising stays!
Location, Location, Location! Finding Our Gili Bearings
Cinta Cottage is nestled on the northeast side of Gili Trawangan (Jalan Kelapa, if you’re map-savvy!). This was a sweet spot – tucked away enough for peace but super accessible. Getting to Gili Trawangan itself is an adventure, and figuring out the best way with kids can be tricky. We’ve shared our full Bali to Gili with Kids: Booking a Fast Boat with Komang & Wahana Virendra (2025 Family Review) which might help, and we also put together a comprehensive Bali to Gili Trawangan: Your Easy Guide to Booking a Boat to Gili Islands – Deals, Tips and My Story to cover all bases! You can also check schedules directly with Wahana Virendra for up-to-date boat timings.
- A quick bike ride from the buzzing east coast beaches, cafes, and restaurants.
- Turtle Point (East): 8 min walk / 4 min bike
- Turtle Point (North): 16 min walk / 8 min bike
- Ferry Terminal: 15 min walk / 8 min bike
- Rabbit Jump (West for sunset!): 18 min walk / 9 min bike
Basically, everything was within easy reach from this convenient location, especially on our trusty rental bikes (a Gili T MUST!).
The All-Important Price Tag & Who Fits In This Gili Gem
Okay, let’s talk value for your Gili accommodation budget! We snagged Cinta Cottage for roughly $35-40 USD for our family of four.
- The Setup: One king-sized bed + a sofa bed.
- Perfect For: 3 adults, OR a couple with two kids (we had one older elementary and one younger, and it was comfy!).
Finding a private villa for four at this price on Gili Trawangan can feel like mission impossible! Many places hike up their prices astronomically once you select more than 2 people, or simply say “no rooms available.” So, this was a major win in our search for a suitable Gili Trawangan stay. (If you’re weighing up options for where to stay with family, you might also want to check out our review of Family Stay in Gili Trawangan: Honest Review of Jambuluwuk Oceania Resort (2025 Guide), for comparison).
Our Private Little Kingdom: The Villa & That Bed!
Stepping into Cinta Cottage felt like discovering our own little compound – a real gem. It’s a standalone villa with its own yard and a cute little pool.
- The Bed Situation: The king-sized bed was HUGE (about 200cm wide), easily fitting one adult and our two little starfish. The sofa bed handled the other adult just fine.
- The Vibe: Think traditional Indonesian villa charm, not sleek modern minimalism. It has character, which we loved as part of the experience. If you’re super sensitive to older fixtures or need everything sparkling new, this might not be your jam. For us, it was perfect!
Outdoor Living – Where We Actually Lived
This is where Cinta Cottage truly shines as a family-friendly Gili accommodation:
- The Space: A generous outdoor area with an outdoor sofa, sunbeds, and a dining set. Perfect for lazy breakfasts or chilling after a beach day.
- Kitchenette (Sort Of): No outdoor stove or microwave, but the fridge was bigger than your average hotel mini-fridge and kept everything super cold (hello, cold Bintangs and juice boxes!).
- Practical Perks: Plenty of space to dry swimwear and towels, and we could easily park our four bikes.
- Wildlife Watch: The kids were THRILLED by the frequent visits from lizards and friendly cats!(Just a heads up: don’t leave sweet food out, or the ants will throw a party!)
The “Small” Pool: Kid-Approved Paradise!
Okay, the pool isn’t Olympic-sized (it’s about 2m in diameter and 130cm deep), but don’t let that fool you! I initially thought it might be jacuzzi-sized, but it was more than enough for our kids to splash around in for hours.
It became our daily ritual: come back from an outing, and PLUNGE! A fantastic alternative to a full shower after a sandy beach session.
Inside Scoop: Room Comforts & Quirks
- The Room: Spacious with a lovely high ceiling.
- Bathroom: A practical setup with two sinks in the middle, a shower stall on one side, and the toilet on the other.
- Air Con: Two units! They worked well, keeping us comfortable without turning us into popsicles.
- TV: A bit on the small side, and we didn’t really use the Google TV. BUT, it had an HDMI port, so our Nintendo Switch was a go – lifesaver for some evening downtime!
- Desk/Chair: Handy for quick laptop tasks.
- Wi-Fi: A few dropouts here and there, but generally reliable enough for basic needs at our Gili accommodation.
Service with a Smile & Island Life
- The Staff: Super friendly! Their English wasn’t perfect, but communication was never an issue, and they were always helpful with our Gili accommodation needs.
- Cleanliness: Request cleaning, and they’d tidy up beautifully and swap out towels. They even cleaned the pool when we asked while we were out!
- Island Sounds: You can hear the call to prayer, but it was never disruptive – just part of the Gili T soundscape you expect from your Gili accommodation.
- Kid-Approved Eats Nearby: The kids’ absolute FAVORITE pizza place, ‘My House,’ was right next door! Talk about convenience! 🍕
The One Teeny, Tiny Downside…
If I had to pick something about this otherwise great little cottage, it would be the water pressure in the shower. It was more of a gentle stream than a power wash. But hey, you’re on a small island – it was manageable!
The Herinian Verdict: Is Cinta Cottage Your Ideal Gili T Family Base?
Let’s be real: finding budget-friendly Gili accommodation that’s also a private villa for a family of four can feel like searching for a unicorn. Many Gili accommodation choices are either too small, too pricey, or lack that private feel.
Cinta Cottage isn’t about five-star luxury or ultra-modern design. What it does offer is **incredible value, ample space, that glorious private (kid-sized) pool, and a fantastic location, making it a standout choice for family Gili accommodation. The fact that we initially booked for 4 nights and then happily extended for another 3 (directly with reception, at Agoda-level prices with card payment and no extra fees!) speaks volumes about this particular Gili accommodation.
If you’re a practical family looking for a comfortable, private, and well-located base to explore the magic of Gili Trawangan without emptying your wallet, Cinta Cottage is a resounding YES from this Herinian family as a top Gili accommodation pick!
Your Cinta Cottage Questions Answered (FAQ!)
We figured you might have a few more questions, so here are some quick answers based on our stay!
- Q1: Is Cinta Cottage suitable for very young children or toddlers?
- A: While the private yard is great, the pool isn’t fenced, so constant supervision would be essential for toddlers. The rustic charm might also mean some uneven surfaces. For slightly older kids who are confident around water (with supervision!), it’s fantastic.
- Q2: How far is the nearest good swimming beach from Cinta Cottage?
- A: The east coast beaches, known for calmer waters ideal for swimming and spotting turtles, are just a 4-5 minute bike ride away. We loved heading to the area near Turtle Point.
- Q3: What’s the easiest way to get to Cinta Cottage from the ferry terminal with luggage and kids?
- A: Definitely a cidomo (horse cart)! It’s part of the Gili experience. Negotiate the price beforehand (it shouldn’t be too much for the short distance). Trying to walk with luggage and tired kids after a boat trip isn’t ideal.
- Q4: Are there other good family-friendly restaurants nearby, besides ‘My House’ pizza?
- A: Yes! The main strip on the east coast (a short bike ride) has tons of options, from fresh seafood BBQs to Indonesian warungs and Western cafes. We found many places happy to cater to kids.
- Q5: What are some must-do family activities on Gili T, besides the pool at Cinta Cottage?
- A: Snorkeling (you can rent gear easily!), glass-bottom boat trips, cycling around the island (it takes about 1-2 hours at a leisurely pace), building sandcastles, and enjoying the sunset swings on the west coast are all big hits with families!
Herinian’s Hot Tips for Your Cinta Cottage Stay:
- Embrace Bike Life: Rent bikes as soon as you arrive!
- Ant Alert: Keep food sealed, especially sweets.
- Manage Expectations: It’s charmingly rustic, not brand-new luxury.
- Book Smart: For the best deals on Gili accommodation like Cinta Cottage, compare platforms but also check direct booking options, especially for extensions.
- Pizza Night is a Must: ‘My House’ next door is a kid-pleaser.
So, what do you think? Has Cinta Cottage made it onto your Gili accommodation wishlist? What are your must-haves when looking for Gili accommodation for your family, especially on Gili Trawangan? Share your thoughts and questions in the comments below – I’d love to chat!