Stay in Gili Trawangan with kids and wondering if it’s worth the hype—or the budget? After two peaceful nights in Sanur, we ferried over to this sandy slice of paradise for the next part of our 18-night Indonesia journey. Our first stop on the island: Jambuluwuk Oceania Resort—and let’s just say, it set the bar high.
As a Kiwi dad traveling with two primary schoolers, here’s my no-fluff take on this family resort. We’ll unpack the highlights, the pain points, and whether this resort was truly worth the splurge.
Booking the Stay: Gili Dreams vs. Budget Reality
- Booked via: Agoda (see how we book smarter using Incognito Mode)
- Room Type: 2 x Standard Double Rooms (2 adults + 2 kids)
- Total Cost: NZD $370.30 for 2 nights (~USD $222)
Our original goal was NZD $100/night max (~USD $60/night), but this came out to ~NZD $185/night (~USD $111/night). We intentionally went over budget here, planning to save elsewhere in Bali. In the end, we didn’t regret it.
💡 Travel Tip: I contacted the resort on WhatsApp to request connecting rooms—a lifesaver for families staying on Gili Trawangan.
Arrival in Gili Trawangan: Cidomo Rides & Quick Check-In
We reached the resort by cidomo (the island’s iconic horse cart), arriving just after 2 PM. Gili Trawangan doesn’t allow motorized vehicles, so all transport is by bike or horse cart. This island-wide policy keeps things peaceful—learn more here.
The staff welcomed us with genuine smiles and offered help with our luggage—a small gesture that made a big first impression. Check-in was slightly busy, but we received our keys quickly. Most importantly, our connecting rooms request had been honored.
Inside Our Rooms: Surprisingly Fresh, Comfortable & Clean
After a string of modest guesthouses, stepping into our room felt like a breath of fresh air. Clean tiles, crisp bedding, and a fresh scent made it clear: these rooms had been refurbished recently.
🔥 Note: Jambuluwuk suffered a fire in July 2022. Based on how new everything looked, the rebuild seems to have been done thoroughly.
What We Loved:
- Proper connecting rooms – ideal for family management
- Spacious enough for four
- Clean bathrooms, working mini-fridge
- Refillable water stations in the resort
Room Downsides:
- Water pressure was weak (especially for a post-beach shower)
- No in-room bottled water—but we appreciated the refill stations for sustainability
Pools at Jambuluwuk: Fun with a Footnote
There are two pools on the property, both with shallow sections for little swimmers:
- Front Pool: Max depth ~1.3m
- Main Pool (inside): Max depth ~1.6m
🚨 Safety Warning: We found broken tile shards in the front pool. My wife and eldest both ended up with small scrapes. We strongly recommend bringing aqua shoes and checking the floor before playtime.
Food & Dining Near the Resort: The Quiet Side of Gili
We booked without breakfast and chose not to eat at the resort’s restaurant. Located in North Gili T, the resort offers a peaceful stay—but with fewer dining spots nearby.
For breakfast and lunch, we grabbed simple bites like beachside pizza and fish & chips. Dinner, however, turned into Dad’s nightly food mission.
🚲 Tip for Parents: Bring or rent a bike. Our youngest’s “How much longer?” loop made evening walks unrealistic, so I picked up takeaway from Sumi Sate both nights. (Delicious and super affordable!)
Facilities & Extras
Here’s what else we used during our stay in Gili Trawangan:
- Beach towels (on request anytime)
- Ping pong & pool table for post-dinner downtime
Would We Stay in Gili Trawangan at Jambuluwuk Again?
Despite the drawbacks—low water pressure, the pool tile issue, and limited dining nearby—we walked away feeling this was a solid choice for families.
Pros:
✅ Recently renovated, clean rooms
✅ Ideal connecting layout for kids
✅ Two pools with toddler sections
✅ Friendly, helpful staff
✅ Water refill stations = less plastic waste
Cons:
❌ Weak water pressure
❌ Safety concern at the pool
❌ Quiet area = limited food options
Final Thoughts: Is This Family Stay in Gili Trawangan Worth It?
Absolutely—if you plan ahead. The quiet location, family-friendly setup, and renovated rooms all worked in our favor. Just pack your aqua shoes, plan for meals, and bring your sense of humor (especially if you’re the designated dinner runner).
Would we return? Yes. But next time, I’m bringing two things: pool shoes… and a portable takeaway bag.
Looking for more honest, family-tested reviews? Follow our travel stories at The Herianian—budget-friendly adventures told from the dad’s side of the passport.