Bintang Hostel

Bintang Hostel, this quaint homestay, has no phone, no computer, no fax, and is away from the hustle and bustle of the main street. It is a great place to view the sunset. Although the rooms are on the southwestern part of the island, for the price and friendliness of the owner, it might be worth your walk back from the retaurant section, ten to fifteen minutes in the dark. There are no lamposts (or any lights for that matter) to guide you back to the cottage. However should you just wish for a place to sleep after dark and a nice homemade banana pancake breakfast with fruit and tea in the morning, than the Bintang Hostel is worth a look. There is also public transportation which can take you back, a cidemo (horse pulling a cart which you sit in), beware that prices are high and they stop driving them around ten p.m., however you can maybe finagle one later.

From the "harbor" where they drop you off (literally drop you off in the water), walk straight up from the beach and turn left. Follow the only road on the island for about ten to fifteen minutes walk. The Bintang is located on the southwestern part of the island with all lumbung-style red-tiled roofs. Only during sunset can you view the volcano on Bali from Gili Trawangan, and it is a sight that you must see.

There were not many guests to meet, however the island is small and there are plenty of backpackers and locals to chat with. The hostel does have a sitting area at the beach across from the cottages and a restaurant on the grounds so should it be busy, there are plenty of places to lounge.

The rooms are nothing fancy but a bed with mosquito net. The small bathroom area includes a toilet and a large sink filled with saltwater (most places use salt water) and a bucket to shower. The rooms are basic and should you wish to seek a clean and comfortable place to lounge out for the night, this would not be where to go. However should you wish for a cheap place to sleep, the Bintang away from the main center under the dark sky of stars is recommendable.

-- Exclusive Hostelz.com Review