Villa Rika

Gary was an incredible host who made us feel at home from the start. He took time to tell us about the island and recommend restaurants and places to see turtles. He also lent us snorkelling goggles for free, a simple gesture we really appreciated, especially in a place like Gili. We had a great conversation with him and found him really interesting to meet. The spot is very quiet and close to the best turtle viewing places and the center. We would have stayed longer if we hadn't already booked other hotels.

Villa Rika was around 1km from the city center, a long walk, but we didn't mind because we wanted somewhere away from the noise. We stayed as four people in the private villa, which was super clean and comfortable, and the private pool was awesome. Gary and the staff gave us a warm welcome and were all very friendly. Gary also suggested lots of places to eat and spots to spend the day watching turtles. We had an amazing experience and I can only recommend it.

The room is pretty basic and doesn’t come with many extras. The outdoor bathroom can get hot in the afternoon, but for the price it feels like plenty. Gary was the real highlight. He took time to explain Gili T and suggest things to do, and his nearby beach restaurant gives guests free day beds and snorkelling gear. Watching the sunset there was amazing. The place is about a 15-minute walk from the harbour and handy for getting to the island’s highlights. Don’t expect much from the room itself, but the location is worth it at this lower price.

Gary made my time on Gili unforgettable. He welcomed me so warmly, and I’m already hoping to see him again. Villa Rika has a laid-back island feel and a nice pool, but the breakfast was a standout too: fresh juice, fruit, coffee, water, and several mains. I tried every option during my stay and loved them all. Outstanding stay.