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If you’re planning a trip to Indonesia, there’s a good chance the Gili Islands are on your radar—and for good reason. These islands, especially Gili Trawangan, have become a haven for travelers seeking the perfect blend of natural beauty and laid-back vibes. But with Indonesia being a vast archipelago of over 17,000 islands, finding your way to these gems can feel tricky. Don’t worry; we’re here to guide you on the best ways to reach the Gilis from either Bali or Lombok.

Bali to the Gili Islands: Your Ultimate Guide to Gili Trawangan and Beyond

Sunset view over the ocean with boats near the Gili Islands, silhouetted against a colorful sky.

A beautiful sunset on Gili Air with mt Agung in the background

About the Gili Islands
The Gili Islands—Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, and Gili Air—are three idyllic islands off the coast of Lombok, located east of Bali. “Gili” means “island” in the local Sasak language. Each island has its charm. Gili Trawangan is vibrant, Gili Meno is serene, and Gili Air has a balanced, laid-back vibe. Known for white sandy beaches, turquoise waters, and vibrant coral reefs, these islands are a must-visit for anyone exploring Indonesia. Plus, there are no motorized vehicles here. Only bicycles, horses, and horse-drawn carts. It feels like time stands still, as if motorized vehicles haven’t even been invented yet.

Horse-drawn cart on a street in Gili Air with lush greenery in the background

Traditional horse-drawn cart, known as a cidomo, on Gili Air island.

How to Get to the Gili Islands
Since there’s no airport on the Gilis, getting there requires a boat trip. Whether you’re starting from Bali or Lombok, you have several options. Each option varies by budget, schedule, and travel style. Below, we’ll break down the different ways to reach the Gili Islands, so you can choose the best route.

Fast Boat from Bali

Fast boat departing from Bali to the Gili Islands with passengers on board.

Fast boat service from Bali to the Gili Islands, providing a quick and scenic journey across the turquoise waters.

Taking a fast boat is one of the most popular ways to reach the Gili Islands from Bali. Here’s what you need to know:

  • Departure Points: The main departure points in Bali are Padang Bai and Sanur. Each port offers options depending on your location and timing.
  • Travel Time: Fast boats from Padang Bai take around 1.5 to 2 hours to reach the Gilis. From Sanur, the trip takes 2 to 2.5 hours due to the extra distance. Note that the water can sometimes be choppy, so plan accordingly if you’re prone to seasickness.
  • Pricing: Prices generally start around IDR 350,000 to IDR 900,000 one way, depending on the operator and season.
  • Recommended Boats: We offer tickets for several trusted fast boat operators, including Einstein Boat (VIP Class), Gili Gili, Golden Queen, and Semaya (a budget-friendly option). Each operator provides reliable service and various amenities to suit different travel preferences. Check out our booking options here for detailed schedules and prices.

Slow Ferry from Bali (Not Recommended)

If you’re on a tight budget or have extra time, you can take the slow ferry from Bali to Lombok, followed by a short boat ride to the Gilis. However, we don’t recommend this option because the taxi fare in Lombok can end up costing more than the ferry ticket. Still, it can be an option for budget travelers.

  • Route: From Padang Bai, take the slow ferry to Lembar Port in Lombok (about 4-6 hours). Once in Lombok, you’ll need a taxi to Bangsal Port (about 1.5 hours) to catch a public boat to the Gilis.
  • Travel Time: The entire trip can take 10+ hours.
  • Cost: Starts around IDR 55,000 for the ferry, plus IDR 300,000-400,000 for the taxi and IDR 18,000-23,000 for the boat from Bangsal.

Public Boat from Lombok

Public boat Lombok (Bangsal) to the Gilis

Public boat Lombok (Bangsal) to the Gilis on Gili Air port

If you’re already on Lombok, getting to the Gilis is straightforward.

  • Route: Head to Bangsal Port, where public boats regularly depart for each Gili Island.
  • Travel Time: The boat ride from Bangsal to the Gilis takes around 30 minutes.
  • Cost:
    • Gili Air: IDR 18,000
    • Gili Meno: IDR 20,000
    • Gili Trawangan: IDR 23,000
  • Schedule: Public boats don’t have a fixed schedule; they leave once 40 passengers are on board. The first boat usually departs around 7 a.m., with the last one before 5 p.m. [Click here for the public and fast boat schedule].

Speed boats are also available from Bangsal if you want a quicker ride. They cost IDR 90,000 to IDR 125,000 per person, with the last boat usually leaving around 5 p.m.

Private Boat Charter from Bangsal to the Gilis

If you prefer flexibility and privacy, consider a private boat from Bangsal to any of the Gili Islands. Private charters are great if you’re traveling after 5 p.m., when public and speed boats have stopped.

  • Cost: Private charters cost around IDR 300,000 to IDR 500,000.

This option is ideal for groups or those who want a direct, private journey without waiting for scheduled boats.

Flight from Bali to Lombok + Boat

For a quicker journey, you can fly from Bali’s Ngurah Rai Airport to Lombok, followed by a short boat ride to the Gilis.

  • Route: Fly from Bali to Lombok (30 minutes), take a taxi to Bangsal Port (2 hours, from IDR 300,000), then a boat to the Gili Islands.
  • Travel Time: Around 7+ hours, including transfers and waiting time.
  • Cost: Flights start at IDR 800,000.

Additional Tips for Traveling to the Gilis

Packing Suggestions
When traveling to the Gilis, pack a few essentials to make the journey comfortable:

  • Water and Snacks: Boat rides can take longer than expected, so bring water and snacks.
  • Seasickness Tablets: Pack seasickness tablets if you’re sensitive to choppy waters, especially on fast boats.
  • Sunscreen, Hat and Sunglasses:  To enjoy the open air deck while enjoying the view

Booking in Advance
The Gilis are popular, especially during peak season (July-August and December-January). Book boat tickets in advance to ensure a spot. Many operators offer online booking, which saves time and guarantees your preferred schedule.

Safety Tips for Boat Travel

  • Listen to Crew Instructions: Always follow the boat crew’s safety instructions.
  • Life Jackets: Check for life jackets, especially if you’re traveling with kids.
  • Weather Conditions: Keep an eye on the weather, as conditions can change quickly. If the seas look rough, consider waiting for a calmer day.
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