The Gili Islands—comprising Gili Trawangan, Gili Air, and Gili Meno—are popular tropical escapes from Bali, offering pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and a laid-back atmosphere. Located just off the coast of Lombok, getting from Bali to the Gili Islands requires a ferry or speedboat ride. This guide covers all transportation options from Bali to the Gili Islands, including travel times, costs, and convenience. Don’t forget, you can easily book your tickets through our online search form at the top of the page.
Overview of Travel Options
Here are the main ways to get from Bali to Gili:
- By Fast Boat: The most direct and popular option.
- By Ferry and Speedboat via Lombok: A budget-friendly and scenic alternative.
- By Flight and Speedboat: The fastest but more expensive option.
Let’s explore each option in detail to help you choose the best way to get from Bali to the Gili Islands.
Timetable
| Taxi Ubud - Gili Trawangan $ 65.25 2h 35m | |
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| Ferry Bali - Gili Islands $ 17.44–53.77 1h 30m – 5h 45m | |
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By Fast Boat: The Most Direct and Popular Option
The fastest and most convenient way to get from Bali to the Gili Islands is by fast boat. Boats depart from several ports in Bali, including Padang Bai, Serangan, and Amed, and head directly to the Gili Islands. Most fast boats stop at Gili Trawangan, Gili Air, and sometimes Gili Meno, making it easy to hop between the islands.
Key Details:
- Departure Points:
- Padang Bai: The most common departure point, located about 1.5 hours from central Bali (e.g., Ubud, Kuta).
- Serangan: Closer to southern Bali (Denpasar, Sanur), but a longer boat ride.
- Amed: Ideal for travelers staying in northeast Bali, with shorter travel times.
- Arrival Points: Boats typically stop at Gili Trawangan, Gili Air, and sometimes Gili Meno.
- Duration:
- From Padang Bai: About 1.5 to 2.5 hours.
- From Serangan: About 2.5 to 3 hours.
- From Amed: About 1.5 hours.
- Price Range: Tickets cost between 300,000 to 600,000 IDR (~$20 to $40 USD), depending on the provider and season.
- Fast Boat Companies: Popular operators include BlueWater Express, Gili Getaway, Semaya One, and Gili Gili Fast Boat.
Pros:
- The fastest and most direct option to reach the Gili Islands.
- Multiple daily departures from various ports in Bali.
- Boats stop at all three Gili Islands, making island-hopping easy.
Cons:
- Travel time can vary depending on sea conditions.
- Fast boats can be bumpy, especially during the wet season.
Onboard Experience:
Fast boats offer comfortable seating and some outdoor deck space to enjoy the views. Free bottled water is often provided, and some operators offer Wi-Fi onboard. Expect a bumpy ride in rough seas, so seasickness medication is recommended if you’re prone to motion sickness.
Booking Tip:
It’s advisable to book fast boat tickets in advance, especially during peak seasons (July to September). Use our online search form to compare schedules and book your seats.
By Ferry and Speedboat via Lombok: The Budget-Friendly and Scenic Alternative
For budget travelers, a combination of ferry and speedboat travel via Lombok is an affordable option. While slower than a direct fast boat, this option allows you to explore Lombok along the way and save money.
Key Details:
- Step 1: Take a public ferry from Padang Bai in Bali to Lembar Port in Lombok.
- Duration: The ferry ride takes about 4 to 5 hours.
- Price: Tickets cost around 40,000 IDR (~$3 USD) for a one-way trip.
- Step 2: Take a speedboat from Bangsal Port in Lombok to the Gili Islands.
- Duration: The speedboat ride takes about 15 to 30 minutes.
- Price: Tickets cost around 50,000 to 100,000 IDR (~$4 to $7 USD).
Pros:
- More affordable than direct fast boats.
- A great way to explore Lombok before heading to the Gili Islands.
- Frequent ferry departures from Bali to Lombok.
Cons:
- Much longer travel time compared to fast boats.
- Requires transfers between the ferry port and speedboat port in Lombok.
Onboard Experience:
The public ferry from Bali to Lombok is basic, with seating areas, food stalls, and restrooms. The journey can be long, so bring snacks, water, and something to keep you entertained. The speedboat from Lombok to the Gili Islands is much quicker, offering a brief but scenic ride.
Booking Tip:
Ferry tickets can be purchased at Padang Bai, but speedboat tickets should be booked in advance, especially during peak seasons. Use our online search form to plan your ferry and speedboat trip.
By Flight and Speedboat: The Fastest but More Expensive Option
For travelers short on time, flying from Bali to Lombok followed by a speedboat ride to the Gili Islands is the quickest option. This method minimizes sea travel and offers a smoother journey.
Key Details:
- Step 1: Take a flight from Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) in Bali to Lombok International Airport (LOP).
- Duration: The flight takes about 30 minutes.
- Price: Tickets typically range from 400,000 to 1,000,000 IDR (~$30 to $70 USD), depending on the airline and booking time.
- Airlines: Garuda Indonesia, Lion Air, and Wings Air offer regular flights between Bali and Lombok.
- Step 2: Take a speedboat from Bangsal Port or Teluk Nara in Lombok to the Gili Islands.
- Duration: The speedboat ride takes about 15 to 30 minutes.
- Price: Speedboat tickets cost around 50,000 to 100,000 IDR (~$4 to $7 USD).
Pros:
- The fastest way to reach the Gili Islands.
- Ideal for travelers who want to minimize sea travel.
- Convenient connections between Lombok Airport and the Gili Islands.
Cons:
- More expensive than direct fast boats.
- Requires additional transfers from Lombok Airport to the port.
Onboard Experience:
The flight between Bali and Lombok is short, with standard seating and limited services. The speedboat ride from Lombok to the Gili Islands is brief and scenic, offering views of the islands as you approach.
Booking Tip:
It’s best to book flights and speedboat tickets in advance, especially during busy travel periods. Use our online search form to find the best flight and speedboat options.
Final Tips for Traveling from Bali to the Gili Islands
- Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit the Gili Islands is during the dry season, from April to October, when the seas are calmer, and the weather is ideal for beach activities and diving.
- Pack Light: There are no cars or motorbikes on the Gili Islands, so be prepared to walk or take a horse-drawn cart. Packing light will make getting around easier.
- Book in Advance: Whether you’re taking a fast boat, ferry, or flight, it’s best to book your tickets in advance, especially during peak travel seasons. Use our online search form at the top of this page to compare all travel options and book your trip from Bali to the Gili Islands.
