Gili Trawangan, the largest of the Gili Islands, is a tropical paradise known for its white sand beaches, vibrant nightlife, and incredible diving spots. Located off the northwest coast of Lombok, Gili Trawangan is only accessible by boat from Bali or Lombok. This guide covers all transportation options for getting from Bali to Gili Trawangan, 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 Trawangan:
- By Fast Boat: The most popular and direct option.
- By Flight and Ferry: A quicker but more expensive alternative.
- By Public Ferry and Local Boat: The cheapest but slowest method.
Let’s explore each option in detail to help you choose the best way to travel from Bali to Gili Trawangan.
Timetable
| Taxi Ubud - Gili Trawangan $ 67.51 2h 35m | |
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| Ferry Bali - Gili Trawangan $ 18.38–31.81 2h – 4h | |
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By Fast Boat: The Most Popular and Direct Option
Taking a fast boat is the most common and convenient way to travel from Bali to Gili Trawangan. Boats depart from several locations in Bali, with the journey across the sea taking around 1.5 to 2.5 hours, depending on the departure point.
Key Details:
- Departure Points:
- Padang Bai (most popular and recommended)
- Serangan (closer to Denpasar and the airport)
- Sanur (limited services)
- Amed (shortest route, but fewer departures)
- Arrival Point: Gili Trawangan main pier.
- Duration: 1.5 to 2.5 hours, depending on sea conditions and departure point.
- Price: 350,000 to 650,000 IDR (~$22 to $45 USD), depending on the operator and season.
- Fast Boat Operators:
- Gili Getaway (premium service from Serangan)
- BlueWater Express (comfortable and reliable)
- Eka Jaya (budget-friendly with large boats)
- Golden Queen (departs from Padang Bai and Serangan)
Pros:
- The fastest direct option from Bali to Gili Trawangan.
- Multiple daily departures with flexible timing.
- Comfortable seating and onboard facilities.
Cons:
- The sea can be rough, especially during the rainy season.
- Some boats may experience delays due to weather conditions.
- Luggage restrictions apply on some operators.
Booking Tip:
Fast boats can fill up quickly during peak travel seasons. It’s best to book your fast boat tickets in advance. Use our online search form to compare schedules and prices.
By Flight and Ferry: A Faster but More Expensive Alternative
If you prefer a smoother ride, you can fly from Bali to Lombok and take a speedboat from Lombok to Gili Trawangan. While this option involves multiple transfers, it avoids the sometimes rough seas between Bali and the Gili Islands.
Key Details:
- Step 1: Fly from Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) in Bali to Lombok International Airport (LOP).
- Flight Duration: ~40 minutes.
- Price: 500,000 to 1,500,000 IDR (~$30 to $95 USD).
- Airlines: Garuda Indonesia, Wings Air, and Lion Air operate frequent flights.
- Step 2: Take a taxi or shuttle from Lombok Airport to Bangsal Harbor.
- Duration: 1.5 to 2 hours by taxi.
- Price: 200,000 to 400,000 IDR (~$13 to $26 USD).
- Step 3: Take a public ferry or speedboat from Bangsal Harbor to Gili Trawangan.
- Duration: 15 to 30 minutes.
- Price: 85,000 to 200,000 IDR (~$6 to $13 USD).
Pros:
- Avoids potential rough seas during the fast boat ride.
- More reliable schedule compared to fast boats.
- Suitable for those prone to seasickness.
Cons:
- More expensive than taking a direct fast boat.
- Requires multiple transfers (flight, taxi, and boat).
- Longer overall travel time (~4 to 5 hours total).
Booking Tip:
If you choose this route, book your flight and speedboat tickets in advance for a smooth transfer. Use our online search form to compare flight options.
By Public Ferry and Local Boat: The Cheapest but Slowest Method
For budget travelers, taking a public ferry from Bali to Lombok and then a local boat to Gili Trawangan is the most affordable but time-consuming option.
Key Details:
- Step 1: Take a public ferry from Padang Bai (Bali) to Lembar Port (Lombok).
- Duration: 4 to 5 hours, depending on sea conditions.
- Price: 60,000 IDR (~$4 USD).
- Step 2: Take a bus or taxi from Lembar Port to Bangsal Harbor.
- Duration: 2 to 3 hours.
- Price: 150,000 to 300,000 IDR (~$10 to $20 USD).
- Step 3: Take a public boat from Bangsal Harbor to Gili Trawangan.
- Duration: 30 minutes to 1 hour.
- Price: 25,000 to 50,000 IDR (~$2 to $4 USD).
Pros:
- The cheapest way to travel to Gili Trawangan.
- Suitable for travelers on a tight budget.
Cons:
- Extremely long travel time (~8 to 10 hours).
- Unreliable schedules and potential delays.
- Crowded ferries, especially during peak travel times.
Booking Tip:
If you choose this route, plan for long waiting times and bring snacks and water. Use our online search form to check for ferry schedules.
Final Tips for Traveling from Bali to Gili Trawangan
- Best Time to Visit: The dry season (April to October) offers calm seas and ideal weather conditions.
- Prepare for Rough Seas: If taking a fast boat, bring seasickness medication if you’re prone to motion sickness.
- Book Early in High Season: During July–August and December–January, fast boat tickets sell out quickly.
- Pack Light: Fast boat operators may have luggage restrictions (usually 20 kg per passenger).
