While Bali may be the most popular destination in Indonesia, you can also find a trio of small islands that offer more underwater adventure, not too far from it. Considering how easily accessible it is from Bali, it’s no wonder Bali has become the most common starting point for travelers heading there.
Whether you’re planning a weekend escape or a full island-hopping adventure, understanding how to get to the Gili Islands from Bali is the first step to a stress-free tropical getaway.
The Gili Islands — Gili Trawangan, Gili Air, and Gili Meno — are famous for white-sanded beaches, pristine turquoise waters, and a laid-back atmosphere. Each island offers something unique: Gili Trawangan for those who are looking for vibrant nightlife, Gili Air for a mix of fun and calm, and Gili Meno for peace and quiet. What’s more, it also has one of Indonesia’s most diverse underwater ecosystems, making it a great destination for snorkeling and diving.
Get to know everything about the Gili Islands, including how to get to the Gili Islands from Bali and all you need to prepare before visiting the Gili Islands! Jot down the full guide and make your island-hopping adventure much more seamless.
Read Also: Cultural Enthusiast, Have You Visited These 6 Traditional Villages in Lombok?
How to Get to the Gili Islands from Bali
1. Fast Boat
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The most popular way to travel from Bali to the Gili Islands is by using a fast boat. To get there, you can catch departures from several ports in Bali, mainly from Padangbai, Serangan, and Sanur. The fastest route departs from Padangbai Port, which takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours to reach Gili Trawangan. The boat also sometimes stops at Gili Air or Gili Meno, so the flexibility allows you to get off at any of your preferred stops.
If you’re starting your journey from the Southern part of Bali, the departure from Serangan Port can take you to the Gili islands in around 2.5 to 3 hours. Or if you’re starting from Sanur, you can catch a boat from Sanur to get to Nusa Lembongan or Lombok before reaching one of the Gili Islands, with a total travel time of around 2.5 to hours.
The ticket price for a fast boat from Bali to the Gili Islands typically ranges from IDR 350,000 to 900,000, depending on the season, company, and departure port. For those who are looking to reach the port without arranging their own transport, some companies also include hotel transfers from popular areas in Bali, such as Ubud, Canggu, Seminyak, or Kuta.
2. Flight to Lombok
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If you’re the kind of traveler who gets seasick easily, a flight may be more suitable for you. However, it should be noted that you can’t book a direct flight to one of the Gili Islands. The fastest air route you can find is booking a flight from Bali to Lombok International Airport.
There are multiple departures you can book throughout the day, with the price ranging from IDR 400,000 to 1,000,000. Each flight usually takes about 25-35 minutes, then you’ll have to continue your journey by land and sea to reach the Gili Islands.
The journey by land can be taken by renting a car, hailing a taxi, or booking a shuttle service. Your destination is the Bangsal Harbor, which can take around 1.5 to 2 hours by car. Then, you can hop on a public boat or private speedboat to get to one of the Gili Islands, with roughly 10 to 30 minutes of travel time.
3. Public Ferry
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For those who are looking for the most economical option, a public ferry is the ideal choice—the ticket starts from only IDR 65,000! The ferry departs every hour from Padangbai to Lembar Harbor in Lombok, and each trip will take around 4 to 5 hours, depending on the weather conditions at sea. So be sure to bring some snacks and water to fill your tummy throughout the trip!
Once you arrive at Lembar Harbor, you’ll need to make your way to Bangsal Harbor to catch a boat to the Gili Islands. Boats depart every 30 minutes from the morning until the late afternoon, with ticket prices ranging from IDR 20,000 to 40,000 depending on whether you’re going to Gili Air, Gili Meno, or Gili Trawangan.
Read Also: Family-Friendly Lombok: Creating Lasting Memories with Kids in Lombok Island
Things to Prepare Before Visiting the Gili Islands
1. Choose Reputable Travel Companies
Photo: Marcella Oscar via Unsplash
Planning a trip to the Gili Islands is certainly exciting, but it’s not an excuse to be reckless! It’s easy to be tempted by cheap deals for your transport tickets or accommodation, but you also need to watch out for any scams that use flowery words on the internet.
To ensure great service and safety, it’s essential to book a trusted travel company or boat operator. Before making any booking, you should keep an eye out for the safety standards they provide, such as whether they provide life vests or insurance coverage for passengers. Furthermore, be sure to always check for the most recent reviews on their official websites or any other booking platforms.
2. Book a Transport in Advance
Whichever mode of transport you’re choosing—fast boat, public ferry, or plane—it’s best to book your transport in advance, especially during Bali’s peak tourist seasons (June-September and December-January). If you do any last-minute bookings, you might end up getting higher prices and inconvenient departure times.
Early booking allows you to plan out everything in advance. Some travel companies offer transport packages that include hotel pickup, boat tickets, and drop-off services, which can save you time and effort. By organizing your trip early, you’ll have more control over your schedule and ensure a smooth trip from Bali to the Gili Islands.
3. Bring Enough Cash in IDR
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Despite being a popular destination, most stores on the Gili Islands still only accept cash as a form of payment. While you’ll still be able to use debit payment for restaurant chains or some beach clubs, cash is needed for smaller purchases like a meal in a warung, bike rentals, or the local market.
You can find ATMS on Gili Trawangan and Gili Air, but they can occasionally run out of cash or experience technical issues. To be safe, it’s best to withdraw some Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) in Bali before making your way to the Gili Islands.
Read Also: 9 Authentic Foods in Lombok You Need to Try
4. Check Weather Conditions
Being a tropical island, the weather plays a big role in determining how safe your journey to the Gili Islands will be. During the dry season (April to October), you’ll get to enjoy calm seas and clear skies, which also makes it the best time to snorkel and dive. However, the rainy season (November to March) can cause the seas to become rougher, causing a lot of fast boat services to be delayed or canceled.
Before booking your trip, be sure to check for weather updates and sea conditions from reliable sources. If you’re prone to seasickness, consider taking medication before boarding or opting for a morning departure when the sea tends to be calmer.
5. Bring Your Essentials
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To make the most of your time in the Gili Islands, don’t forget to pack all your essentials before the trip! If you’re planning to go snorkeling or diving, bring some reef-safe sunscreen, gear, and swimwear. As for those who are planning to simply soak in the laid-back vibe, don’t forget to pack lightweight clothing to adjust to the tropical heat.
You also need to note that the Gili Islands don’t allow any use of motorized vehicles, so you’ll be walking or cycling most of the time. To ensure comfort, you can pack comfortable footwear and a small backpack for practical use.
Make the Most of Your Island Life, Stay at Bobocabin Gunung Rinjani
Photo: Bobobox Internal Asset
After spending the entire day basking in the stunning view of the beaches at the Gili Islands, it’s time to marvel at the view of Lombok from the heights! By staying at Bobocabin Gunung Rinjani, you’ll get to enjoy the cool mountain breeze and tune out any of your worries by basking in the calming atmosphere.
Blending in the charm of glamping with modern innovation, each cabin is equipped with Internet of Things (IoT) technology that allows you to enjoy smart features like a Smart Window for privacy and a B-Pad to customize the lighting to suit your mood. For a cozier evening, make use of the warm fire pit and spend some quality time under the stars.
For your convenience, Bobocabin Rinjani also offers various packages for fun activities nearby—including island-hopping to Gili Kondo, a trip to Tiu Kelep Waterfall, and even overnight trekking to reach Mount Rinjani summit!
For more information on discounts and booking, download the Bobobox app here.
Article author: Sheila Lalita
Featured photo: Danny de Groot via Unsplash
