3 ways to get from Bali to Gili Islands
There are 3 ways to travel the distance of 62 kilometers (39 miles) from Bali to Gili Islands by flight (4 hours 20 minutes to 4 hours 55 minutes), Fast Boat (1 hour to 4 hours 30 minutes) and Slow boat (not recommended) (9 hours). The journey duration ranges between 1 to 9 hours and the quickest way is by fast boat. The lowest priced tickets start from €13.60 for the fast boat.Where to stay in Gili Islands?
Still looking for accommodation? Don't forget to check out our favourite places to stay in Gili Islands at the bottom of this page.
Bali to Gili Islands by Fast Boat
The best and fastest way to travel from Bali to Gili Islands is by fast boat. Several fast boat companies operate from the main ports in Bali: Padang Bai, Sanur, Serangan, and Amed.
Depending on the port you take the fast boat from, you can get to the Gili Islands in 1 hour to 4 hours 30 minutes.
Most of the fast boats head to the two busiest islands, Gili Trawangan and Gili Air and few stop at Gili Meno.
Fast boat ticket prices start from €13.60 from Bali to Gili Islands.
Quick tip:
For a fast and easy way to book, you can find the best prices on BookAway and 12GoAsia.
Option 1: Fast boat from Padang Bai
Padang Bai is the best port to depart from when travelling from Bali to Gili Islands. The fast boat will take around 1.5-2.5 hours to Gili Trawangan, then Meno and last Air.
While dropping off passengers at each of the islands, the boat will also pick up the returning passengers going from the Gili Islands back to Bali. This means it will take around 15 minutes extra to travel to the next island.
Here are the travel times from Padang Bai (Bali) to each of the Gili Islands:
- Bali to Gili Trawangan: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Bali to Gili Meno: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Bali to Gili Air: 2 hours
Occasionally, the fast boat from Bali makes a short stop at the mainland in Lombok first. It’s close to the Gili Islands, but be aware that it can make the total journey last longer than the indicated 1h - 2h 30m.
Which ferry to book?
We recommend not just going for the cheapest ferry ticket out there, but paying a few dollars more for a ferry ticket with Eka Jaya.
Maarten’s insider tip: I travelled with several boat companies between Bali and the Gili Islands, and I’d strongly recommend booking with Eka Jaya. The ride was smooth and I loved the fact that they had a seating area on the open deck.
TIP: The ocean between Bali and the Gili’s can get rough, so we recommend booking a ticket for a larger fast boat. If you are prone to motion sickness, bring your motion sickness pills!
If you don’t mind a relatively bumpy ferry ride, we think that Wahana Gili Ocean Fast Boat offers the best value for money.
The biggest advantage of the Wahana Gili ferry is that this service includes (free) pick-up from almost all popular destinations in Bali: Denpasar Airport, Legian, Kuta, Seminyak, Kerobokan, Jimbaran, Nusa Dua, Canggu, Ubud and Sanur. Not bad for ticket prices starting from 285,000 IDR (€16.70)!
Most of the time, Gili Trawangan is the first stop. If the journey goes smoothly, you will arrive from Bali to Gili Trawangan in just 1.5 hours. More often than not, there will be some delay, which means the total trip, including the boarding time, will last 2-2.5 hours.
Bali to Gili Meno fast boat schedule
Most fast boats only stop at the two busiest Gili Islands, Gili Trawangan and Gili Air. Luckily, Eka Jaya drops passengers off at Meno too.
The ferry journey from Bali to Gili Meno is the same, but since Gili Meno doesn’t have a big harbour, you will be transferred to a small pier. This small pier functions as a little ferry and will bring you to Meno Island within a few minutes.
Bali to Gili Air fast boat schedule
Gili Air is usually the last stop of the fast boats from Bali. You’ll have to wait for other passengers to get off the boat at the other two islands, but the good thing is that you already got a quick glimpse at all three Gili Islands!
Make sure to be at the port at least 30 minutes before departure. Note that you also need to pay a small village entrance fee of 15,000 IDR (€0.90) in Padang Bai before you board the fast boat.
Maarten’s insider tip: Some travel agencies offer tickets with a shared shuttle from your hotel to the harbour. Although this sounds convenient, keep in mind that it can take up to an hour to pick up the other passengers. Booking a private taxi (via Grab or Gojek) is often cheaper when sharing the costs with your travel buddies.
How to get to Padang Bai port
Padang Bai is located in the east of Bali and is the most popular ferry port for fast boats departing to the Gili Islands and Lombok. In addition, Padang Bai has a separate pier for large vehicle ferries, allowing you to bring a motorbike or car to Lombok or Nusa Penida.
To get to Padang Bai Port, you have two options. You can take a minivan departing from Kuta or Ubud, or more conveniently, a taxi from your hotel.
Taxi fares to Padang Bai
You’ll find an estimation of the taxi fares from Bali’s most popular tourist destinations to Padang Bai in the table below. When sharing the costs with your travel buddies, it will be around the same price or cheaper than paying a higher-priced ticket including pickup.
An important advantage compared to a shared pick-up service is that your transfer won’t be delayed by picking up other passengers. This alone could add 1-hour extra to get to Padang Bai.
Estimated taxi fares to Padang Bai Port
| Departure point | Travel time | Taxi fares* |
|---|---|---|
| Canggu | 2-2.5 hours | from 280,000 IDR (€16.40) |
| Ubud | 1.5-2 hours | from 300,000 IDR (€17.60) |
| Kuta, Seminyak | 1.5-2 hours | from 330,000 IDR (€19.30) |
| Uluwatu | 2.5-3 hours | from 400,000 IDR (€23) |
Minivan to Padang Bai Port
As an alternative, you can also take the minivan operated by Perama Tour & Travel. The minivans depart at 07:00 from their offices in Kuta and Ubud.
See here the costs of the minivan tickets:
- From Kuta 225,000 IDR (€13.20)
- From Ubud 175,000 IDR (€10.30)
The price of this ride is quite high and you’ll be better off sharing a taxi if you are travelling with two or more people.
Option 2: Fast boat from Sanur Port
When staying in or around Sanur, it might look more convenient to depart from Sanur Port.
However, the distance from Sanur to the Gili Islands is a lot further compared to Padang Bai. This means the fast boat from Sanur will take about double the time compared to fast boats departing from Padang Bai.
To illustrate, the fast boat leaving from Sanur will take 3.5 hours, while fast boats from Padang Bai can get you to the Gili Islands in around 1.5 hours. Even when you add the 1.5-hour minivan ride from Sanur to Padang Bai, you will likely reach the Gili’s at the same time or even earlier.
Still interested in departing from Sanur? See the fast boat schedules below.
Note that this indicated arrival time is based on Gili Trawangan, so if you’re staying on Gili Air, expect to arrive about 30 minutes later. Prices are the same for the two Gili islands.
Tickets for the fast boats departing from Sanur start at €18.20 on BookAway.
With Sanur Port’s digital ticketing system, you are required to buy your tickets online in advance. Your ticket or boarding pass includes a barcode that will be scanned and checked at the port.
How to get to Sanur Port
UPDATE: In November 2022 — just before the G20 — Sanur opened a new port. It’s one of the most modern ports you’ll find in Southeast Asia and all boats now conveniently depart and arrive from a pier instead of from the beach. The new port is equipped with a digital ticketing system and an air-conditioned waiting area with clean bathrooms. Just be aware that the new port is about a 5-10 minute walk from the old port.
To get to Sanur Port, you have two options. You can take a minivan departing from Kuta or Ubud, or more conveniently, a taxi from your hotel.
Taxi fares to Sanur Port
You’ll find an estimation of the taxi fares from Bali’s most popular tourist destinations to Padang Bai in the table below. When sharing the costs with your travel buddies, it will be around the same price or cheaper than paying a higher-priced ticket that includes pick-up.
An important advantage compared to a shared pick-up service is that your transfer won’t be delayed by picking up other passengers. This alone could already add 1-hour extra time to get to Sanur Port.
Estimated taxi fares to Sanur Port
| Departure point | Travel time | Taxi fares* |
|---|---|---|
| Canggu | 1-1.5 hours | from 100,000 IDR (€5.90) |
| Kuta, Seminyak | 30 minutes – 1 hour | from 110,000 IDR (€6.40) |
| Ubud | 1-1.5 hours | from 190,000 IDR (€11.10) |
| Uluwatu | 1.5-2 hours | from 200,000 IDR (€11.70) |
Minivan to Sanur Port
As an alternative, you can also take the minivan operated by Perama Tour & Travel. The minivans depart at 07:00 from their offices in Kuta and Ubud.
See here the costs of the minivan tickets:
- From Kuta: 65,000 IDR (€3.80)
- From Ubud: 100,000 IDR (€5.90)
Keep in mind that these minivans depart from Perama Tour & Travel Offices. This means you might need to take another taxi from your hotel to the departure point.
Option 3: Fast boat from Serangan Port
Four companies operate ferries from Serangan Pier to Gili Islands: Eka Jaya, Golden Queen, Gili Getaway and Blue Water Express.
However, with one-way tickets selling for at least €42, we don’t see an advantage in booking a ferry from Serangan. They are more expensive, and travel time is almost twice as long.
While the port looks near to Sanur, it is still a 30-minute drive south. The fast boats will take 2h 15m - 3h, compared to 1.5-2.5 hours from Padang Bai. It’s faster to take a taxi directly to Padang Bai and board the ferry to the Gilis from there.
Still interested in the fast boat schedules? Check them out below.
The schedule is based on the fast boats’ trips to Gili Trawangan, but they also head to Gili Air for the same price. Eka Jaya is the only company servicing Gili Meno from Serangan Pier.
Buy your tickets online beforehand to get a better chance of securing a seat for your desired ferry. Gili Getaway, Golden Queen Fast Boat and Eka Jaya Fast Boat are all available for online booking via BookAway. If you want to travel with Blue Water Express, you’ll have to pre-book your tickets directly through its website.
How to get to Serangan Port
There is no regular public transport going to Serangan. This means your only options are hailing a taxi or booking a private car via taxi apps like Grab and Gojek. The prices and duration are more or less similar to the ones going to Sanur Port.
See here the travel time and taxi fares when going to Serangan Port:
Taxi fares to Serangan Port
| Departure point | Travel time | Taxi fares* |
|---|---|---|
| Canggu | 1-1.5 hours | from 100,000 IDR (€5.90) |
| Kuta, Seminyak | 30 minutes – 1 hour | from 110,000 IDR (€6.40) |
| Ubud | 1-1.5 hours | from 190,000 IDR (€11.10) |
| Uluwatu | 1.5-2 hours | from 200,000 IDR (€11.70) |
Option 4: Fast boat from Amed Port*
*Important: The last time we checked (September 2024), Freebird Express was no longer operating. You can visit their website or e-mail them at info@freebird-express.com to see if anything has changed.
About a 1.5-hour drive north of Padang Bai is the village of Amed, famous for its diving spots. Amed Port is located directly across from the Gili Islands, so the travel time from this port is a bit shorter than other ports, around 1h 15m.
If you’re staying in Amed or other parts of the northern coast of Bali, then this port is the best option for you.
The downside is that only one ferry operates from this port: FreeBird Express. The ferry heads to Gili Trawangan first and then to Gili Air. Tickets with Freebird cost 380,000 IDR (€22) per person.
The differences between the fast boat companies
The duration of the ferry rides is more or less the same, regardless of the company you book with. Most of the boats are called a fast boat. Even if they are called a ferry, it doesn’t mean they are slower.
The difference between the boats is the level of comfort, particularly how you experience the ride.
With stormy weather and high waves, the ride on small boats can be quite rough and feel bumpy. We recommend booking a larger boat if you are prone to motion sickness or simply prefer a calmer ride.
Still, there are many differences between the fast boat companies operating between Bali and the Gili Islands.
Small fast boats (Semaya One)
If you never get seasick and don’t have any problems with boat rides, you can buy fast boat tickets with one of the smaller boats like Semaya One.
The journey with one of these smaller fast boat companies from Bali to the Gili Islands starts from 240,000 IDR (€14.10) with Semaya One.
A few more companies operate smaller boats, but considering they’re more expensive tickets, booking a ticket with larger fast boats like Eka Jaya is a better choice.
Large and more comfortable fast boat (Eka Jaya)
Does your stomach easily turn upside down after a boat ride or do you simply prefer some more comfort while enjoying the ocean views from the deck?
Then we recommend booking one of the larger fast boats. These ferries are better at absorbing the shocks of the ocean, making the journey less rough.
Most larger fast boats are more expensive, with the exception of Eka Jaya. It’s the biggest fast boat operator from Bali to the Gili’s and operates large boats with a capacity of over 200 passengers. Ticket prices start from 410,000 IDR (€24).
Fast boats with more comfortable seating
Although Eka Jaya is one of the most popular companies, slightly more luxurious options are also available.
Two of these companies are Blue Water Express with tickets selling for 720,000 IDR (€42) and Gili Getaway for 790,000 IDR (€46). It’s up to you if the upgrade is worth the premium price.
Bali to Gili Islands by Slow boat (not recommended)
We don’t recommend travelling to the Gili Islands by public ferry. Although there are departures almost every hour, the trip will take almost an entire day. Here’s a rundown of your journey:
-
- Public boat from Padang Bai to Lembar in Lombok (5-6 hours) – 60,000 IDR (€3.50)
-
- Taxi from Lembar to Bangsal (2 hours) – 200,000 IDR (€11.70)
-
- Boat to the Gili Islands (10-45 minutes) – 20,000 IDR (€1.20)
Combined costs start from 280,000 IDR (€16.40) with a total travel time of almost 9 hours. The combined ticket prices are even higher than the cheapest fast boat going straight from Bali to Gili Islands.
Bali to Gili Islands by Flight
The nearest airport to the Gili Islands is in Lombok. The flight from Bali to Lombok takes only 40 minutes, but this option requires several transfers to and from the airports, plus the boat ride to the Gili Islands.
First, you’ll have to take a 40-minute flight from Bali to Praya Airport in the south of Lombok. This is followed by a bus or taxi ride to the north of Lombok (Bangsal Harbour) and from there, you can take a local boat to one of the Gili Islands.
Considering that the journey from Praya Airport in the south of Lombok to Bangsal Harbour in the north takes about 2-3 hours, we recommend taking the fast boat from Padang Bai in Bali.
That single boat trip from Bali to Gili Islands will already be faster than the journey from Lombok Airport to the Gili Islands.
From our point of view, the only reason to take a flight is if you’re prone to motion sickness and don’t want to spend hours on a boat. The distance from Lombok to the Gili Islands is very short and the ocean is usually less rough than the (more open) ocean between Bali and the Gili Islands.
The total travel time of this flight option is about 4 hours 20 minutes to 4 hours 55 minutes, excluding boarding time. Combined rates start from 1,108,000 IDR (€65) if you travel by public bus from the airport to the port.
TIP: If you decide to travel by plane, please consider including a carbon compensation fee to reduce your impact on the environment.
Step 1: Getting to Bali Airport by Taxi
Bali Airport, also known as Ngurah Rai Airport or Denpasar Airport, is 4 km away from Kuta in Bali. This airport is a short taxi ride from top destinations like Kuta, Seminyak, Nusa Dua, and Sanur.
The most convenient way to travel to Bali Airport is by taking a taxi or Grab from your hotel. From Kuta, Grab fares start from 75,000 IDR (€4.40). Expect to pay at least 300,000 IDR (€17.60) if you’re coming from farther areas like Ubud.
Klook also offers private transfers to Bali Airport that you can book in advance. Fares depend on where you’re coming from in Bali.
Step 2: Bali Airport to Lombok Airport by Flight
Wings Air and Lion Air offer multiple flights from Bali to Lombok daily.
Fares start from 990,000 IDR (€58) for the flight to Lombok Airport which takes 40 minutes.
Step 3: Lombok Airport to Bangsal Harbour by Bus
From Lombok Airport, you need to go to Bangsal Harbour, where boats to the Gili Islands depart from. This harbour is on the north coast, about 60 km from the airport.
DAMRI buses are available outside the airport arrivals area, on the left side. Its main routes are Mataram, Ampenan, Senggigi, and Selong in Lombok, but they recently added buses going straight to Bangsal Harbour.
Buses depart every hour between 09:00 and 16:00 and tickets cost 50,000 IDR (€2.90) for the bus ride to Bangsal that takes 3 hours.
If you book in advance with Traveloka, tickets only cost 20,000 IDR (€1.20). To find this trip, you’ll have to search for “Lombok International Airport (LOP)” to “Lombok (all terminals).”
You can also take a taxi from Lombok Airport to Bangsal, but it will be expensive. Fares start from 525,000 IDR (€31) on 12GoAsia, although you might be able to get a taxi for lower prices at the airport.
Step 4: Bangsal Harbour to Gili Islands by Boat
The Gili Islands are just a short boat ride away from Bangsal Harbour. From here, slow and fast boats are available to take you to the Gili island of your choice.
Tickets for the public boats cost only 23,000 IDR (€1.30) per person. However, these boats don’t have specific departure times, and they leave only when the boat is full (around 40 passengers). The waiting time may take about an hour or so, and travel time is around 30-45 minutes to Gili Trawangan.
If you want to get to the Gilis much quicker, you can take a fast boat. It takes only 10 to 15 minutes from Bangsal Harbour to the Gilis, and these fast boats depart every hour from 09:00 to 16:00. Tickets are slightly pricier at 85,000 IDR (€5) per person.
Unlike the fast boats from Bali, the boats from Bangsal Harbour head to Gili Air first, then to Gili Meno, and Gili Trawangan.
Best places to stay in Gili Islands
The Gili Islands are made up of three islands — Gili Trawangan, Gili Air and Gili Meno. Most people opt to stay on just one whilst others will hop between them, discovering their unique vibes. They are relatively close together and it’s easy to reach another island within 10-20 minutes.
In general, Trawangan has the most choice in accommodation and Gili Meno the least. But that doesn’t mean that either is better or worse. You can find some spectacular accommodations on all three islands. From beachfront resorts and cosy cottages to homestays where you won’t want to leave.
Check out our favourite accommodations for every budget type on all three islands:
Musa Villas and Bungalows Gili Air - Treating Yourself
Musa Villas and Bungalows on Gili Air tick all the boxes — outdoor bathroom, gorgeous swimming pool, lush gardens and a private balcony overlooking the pool. The villas are stunning, boasting high ceilings and the traditional bamboo bungalow style with a dash of luxury.
The whole place is amazing, but the star of the show has to be the staff. They are extremely friendly and super helpful. It’s them that make your stay here super memorable. The delicious free breakfast comes in at a close second.
- Stunning villas
- Swimming pool
- Amazing stuff
- Superb free breakfast
Double rooms start from $50+ per night
Pearl Sunset Resort - Treating Yourself
Want to stay in one of the best spots on Gili T? Pearl Sunset Resort is definitely up there with some of the best. The stunning swimming pool overlooks the private beach area with sun loungers and cabanas waiting for you to spend the day on.
The rooms are huge, coming with a separate seating area and a private terrace. Hopefully, you get a sea view! Sunset happens right in front of the resort, so we recommend dining at the delicious onsite restaurant or grabbing a refreshing cocktail at the bar.
- Amazing swimming pool
- Private beach
- Huge and clean rooms
- Exceptional free breakfast
Double rooms start from $50+ per night
Le Pirate Gili Meno - Treating Yourself
You can’t beat the location of Le Pirate! Set right on the beach of Gili Meno, you’re directly in front of some of the best snorkelling spots on the island. This is where you’ll find the statues, turtles and other fascinating marine life. There’s also a private beach for you to enjoy, set up with sun loungers and hammocks.
The beach huts are relatively simple and aren’t huge, but they do provide great value for money, especially on Gili Meno. Also, who wants to spend a lot of time in their room when they have two pools to enjoy and incredible sunsets to watch from the onsite bar and restaurant?
- 2 swimming pools
- Right on the beach
- Perfect location
- Onsite restaurant and bar
Double rooms start from $50+ per night
Guava Garden - Mid Range
Guava Garden on Gili Trawangan feels like a luxury resort, just without the price tag. The hotel is surrounded by luscious gardens providing much-welcomed shade around the gorgeous swimming pool. It feels like you’re in an oasis.
The villas are bright, traditional with a modern touch and come with a private balcony. The highlight though has to be the outdoor bathrooms where you can shower under the stars. It’s an experience! The little touches at this place make it special, like the pool towels, welcome drink and local recommendations from the staff.
- Beautiful swimming pool
- Bright and spacious villas
- Great staff
- Delicious free breakfast included
Double rooms between $30-50 per night
Captain Coconuts Gili Air - Budget Friendly
Captain Coconuts is one of the coolest hostels on Gili Air, and maybe even one of the most unique that you’ve ever stayed in. The hostel offers both open-air dorm rooms and gorgeous private villas. You can have the social aspect of a hostel, whilst having your privacy.
The swimming pool is a great place to hang out, surrounded by sun loungers and palm leaf umbrellas. Whilst you’re there enjoy breakfast or lunch from their onsite cafe, CocoLoco. This spot is truly magical and the kind of place where you keep on extending your stay.
- Gorgeous swimming pool
- Dorm and private rooms
- Delicious onsite cafe
- Great free breakfast
Double rooms between $15-30 per night
Frequently Asked Questions about Bali to Gili Islands
Why visit Gili Trawangan?
Gili Trawangan, often called Gili T, is the liveliest of the Gili Islands. Go to Gili T if you want to party at night and relax at the white sand beaches during the daytime.
Why visit Gili Meno?
Gili Meno is the quietest and the most romantic. This little paradise island is best for honeymooners or solo travellers who want some peace of mind.
Why visit Gili Air?
Beachfront cafe on the eastern side of Gili AirGili Air is a good mix of the two other Gili islands. There is still some nightlife on the island, but more of the chill hippy kind. Mostly, you can enjoy the beaches with good music and a laid-back atmosphere while enjoying the sun at Gili Air.
Should I book with or without pick-up services?
Shuttle van at a parking area in Padang BaiSome of the fast boats also offer pick-up services from your hotel. If it’s included and you already paid for it, that’s great! The company will take care of your transport, and you just need to be ready at the agreed pick-up time on the date of your trip.
How can I travel between the Gili islands?
Public boat operating between the Gili Islands
Inside public boat operating between the 3 Gili Islands– Gili Trawangan – Gili Meno: 40,000 IDR (€2.30)
– Gili Trawangan – Gili Air: 45,000 IDR (€2.60)
Rounding it up
We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Bali to Gili Islands. If there's anything else you're wondering about, drop us a comment and we'll do our best to answer you within a few days.
PS: If you've recently travelled this route, share your experience with fellow travellers and help us improve this post. Thanks for helping out our travel community!
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Based in Bali, Maarten’s passion for travel is undeniable. In 2016, he decided to quit his job as a stock analyst and started doing what he always dreamed of: travelling through South East Asia and helping other people plan their trips. When he is not working on Gecko Routes, you’ll find him surfing in the ocean or exploring the best gems of Indonesia.
Abby is a writer who finds joy in mountains, beaches, and road trips. She considers her solo backpacking trip to the rice terraces of Bontoc one of the most fulfilling moments in her life. She’s loyal to the islands of her home country, the Philippines, but Thailand’s beaches also have a special place in her heart.
Hi!
Thank you for great info 🙂 We are planning a trip för next year in June to celebrate my sisters birthday. The planned itinerary is Ubud – Gili T – Lombok – Nusa Lembongan – Sanur. Which ports do you recommend us to travel from? And which companies goes to these destinations? We prefer bigger fast boats and more comfort. Do you know any companies that can combine and offer a package with transfer and boats between all locations? Or is it better to book them separately?
Thanks in advance!
Kind regards
Emelie
Hi Emelie, That sounds like an amazing trip to look forward to! If you prefer to book with one ferry company, go for Eka Jaya. They operate the largest fast boat, and therefore a more stable right then with the other ferry companies. They have schedules to all of the destinations you mentioned, but keep in mind that the schedules can change over time. On the Eka Jaya website you can find the current schedules for all routes they operate. For tikcet bookings, you will find the better prices on BookAway, and that’s why I recommend to just book the seperate ferries with the same platform. Packages sound easy at first sight, but in the end they give you less flexability and will ussually cost you more money. Good luck with planning your trip!
Bonjour Abigael et Maarten,
Pour marquer le coup de la fin des études universitaires de ma fille, nous avons organisé nos vacances cette année à Bali. Nous commencerons par Borobodur puis le Bromo, ensuite nous ferons plusieurs stops dans Bali : Balangan, Ubud, Amed, Gili Meno et enfin Jimbaran.
Nous resterons 4 jours (trajets compris) à Gili Meno pour enfin nous reposer…
Venant de Amed, nous avons réservé le FastBoat Eka Jaya à Padang bai pour l’aller.
Pour le retour (nous devons aller à Jimbaran) le FastBoat Eka Jaya vers Serangan ne part que à 11h15 et nous fait arriver au port que à 17h15 (nous perdons donc toute la journée) c’est la même chose Si nous allons à Padang Bai (11h15-15h)
J’ai par contre vu que en partant De Gili Trangawan, il y a 2 compagnies (Blus Water Express / Gili Gili Fast Boat) qui partent pour Padang Bai à 10h et arrivent à 12h30
Soit une 3ème compagnie (Gili Getaway) qui va a Serangan départ 10h30 arrivée 14h !?
2 questions : 1 / ce dernier horaire est il réaliste (3h30 de trajet ?)
2 / que me conseillez vous ? vers Serangan ou vers Pandan Bai + navette
Quel sera le trajet le plus rapide pour arriver à Jimbaran ?
Merci d’avance
Hi Emmanuel,
Sorry for the late response, I haven’t been able to answer all comments lately, but making up for the backlog now. As for the itinerary that sounds pretty amazing.
To start with: IIf you haven’t booked your accommodations yet, consdider staying closer to Uluwatu (Binging or Padang Padang) instead of Jimberan. Jimberan offers some nice hotels, but in the end it’s pretty close to Balangan and won’t offer much extra. I personally recommend to start your trip in Ubud, and then end in the Bukit. This is the area around Uluwatu. Any of these destinations will bring you a fantastic stay from where you can explore many beaches: Uluwatu, Padang Padang, Bingin, Dreamlang, Balangan (bit more remote). Plus, it’s only about 45m from the airport.
As for the ferry from Gili back to Bali, I clearly see you put some work on planning this trip. I’ve been living on and off for about 3 years in Bali and travelled this route several times. I always take the ferry from/to Padang Padang for the following reasons:
1. Eka Jaya is departing from here and is one of the best ferry companies with large boats
2. Ferry tickets are about $20 cheaper compared to travelling between Gili and Serangan
3. The ferry ride between Bali and Gili can often be quite rough. Although some travellers enjoy the ride, most travellers are happy when the ride is over. Therefore shortening the time on the boat is always better.
Here is a breakdown of the estimated travel times:
– Gili to Padang Bai: 2hr30m (fastest ferry) + Padang Bai to Jimbaran: 1hr15m (taxi) = 3h45m
– Gili to Serangan: 3h15m (fastest ferry) + Serangan to Jimbaran: 30m (taxi) = 3h45m
Note that this is estimated time and it’s not uncommon that the journey takes 1-1.5h extra.
Last tip: Not every company departs from Gili Meno, but it’s quite easy to take the public ferry or arrange a private transfer from Meno to Trawangan. It takes less than 10m.
Concluding: By going via Padang Bai, you minimize the time on the ferry, you can book a larger ferry, and save money on your ferry tickets. You are correct in concluding that the journey almost takes an entire day, but that’s honestly hard to avoid when you want to travel back from Gili to Bali.
Hope this advice still comes on time!
Safe travels!
PS J’ai répondu à ce commentaire en anglais, donc d’autres nationalités peuvent également bénéficier de cette info. Je recommande d’utiliser Google Translate pour le lire en français.
Hola muchas gracias por la información! Quisiera saber cuanto es en fast boat desde las gili a nusa penida? Me mareo muy fácil y quiero ver la opción en la que menos este en el agua jaja sino sería de gili a padang bai y luego cuando vaya a kuta cruzar a nusa. Que recomiendan?
Hi Belen,
thanks for leaving a comment! Fast boats from Gili Islands to Nusa Penida take 2 to 5 hours on average. The boats with shorter travel times are smaller fast boats, so expect a bumpy ride with them. If you prefer a larger fast boat with a more stable ride, the Eka Jaya Fast Boat takes about 5 hours in this direction.
For a shorter trip, consider doing the trip the other way — from Nusa Penida to Gili Islands. The ferries on this route head to the Gili Islands without stopping in Bali. Hope this helps!
PD: Esta respuesta está escrita en inglés para que sea útil para los viajeros de todo el mundo. Recomiendo usar Google Translate para traducir esta respuesta al español.
Hi Abegail, hi Maarten,
danke für eure Tipps!
Wir fliegen im September das erste Mal nach Bali für 2 Wochen (Honeymoon).
Unsere Route wäre: Canggu (2 Nächte), Ubud (4 Nächte), von Padang Bai nach Gili Meno (3 Nächte), Nusa Penida (2 Nächte), Uluwatu (1 Nacht).
Ist es möglich von Gili Meno direkt nach Nusa Penida oder würdet ihr uns eine andere Route empfehlen?
Canggu und Ubud ist bereits gebucht, der Rest ist noch offen 🙂
Vielen Dank.
Hi Vivian, congratulations on your wedding! Sounds like an amazing itinerary for your honeymoon trip. We suggest visiting Nusa Penida first before the Gili Islands. If you travel the route the other way around (from Gili Islands to Nusa Penida), then the ferry will make a stop in Bali. Meanwhile, the ferries from Bali to Nusa Penida and Nusa Penida to Gili Meno are direct trips.
While ferries to Nusa Penida are also available at Padang Bai, you have more options if you take the ferry from Sanur Port. From Ubud it’s around 1-hour drive to both Sanur or Padang Bai
PS: Diese Antwort ist auf Englisch verfasst, um sie für Reisende aus allen Ländern hilfreich zu machen. Wir empfehlen die Verwendung von Google Translate, um diese Antwort ins Deutsche zu übersetzen.
Hey guys, thx for the comprehensive info 🙂
We are going from bali to gilli islands (probably air) in july. We heard we are hitting the high season. Do we need to book fastboat and hotel in advance, from home? Or can we just look at it when we arrive in bali in the start of july?
Many thx and fair winds, Mikkel and Anna
Hi Mikkel and Anna, it’s best to book your tickets and hotel weeks or even months in advance during the peak season. If you wait last minute, there will still be some accommodations avaialble, but the best ones will certainly be gone.
With the influx of tourists, fast boats can get busy and crowded. We recomend booking your fast boat tickets from Bali to Gili Air about a week or more in advance. The best boats (like Eka Jaya) can get fully booked several days in advance. Enjoy your trip through Indonesia!
Hello! Firstly, thank you for such a detailed post about traveling within Bali, it has been super helpful while planning our trip.
Im rather surprised about the cost of the slow and fast ferries from Bangsal Harbour ($1-5.5), since all my research just found fast ferries for ~$30 – are these $5 prices still applicable right now in May ’23 as well?
Thanks and take care 🙂
Hi Simran, sorry for the late reply. You probably already found it out by travelling this route, but I these rates are still applicable for the local ferry. The rates of $30 apply to private speedboats that you can book to go to Lombok mainland. The trip really only lasts about 10 minutes, so it’s easy for private companies to cross this little distance with a private boat. However, the prices will be about 10x higher than taking the local boat.
If you have any additions to share after you travelled this route we would love to hear so!
thanks for your reply.
Maarten
Best,
Maarten
Thank you for this amazing blog.
Please help me out – how do we get from the Gili islands, preferably Gili Meno island to Kuta Lombok?
At bookaway there is only one option of a small boat to “Teluk Nare Ferry Terminal” at Lombok island and then continue with a taxi?
Wouldn’t it be better to go by boat to Kuta – but there seems to be no connection from “Teluk Nare Ferry Terminal”?
Thank you in advance!
Best wishes
Timothy
Hi Timothy, there are no fast ferry companies operating at Kuta, Lombok, so you can only reach Kuta by taxi from other destinations in Lombok. If you’re coming from Gili Meno, you need to take a boat to Lombok first and then a taxi or private transfer to Kuta.
The easiest way is to book this BookAway Tourist Bus+Ferry (600,000 IDR), but if you prefer to find a cheaper way, you can take the public boat from Gili Meno to Bangsal Pier (20,000 IDR) and then a taxi to Kuta (400,000 IDR). Hope this helps!
Hoi. Wij willen 1 juni van bali (kuta)naar nusa penida en lembogang en vandaaruit naar gili islands. Wat is t handigst qua volgorde en missch terugvaren op padang bai? We willen daarna n richting uluwata en ubud maar dat kan ook per scooter in dagtrip.maar wat als we niet alle bagage mee willen nemen is er in kuta n opslag?
Hi Mireille, luggage storage in Bali is limited, but you can check with your hotel if you can leave some of your luggage there.
Before heading to the islands, consider visiting Uluwatu first, as it’s close to Kuta and Sanur Port. You can then take the fast ferry from Sanur Port to Nusa Lembongan. From here, Nusa Penida is just a 15-minute boat ride.
After your Nusa Penida trip, you can head to the Gili Islands and from here, take the ferry back to Padang Bai. This is the order that we recommend since visiting the Gilis before the Nusas includes a quick stop in Padang Bai, resulting in a longer trip.
In Padang Bai, take a taxi to Ubud, which is just an hour away. We recommend renting a motorbike in Ubud once you arrive, as it’s a better place to stay than Padang Bai. Hope this helps!
Bonjour et merci pour ce post très instructif.
Est-ce nécessaire de prendre les billets sur internet à l’avance “Amed/gili air et gili air/nusa penida” ou les prendre lorsque l’on est sur place.
J’aimerais savoir aussi si il y a des départs de gili pour nusa pedina le matin avant 12h je ne vois rien sur internet.
Merci d’avance
Hi Gerard, tickets are typically 100-300k more expensive when you buy them at the port, so we suggest booking your fast boat tickets online in advance.
There are a few fast boats departing before 12:00 from Gili Islands to Nusa Penida, which you can book via BookAway.
Wishing you a great trip!
Hej 🙂
danke für den super Beitrag, auch dass er immer wieder Up-to-Date gehalten wird.
Wir überlegen tatsächlich von Amed aus zu Gili Air zu fahren, da gibt es auch einen Schnellbootanbieter und die Luftlinie dürfte eigentlich die Kürzeste sein. hast du damit auch schon Erfahrungen?
Danke & LG
Lena
Hi Lena, I appreciate your comment! The fastest way to travel from Bali to Gili Air is by fast ferry. You can take the FreeBird Express ferry from Amed Port.
It’s also possible to take a flight, but the nearest airport to the Gilis is in south Lombok. The flight from Bali to Lombok takes only 40 minutes. However, adding the transfers to and from the airports, plus the boat ride to Gili Air, it will take about 5 hours in total.
Hey Maarten! Sehr coole Seite! Ich plane gerade meinen Bali Trip und wollte dich um einen Rat bitten, ich bin 14 Tage vor Ort und plane die Route wie folgt: Lande gegen 22:30 in Denpasar, gleich per Taxi nach Amed für 3-4 Tage, dann nach Ubud 3-4 Tage und dann nach Cangu 2-3 Tage. Gerne würde ich entweder Gili Air oder Lembongan sehen.. Was meinst du zu meiner Route und würdest du lieber Gili Air oder Lembongan empfehlen? Ich bin 44 udn keine Partymaus 🙂 Tausend Dank dir!
Hi Daria, many thanks! Glad to hear you like to use Gecko Routes for your trip planning. I’ve lived myself for over 2 years in Bali, so let me help you out here. First of all, the airport is called Denpasar Airport but it is actually located in Kuta. The taxi ride from the airport to Amed will take around 2.5 hours, while you could reach Canggu in less than 1 hour around that time.
Keep in mind that Canggu is quite a busy place. If you are not too much into parties, you might consider starting off your trip in Ulu Watu first. Here, you’ll find the best beaches in Bali and it’s quieter.
Alternatively, you can also travel from the airport to Ubud and relax for a few days in nature, before heading off to the coast in Amed.
Regarding the islands, Gili Air would definitely be the right choice if you are not looking to party. However, Lembongan is also a great island to visit. If you drive a bike, I would recommend visiting Lembongan and exploring the island in 2-3 days. If you prefer a real island vibe, then Gili Air is the place. No matter which island you chose, both are beautiful!
Hope you’ll have an amazing trip.
PS: Diese Antwort ist auf Englisch verfasst, um sie für Reisende aus allen Ländern hilfreich zu machen. Wir empfehlen die Verwendung von Google Translate, um diese Antwort ins Deutsche zu übersetzen.
Bali to Gili Air Transport Enquiry
Hello,
Passengers: 2pp
We are wanting to organise transport to Gili Air from Lovina Bali.
We are departing from The Lovina Hotel, Lovina on Monday 13/2/23.
Return date to Bali 15/2/23.
We would like to depart for Gili Air from Amed.
On return to Bali we would like drop-off to be Sanur.
Can you advise if pickup is available from The Lovina Hotel.
Could you please also advise departure times.
Look forward to your reply
Hello Kym, there’s only one ferry from Amed Port to Gili Islands: FreeBird Express. The ferry departs at 09:30, and considering the 2.5-hour travel from The Lovina Hotel to Amed Port, we suggest departing at around 06:00.
Public transportation is quite complicated in Amed, so it’s best to book a private transfer from your hotel to the port. You can ask your hotel for help or message the ferry company if they could look into transfers for you. Grab/GoJek might also offer cheaper rates.
For the ferry from Gili Air to Sanur Port, you can choose between two ferry companies, both departing at 13:15.
Bonjour,
Je suis entrain d’organiser mon voyage de noces qui se déroulera en septembre.
J’aimerai savoir s’il était possible de faire
– Amed => Gili Meno 2nuits sur place
– Gili Meno => Nusa Lembongan 3nuits
– Nusa Lembongan => Sanur ????
Je vous avoue être un peu perdue avec les transferts
D’avance merci
Hi Valerie, sounds like you already choose some amazing destinations. Here are a few more suggestions for your honeymoon: Sidemen and Munduk. And if you have the chance, consider visiting the Komodo islands as well. It’s my favourite destination in Indonesia — if not the whole of Asia.
Regarding your plan, it sounds feasible. Unfortunately, I can’t confirm if the boat from Amed also stops at Gili Meno. If they don’t, you can always take a 5-10 minute boat from Gili Trawangan or Gili Air to Gili Meno.
From the Gili Islands you can also go directly to Nusa Penida or Nusa Lembongan, but likely not from Gili Meno. This means you would need to take this little boat trip from Meno to Trawangan before taking the larger ferry. Don’t let this hold your back from booking an accommodation in Meno tho! It’s a beautiful peaceful island to spend a few nights. Gili Trawangan has much more of a party vibe and might not be exactly what you are looking for when on a Honeymoon. On the other side, Gili Air has a nice balance of the two. If you find a nice accommodation in Air, that might be worth considering too!
Then from Lembongan, you can take the fast boat to Sanur. Sanur is the most popular arrival port so you’ll have plenty of options. From here you can take a 1-1.5 hour taxi ride to Uluwatu and explore tens of beautiful beaches in the Bukit.
Hope that helps you a little bit more with your trip planning!
Merci pour ce super post qui nous permet de planifier notre voyage aux iles Gili.
En ce qui concerne les valises, j’ai remarqué sur le site de réservation qu’il y avait un poids à respecter. Est-ce réellement le cas ? Car nous arrivons avec une valise avoisinant les 25/30 Kg ainsi que deux petites valises pesant environ 7/8 kg chacune.
De plus, dans l’organisation de mon voyage, est-ce préférable de commencer par 1 semaine à Ubud, puis 4 jours 3 nuits aux iles Gili (Trawangan) puis retour à Kuta, ou alors dès notre arrivée, partir directement à Trawangan.
Merci pour votre retour et pour cet article très intéressant.
Hey Hally, thanks for your comment. Glad to hear you like the post!
For the luggage, normally they never check this so I think you should be fine. 25/30+8kg is quite a lot though, so I can’t say this with certainty. Worst case you have to pay a little bit extra (or just hand them over a bill of 100.000 IDR ($6) and everything will be fine. I also recommend booking with Eka Jaya as they operate the largest ferry.
For the itinerary, I’d recommend going to Ubud first. Ubud centre is crazy busy these days and quite hectic. It will be a real treat if you arrive at the Gili Islands, away from all traffic and just enjoy the ocean and sand beaches.
Just make sure you spend one extra night in Bali before you have your flight back home. In case the ferry from Gili to Bali is delayed, you won’t need to stress out about being on time for your flight.
If your itinerary is still not fixed, here are two more tips on where to stay:
– Only spend 3 days in Ubud and book something just outstide the centre to avoid the traffic jams
– Spend the other days in the south of Bali (around Uluwatu) or in Sidemens
PS J’ai répondu à ce commentaire en anglais, donc d’autres nationalités peuvent également bénéficier de cette info. Je recommande d’utiliser Google Translate pour le lire en français.
Thank you for the excellent informative post, which helps us a lot. We plan to visit Kuta (Lombok) and Gili Air from Bali and return to Bali in November. What is the most convenient/best route: Bal -> Kuta -> Gili Air -> Bali OR Bali -> Gili Air -> Kuta ->Bali? Thank you.
Hi John, glad to here it’s helpful! Sounds like a great planning. Most travellers (including me) prefer the Bali -> Gili – > Kuta, Lombok route, but the other way you suggest works as well. In general Bali involves more travel and exploration, Gili is more about relaxing and beaches (the island is small) and then Lombok is more adventurous again. Here you will likely rent a motorbike and explore several beaches spread out on Lombok’s south coast.
Another reason to stop at Gili first is because all fast boats from Bali to Lombok also stop at the Gili Islands, which is only 10 minutes from the Bangsal port in the north of Lombok. After visiting the Gili islands you can take a ferry from the north of Lombok to Kuta in the south of Lombok. From Kuta, Lombok, you can then travel back by plane (30m flight and 30m drive to the airport from Kuta) or take the same ferry back to Bali. Although we don’t have a post about Lombok to Bali, you can find the most important info on this page about Bali to Lombok.
PS To end your adventure in Indonesia, I can recommend to spend a few nights in the south of Bali around Ulu Watu. Also beautiful beaches and stunning cliff views, plus it’s quite easy to reach the Airport in Bali from Ulu Watu. Safe travels!
Thank you very much Maarten. We will follow your suggestions.