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What to expect from the Gili Islands
Known for their stunning white sand beaches, crystal clear waters, and lively atmosphere, the Gili Islands are a group of three tropical islands off the northwest coast of Lombok.
Each of the three islands offers a unique vibe, so make sure to read up on all three islands before booking your accommodation and fast boat tickets.
A lot of travellers blindly go for the biggest island, Gili Trawangan, without realizing that it can be pretty crowded and party-centric. If that’s not your scene, you might want to check out Gili Air instead. Gili Air has a more laid-back vibe and a good balance of chill vibes, bar scenes and things to do.
On the other hand, Gili Meno is perfect if you want to disconnect from the outside world and relax in a tranquil setting. Of course, it all comes down to personal preference.
Regardless of what island you choose, we highly recommend going on an island hopping trip to dive or snorkel around the best coral reefs of the three islands. Just don’t forget to put on sunscreen as the sun can make you sunburned easily, even when she’s hiding behind the clouds!
TIP: Not sure whether to go to the Gili Islands or Nusa Penida or Nusa Lembongan? Check out this guide on how to get from Bali to Nusa Penida to see a brief comparison between the three destinations.
How to get from Bali to the Gili Islands
The distance from Bali to the Gili Islands is 62 km (38 miles) and you can choose from three main transport options to get there. The fast boat can be as fast as 1.5 hours and departs from several ports in Bali, including Padang Bai, Sanur, Serangan, and Amed. The slow boat only departs from Padang Bai (9 hours). Lastly, you can also fly via Praya Airport in Lombok, but this won’t save you time.
We recommend taking a fast boat from Padang Bai as this is the closest harbour to the Gili Islands. Fast boat tickets already start from $12 (185,000 IDR). Before you book your ticket, it’s important to know that almost all fast boats from Bali first stop at Gili Trawangan and most also at Gili Air, but fewer stop at Gili Meno.
Using the slow boat to get from Bali to Gili Islands is not recommended. You’ll first have to take the boat from Padang Bai to the south of Lombok (5-6 hours), then take a taxi to Bangsal Pier (2 hours) and then transfer by boat to one of the Gili Islands (10-45 minutes). The combined costs start from $22.50 (340,000 IDR).
Taking a flight might seem like a faster option, but it’s not. The flight from Bali to Lombok only takes around 40 minutes, but you’ll need to take another 2-3 hour ride from Praya Airport in the south of Lombok to Bangsal pier in the north of Lombok, followed by a 10 to 45-minute boat trip to the Gili Islands. Altogether, this trip will take over 5 hours if you add up the boarding time and transfer time. Combined fares start from $70 (1,050,000 IDR).
Bali to Gili Islands by Fast Boat
The best and fastest way to travel from Bali to the 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 1.5 to 5 hours. Note that most of the fast boats head to the two busiest islands, Gili Trawangan and Gili Air and few stop at Gili Meno. Fast boat tickets start from $12 (185,000 IDR) from Bali to Gili Islands.
Keep on reading for a detailed breakdown of how to get to the Gili Islands by fast boat from Padang Bai, Sanur, Serangan, or Amed — including schedules and where to book your tickets.
Quick tips:
- The ocean between Bali and the Gilis can get quite rough. Avoid small fast boats if you are prone to getting seasick on boat rides.
- Eka Jaya operates the largest boat and offers the best value for money.
- Most fast boats depart two times a day: one in the morning around 9:00 and one in the afternoon around 13:00.
- For quick bookings, 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 the Gili Islands. The fast boat will bring you in about 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: 1.5 hours
- Bali to Gili Meno: 1hr 45m
- Bali to Gili Air: 2 hours
Occasionally, the fast boat from Bali first makes a short stop at the mainland in Lombok. It’s close to the Gili Islands, but be aware that it can make the total journey last longer than the indicated 1.5-2 hours.
Which ferry to book?
We recommend not directly buying the cheapest ferry ticket out there, but paying a few dollars more for a ferry ticket with Eka Jaya. I travelled with several boat companies between Bali and the Gili Islands, but I’d strongly recommend Eka Jaya. The ride was calmer and I loved the fact that they had a seating area on the open deck.
If you buy your ticket with BookAway, you can already buy a ticket with Eka Jaya for $23 (345,000 IDR). Via the Eka Jaya website or 12GoAsia, tickets will cost at least $25 (375,000 IDR). At the port, it will likely be even higher.
TIP: The ocean between Bali and the Gili’s can get rough and that’s why we recommend booking a ticket for a larger fast boat. If you are prone to motion sickness, bring your motion sickness pills!
Bali to Gili Trawangan fast boat schedule
Gili Trawangan is most of the time the first stop. If the journey will go 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, which are Gili Trawangan and Gili Air. Luckily, Eka Jaya also drops off passengers at Meno.
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 get a quick impression of 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 $1 (15,000 IDR) in Padang Bai before you board the fast boat.
PRO 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 northwest 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 which allows 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 and time to Padang Bai
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 already add 1-hour extra time to get to Padang Bai.
Estimated taxi fares to Padang Bai Port
| Departure point | Travel time | Taxi fares* |
|---|---|---|
| Canggu | 2-2.5 hours | from $18.50 (280,000 IDR) |
| Ubud | 1.5-2 hours | from $20 (300,000 IDR) |
| Kuta, Seminyak | 1.5-2 hours | from $22 (330,000 IDR) |
| Uluwatu | 2.5-3 hours | from $27 (400,000 IDR) |
– Minivan to Padang Bai Port
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 $15 (225,000 IDR)
- From Ubud $11.50 (175,000 IDR)
To be fair, the price of this ride is quite high and you’ll be better off sharing a taxi when you are travelling with two or more people.
Option 2: Fast boat from Sanur Port
When you are staying in 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 over 3 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.
Fast boat schedule from Bali to the Gili Islands departing from Sanur Port
Note that this indicated arrival time is based on Trawangan, so if you stay at 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 $22.50 (340,000 IDR) on 12GoAsia. 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 and time to Sanur Port
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 $6.50 (100,000 IDR) |
| Kuta, Seminyak | 30 minutes – 1 hour | from $7 (110,000 IDR) |
| Ubud | 1-1.5 hours | from $12.50 (190,000 IDR) |
| Uluwatu | 1.5-2 hours | from $13.50 (200,000 IDR) |
Minivan to Sanur Port
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: $4.30 (65,000 IDR)
- From Ubud: $6.50 (100,000 IDR)
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
Blue Water Express and Gili Getaway are two companies that operate from Serangan Pier. However, with one-way tickets selling for at least $48.50 (720,000 IDR), we don’t see an advantage in booking either ferry. Not only are they more expensive, but travel time is almost twice as long.
While the port looks closeby to Sanur, it is still a 30-minute drive south. The fast boats will take 3-3.5 hours, compared to 1.5-2.5 hours from Padang Bai. You will be faster when you 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.
Fast boat schedule from Bali to the Gili Islands departing from Serangan Port
The schedule is based on the fast boats’ trips to Gili Trawangan, but they also head to Gili Air for the same price.
If you’re taking the Blue Water Express ferry from Serangan Port, you can take advantage of the free hotel pick-up from several areas in Bali. These include Sanur, Denpasar, Kuta, Canggu, Uluwatu, Ubud, and Nusa Dua. You can also ask to be picked up from Bali Airport.
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 and time to Serangan Port
Taxi fares to Serangan Port
| Departure point | Travel time | Taxi fares* |
|---|---|---|
| Canggu | 1-1.5 hours | from $6.50 (100,000 IDR) |
| Kuta, Seminyak | 30 minutes – 1 hour | from $7 (110,000 IDR) |
| Ubud | 1-1.5 hours | from $12.50 (190,000 IDR) |
| Uluwatu | 1.5-2 hours | from $13.50 (200,000 IDR) |
Option 4: Fast boat from Amed Port
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 the Gili Islands, so the travel time from this port is a bit shorter compared to other ports, just about 1.5 hours.
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 $25.50 (380,000 IDR) per person.
Fast boat schedule from Bali to the Gili Islands departing from Amed Port
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, but 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)
Small fast boats (Semaya One)
If you never get seasick and do not 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 already starts from $15 (225,000 IDR) with Semaya One.
There are a few more companies operating smaller boats, but considering their 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)
Large and more comfortable fast boat (Eka Jaya)
Does your stomach easily turn upside down after a boat drive or do you just prefer some more comfort to enjoy 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. Eka Jaya is the biggest fast boat operator from Bali to the Gili’s and operates large boats with a capacity of over 200 passengers. Tickets start from $22.50 (335,000 IDR).
– Fast boats with more comfortable seating
Fast boats with more comfortable seating
Although Eka Jaya is one of the most popular companies, there are also slightly more luxurious options available.
Two of these companies are Blue Water Express with tickets selling for $47.50 (710,000 IDR) and Gili Getaway for $54 (800,000 IDR). It’s up to you if the upgrade is worth the price premium.
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) – $4 (60,000 IDR)
- Taxi from Lembar to Bangsal (2 hours) – $13.50 (200,000 IDR)
- Boat to the Gili Islands (10-45 minutes) – $1.30 (20,000 IDR)
Combined costs start from $18.50 (280,000 IDR) 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 the 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 already takes about 2-3 hours, we would rather recommend taking the fast boat from Padang Bai in Bali. That single boat trip from Bali to the Gili Islands will already be faster than the journey just from Lombok Airport to the Gili Islands.
From our 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 option is about 4-5 hours, excluding boarding time. Combined rates start from $70 (1,050,000 IDR) if you travel by public bus from the airport to the port.
Step 1: Bali 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 $4 (60,000 IDR). Expect to pay at least $20 (300,000 IDR) 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, Lion Air, and Citilink offer multiple flights from Bali to Lombok daily.
Fares start from $64 (950,000 IDR) for the 40-minute flight to Lombok Airport.
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 $3.30 (50,000 IDR) for the 3-hour ride to Bangsal. If you book in advance with Traveloka, tickets only cost $1.30 (20,000 IDR). 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 $35 (525,000 IDR) 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 $1.30 (20,000 IDR) 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 $5.50 (85,000 IDR) 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.
Frequently asked questions about Bali to Indonesia
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.
You are sure to find a similar soul who likes socializing and getting to know people from all walks of life.
Gili Trawangan is also the perfect spot to see huge sea turtles. If the ocean is calm, there is almost a guarantee that you will see several sea turtles when you go snorkelling only a few metres from the beach. You’ll get the best chance to see them on the east side of Gili T. Best in the morning around 08:00 or afternoon after 16:00.
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.
Note that most hotel choices are on the expensive side. If you’re on a budget, check first if the few remaining budget hotels still have available rooms.
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.
If you’re into yoga, there are also a few great options at Gili Air. And in case you missed the chance to surf some waves in Bali, you might be lucky and even find some surfable waves at the reef in the southwest corner of the island!
Should I book with or without pick-up services?
Shuttle van at a parking area in Padang BaiWith or without pick-up services?
Some 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.
If pick-up is not included, we still have some good news for you. Taxi fares are pretty low in Bali and booking private transport can easily save you more than one hour in picking up other passengers.
My own experience: When I travelled back from the Gili Islands to Bali, our van went from Padang Bai to Sanur, Kuta and Canggu (where I was staying). In total, the journey lasted over 2 hours, instead of just a little over an hour on the way to the port. For me, it wasn’t a big issue, but if you don’t feel like picking up other passengers, it’s best to book your own transport.
How can I travel between the Gili islands?
Public boat operating between the Gili Islands
Inside public boat operating between the 3 Gili IslandsIf you can’t decide which Gili Island you want to go to, no problem. You can take a private speedboat for around $30 (450,000 IDR) or a public boat for just $2.70 (40,000 IDR).
This is also an ideal solution if you are staying at Gili Meno and your fast boat from Bali is not making a stop at this island.
The public boat is a small boat that fits 20-30 people and runs from 07:45 to 17:00. Note that there is no schedule, and the boat just usually departs when it is full of passengers.
Here’s the fare breakdown between the Gili Islands:
– Gili Trawangan – Gili Meno: $2.70 (40,000 IDR)
– Gili Trawangan – Gili Air: $3 (45,000 IDR)
Indonesia Travel Guides
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.
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.