How To Get To The Gili Islands From Bali [2024]
If you’re planning a trip and want to know how to get to the Gili Islands from Bali, you’re in for a treat, and I’m here to guide you through the journey.
Having been to the Gili Islands in 2023, I’ve experienced the ins and outs of this trip firsthand and enjoyed my time there, too.
In this post, I’ll share all the essential details you need to know about travelling from Bali to the Gili Islands.
Don’t have time to read the full article?
I recommend the Gili Getaway Fast Boat— it is a cheaper option to get to Gili Islands from Bali with free hotel pick-up and drop-off.
From the fastest routes to the most budget-friendly options to understanding the challenges and questions of planning this trip, I’m here to provide my recommendations and practical advice.
Whether you are looking for the quickest way to reach the Gili Islands or the most scenic route, this guide will help you map out your itinerary.
I’ll also share some insider tips to enhance your travel experience.
So, let’s dive in and explore the best ways to journey from Bali to the Gili Islands for a smooth and enjoyable trip.
Looking for the best options to get to Gili? You can also search below to find cheap tickets and a timetable:
How to Get to The Gili Islands From Bali
Taking fast boats is the best and most convenient way if you want to know how to get to the Gili Islands from Bali in no time.
These three are the most recommended:
HOW TO GET TO THE GILI ISLANDS FROM BALI
🛥️ Gili Getaway
Gili Getaway offers a fast and efficient boat service between Bali and Gili Trawangan, ensuring you spend more time on the beach and less in transit.
The service includes a generous luggage allowance, which is ideal for travellers.
Boats depart daily from Serangan Harbor, a mere 30-minute drive from Kuta.
For added convenience, complimentary hotel pick-ups are available in areas including Kerobokan, Seminyak, Legian, Kuta, Tuban, Jimbaran, Nusa Dua, Denpasar, Sanur, the airport, and parts of Canggu up to Canggu Club.
Pick-ups from other locations can be arranged for an extra fee.
You can also head directly to the harbour, with check-in required 30 minutes before departure.
Morning departures allow you to make the most of your day at Gili Trawangan.
✅ Pros:
- Free direct pick-up and drop-off to and from the airport in these areas: Happy Chappy Canggu, Umalas, Kerobokan, Seminyak, Legian, Kuta Central, Tuban, Jimbaran Central, Nusa Dua Central, Tanjung Benoa, Denpasar Central, Sanur
- Staff are very friendly and communicate and promptly respond to emails.
- More cost-effective
🛑 Cons:
- It tends to get fully booked quickly, so booking months ahead is advisable
⭐ Why I recommend it:
- Competent and friendly staff
- They offer pick-up and drop-off free of charge.
- Baggage allowance for two pieces of carried luggage is free of charge.
- Faster travel time
⏳ Travel Time: 2 hours and 15 mins (from Bali to Gili Trawangan)
🗒️ Other Things to Note:
- Booking is straightforward. After payment, you’ll receive an e-ticket confirmation. Please double-check the details to ensure they’re correct, especially the pick-up address and time.
- They have an extra surcharge for pick-up and drop services further north of Happy Chappy Canggu and in the Ubud and Uluwatu areas.
- The baggage limit should be a total weight of 25kg at most.
- They don’t support plastic; hence, they are not offering bottled water onboard. You can bring your own bottles instead.
🛟 Boat Routes:
- Serangan – Gili Trawangan – Gili Air – Bangsal
- Amed Beach (North Bali) to Gili Islands
- Nusa Penida (South Bali) to the Gili Islands
HOW TO GET TO THE GILI ISLANDS FROM BALI
🛥️ Blue Water Express
For a hassle-free journey from Bali to Lombok or the Gili Islands, consider the Blue Water Express service.
This high-speed boat service offers pre-booked tickets to Gili Trawangan, Gili Air, or Lombok’s Bangsal port, removing the hassles of dealing with ticket desks.
The boats depart from Serangan, closer to Padang Bai, ensuring a shorter sea crossing.
The modern and comfortable Blue Water Express boats are equipped with onboard restrooms and include insurance for added peace of mind.
One of the key conveniences of this service is the inclusion of shuttle transfers.
There’s no need to worry about arranging transport to Serangan, as the package covers collection and drop-off at most hotels in Bali.
Blue Water Express provides a stress-free option for travellers exploring the beautiful islands off Bali’s coast.
✅ Pros:
- Boats are modern, spacious and air-conditioned; seats are also more comfortable
🛑 Cons:
- The boat route is longer
- Pick-up and drop-off services come with an additional charge.
⭐ Why I recommend it:
- Boats look more modern, much bigger, has more space and comfortable seats.
- The staff and boat captain were confident and competent in handling the unpleasant weather and small water leaks inside the boat during our travel back to Bali.
⏳ Travel Time: 3 hours (understandable because of the unpleasant weather)
🗒️ Other Things to Note:
- Their boat route from Gili Islands: Gili Trawangan – Gili Air – Bangsal – Serangan (South of Bali)
- It is a more suitable choice if you’re after convenience.
🛟 Boat Routes:
- Serangan (South Bali) to Penida or Padang Bai, then to Gili Trawangan, Gili Air, and Lombok’s Bangsal
HOW TO GET TO THE GILI ISLANDS FROM BALI
🛥️ Eka Jaya
Eka Jaya is a reliable and efficient option for travelling between Bali and the Gili Islands.
Their fleet comprises large, fast, modern boats with impressive safety records.
Booking your journey with Eka Jaya is straightforward and can be done online, offering convenience and assurance.
The service includes private transfers, ensuring a smooth journey between your hotel and the harbour in Bali.
During the trip, you can enjoy onboard Wi-Fi and stay connected and entertained.
Also, passengers are provided a breakfast box, snack box, and mineral water to refresh them throughout their travel.
You can choose between one-way or return tickets, giving you flexibility based on your travel plans.
Private transfers from your Bali hotel to the Padang Bai port add extra comfort and convenience to your travel experience with Eka Jaya.
✅ Pros:
- Modern boats have high-tech systems
- Large, cozy, and comfortable seats
- Breakfast box and mineral water are included in the ticket price.
🛑 Cons:
- Paid private shuttle for hotel pick and drop-off
- Doesn’t offer shuttle bus services
⭐ Why I recommend it:
- Day tour with a return ticket from Gili includes a complimentary Indonesian seaside lunch
- 25kg baggage allowance
- Convenient transfer to port via private shuttle
⏳ Travel Time: 2 to 2.5 hours, depending on the starting point in Bali
🛟 Boat Routes:
- Amed Beach (North Bali) to Gili Islands
- Padang Bai (East Bali) to Gili Islands
- Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Penida, Serangan or Sanur (South Bali) to Gili Trawangan, Gili Air, or Lombok’s Bangsal
Other Transportation Options From Bali to Gili Islands
Aside from taking fast boats, you have other transport options for getting to the Gili Islands from Bali.
HOW TO GET TO THE GILI ISLANDS FROM BALI
🛥️ Boarding a Slow Public Ferry
The ferry from Bali to Gili Trawangan is an alternative for travellers who want a more budget-friendly option than fast boats.
Travel time takes approximately 4 to 6 hours, offering travellers a chance to relax and enjoy the sea voyage.
It’s a good choice if you’re looking to experience the journey as part of your adventure, and it’s also kinder to your wallet.
HOW TO GET TO THE GILI ISLANDS FROM BALI
🛥️ Flying from Lombok Airport
Another route to consider is flying from Bali to Lombok and then transferring to the Gili Islands.
This option is worth considering if you’re exploring how to get to the Gili Islands from Bali without taking a boat directly.
You can catch a short flight to Lombok Airport and then take a local boat to the Gili Islands.
This option lets you have the convenience of faster travel time while enjoying some scenic views.
About Gili Islands
The Gili Islands, a trio of small islands off Lombok’s coast and east of Bali, are a highlight for many travellers.
Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, and Gili Air are known simply as ‘Gili’, which means ‘island’.
They are famed for their pristine white sand beaches, clear waters, and thriving coral reefs, making them a popular destination, especially among backpackers.
Gili Trawangan is the largest and most developed of the three, spanning 3 kilometres in length and 2 kilometres in width.
It’s a hub for various activities, offering a mix of relaxation and adventure.
Whether you’re into diving, enjoying beach life, or exploring the local culture, the Gili Islands provide a perfect backdrop for an unforgettable experience.
FAQs: Getting to Gili Islands From Bali
HOW TO GET TO THE GILI ISLANDS FROM BALI
Which ferry is best from Bali to Gili?
The best ferry from Bali to the Gili Islands depends on your preferences. Eka Jaya offers large, modern boats with a strong safety record, private transfers, onboard Wi-Fi, and refreshments.
The Blue Water Express and Gili Getaway provide swift connections with hotel pick-ups and comfortable amenities for a faster journey.
HOW TO GET TO THE GILI ISLANDS FROM BALI
Can you do a day trip from Bali to Gili Trawangan?
Yes, you have a day trip from Bali to Gili Trawangan. Fast boats offered by Eka Jaya and Blue Water Express have early morning departures from Bali and return trips in the afternoon.
This schedule allows several hours on Gili Trawangan, which is ideal for a quick visit. However, it’s a tight schedule, so planning is crucial.
HOW TO GET TO THE GILI ISLANDS FROM BALI
How many days are enough for the Gili Islands?
For a fulfilling experience, spending at least 3 to 4 days in the Gili Islands is recommended.
This duration allows you to explore the unique aspects of each island – Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, and Gili Air – and enjoy their beaches, snorkelling, and relaxed atmosphere without feeling rushed.
HOW TO GET TO THE GILI ISLANDS FROM BALI
Which Gili Island is the best?
The best Gili Island depends on what you’re looking for. Gili Trawangan is the largest among the three islands and is popular for its vibrant nightlife and various activities.
Gili Meno offers a more tranquil experience, ideal for couples and those seeking relaxation. Gili Air strikes a balance between the two, with a relaxed vibe but enough restaurants and activities to keep you entertained.
HOW TO GET TO THE GILI ISLANDS FROM BALI
How do you transport between the Gili Islands?
Transport between the Gili Islands is typically by local boats. These include public island-hopping boats and private speedboats, which operate regular services between Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, and Gili Air.
The journey is short, usually taking about 10 to 20 minutes, depending on the destination and type of boat used.
HOW TO GET TO THE GILI ISLANDS FROM BALI
When should I visit Gili?
The dry season from April to September is the best time to visit the Gili Islands. During these months, you’ll experience less rain, clearer skies, and better sea conditions, ideal for beach activities and snorkelling.
Tourist season peaks are from July to August, so for a quieter experience, consider visiting in April, May, or September.
Final Thoughts: From Bali To Gili Islands
Travelling to the Gili Islands from Bali offers various options.
Whether you choose Eka Jaya’s swift and comfortable services, the efficient Blue Water Express, or the convenient Gili Getaway, your journey promises to be as enjoyable as your destination.
Still wondering which fastboat service to choose? Book from Gili Getaway — and explore the islands of Gili.
This guide lets you select the best ferry service, plan your itinerary, and quickly navigate between the islands.
Now that you know how to get to the Gili Islands from Bali, it’s time to plan your trip and embark on an unforgettable island adventure.
Start planning your journey to the Gili Islands today and prepare for an experience of stunning beaches, vibrant marine life, and serene island vibes.
