If you’re traveling to Bali, odds are you’ve thought about a trip to the Gili Islands. The three Gili Islands are a slice of paradise just off the coast of Lombok, and a short boat ride from Bali. The islands offer white sandy beaches, crystal clear waters, and raging nightlife or a secluded escape, depending on which one you pick. In fact, it’s a can’t-miss on any Bali itinerary! For that reason, I’ll tell you everything you need to know to get from Bali to the Gili Islands by ferry.
BEST WAY TO BOOK BALI TO GILI ISLANDS FERRY
Don’t have time to read the whole guide? No worries! If you want to know how to get from Bali to the Gili Islands by ferry, 12GO is the easiest option. 12GO offers a simple and reliable way to book a fast boat to Gili Islands from Bali. For instance, you’ll get instant confirmation of your ticket, and won’t need to wait in line to book in person. Further, you can check the timetable below to view the current schedule and book your ticket now.
HOW TO TO GET FROM BALI TO THE GILI ISLANDS
In this article, I’ll share how to get from Bali to the Gili Islands. To begin with, I’ll show you how to book. Then, I’ll explain the different boat options and their prices. Finally, I’ll share a bit about the Gili Islands and the best time to visit them.
KEY POINTS: FERRY FROM BALI TO GILI ISLANDS
Firstly, a few key points…
- There are public boats to the Gili Islands, but since they take a full day (9+ hours), we’ll only focus on fast boat transfers.
- Fast boats to Gili depart from multiple ports in Bali. Padang Bai is the one with the most options and the shortest travel time, so I highly recommend choosing this route. I’ll share the most common routes below.
- You can book boat tickets in person at the ports, but the newer fast boats fill up quickly, especially in peak season. For that reason, I recommend booking online with 12GO.
- If you’d rather book a fast boat with hotel pick-up included, book a full package with Gili Getaway.
- Some boats have a strict weight limit on luggage. There also isn’t motorized transport on the Gili Islands. For this reason, it’s best to leave your large or wheeled luggage at home or in Bali. On these islands, it pays to be a backpacker!
Now that we’ve covered those points, let’s look at how to get from Bali to the Gili Islands.
HOW TO BOOK A FERRY FROM BALI TO THE GILI ISLANDS
There are a few different ways to get from Bali to the Gili Islands, but none are as quick and easy as taking a fast boat from Bali to Gili Trawangan, or to your final destination. The fast boats generally go to Gili Trawangan first, possibly with a short stop in Lombok before. After Gili Trawangan, most boats continue onwards to Gili Air and then Gili Meno. To guarantee the best possible rate, I recommend 12GO, a reliable booking platform throughout Asia.
In light of tourism returning to Bali, it’s best to avoid showing up at the port assuming you’ll be able to buy a last-minute ticket. Below, I’ve included a timetable for the Bali-Gili fast boat.
Book your ticket with 12GO: Bali Gili fast boat.
BALI TO GILI FERRY ROUTES
There are a few different Bali to Gili ferry routes, but I’ll cover the most common options below:
Padang Bai Port to Gili Trawangan:
- 2 hours and 15-minute boat ride from Padang Bai to Gili Trawangan.
- 1 hour and 30-minute drive from Kuta Beach to Padang Bai Port without traffic.
- The best place to catch a fast boat if you haven’t booked in advance.
- Most popular option and the one most travelers take.
Serangan Pier to Gili Trawangan:
- 2 hours and 15-minute boat ride from Serangan to Gili Trawangan on the Gili Getaway speedboat.
- 3-hour journey on most other boats.
- 35 minutes – 1-hour drive from Kuta Beach to Serangan Pier.
- Closest port to the tourist hub of Kuta Beach / Seminyak / Canggu.
Amed to Gili Trawangan:
- 2 hour boat ride from Amed to Gili Trawangan.
- 2 hour and 30-minute drive from Kuta Beach to Amed.
- Fastest Ferry journey, but furthest port from most tourist spots.
BALI TO GILI FERRY SCHEDULE AND PRICE
Below, I’ve listed the boat schedules from Bali to Gili. The schedule may vary so it’s best to check the timetable at 12GO for up-to-date information. Most of these routes continue to at least one other Gili Island after Gili Trawangan.
Padang Bai Port to Gili Trawangan:
- Eka Jaya Fast Boat runs 2 fast boats per day from Padang Bai to Gili Trawangan, at 9am and at 12:30pm. Prices start at $24 USD. The 9:30am is scheduled for 1 hour and 30 minutes from Bali to Gili Trawangan, and the 12:30pm is 2 hours and 5 minutes.
- Semaya One runs a 9:15am fast boat from Padang Bai to Gili Trawangan. Prices start at $19 USD. It’s a 2 hour and 45-minute boat ride.
- Ostina Fast Boat runs a 9:30am fast boat from Padang Bai to Gili Trawangan. Prices start at $23 USD. It’s a 2 hour boat ride.
- Kurnia Jaya Fast Boat runs a 1:30pm fast boat from Padang Bai to Gili Trawangan. Prices start at $20 USD. It’s a 2 hour boat ride.
Serangan Pier to Gili Trawangan:
- Gili Getaway runs a 9am fast boat from Serangan Pier to Gili Trawangan. Prices start $50 USD, but include hotel pick-up. It’s a 2 hour and 15 minute boat ride.
Amed to Gili Trawangan:
- Freebird Express runs a 9:30am fast boat from Amed to Gili Trawangan. Prices start at $30 USD for a 2 hour boat ride.
THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT THE GILI ISLANDS
To start with, what are the Gili Islands? The Gili Islands are 3 islands off the coast of Lombok, known for being an ideal island escape. If the crowds of Bali beaches become too much, or you want a quick dive trip, the Gili Islands are a go-to. But first, let me explain the differences between the islands, Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, and Gili Air.
Gili Trawangan: this is the largest of the Gili Islands, also known as Gili T. Most ferries will stop here and unload the majority of their passengers. Gili Trawangan has the most accommodations, beachfront, and nightlife of all the islands, and is known as a party destination. I accidentally came here during a full moon and found it very “lively.”
Gili Meno: this is the smallest of the islands, and has the fewest accommodations. The ones that are available are more expensive, giving this island a honeymoon reputation. Couples and solo travelers looking for a secluded holiday will love it.
Gili Air: this is the furthest east of the islands, and has both a laid-back atmosphere and nightlife options. It’s a good in-between of the two islands above.
BEST TIME TO VISIT THE GILI ISLANDS
June through October is generally the best time to visit the Gili Islands. It’s the dry season and offers the best chance of clear skies and calm waters. However, traveling in the dry season also reflects traveling in peak season. This period can be crowded and accommodations may quickly book out. If traveling then, just make sure to make your bookings in advance where possible.
Bali is popular year-round though, and many travelers prefer fewer crowds with a chance of rain. I’ve only ever traveled to Bali in the rainy season and haven’t had an issue with the occasional downpour. But if your holiday is on the shorter side, I might recommend booking for fairer weather. Rainy season storms may also affect ferry schedules and cause rough boat rides to the islands.
In conclusion, that’s it for my complete guide on how to get from Bali to the Gili Islands. Hopefully, you found everything you needed to get to the Gili’s for some dedicated beach time! And if you’re looking for more things to do around the islands of Bali, try one of my other guides below: