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How To Get From Bali To The Gili Islands: Complete Guide

How To Get From Bali To The Gili Islands: Complete Guide

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 and the cheapest site to book on.

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Bali-Gili Ferry Ticket

  • 2h 15m – 3h
  • Reliable Online Booking
  • Fast Boat
Gili islands, Indonesia

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.

Ferry Bali - Gili Islands $ 16.69–51.45 1h 30m – 5h 45m
  •   Speedboat 08:00, 08:30, 09:00, 09:20, 09:30, 10:00, 10:30, 11:30, 11:50, 12:00, 13:30, 14:00
  •   High Speed Ferry 09:00
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Bali-Gili Ferry Ticket

  • 2h 15m – 3h
  • Reliable Online Booking
  • Fast Boat

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.

gili trawangan vegan and gluten free

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

Ferry Bali - Gili Islands $ 16.69–51.45 1h 30m – 5h 45m
  •   Speedboat 08:00, 08:30, 09:00, 09:20, 09:30, 10:00, 10:30, 11:30, 11:50, 12:00, 13:30, 14:00
  •   High Speed Ferry 09:00

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 a 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 a 30-minute drive from Kuta Beach to Amed.
  • Fastest Ferry journey, but the furthest port from most tourist spots.
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Bali-Gili Ferry Ticket

  • 2h 15m – 3h
  • Reliable Online Booking
  • Fast Boat
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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.

the gili islands

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.

COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT THE FERRY FROM BALI TO GILI ISLANDS

  1. How long does the ferry take from Bali to the Gili Islands? The ferry ride from Bali to the Gili Islands typically takes around 2-3 hours, depending on the weather and sea conditions.
  2. What is the cost of the ferry ticket from Bali to the Gili Islands? The cost of the ferry ticket from Bali to the Gili Islands can vary depending on the type of ferry and the season. Generally, prices range from IDR 200,000 to IDR 450,000 (approximately USD 14 to USD 31) per person.
  3. Where do I catch the ferry from Bali to the Gili Islands? The ferry departs from several ports in Bali, including Padang Bai, Serangan, and Amed. It’s recommended to book your ferry ticket in advance to ensure availability and confirm the departure port.
  4. Is it safe to take the ferry from Bali to the Gili Islands? Yes, the ferry is generally considered a safe and reliable mode of transportation. However, it’s important to follow safety instructions provided by the crew, especially during rough seas.
  5. What should I bring on the ferry from Bali to the Gili Islands? It’s recommended to bring essential items such as sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, a light jacket, and a bottle of water. You may also want to bring motion sickness medication if you’re prone to seasickness. Additionally, it’s a good idea to bring some cash in case there are additional fees, such as baggage fees or port taxes.
a group of boats floating on top of a body of water.

In conclusion, that’s 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:

niki

Wednesday 8th of November 2023

any private boat because the timetable for ferries doesn't fit to my program? thank you

Mary

Tuesday 4th of April 2023

You can also take helicopter to Gili. We use Balicopter and it only took 40 mins!

Ryan Castillo

Friday 10th of March 2023

Great blog and useful info! By the way, if any of you guys would need an airport transfer service that provides pre-installed car seats, Kidmoto is the way to go! You can learn more at kidmoto.taxi