Bali to Gili Day Trip: Is It Possible and Worth It?

Gili Islands are known for their relaxed island vibes, something that a lot of people need after a long week of work and crowds. The turquoise waters and white sand beaches feel like calling from afar. It is not a surprise that many people actually try to find some time to visit Gili Islands, even just for a day.

The big question is with a long commute and even travelling through the sea, is it really worth it to do a trip to Gili Island just for a day?

Below is the breakdown of the real travel timeline from Bali to Gili Islands with fast boats, so you get the idea if it fits your schedule and if it is worth the hustle.

 

The Reality of Time Traveling to Gili Island

While a fast boat to Gili Islands seems quick, a lot of people miss to calculate the land transfers, check-in time and return schedule. Here is what you should expect in a day trip to Gili Islands:

• 06:30 – 08:00: Hotel pick up and estimate time of arrival at the harbour.
• 09:00 – 11:30: check-in process and sea crossing, either from Sanur or Padang bai
• 12:00 – 15:00: Estimate time of arrival at Gili Trawangan. You will have around 3 hours which is enough for lunch and a short snorkeling session.
• 15:00 – 15:30: Must return to the harbour to catch the last boat back to Bali.
• 18:00 – 20:00: Arrive in Bali and back to the hotel.

With this timeline, you will spend around 8 hours traveling and only 3 hours is spent enjoying Gili Islands.

 

When is a Day Trip “Worth It”?

The day trip to Gili Islands sounds challenging for many, but this can be an option if:

1. Perfect Weather Conditions
   This is a non-negotiable factor. Calm seas will allow the fast boats to depart on time which will prevent delays and give you maximum time to enjoy Gili Islands. Avoid doing the day trip in bad weather and windy months such as July – August and peak rainy season like January – February.
2. Staying close to the harbour
   If you by accident stay close to the harbour, either Sanur or Padang Bai, it will be an advantage as you already reduce some land transfer time. You might easily catch the earliest fast boat to have more time at Gili Islands.
3. One specific activity only
   If you just want to do one specific activity, like visiting the underwater statue in Gili Meno or just swimming with turtles, and not interested in exploring the island deeply, a one day trip is absolutely an option for you.
4. Excellent Physical Condition
   However, to do a Bali to Gili Islands day, you need to be in excellent physical condition. Doing a one day trip to Gili Islands is not recommended for kids, elderly and anyone who is sensitive to motion sickness as the travel can be exhausting.

 

Why is “Overnight” Strongly Recommended?

There is something about Gili Islands that make them Gili Islands, something that you have to feel and enjoy, and definitely can’t be rushed:

1. Iconic Sunset at Gili Islands
   Once the last boats have left, the magical moments happen in Gili Islands. Around 5PM when things become more quiet, you can enjoy the sunset surrounded by white sand beaches or you simply can enjoy it with a nice and romantic dinner in the restaurants with direct ocean view.
2. Peaceful morning
   Similar to the sunset, you can enjoy the quiet and peaceful morning in Gili Islands before everyone is in a rush to catch the earliest boats. If you wake up early, you might get the sunrise with Mount Rinjani view.
3. Better Value of Money
   The round-trip fast boat to Gili Islands costs the same whether you stay for 3 hours or 3 days. This makes staying longer at Gili Islands makes the money far more worthy.

 

Final Verdict: Is one Day Trip Bali to Gili Worth it?

So, is it possible to do a day trip from Bali to Gili islands? Yes, absolutely!

But, is it the best way to enjoy the tropical paradise? not really.

You definitely can have a memorable ‘snapshot adventure’ in Gilis for a day if the weather is perfectly calm and your schedule is extremely tight. However, the experience of Gili Islands is more about slow paced vacation and soaking in the atmosphere instead of ticking off destinations.

But if you want to experience Gili’s true magic, the sunset, peaceful mornings and a slower pace of life, at least an overnight stay is highly recommended. If it is not possible to have an overnight stay, make sure to book the earliest fast boat to Gili Island with Gili Voyages, we make sure every minute you spend on the island truly counts.

 

FAQ

Can you do a day trip to Gili Islands from Bali?

Yes, definitely. You have to book the earliest fast boat from Bali to Gili Islands. But you will spend more time on the transport (around 8 hours in total) compared to a 3 hour ‘vacation’ on the island.

 

Is a day trip to Gili Islands worth it?

It can be worth it only if: the weather is perfect, you stay close to the harbour or departure point and if you are looking to do a specific activity only. To have a much better experience, most travellers choose to stay at least for one night.

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