Safe Ways to Get to Gili Islands from Bali

Tired from modern Bali?? Are you looking to go back to the old vibe of tourism?? Look no more because The Gilis get you. These three islands, known as Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno and Gili Air offer you a laid back atmosphere where there are no motor vehicles around. You heard it right! No motorbike, no cars, just bicycles and traditional horse carts.

The Gilis are the perfect choice if you want to experience island hopping and expect different experiences in each island. This trio, even though close to each other, has their own charms that will attract you one or another way.

To go to the Gili Islands from Bali, you have to get a boat ride passing through Lombok Strait. Lombok Strait itself is known to have a strong current and high waves, especially during the interseason and monsoon periods. This is why it is important to get informed on the safest way to get to the Gili Islands. Choosing the right transportation and departure time can actually reduce the travel risks significantly.

 

How to get to Gili Islands from Bali?

There are two options to go to Gili from Bali: a fast boat and public ferry. Each option is suitable for different budgets, schedules and weather conditions:

1. Fast Boat Bali to Gili

Using a fast boat from Bali to Gili islands is the fastest option. If you are looking for comfort and efficiency, a fast boat from Bali to Gili is what you need.

You can go from either Padangbai, Sanur or Serangan harbour in Bali. The route for using fast boats is Bali – Gili Trawangan – Gili Meno – Gili Air – Bangsal (Lombok), and it usually takes around 1.5 to 2.5 hours.

By using a fast boat from Bali to Gili Trawangan, you will skip transiting through the Lombok mainland, which makes the trip shorter compared to using a public ferry. There are many fast boats that already have air-conditioning and cushioned seating, making your trip more comfortable. The large fast boats are made from strong aluminium materials, giving you a safer trip due to its better stability at sea.

Order your fast boat ticket from Bali to Gili here.

 

2. Public Ferry Bali to Gili

The only option to get the public ferry is from Padangbai harbour, making it less flexible for a lot of people.

The route for the public ferry is not as direct as a fast boat. From Padangbai, you will stop at Lembar Harbour in Lombok. From Lembar, you have to go to Teluk Nare by car and then finally from Teluk Nare you go to Gili Trawangan by a fast boat. This route takes around 8 hours in total. So much longer than a fast boat and a lot of people find it less comfortable and of course more tiring than the trip with a fast boat.

However, people usually choose the ferry due to its stability in rough seas. Making it the best option for bad weather.

 

Departure Point from Bali to Gili Islands

If you decide to go to Gili with a fast boat from Bali, there are three harbour to choose:

1. Padangbai Harbour
   Padangbai is located in Karangasem, East Bali. It takes around 1 – 1,5 hours from the center of Denpasar. Even though it is far, Padangbai becomes the most popular departure choice from Bali to Gili Trawangan since it has the most options and flexibility for departure schedules. Padang Bali serves both fast boats and ferries from Bali to Gili Islands and has the shortest trip among other harbours, around 1,5 – 2,5 hours by fast boats.
2. Sanur Harbour
   If you don’t want to take a long trip to Padangbai, Sanur harbour can be your option. Especially if you stay in the Southern area of Bali since Sanur is only around 45 minutes from Canggu. Sanur Harbour only serves fast boats from Bali to Gili Islands without any ferry options. Sanur harbour is also significantly more modern than Padangbai, since it was newly renovated, it offers more facilities like indoor check-in counters, air-conditioned waiting areas, and a direct-boarding pier
3. Serangan Harbour
   This one is not too well known as much as the other two options because it is smaller, but Serangan port has more modern facilities like a covered restaurant and more modern check-in facilities. If you are looking for a smoother boarding experience this port can be your option, though the trip from Bali to Gili Island takes longer, up to 3 hours by sea.

 

Safety Tips Before Departing to Gili Islands

There are some precautions you can take to make sure your trip to Gili Islands safe and comfortable, such as:

1. Check Weather Forecast
   Always check the weather forecast and avoid doing your trip when there’s warnings of bad weather and high waves. We recommend you to check BMKG, Indonesia’s local Agency for Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics for more accurate information.
2. Choose a Trusted Operator
   Choose the companies with trusted records and complete safety equipment, including life jackets, you definitely can trust Gili Voyages for your safe and fun trip to Gili Islands.
3. Recommended Departure Times
   To avoid rough conditions at the sea such as strong wind and high waves, morning departures between 08.00 – 09.00 Bali time are highly recommended. The sea is usually calmer in the morning compared to afternoon time.

 

Essential Items to Bring When Travelling to Gili Islands

To ensure your trip to be comfortable and worry-free, make sure that you pack:

1. Motion sickness medication and make sure you take it 30 minutes before departure. Taking it too close or even when you already get motion sickness won’t help that much!
2. Sunscreen and sunglasses. Who wants to get a sunburn even before the fun begins? As there is a possibility you will get more and stronger sun exposure during the boat trip, sunscreen and sunglasses are necessary to protect your skin and eyes.
3. Enough drinking water. It is a 1.5 to 2.5 hours trip in the sea; make sure you drink enough water so you will arrive at Gili Island ready and hydrated.
4. Waterproof or dry bag. For your electronics and valuables, packing them in a waterproof container or even dry bag would be the best options.

 

Key Takeaways for a Safe Trip to Gili

Taking the smart choices and prepare well are the key to a safe journey from Bali to Gili Islands

1. Don’t be tempted by much lower prices
   Your safety should come first! Make sure the boat company that you choose offers more than just cheap tickets.
2. Book online in advance
   Especially in high season, booking your trip online in advance would give you more comfort.
3. Ensure you are physically fit
   The trip can be up to 3 hours depending on your departure point, and that does not include the road trip to the harbour. The boat movements can take a lot of your energy. So make sure you are also physically prepared for the fun trip.

 

FAQ

How long is the ferry from Bali to Gili Islands?

The journey with a ferry from Bali to Gili Islands can take approximately 8 hours in total.

 

How much is the ferry from Bali to Gili Islands?

The ticket with a ferry is much cheaper compared to fast boats but additional costs apply for land transport and speed boats.

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