How To Get To Gili Trawangan From Bali
Getting to Gili Trawangan from Bali is relatively easy, and there are a few options available depending on your preferences and budget. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the different ways to get to Gili Trawangan from Bali, along with some helpful tips to make your journey safe and comfortable.
Speedboat from Bali to Gili Trawangan
If you’re looking for the fastest and most convenient way to get to Gili Trawangan, taking a speedboat from Bali is your best bet. Several speedboat companies operate daily services from Bali to Gili Trawangan, including Ekajaya, Semaya One, Golden Queen, and Starfish. The journey takes around 1.5 to 3 hours, depending on which port you depart from, weather conditions, and the speedboat company you choose. Here are the details you need to know:
- The boat trip from Padang Bai to Gili Trawangan usually takes around 1.5 hours, and it is 30 minutes faster if you are traveling from Amed to Gili Trawangan.
- If you are traveling from Sanur or Serangan, there is no direct boat to Gili Trawangan as you need to stop at Nusa Penida. The estimated travel time by boat from Sanur to Nusa Penida is approximately 40 minutes and around 45 minutes from Serangan. And then you need to continue the boat trip from Nusa Penida to Gili Trawangan, which usually takes 1-2 hours, depending on the speed of the boat as well as depending on the weather and sea conditions.
- For time efficiency, we recommend Padangbai as your starting point from Bali to Gili Trawangan.
- Advantages of Taking a Speedboat:
- Fast and convenient travel, the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful views of the ocean, and the availability of different time slots and services.
Slow Ferry from Bali to Lombok and then Take a Boat to Gili Trawangan
Another way to get to Gili Trawangan is by taking a ferry from Bali to Lombok and then taking a boat from Lombok to Gili Trawangan. This option is usually cheaper than taking a speedboat, but it takes longer and involves more transfers. Here’s what you need to know:
- Take a slow ferry from Padangbai Harbor in Bali to Lembar Harbor in Lombok, which takes around 5 to 6 hours.
- From Lembar Harbor, take a taxi or shuttle bus to Bangsal Harbor, which is around 1hr 20 mnt away.
- From Bangsal Harbor, take a public or private boat to Gili Trawangan, which takes around 30 to 40 minutes.
Private Boat Charter
If you’re looking for a more luxurious and personalized transportation option, you can charter a private boat to travel from Bali to Gili Trawangan. Private boat charters are more expensive than speedboats and slow ferries, but you’ll have the entire boat to yourself and can customize your itinerary. Advantages of private boat charter:
- Personalized Experience: With a boat charter, you have the flexibility to create your itinerary and you can also choose the length of the trip and the type of boat that best suits your needs.
- Privacy and Comfort: When you charter a boat, you have the whole boat to yourself, giving you complete privacy and comfort.
- Customized Services: Boat charter companies can provide customized services such as catering, fishing equipment, and snorkeling or diving gear.
- Professional Crew: Most boat charter companies provide professional crews who are trained to navigate the waters around Bali. They can guide you to the best spots for swimming, snorkeling, or diving, and ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable trip.
Hotel Transfer
We also provide pick-up services from the hotel where you stay.
- If you are staying at Uluwatu, Nusa Dua, or Jimbaran, it is best to choose Sanur port or Serangan port as your starting point for Gili Trawangan. It would take approximately 1 hour to travel by car from these areas to Sanur port or Serangan port via the toll road.
- If you have just landed at the airport or are staying in Kuta – Seminyak, you will need less than 1 hour to arrive at Sanur or Serangan.
- Guests living in Canggu may need more than 1 hours to get to the nearest port of Sanur, depending on the traffic in Canggu.
- If you stay in Ubud, you have 2 choices, either to Sanur port or to Padangbai port, both are around 1 hour’s drive.
Port of Departure |
Pick-up |
Pick-up Time |
Price |
Padangbai Port |
Canggu |
3 hrs before departure |
IDR 445.000 |
Padangbai Port |
Kuta |
2.5 hrs before departure |
IDR 395.000 |
Padangbai Port |
Seminyak |
2.5 hrs before departure |
IDR 445.000 |
Padangbai Port |
Airport |
2.5 hrs before departure |
IDR 445.000 |
Padangbai Port |
Jimbaran |
2.5 hrs before departure |
IDR 445.000 |
Padangbai Port |
Nusadua |
2.5 hrs before departure |
IDR 445.000 |
Padangbai Port |
Uluwatu/Pecatu |
3 hrs before departure |
IDR 545.000 |
Padangbai Port |
Ubud |
2 hrs before departure |
IDR 395.000 |
Padangbai Port |
Sanur |
2 hrs before departure |
IDR 345.000 |
Padangbai Port |
Sidemen |
1.5 hrs before departure |
IDR 245.000 |
Padangbai Port |
Candidasa |
1 hrs before departure |
IDR 200.000 |
Padangbai Port |
Selat (Karangasem) |
2 hrs before departure |
IDR 395.000 |
Padangbai Port |
Amed |
2.5 hrs before departure |
IDR 445.000 |
Travel Tips
- Book in advance: Gili Trawangan is an incredibly popular destination, so it’s important to book your accommodation, ferry tickets, and activities ahead of time. This will guarantee that you get the best deals and avoid disappointment when you arrive.
- Pack light: The Island is quite small and is best explored on foot or by bicycle. Pack light and bring only the essentials to make your trip more enjoyable.
- Bring cash: ATMs are few and far between in Gili Trawangan, so make sure you bring enough cash to cover your expenses.
- Visit during the week. Gili Trawangan can get quite busy on weekends and during holidays. If you want to avoid crowds and get the best deals, try to visit during the week.
- The peak season for Gili Trawangan is July to September. Prices can be significantly higher and the island can get quite crowded. Try to visit during the off-season for a more relaxed atmosphere.
- With stormy weather and high waves, the ride on speedboats can be quite rough and feel bumpy. You may consider choosing large boats if you are prone to getting seasick on boat rides.
- Pregnant women shouldn’t take a speed boat. Bumpy rides and big waves can harm you and your child easily. It is better to be on the safe side. Alternatively, pregnant women can choose large boats if they want to go around for a while and explore.
- Pack a first-aid kit. A good first-aid kit is an absolute must. This includes a good selection of medication for traveling: remedies against seasickness, pain medication, medicine for children, etc.
- Avoid an empty stomach during the boat trip. We would advise to packing a meal or snacks at home.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most cost-effective way to get from Bali to Gili Trawangan?
The cost-effective way to get from Bali to Gili Trawangan is by speedboat which costs IDR 200.000 – 400.000
What is the fastest way to get from Bali to Gili Trawangan?
The quickest way to get from Bali to Gili Trawangan is by speedboat which departs from Padangbai Port and takes 1h 30m
Which speedboat companies operate between Bali to Gili Trawangan?
Speedboats traveling from Bali to Gili Trawangan are operated by Ekajaya, Semaya One, and Golden Queen
Where do the speedboats depart from in Bali?
The speedboats generally depart from the ports of Padangbai, Sanur, and Serangan in Bali.
How often do the speedboats run between Bali and Gili Trawangan?
The speedboats generally run daily, with multiple departures throughout the day, especially from Padangbai Port
What time does the first speedboat from Bali to Gili Trawangan leave?
The first speedboat from Padangbai Port leaves at 09:00 with Ekajaya. Times may vary depending on the time of year.
What time does the last speedboat from Bali to Gili Trawangan leave?
The last speedboat from Padangbai Port leaves at 13:30 with Semaya One. Times may vary depending on the time of year.
Is it necessary to book the speedboat tickets in advance?
It is recommended to book the tickets in advance, especially during the high season, to avoid any last-minute hassles.
Can I take a private boat or charter a boat to go to Gili Trawangan from Bali?
Yes, private boats and charter services are available for those who prefer a more personalized and flexible travel option. However, these options can be more expensive than taking the regular ferry.