If you’re traveling to Bali, chances are you’ve been thinking 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 sand beaches, crystal clear waters and a furious nightlife or a secluded escape, whichever you choose. In fact, it’s a must on any Bali itinerary! For this reason, I will tell you everything you need to know to go from Bali to the Gili Islands by ferry and the cheaper site to book on.
THE BEST WAY TO BOOK THE FERRY FROM BALI TO GILI ISLANDS
Don’t have time to read the entire guide? No problem! If you want to know how to get from Bali to the Gili Islands by ferry, 12GO it’s the easiest option.
12GO offers an easy and reliable way to book a fast boat to the Gili Islands from Bali. For example, you will receive instant confirmation of your ticket and you won’t have to queue up to book in person. Also, you can check the timetable below to view the current timetable and book your ticket now.
HOW TO GET FROM BALI TO THE GILI ISLANDS
In this article, I will share how to get from Bali to Gili Islands. For starters, I’ll show you how to book. Then, I will explain the different boat options and their prices. Finally, I will talk a little about the Gili Islands and the best time to visit them.
KEY POINTS: FERRY FROM BALI TO GILI ISLANDS
First, a few key points…
- There are public boats to the Gili Islands, but as they take a full day (9+ hours), we will focus on the speed boat transfers only.
- Fast boats to Gili depart from several ports in Bali. Padang Bai has the most options and the shortest walking time, so I highly recommend choosing this route. I will share the most common routes below.
- You can book ship tickets in person at the ports, but the new fast boats fill up quickly, especially in the high season. For this reason, I recommend it online booking with 12GO.
- If you prefer to book a speed boat with hotel pickup included, book a full package with Escape of Gili.
- Some boats have a strict weight limit for luggage. There is also no motorized transport on the Gili Islands. For this reason it is best to leave large or wheeled luggage at home or in Bali. These islands are worth being a backpacker!
Now that we’ve covered these points, let’s look at how to get from Bali to the Gili Islands.
HOW TO BOOK A FERRY FROM BALI TO GILI ISLANDS
There are several ways to get from Bali to the Gili Islands, but none are as quick and easy as taking a speed boat from Bali to Gili Trawangan or your final destination. Fast boats generally go to Gili Trawangan first, possibly with a short stop in Lombok first. After Gili Trawangan, most boats continue to Gili Air and then Gili Meno. To guarantee the best possible rate, I recommend 12GO, a trusted booking platform across Asia.
In light of the return of tourism to Bali, it’s best to avoid showing up at the port assuming you can 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.
FERRIES FROM BALI TO GILI
There are several ferry routes from Bali to Gili, but I’ll cover the most common options below:
From Padang Bai port to Gili Trawangan:
- 2 hours 15 minutes boat trip from Padang Bai to Gili Trawangan.
- 1 hour 30 minutes drive from Kuta beach to Padang Bai port without traffic.
- Best place to take a speed boat if you haven’t pre-booked.
- The most popular option and the one chosen by the majority of travellers.
Pier at the attack of Gili Trawangan:
- 2 hours 15 minutes boat ride from Serangan to Gili Trawangan sul Escape of Gili speedboat.
- 3 hour trip on most other boats.
- 35 minutes – 1 hour drive from Kuta beach to Serangan pier.
- Port closest to the tourist center of Kuta Beach / Seminyak / Canggu.
Amed to Gili Trawangan:
- 2 hour boat ride from Amed to Gili Trawangan.
- 2 hours 30 minutes drive from Kuta beach in Amed.
- Fastest ferry ride, but furthest port from most tourist spots.
TIMETABLES AND PRICES OF THE FERRY FROM BALI TO GILI
Below, I have listed the boat schedules from Bali to Gili. Hours can vary so it’s best to check the timetable at 12GO for updated information. Most of these routes continue to at least one other Gili Island after Gili Trawangan.
From Padang Bai port to Gili Trawangan:
- Eka Jaya speed boat operates 2 speed boats per day from Padang Bai to Gili Trawangan, at 9:00 and 12:30. Prices start at $24 USD. The 9:30am ride is 1.5 hours from Bali to Gili Trawangan and the 12:30 ride is 2 hours 5 minutes.
- Semaiah One operates a 9:15am speed boat from Padang Bai to Gili Trawangan. Prices start at $19 USD. It’s a 2 hour 45 minute boat ride.
- Ostina fast boat operates a 9:30am speed boat from Padang Bai to Gili Trawangan. Prices start at $23 USD. It’s a 2 hour boat ride.
- Kurnia Jaya speed boat operates a 1.30pm speed boat from Padang Bai to Gili Trawangan. Prices start at $20 USD. It’s a 2 hour boat ride.
Pier at the attack of Gili Trawangan:
- Escape of Gili operates a 9am speed boat from Serangan Pier to Gili Trawangan. Prices start at $50 USD, but include hotel pickup. It’s a 2 hour 15 minute boat ride.
Amed to Gili Trawangan:
- Freebird Express operates a 9:30am speed 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 begin with, what are the Gili Islands? The Gili Islands are 3 islands off the coast of Lombok known to be an ideal island escape. If the crowds of Bali’s beaches become too much or if you want a quick dive, the Gili Islands are a must-see. 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 stop here and offload most passengers. Gili Trawangan has the most accommodation, beach and nightlife of all the islands and is known as a party destination. Came here by accident during a full moon and found it very ‘lively’.
Deep art: this is the smallest of the islands and has the fewest accommodations. Those available are more expensive, giving this island a honeymoon reputation. Couples and solo travelers looking for a secluded getaway will love it.
Gili Air: this is the most easterly of the islands and offers both a relaxed atmosphere and nightlife options. It’s a good middle ground between the two islands above.
BEST TIME TO VISIT THE GILI ISLANDS
June to 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 the high season. This period can be busy and accommodation can get booked up quickly. If you’re traveling then, be sure to make reservations in advance where possible.
Bali is popular year-round, and many travelers prefer fewer crowds with a chance of rain. I have only traveled to Bali during the rainy season and have had no issues with the occasional downpour. But if your holiday is shorter, I might recommend booking for nicer weather. Rainy season storms can also affect ferry schedules and cause difficult boat trips to the islands.
COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT FERRY FROM BALI TO GILI ISLANDS
- How long is the ferry from Bali to the Gili Islands? The ferry trip from Bali to the Gili Islands usually takes around 2-3 hours, depending on weather and sea conditions.
- How much is the ferry ticket from Bali to the Gili Islands? The cost of the ferry ticket from Bali to the Gili Islands may vary depending on the type of ferry and the season. In general, prices range from IDR 200,000 to IDR 450,000 (about USD 14 to USD 31) per person.
- 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 is recommended to book your ferry ticket in advance to ensure availability and confirm your departure port.
- Is it safe to take the ferry from Bali to the Gili Islands? Yes, the ferry is generally considered a safe and reliable means of transport. However, it is important to follow the safety instructions given by the crew, especially during rough seas.
- What should I bring on the ferry from Bali to the Gili Islands? It is recommended that you bring essential items such as sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, a light jacket and a bottle of water. You may also want to bring some motion sickness medication if you are prone to motion sickness. Also, it’s a good idea to carry some cash in case there are additional costs, such as baggage fees or port fees.
In conclusion, this is my complete guide on how to get from Bali to the Gili Islands. I hope you’ve found everything you need to hit Gili’s for some beach time! And if you’re looking for more things to do around the islands of Bali, try one of my other guides below:
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