So you’re planning to travel from Bali to Gili Islands? Well, if you’re in Bali, you’ve probably heard about the heavenly Gilis islands and its beautiful landscapes.
Tranquility to enjoy on Gili Islands.
Because of the unique nature of these pristine islands, tourists love to come from all over the world to enjoy the holidays and stay away from the traffic jam and the hustle bustle of big cities. The underwater marine life and crystal-clear water are perfect for scuba diving or snorkeling.
If this makes you want to pack your bags already, here’s your guide on travelling from Bali to the Gili islands.
Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, or Gili Air islands could be the perfect next destination after visiting Bali. These three Islands have stunning white sandy beaches and a tranquil atmosphere with no motorcycles or cars to interrupt your peace. You can get around with a Horse Cart, or as the locals call it ‘Cidomo,’ and bicycles which normally cost from 50,000 IDR up to 100,000 IDR.
'Cidomo' - Horse Cart
Bikini biking
How To Get To Gili Islands From Bali Easily: Boat From Bali To Gili
There are several options for travelling from Bali to Gili Islands. But unless you have a private jet, the easiest and most convenient way is to just take a fast boat to these 3 mesmerizing natural heavens.
Busy day for small boats - Gili Islands
Booking your fare is really easy on our booking site, no matter where you’re staying in Bali. Here’s how you can get there from island to island if you’re staying in one of the popular areas in Bali.
How to get to the Gili islands from Uluwatu
It takes about 30 minutes to get to Serangan harbor from Uluwatu by taxi. Fast boat services at Serangan Harbor offer 3 hours boat ride to Gili Trawangan.
Gili Trawangan port
Alternative routes include pick up of the fast boat compamy with private car (price is from 150k IDR to 500k IDR) and drive to Padang Bai the pick up time is at least 3 hours before the departure time of the boat. The total time of travel from Uluwatu to Gili with full transport service provided by the fast boat company is generally about 5 hours. Departing from southern Bali you spend more time on the boat but in total is comparable to departing from Padang Bai. The Amed port located in the north of the island does not offer any advantage for people departing from the south of Bali.
How to get to the Gili islands from Legian
Take a 15 minutes taxi to Serangan Harbor. Then join a direct 2h 30min fast boat ride to Gili Trawangan. If you’re into island hopping, you can easily reach the other Islands from there.
Alternatively, take advantage of free pick up and drop off as most fast boat companies include transportation from Legian in the price of the ticket no different if your boat departure from Padang Bai, Serangan or Sanur. Mandira Resort or Padma Resort Legian the transportation you can get free ride to any of those ports.
How to get to the Gili islands from Kuta
Take a 15 minutes taxi to Serangan harbour or 1h 30 min taxi to the Padang Bai harbor from Kuta. There are fast boat services that offer from 1h 15 min to 2h direct rides from Padang Bai to Gili Trawangan. From the southern harbors (Serangan, Sanur, Benoa) it takes around 2,5 - 3,5h.
Alternatively, take advantage of free pick up and drop off as most fast boat companies offer include transportation from Kuta in the price of the ticket no matter if your boat departure from Padang Bai, Serangan or Sanur.
cyan sea & sky on Gili
Coastline Gili Trawangan
How to get to the Gili islands from Seminyak
For those staying in Seminyak, the Serangan harbor is the closest. It is just 15 minutes in taxi. Travelers can join trip by Blue Water Express departing from Serangan Harbor at 8:00 and come back from Gili Trawangan at 15:30 with Eka Jaya fast boat.
Alternatively, take advantage of free pick up and drop off as most fast boat companies offer include transportation from Seminyak in the price of the ticket no matter if your boat departure from Padang Bai, Serangan or Sanur.
How to get to the Gili islands from Canggu
Take a 45-min taxi ride through JI Sunset road to Kuta. Then get to the Serangan Harbor or Padang Bai harbor and join a boat to Gili Trawangan. Canggu lays aross the denpasar city west further from the harbors so most of the fast boat companies charge extra for the transportation. You can expact to be pick up at lease 3 hours in advance before the departure of the boat and the fee is from 150k IDR to 500k IDR.
Serangan harbor
Padang Bai
How to get to the Gili islands from Ubud
Join a 1h 15 min bus-ride to Padang Bai harbor. Most convenient is the Padang Bai harbor. There is good variaty of budget and premium companies that goes to Gili islands but also to Nusa Island and Lombok.
Take advantage of free pick up and drop off as most fast boat companies offer transportation from Ubud included in the price of the ticket.
How to get to the Gili Islands from Sanur
For now, only the one fast boat operator, Scoot Fast Cruises connects Sanur with the Gili islands. Travelers can access their services up to 7 times each week. Visitors can get to the Island in about 3h 45 min.
Alternatively, take advantage of free pick up and drop off as most fast boat companies offer transportation from Sanur included in the price of the ticket. It does not matter if your boat departure from Padang Bai, Serangan or Sanur.
Gili Meno port
Gili Air port
How to get to the Gili islands from Nusa Dua
It takes about 15 min to get to Serangan Harbor where travelers can join a fast boat service to the Gili Islands. Some fast boat companies like Gili Getaway and BlueWater Express offer about 2h 30 min trips from the Serangan Harbor to the Gili Islands. The closest harbor Benoa is actually in Nusa Dua however since Patagonia Express stoped operating there is no fast boat service to Gili from there.
Alternatively, take advantage of free pick up and drop off some fast boat companies offer transportation from Nusa Dua included in the price of the ticket. It does not matter if your boat departure from Padang Bai, Serangan or Sanur.
How to get to the Gili islands from Amed
One can cross the Lombok strait from Amed in 1h 15min instead of traveling 2h from Padang Bai. Free Bird express takes travelers across to the Lombok at 9:30. They offer pick up from the southern part of Bali with private transportation.
Benoa harbor
Amed (north Bali)
Your Journey To And From The Gilis
Wondering how you can book your tickets from Bali to the Gilis and what you should keep in mind before you set off? Here’s a short guide that will answer all your questions you might have.
How does shuttle service actually work?
You just need to leave a note about where you want to be picked up and the shuttle bus will pick you up at your address roughly 3 hours before the departure of your speedboat. Please be prepared and ready to leave at the specified time. You may wait in the lobby or your hotel room just to make sure you don’t miss your pick-up. The driver will ask for you using your reservation form name at the hotel reception.
How does pickup work at pickup points?
In this case, you need to get to the point of pickup which is nearest to your place and be ready there in specified time usually 2-3 hours before the departure of your boat. Since you provide the location of your selected pickup point and phone number in your reservation, it will be easy for the crew to find you and call you in any case.
Policy for different pick-up and drop-off places
Selecting a different pick-up and drop-off point is not a problem at all. You can add two different places in your booking. (one for pick up and one for drop off). See for yourself on the website
On boarding (sometimes it is good to get your feet wet)
Pickup at the airport
You can get to your port directly from Denpasar International Airport. Most shuttle bus services instruct passengers to getter in front of the Solaria Cafe & Restaurant. As it is convenient for the driver to not to go to the garages. Still you can be pick up right when you exit the terminal by a private car or premium shuttle service. Be prepare to repulse many offers for a taxi drive. Keep in mind that if your boat leaves from Padang Bai your shuttle service pick up needs to be already about 3 hours in advance.
For example, if you’ll land at 7:00 AM, your pick-up at the airport should ideally be at 8:00 AM so that you can reach the departure of your boat at 11:00 AM. So when booking your boat, you need to calculate with about 4 hours from your arrival time at the airport to boarding your boat.
How long does it take to reach Gili Trawangan/Gili Air/Gili Meno from Bali?
It basically depends on your departure port. It takes only 1h if you go from Amed. It takes 1h and 30min if you’re going from Padang Bai. Nevertheless it may take also from 2h and 30min to 4h if you choose a port on the South (Serangan, Benoa, Sanur) of Bali.
Solaria Cafe & Restaurant
Approximate time of travel
When should I be ready?
Are you going to use your own transport for going to the port? If yes, you should keep in mind that there may be a traffic jam in some parts of Bali and sometimes, the roads are very slow due to a ceremony blocking the way. So, it’s essential to leave in time for your boat — calculate a bit of extra time to your GPS. To give you an idea, shuttle buses normally pick you up 3-2 hours before the departure of the boat.
Policy for changing dates or name of the reservation
There is usually no problem with changing the name, some companies allows even in the last minute before starting the trip. However, it’s a bit more difficult to change your dates. Sometimes it is OK to change even two days before the trip. When you change the date you should be prepared that the price may be different for particular days or seasons. To get new tickets you have to contact the ticket portal where you bought it. The customer service on gilitickets.online will even change the pick up address on your e-tickets
How can I pay for my fare?
You can pay by PayPal or credit card. It is an easy and secure purchase.
Refund policy
If you change your mind and decide to cancel the booking 2 weeks before the day of departure, you’ll get back 100% of the amount minus transaction and handling fee 6 euros. If the cancelation is within two weeks, you get back 50% of your fare amount minus the 6 euros transaction and handling fee. There is no option for refund if it’s within two days before the departure. Of course, you can always contact us through our booking site if you’re not satisfied with the services. We know that sometimes, “life happens,” so if there’s an unusual reason for you not making it to your boat in time, we might issue a refund for you. Get in touch with our customer service to inquire about this possibility.
Is there any discount on bookings?
If you book your return tickets for four or more travelers, you may get a discount or a promo code for your current or next booking. Ask the customer support.
Ticket policy for babies
Fares are free of charge for babies of two years and younger. However, prepare for the fact that babies usually don’t take oversea trips well. You may choose the larger boats that are operated for example by Eka Jaya fast boat to have a smoother journey with your little ones. We also recommend you to travel from Padang Bai instead of the South of Bali so that your ride will be shorter.
Small boats are powered with less horse power.
Luggage allowance
Up to 30 kgs of luggage is allowed per person. This includes surfboards and big suitcases, and honestly, you don’t need more than that for visiting these tiny islands. Your luggage and other bags will be safe and secure as the boats have separate luggage compartments.
Exclusive class
BlueWater Express or Gili Getaway offers exclusive class with better service for a little higher ticket price.
Safety
Our services ensure utmost security for the passengers, with safety equipment and updated navigation tailored for the convenience of the passengers.
Is this the best price I’ll find for my travel?
We have the highest quality fares for the most reasonable prices for our passengers. This makes it easy for you to find the best deal without having to compare different sites and service providers.
Fast boat slowing down
Fast boat crossing the sea
Speed caused by 1500 HP
Is my payment secure?
Our payment system is 100% secured and you can settle your payment with one click. It’s easy, safe, and works round the clock.
We help you save time, money and energy as our team is very responsive and we ensure a smooth service. You can use our easy navigation website for your trip.
Gili Islands are pristine, serene and beautiful places for travelers, no wonder they’re so popular for tourists coming to Bali. Once you’re already in Bali, getting to the Gilis is really easy.
A slow boat unloading.
In summary, you simply need to book a fast boat that will take you there in around 2 hours from the ports of Amed, Serangan Harbor, Padang Bai, Benoa Marina, and Sanur. The pick up service from your resort or villa is included in the ticket price so you don’t need to worry about organizing your transfer or missing your boat.
You can find the best fast boat deals with free pickup on our top rated booking site with free pickup services.