5 ways to get to the Gili islands from Bali
GETTING TO THE GILIS is simple. We’ve put together some time saving tips on how to get there by fast boat from Bali via Padang Bai and Amed. You get a range of options, from the super slow public ferries to stylish private charters for the deep pocketed voyager. Failing that, the Gilis are just a short helicopter ride away, and the views on show are well worth including on your trip.
If you’re already planning to spend a night or two on the mainland before crossing over to the paradise islands, then you can get away with booking a spot on the fast boat the day before. But don’t leave it till the morning of the trip, the fast boats fill up fast – especially in high season.
Most travellers get their Gili fast boat tickets from travel agents in Kuta before transferring through Padang Bai. However, we highly recommend getting the fast boat to the Gilis from Amed, a beautiful fishing town on the east coast of Bali with unbelievable snorkelling, breathtaking views of Mount Agung and the most charming village vibe.
If this is a short weekend trip to the Gilis however, you’ll want to get there as fast as possible. In that case, your best bet is to get the fast boat from Lombok. It’s also a good idea to get to the Gilis from Lombok instead of Bali in January and February, when the seas can get rather choppy.
Lastly, the most important tip for getting to the Gili islands on the fast boats is never get on an overloaded boat. It’s rare that it happens these days, but just in case you find yourself herded into a dangerously overcrowded fast boat, get off and ask for a refund.
Can’t wait to get to the paradise islands? Here are 5 ways to get to the Gili islands from Bali.
Fast boat from Padang Bai
A handful of fast boat operators depart from Padang Bai to the Gili islands in the mornings between 9am and 930am. Most people spend the night in Kuta and take the shuttle bus to Padang Bai in the morning. A much nicer way to do it is to spend the night in Padang Bai instead and bypass the madness and sleaze of Kuta.
Gili Cat is the most popular fast boat to the Gilis, and you can book tickets online through their website. Blue Water Express is another reputable fast boat. However, you can get better deals buying a ticket from the tour guides in Padang Bai (IDR450,000 versus IDR700,000 online).
Fast boat from Amed
Crossing the Lombok Straight from Amed takes only 45-minutes, instead of 1.5 hours from Padang Bai and costs IDR250,000 each way. Not many travellers know about Amed because travel agents in Kuta don’t actively promote this hauntingly beautiful port. If you have the time, take the three hour drive to Amed from Denpasar, you’ll be so glad you did.
Pacha Express departs twice a day (9am and 4pm), stopping at all three islands.
Private sailing charter
Not the most practical way to get to the Gilis, but certainly a stylish way to travel the high seas, and discover 23 more Gilis when you charter a day trip on a fabulous sailing boat. Bali Yacht Services has a sizeable fleet, with a number of boats to choose from. Skim the Lombok Strait on a fabulous speed boat, a cruisy catamaran or a luxurious yacht? We can’t decide either.
Public ferry
The public ferry from Padang Bai to Lombok departs every hour on the hour, but it’s painfully slow. The upside of the 5-hour crossing: it only costs a measly IDR40,000 per person. Perfect for the traveller who has more time than money.
Then it’s another slow public ferry from Lombok to the Gilis and waiting in between, so the total trip will take over 8 hours. If it’s worth the hassle to you, then go for it.
Private air charters to the Gili islands
Getting to the Gili islands in a private helicopter charter isn’t just a way to arrive in style, it also gives you a chance to see Bali and the Gilis from above and snap a few award winning aerial photos of the islands.
Air Bali operates private helicopter charters between Bali and Gili Trawangan, which they’ve aptly named the Gilicopter – which flies on Fridays and Sundays only. The 45-minute flight takes up to 5 people depending on weight. Find out more about Air Bali’s helicopter charters to Gili Trawangan.
Are you ready to pack your bags and head for the Gilis? Read these 8 ultimate Gili travel tips first.
Hi there,
I’m planning to travel around Bali by motorcycle, stopping at Amed to visit Gili Islands during 6D5N. However, I checked Pacha Express Website and prices are really expensive (900,000 idr each way). So, Do you think is better to bargain there for a better price? When did you notice 250,000 idr each way?
Thank you very much!
Pedro.
I too are interested in this answer
Try this site it’s brilliant and some cheap options on good carriers.
Just booked my ticket a week ago and no issues with immediate online ticketing.
Which site?
Hi,
Can you please remove the Air Bali helicopter price? Our service now is base on private charter only, price USD 3,580.
Please visit our website.
Thank you.
of course!
done!
For a 20minute flight that seems excessive $$
Super expensive!!
Publick ferry take to long to get Gili Trawangan, start from Bali Padang Bai to Lombok Lembar harbour take time about 5 hours, from Lembar harbour you need to find a transfer to take you to Bangsal harbor for 1 hour and 3 minutes.
Hi, we just did Gilis by a fastboat, booked tickets online by baliguider.com , the shuttle picked us up in our Canggu villa and we were satisfied about the easiness of deal. They were really fast in communication and also offered us very reasonable price
Yep, they are selling good price with good service, also used them, no complains
vitalii, may i know. which hotel are u stayed in bali? around kuta or padang bai?
Hi, Anyone can suggest which best area to stay in Bali. I’m staying in bali for3d2n then off to Gili T. Any recommendation boat to Gili T
Other option for Travelers, from Denpasar Airport you can take air flight from to Lombok Praya and continue with Taxi to Bangsal with 2 hour drive and from Bangsal you can hire private boat to Gili Island
Took a trip with easygili.com, price is 19$ for one way ticket
Yes. really. good company to book tickets to Gili Islands . lucky fast boat from Bali to Gili . friendly staff. I recommend easygili.com
Yes. really. good company to book tickets to Gili Islands . lucky fast boat from Bali to Gili . friendly staff. I recommend easygili.com
Is there any way to get from Bali Airport fast to Gili in the afternoon? We arrive at the Airport around 11:30 am
No . last boat from bali at 13.00
Pick up from airport 10.00
You need stay on night
The last boat at 13.00. You need stay at the night.
Hi Mark – did you find any options for getting to the Gilis on the same day your flight lands into Denpasar? I’m looking to do similar to you, but our flight lands at about 4pm – pretty sure we will need to wait until the next day to get out to the islands – but would be interested if you, or anyone, had any options I’ve not considered!
Thanks
Is it reliable to book a fast boat to gili air with one of the hotels in Padangbai ?
We are 6 people and we want to go from bali to gilitrawagan on August 3, and back from bali to gili tragawan on 4th of August. We need to be in Bali at 10-11 in the morning because we have to take a flight
In my opinion, Trawangan is the place, where everyone should go after relaxing on Bali.
Every year I visit Bali and every year part of all my time I spend on Trawangan. Fishing,
laying on beach, looking for party, you know. This year went to Gili on speedboat from easygili. com
These people know their job. But I felt bad as we drove. In the island internet is the worst 🙁
But you don’t need it! Now have a rest, man. Do what u want 🙂
This is a good thread. I think so at least.. It’s got me revaluating my Bali plans. Honeymoon for me and wifey to be is Feb 2017. Newbies to the South Pacific.
Someone mentioned fishing. We both love fishing..
So I am thinking fly into DPS. From San francisco via Hong Kong. No rush to get to Amed. Maybe fish there maybe not. Then over to Gilis or Lombok proper somewhere. More fishing and we stay around a week or so.
Main concern is best fishing and/or charters if any and tackle if at all available. And the sea sick factor in early Feb crossing the channel. Fast boat 45 mins sounds better than a 5 hour ferry boat puke fest.
Any knowledge of $100 per night max hotels or other accommodations. sights beyond my lazy ass on a beach chair, eats, driver, ect would be appreciated as well.
Just one last thought for now. If there’s any small local boat for hire in Gilis or Lombok that might act as a fishing Guide/water taxi/ local yocal in the know. We could hire em for the week. We could feed em and rent em a room if needed for excursions.
Thanks and just maybe this could work out. God forbid I have to go to Bali for my honeymoon. LOL.
My name is Eric Woyce.
Erwoyce@aol.com
Hello,
How about the safety issues with fast boats and planes?? any recommended options?
Thanks!
With the Gili Cat fast boat to Gili explosion a couple days ago (9/1416) we are re-thinking going to Gili Air. Is there a safer way to get to Gili that isn’t super expensive? My friend and I are traveling with four children aged 7-9. We’d like to visit Gili Air for a week but don’t want to be blown up or have our boat sink. We’ve read articles online about Indonesia’s poor maritime safety record. Where can I find info about a safe passage to Gili Air?
Guys, does anyone know if there are any evening boats to Gili?
our flight arrives into bali at 1500!