How to Travel From Bali to the Gili Islands

Table of Contents

In this in-depth guide we will tell you everything you need to know to plan your trip from Bali to the Gili islands in 2026. The Gili islands are well worth a visit. There are three islands: Gili Trawanagan (the main island), Gili Air and Gili Meno. These beautiful islands have stunning beaches, crystal clear waters with colorful reef and sea life and plenty of great places to eat, drink and stay.

In this article we will review and recommend the best companies and also name a few companies to avoid. We will answer all of your practical questions & help you prepare for your trip. We wish we had this guide when we traveled from Bali to the Gili islands!

Don’t miss our in depth guide to the BEST hotels on Gili Trawangan

Map – Bali to the Gili islands route

Many of the fast boats operate this route:

Padang Bai – Gili Trawangan – Gili Air – Lombok – Padang Bai

The return journey is slower because you also need to stop at Gili Air and Lombok before returning to Bali.

Best Fast boat companies from Bali to the Gili islands

	Departure	Summary	Rough price each way
Emi Gili Transfer	Padangbai 9:00am	Great value for money, easy to pre-book on Klook & fast, indoor & top deck seating. Journey takes around 2.5 hours.	230,000IDR £13 or $17
Golden Queen	Padangbai 9:00am 1:30pm	The journey generally takes around 2-3 hours. Expect late departures. Large boat with indoor & roof seating. Some A.C. indoors.	260,000IDR £14 or $18
Eka Jaya	Padangbai 9:00am, 11:30am	Large boat. Often delayed and normally slower than they advertise. Allow 3 – 4 hours for the journey including waiting time.	385,000IDR £21 or $25
Gili Gili Fast boat	Padangbai 8:30am	Fast, efficient and clean boat. Reliable service. Relatively small boat.	550,000IDR £30 or $35
Scoot Fast Cruise	Sanur 9:30am	Small boat with upper deck seating. Very good service.	560,000IDR £30 or $35
Gili Getaway	Serangan 9:00am	Small boat, reliable service, comfortable seating & very good customer service. The most expensive fast boat option.	760,000IDR £40 or $50

Why visit the Gili islands?

There are many reasons why the Gili Islands are worth visiting. The Gili islands offer pristine gold sand beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and abundant marine life that make it an ideal destination for swimming, snorkeling, and diving. The islands are also known for their laid-back, boho vibes, with plenty of beach bars, restaurants, and live music venues to enjoy.

Additionally, the islands offer a variety of accommodation options, ranging from budget-friendly hostels to luxury villas, making it a great destination for all types of travelers. The Gili Islands offer a unique blend of natural beauty, culture, and relaxation that make it a must-visit destination in Indonesia.

Traveling to Gili Air? Don’t miss our guide to the best hotels on Gili Air

Where are the Gili islands located?

In this article we are focussing on how to get to the main Gili islands; Gili Trawangan, Gili Air and Gili Meno (located off the northwest coast of Lombok) around 60km from the port town of Padangbai in Bali (Indonesia). There are some other Gili islands located off the southwest coast of Lombok; Gili Gede, Gili Asahan and Gili Layar. These Gili islands are much quieter and off the beaten tourist track. To get to these islands you need to travel to the port town of Lembar in Lombok and then travel overland and then arrange a short boat transfer to these islands. Alternatively contact Gili Getaway who have started including services to these islands.

What is the best boat company to travel from Bali to the Gili islands?

It all depends on your priorities. Do you want to be fast and efficient? How important is a low price? How much do you value comfort? We would recommend the following three companies depending on what you’re looking for:

Best low budget reliable boat (book locally for the cheapest prices): Golden Queen

Low budget and book on Klook: Emi Gili Transfer

High budget, fast & comfortable: Gili Getaway

Worst fast boat companies from Bali to the Gili islands

We normally love to focus on the positive. But we would be doing you a disservice if we didn’t warn you about potential problems traveling from Bali to the Gili islands: We recommend avoiding the Manta Express Fast boat and also Ostina Fast Boat. Both companies have been linked to big delays, unreliable services, scams and cancellations without refunds.

What are the requirements to enter the Gili islands?

The process of arriving at the Gili islands can be a little intense and chaotic – but the requirements and checks are not generally very stringent. Just queue up and pay the harbor tax on arrival and departure (which is 10,000IDR). Remember to keep your reciepts.

The main requirements to enter the Gili islands:

A valid passport and travel documents
A valid Indonesian visa (check the requirements for your nationality)
Harbor tax (10,000IDR for arrival and departure)
You may be asked to present vaccine certificate or a negative PCR certificate by your boat company. Check with them before your travel as the rules tend to change.

Here are the reciepts for habor tax. Remember to keep these:

What is the best way to book your journey from Bali to the Gili islands?

If possible we recommend booking the whole return trip in advance (rather than waiting to book your return boat on the Gili islands). However, if you don’t know how long you plan to stay on the islands, we do recommend that you book your return ticket a few days before you plan to depart.

1 Book your tickets online in advance

One of the most convenient ways to book your fast boat from Bali to the Gili islands is to book online in advance. If you choose to go with Emi Gili Transfer you can book your tickets on Klook for around 230,000IDR (roughly £13 or $17). The other boat companies also have websites that allow you to book tickets online in advance, and accept international card payments.

Fast boat to the Gili islands on Klook

2 Book your tickets with a local tour operator in Bali

You can also book boat transfers from Bali to the Gili islands with a local tour operator. There are plenty of small tour offices located in Kuta and Ubud. The advantage of booking with a local tour operator is the ability to barter. You can sometimes find prices for a little cheaper than advertised online. Local tour operators may also be able to work out deals that include a cheaper pick up and drop off deals. We found tour operators who were able to offer two-way pick-up and drop off for 50,000IDR per person (around £2.50) from the central tourist district of Bali (including Kuta and Ubud).

How do you travel between the Gili islands?

Gili island small boats for snorkelling and island hopping

Most boat companies offer a service to Gili Trawangan and Gili Air. This is normally the same price and the boats stop at Gili Trawangan first. If you are planning to visit Gili Meno, we recommend taking the fast boat to Gili Trawangan and then taking a public boat for 25,000IDR one way (around £1.30 or $1.50, departing approximately every hour). Alternatively, you can arrange a private boat on Gili Trawangan for around 500,000IDR (around £30 or $35) – this price should include two way transfer.

TOP TIPS for traveling from Bali to the Gili islands

Here are a few top tips to help you plan a smooth trip from Bali to the Gili islands

Check the weather and sea conditions in advance and be prepared for cancellations
Try to negotiate a deal that includes hotel pick up and drop off in Bali. Make sure you take the phone number of your driver or tour operator
Be prepared for intense & scammy experiences; especially returning to the harbor at Padangbai (from the Gili islands); local taxi drivers can be very intense and dishonest
Keep valuable bags on you on the boat. You will need to hand your large bags to the boat staff to store for the journey. Make sure you have a small valuables bag with everything you need for the journey.
Be prepared that you need to pay a small harbor tax to leave Padangbai and to Leave the Gili islands (10,000IDR harbor tax per person depart bali and the same amount to depart the Gili islands). Keep receipts as these may be checked later.
Book early – especially during peak season and especially for your return boat. Don’t leave it until the day before to arrange your tickets. Allow 3 or more days to reserve tickets.
Some companies may need to see your vaccine certificates or may request a negative PCR test. Check with your company before you travel.
This route can be quite rough at times – if you struggle with sea sickness we recommend taking an anti-nausea pill before the journey.

Staying safe on the journey from Bali to the Gili islands

Here are a few safety tips for this journey:

Some boats have a top deck – be careful on steps whilst the boat is moving
Be careful stepping on and off the boat – there can be a gap. Ask staff to help if needed.
Be aware of sunburn if you’re on the top deck of a boat. It is easy to forget about the heat of the sun in the lovely cool breeze.

Fast boat from Bali to the Gili islands – example itinerary

The exact schedule and locations depend on the company that you choose to go with:

6am – 7am: Pick up (time depends on your location – check with your tour operator)

Alternatively get yourself to the harbor.

8am: Check in, pay the harbor tax (10,000IDR) and wait at the harbor, there are cafes serving food and drinks in the area

9am – 10am: Leave big bags, departure (check timings, boats are often delayed)

12pm – 1pm: Arrive in Gili Trawangan, grab your bag & pay a small harbor tax on arrival

How do you get to Padangbai in Bali?

Here are the best ways to travel to the Padang Bai Harbour:

1 Buy a full transfer package with your boat ticket

The best and cheapest way to get to Padangbai is to book your boat tickets with a local tour operator in Bali. We found that tour operators were able to offer two way transfer deals for 50,000IDR per person with your ticket (from the Bali central tourist regions of Kuta and Ubud).

Some boat companies may also have hotel transfer packages when you book your tickets online – so keep your eye open for this. This is generally the cheapest way to get to the harbor.

2 Take a taxi

Another way to get to Padangbai is to use a Grab taxi. This is unlikely to be cheaper than booking your transfer as a package with your boat tickets. However, Grab is a great option for families or groups – when the price is shared across your group. Expect to pay around £10 – £20 to get to Padangbai from Kuta or Ubud (roughly $12 – $24). Find out more about Grab in Bali

3 Organize a private car

Another way to get to Padang Bai is to book a private car. Private cars in Bali generally cost around £20 – £30 for trips around the island (roughly $25 – $35). You can book private cars in Bali on Klook.

TOP TIP: Make sure you have your return journey sorted before you arrive in Padangbai. The taxi drivers are very intense when you get off the boat. There are lots of scams and they are very keen to overcharge you – especially if you don’t have an option sorted. We were able to communicate with our driver via whatsapp and walk confidently past all the chaos. Be firm and don’t be phased if local drivers are intense and persistent.

Can you buy food and drinks on the fast boats between Bali and the Gili islands?

Some boats between Bali and the Gili islands offer a small simple selection of drinks or snacks – but we don’t recommend that you rely on this.

Therefore we recommend packing plenty of snacks and drinks for the journey. Plan where you will have breakfast. If your hotel or guest house includes breakfast, then consider asking for an early breakfast. Alternatively there are some cafes serving Indonesian food located at the harbor in Padangbai. You are likely to need to wait in a cafe for the boat.

What facilities are available on the Bali-Gili fast boats?

The facilities on the Gili island fast boats are pretty basic. Expect small grubby toilets. If you’re lucky there may be a metal sink with a leaky tap. The toilets are generally not very nice. Some of the boats also include air conditioning (even if this is working, the boats often end up feeling too hot). They may also have things like TVs.

What to bring for the boat ride to the Gili Islands

We recommend that you pack a day bag containing valuables, travel documents, snacks, drinks and anything else that you may need on the journey. And then keep the rest of your clothes and travel gear in a larger backpack or suitcase. Before you jump on your boat the staff will tell you what to do with your big bag. Here are some things that we recommend packing for the journey:

Sunscreen: The sun is intense in Indonesia, especially when you’re out on the water for several hours. Make sure to bring a high SPF sunscreen.
Sunglasses: The bright sunlight can be harsh on the eyes.
Hat or cap: In addition to sunscreen and sunglasses, it’s also a good idea to bring a hat or cap to protect your face and head from the sun.
Comfortable clothing: The fast boat ride can be bumpy and windy, so it’s best to wear comfortable, breathable clothing that can dry quickly in case of splashes or waves.
Seasickness remedies: If you’re prone to motion sickness, consider bringing medication or natural remedies such as ginger or sea bands to prevent or alleviate symptoms.
Snacks and drinks: Some fast boat companies may provide refreshments, but it’s always a good idea to bring your own snacks and drinks in case you get hungry or thirsty during the journey.
Cash: While credit cards may be accepted at some establishments on the Gili Islands, it’s always a good idea to bring some cash in case of emergencies or for small purchases.
Waterproof bag: To protect your belongings from splashes and waves, consider bringing a waterproof bag to store your camera, phone, cash, and other essentials.
Travel documents: Finally, make sure to bring your passport or ID. It’s always a good idea to keep these documents in a waterproof pouch or bag.

Is the boat from Bali to the Gili islands suitable for families?

Yes, we took our 5 and 3 year old to the Gili islands. They loved the whole experience. However, it is worth being aware that there are some risks on the boats. Always supervise kids carefully. Take particular care if your are outside on the deck or using the stairs during the journey. For some companies, children 5 years and older are charged full adult prices and children under 5 years old are FREE. Other companies charge adult prices for children over 3 years old. Always check their policy on kids before you book.

Arrival at the Gili Islands – what next?

When you first arrive on the Gili islands you have to pay a small harbor tax. The locals are keen – so don’t worry they will show you where you need to queue for this! After this you’re free to explore. There are plenty of guest houses, hotels and restaurants near the pier. Don’t miss the gourmet Kayu cafe near the pier.

What things are available on the Gili islands

The Gili islands are reasonably developed. They generally have good mobile phone signal – so you can use local sim cards with data on the go. Many places in the Gili islands offer free wifi – and this is normally sufficient for some low level internet use. The Gili islands also have a handful of smaller shops selling drinks and snacks. There are also several ATM machines on Gili Trawangan. We do recommend you bring plenty of cash. Some places accept card payments.

Which Gili island is best to visit?

Don’t miss our FULL GUIDE comparing the Gili islands

Gili Trawangan (large more lively island)

If you’re looking for lots of restaurants, places to stay and great night life then we recommend Gili Trawangan (also known as “Gili T”). The west coast of Gili Trawangan is more peaceful; but also more expensive for accommodation. Gili Trawangan has diving schools, yoga classes, beach bars, and beach cinemas.

Gili Air (medium chilled island)

If you’re looking for a more chilled out vibe – then Gili Air is still developed but much quieter and calmer than Gili Trawangan. There are restaurants, bars and plenty of places to eat. Most fast boat services also stop at Gili Air.

Gili Meno (small serene island)

Gili Meno is the smallest and quietest Gili island. There are less choices for accommodation and places to eat in Gili Meno. This is a great choice if you’re looking for a more tranquil and peaceful experience. Gili Meno is also famous for the Bask Nest sea sculptures (located around 200m off the west coast of Gili Meno). Fast boat services do not stop at Gili Meno – so you will need to organize an additional boat transfer if you wish to stay here.

How long should you stay on the Gili islands?

We recommend spending at least 3 days on the Gili islands. This gives you enough time to slow down and enjoy the islands and also enjoy some of the unique and fun activities these islands have to offer. If you’re really hoping to slow down and chill out, you could stay much longer on the Gili islands. Here is a suggested 3 day itinerary for Gili Trawangan:

Day 1: Arrive around lunch, grab some food and check into your accommodation. Watch the sunset on the west coast. Perhaps watch a movie at a beach cinema.

Day 2: Morning – take a snorkeling trip. Swim with turtles and visit the Bask Nest sea sculptures. Afternoon – try stand up paddle boarding. In the evening relax with a massage at one of the spas. Consider a beach seafood BBQ meal.

Day 3: Morning – take a yoga class. Depart around lunch. The return fast boat generally goes to Gili Air and then Lombok before returning to Bali.

What is the best way to get around the Gili islands?

You will find plenty of horses and carts around the main pier of Gili Trawangan. In our view these poor tired creatures are overworked; so we lugged our own bags and kids across the island. The island is a few kilometers across – and it takes around 30 – 45 minutes to cross from one side to the other.

You can also rent bicycles near the main pier and around the island. Bicycle rental costs around 50,000IDR per day (roughly £2.50 or $3) and this is a fun way to exlore the island. The path around Gili Trawangan is a few kilometers in length. Some sections of the path can be sandy and rough. Furthermore, some of the bicycles on the island are quite old so check them carefully.

What are the best things to do on the Gili islands?

The backpacking family swimming with turtles Gili Meno Bali

Check out our FULL GUIDE on the best things to do on Gili Trawangan – there is more to this island that most people realise!

Take a snorkeling trip – 120,000IDR – 150,000IDR per person (this is roughly £6.50 – £8 or $8 – $10). Don’t miss our in-depth guide to the Gili Trawangan snorkeling tour
Learn to Scuba Dive – Prices start from IDR 1,050,000 (around £55 or $75) for a Discover Scuba Diving experience and IDR 6,500,000 for a PADI Open Water Course (roughly £350 or $400)
Take a yoga class – Check out Sunset Beach Yoga – Classes cost around 100,000 IDR (roughly £5 or $6)
Watch a movie on the beach – Free movies on the beach ASTON sunset beach resort and other places
Learn to free dive – Check out Free Dive Gili – Courses range in price between 4,000,000IDR – 12,000,000IDR (roughly £200 – £650 or $250 – $800)
Get a massage – The Rose Spa offers a range of treatments, therapies and massages. Expect to pay around 100,000IDR – 400,000IDR (£5 – £20 or $6 – $25)
Glamping – La Cocoteraie Ecolodge, around £60 – £70 per night (roughly $80 – $100)

Best Time to Visit the Gili Islands

The Backpacking family Gili islands sunset kids

When you are planning a trip to the Gili Islands it’s important to consider the best time to visit based on weather, crowd levels, and other factors.

High season on the gili islands

The high season in the Gili Islands is from June to September, which coincides with the dry season in Indonesia. During this time, the weather is generally sunny and dry, making it an ideal for outdoor activities such as swimming, snorkeling, and diving. The water is also clearer during this time, with visibility up to 30 meters or more. However, the high season also means that the islands are more crowded and prices for accommodation and transportation may be higher.

Shoulder seasons on the Gili islands

The shoulder season in the Gili Islands is from April to May and October to November. During these months, the weather is still generally dry and sunny, but there may be occasional rain showers. The islands are also less crowded during this time, with fewer tourists and more availability of accommodation and transportation options. Prices are also generally lower compared to the high season. However, it’s important to note that the weather can be unpredictable during the shoulder season, and there may be occasional storms or rough seas that could affect boat transfers and outdoor activities.

Low season on the Gili islands

The low season in the Gili Islands is from December to March, which coincides with the rainy season in Indonesia. During this time, the weather can be unpredictable, with heavy rain and thunderstorms occurring frequently. The sea can also be rough, making it difficult to take boat transfers to and from the islands. The water visibility is likely to be lower – and also watch out for stronger currents in the water. The advantage of visiting during the low season is that the islands are much less crowded, with lower prices for accommodation and transportation. It can also be a good time to experience the local culture and festivals, which often take place during this time.

Sustainable Travel in the Gili Islands

Sustainable travel is crucial to maintaining the Gili Islands’ natural resources and supporting the local communities that rely on them.

You can make a positive impact by choosing environmentally responsible accommodation and activities. Many eco-friendly hotels, resorts, and guesthouses have emerged in recent years, incorporating sustainable practices such as solar power, rainwater harvesting, and waste management systems. When booking your stay, look for places that prioritize environmentally conscious practices and support local conservation initiatives.

Be mindful of the marine environment. Coral reefs, seagrass beds, and other underwater habitats are crucial for maintaining the islands’ rich biodiversity. Snorkeling and diving are popular activities in the Gili Islands, but it’s crucial to follow responsible practices when exploring the underwater world. Avoid touching or stepping on corals, maintain a safe distance from marine animals, and refrain from feeding fish. Choose eco-friendly dive centers and tour operators that promote responsible diving and snorkeling practices and contribute to the preservation of the marine environment.

What are THE BEST places to stay on the Gili islands?

1 Ani Bungalows

£10 – £15

Central location yet quiet. Clean comfortable and basic, double rooms. Great host and tasty breakfast included.

Ani Bungalows on Agoda

Ani Bungalows on booking.com

2 Wombat’s B&B

£10 – £20

Tranquil location, lovely gardens. Family room available – amazing value for money. Located on the northwest of Gili Trawangan around 10 minutes from the beach.

Wombat’s B&B on Agoda

Wombat’s B&B on booking.com