The Gili Islands pull in a steady stream of people from Bali. Clear water. White sand. No cars. It sounds perfect, and honestly, it often is. But getting there can either be easy or mildly exhausting, depending on the route you pick.
I’ve seen people lose half a day just because they chose the wrong port. Others overpaid when they didn’t need to. This guide lays out the real options from Bali to the Gilis, what they cost, how long they take, and where things usually go wrong.
The main ways to get from Bali to the Gilis
For almost everyone, a fast boat is the right choice. There are slower and cheaper ways, but they come with trade-offs.
Direct fast boat (1.5 to 3 hours)
This is what most travelers use. Boats leave from Padang Bai, Serangan, or Amed and go straight to Gili Trawangan, Gili Air, or Gili Meno. Multiple departures every day. One ticket. No island hopping unless the operator adds stops.
Public ferry via Lombok (5 to 7 hours)
This is the budget route. Ferry from Padang Bai to Lombok, drive across the island, then take a small local boat to the Gilis. It’s cheap, but it’s slow, messy, and involves a lot of waiting around. I only recommend it if you’re on a tight budget or you genuinely enjoy logistical puzzles.
Private speedboat charter
If you’re a group and money isn’t an issue, this can be nice. You pick the time, skip the crowds, and go straight to your island. For solo travelers or couples, it’s rarely worth the price.
For most people, a direct fast boat hits the sweet spot.
Fastest, cheapest, and most reliable routes
There’s no single “best” route. It depends on where you’re staying and what you care about most.
Fastest: Amed to the Gili Islands
Amed is closest to the Gilis, so the sea crossing is short. On a calm day, it can feel surprisingly quick.
- Travel time: about 1.5 to 2 hours
- Price: roughly 450,000 to 600,000 IDR
- Best for: people already in Amed or East Bali
- Downside: fewer boats per day and more weather cancellations
If you’re staying in Seminyak or Canggu, the drive to Amed can wipe out the time you save on the water.
Cheapest: Padang Bai to Gili Trawangan (most popular)
Padang Bai has the most competition. That keeps prices down.
- Travel time: about 2 to 2.5 hours
- Price: around 350,000 to 500,000 IDR
- Best for: budget travelers
- Downside: crowded mornings and a chaotic harbor
It’s cheap for a reason. Still works fine if you know what to expect.
Most reliable: Serangan to the Gilis
Serangan is boring in the best possible way. Clean port. Better organization. Fewer surprises.
- Travel time: about 2 to 2.5 hours
- Price: around 400,000 to 550,000 IDR
- Best for: South Bali, rainy season travel
- Downside: slightly higher prices
If you’re traveling between November and March, this is usually the safest bet.
Weather and seasons matter more than people admit
Dry season crossings are usually smooth. Rainy season is unpredictable. December and January are the worst months for cancellations.
Amed gets hit hardest in bad weather because boats are exposed the whole way. Serangan holds up better. Morning boats are calmer than afternoon ones. If you get seasick, this matters.
Choosing the right departure port
The port you leave from affects your whole day, not just the boat ride.
Padang Bai (Most Popular)
- East Bali
- 15 to 20 boats per day
- Serves all three Gili islands
Padang Bai is busy, cramped, and noisy. But it’s cheap and flexible. If you’re staying near Ubud or Candidasa, it makes sense. Its the most popular way for travelers.
Padang Bai Harbour Reviews Summary
Padang Bai Harbour serves as the primary departure point for fast boats to the Gili Islands, Lombok, and Nusa Penida, but traveler reviews highlight a chaotic atmosphere dominated by aggressive touts and disorganization.
Common complaints include taxi and luggage handlers demanding tips aggressively, sometimes refusing to release bags until paid, which many describe as “sketchy” and stressful, especially for solo female travelers.
Boarding processes for ferries are often delayed, with long waits in the sun amid crowds, though the harbor itself is kept reasonably clean with nearby warungs for food.
Positive notes mention its functionality for quick access to Gili routes and friendly staff at organized operators, but most advise arriving early and handling your own luggage to avoid hassles.
Serangan
- South Bali
- 10 to 12 boats per day
- Serves all three Gili islands
This port feels more organized. Transfers are shorter from Seminyak, Canggu, and Sanur. It’s my default recommendation for most travelers.
Serangan Pier Reviews Summary
Serangan Harbour (Pier) stands out as a more modern and traveler‑friendly alternative to Padang Bai for fast boats to Gili Islands and Nusa islands, with reviews praising its organized facilities and helpful staff.
Facilities include comfortable covered waiting areas, restaurants with good food options, and efficient boarding processes on custom piers that make luggage handling and check‑in straightforward.
Travelers note friendly fast boat crews who assist with bags and provide clear guidance, creating a less chaotic experience than eastern ports.
Some mention minor delays or rough seas on boats departing from here, but the pier itself receives positive feedback for convenience, especially from south Bali hotels.
Amed
- Northeast Bali
- 3 to 5 boats per day
- Mostly Gili Trawangan and Gili Air
Great if you’re already diving or snorkeling in East Bali. Not great if you’re staying in the south.
Main Fast boat operators
Most boats get you there. The differences are in comfort, communication, and how things are handled when something goes wrong.
Bluewater Express
This is one of the most professional operators around.
- Clean boats
- Air-conditioned cabins
- Clear pickup instructions
- Good English-speaking staff
People pay more for Bluewater and usually feel it’s worth it. Delays happen, but communication is better than average.
Gili Gili Fast Boat
Their boats are a bit bigger and feel more stable.
- Good for choppy seas
- Mostly Padang Bai departures
- Simple setup, nothing fancy
Refund policies are stricter, so read the fine print.
Bali Eka Jaya
They run large ferries and cover multiple routes.
- More space
- Assigned seating
- Often slower due to multiple stops
Some travelers love the stability. Others hate the delays and long island hopping routes. It’s a mixed bag.
Golden Queen Fast Boat
A solid middle-ground option.
- Good hotel pickup coverage
- Comfortable cabins
- Generally smooth operations
Not flashy, but dependable.
👉 Check all speedboat and ferry options from Bali to Gili T
What the boat ride is really like
Expect bumps. Even on “calm” days, it’s not a cruise ship.
Most boats carry 50 to 80 passengers. Bags go in the hold. You keep a small backpack with you. Toilets exist, but don’t set high expectations.
Bring seasickness tablets if you’ve ever felt queasy on a boat. Afternoon crossings can get rough. Early morning is usually better.
The views can be great. On clear days you’ll see volcanoes. Dolphins show up sometimes, usually when you’re least ready with a camera.
Booking tickets: online or at the port?
Book online. Almost always.
Online prices are the same or cheaper. You lock in your seat. Pickup times are confirmed. During high season, boats sell out days ahead.
Buying tickets at the harbor works in low season, but it’s stressful and rarely cheaper.
When to book
- High season: 5 to 7 days ahead
- Shoulder season: 2 to 3 days
- Low season: same day is often fine
Add extra buffer around holidays.
Common questions
How long does it take from Bali to the Gilis?
Anywhere from 1.5 to 3 hours on the boat. Add hotel pickup time, which can be another 1 to 2 hours.
What’s the best route to Gili Trawangan?
Fastest is Amed. Cheapest and most popular is Padang Bai. Pick based on where you’re staying.
Is booking online better than buying at the pier?
Yes. Less hassle. Better info. More options. Check all options on 12Go
What’s the cheapest way to get to Gili from Bali?
Public ferry to Lombok, then overland, then a slow boat. It’s cheap but eats most of a day.
Travelers advices
Show up early for pickup. Keep valuables with you. Expect delays now and then. Boats in Indonesia run on island time.
If you can, take a morning departure. It’s calmer and less stressful. And think about door-to-door time, not just the crossing itself.
However you get there, the Gilis tend to deliver. Snorkeling, sunsets, bikes instead of motorbikes. Once you arrive, the journey fades fast.
If you plan it right, the trip there is just another part of the story, not the part you complain about later.
