How To Get To The Gili Islands From Bali: Complete 2024 Guide

Looking for a detailed guide on how to get from Bali to the Gili Islands? I’ve done the route multiple times, and this is my complete guide to help you get to there easily.

If you’re traveling in Bali, It’s likely you’ve heard the name ‘The Gili Islands’ or ‘The Gili’s’. They’re 3 small island paradises off the coast of Lombok, and are one of the best places to visit in Indonesia. This last year I spent 2 weeks on the islands, In between exploring Bali and Lombok.

The Gili’s offer crystal clear water, magical marine life, bright white sandy beaches, a vibrant nightlife, and plenty of space to relax and soak in the sun. Getting there from Bali is simple, but there are a few things that are important to know before you go. In this guide I’ll include all the best travel routes, plus the cheapest site to book on!

My Favourite Way To Get To The Gili Islands

My favourite way to get to the Gili Islands is to book a fast boat transfer through 12Go. Fast boat transfers take hours less than regular public boats, and still cost almost nothing. 12Go is by far the best way to book a fast boat, with low rates and plenty of options to compare and choose from.

I found rates half the price of individually advertised fast boats on 12Go, and it made booking all 5 of my transfers around Indonesia stress-free. On 12Go, boat transfers to the Gili Islands take an average of 2.15-3 hours and cost around $13 USD.

One thing to note about fast boats are that they are not luxurious. Most boats on 12Go will be rated under 3 stars, so anything over 3 should be considered good. The boats have little air movement, they can get hot, and people can often get sea sick because the ocean between Bali and the Gilis can get rough at times.

So while fast boat transfers are safe, note that they are not always a fun. In my own experience, try and get a seat in the front row if the front window is open, or in the back row for access to the back deck to get some air. If the sea isn’t too rough, it’s often possible to sit on the top deck too, which can make it really enjoyable!

Bali To The Gili Islands Ferry Must Knows

• Ferry times are unreliable and ferry’s/ fast boats are usually late. This can be up to 2 hours, so don’t set any concrete plans on your travel day.

• Boats sometimes have a strict weight limit for luggage. The Gili’s also have no motorised transport, so I recommend leaving big suitcases in storage in Bali. On these islands it’s better to be a backpacker!

• You can book in person at ports, but the better fast boats fill up quickly. So I always book online with 12Go.

• Fast boats are much better than public boats, which can take 9+ hours and have even less safety standards.

• Padang Bai is the best port to leave from in Bali, as it has a shorter travel time and more options. I’d only recommend other options if you’re right nearby.

Gili Islands From Bali Ferry Routes

12Go is an easy to navigate website, it shouldn’t be difficult to find a good ferry for you and your preferences. But to give you a quick run-down on what’s available, these are the two most recommended options for Bali to Gili Islands ferries!

Padang Bai to Gili Trawangan: 

• Anywhere between 1.45-3 Hours Padang Bai to Gili Trawangan.
• 1 hour and a 30-minute drive from Canggu, and 1 hour drive from Ubud to Padang Bai Port (changes with traffic conditions)
• Best and most popular option. This is the port I left from.

Serangan Pier to Gili Trawangan: 

• 3-hours from Serangan Peir to Gili Trawangan
• 50 minute drive from Canggu, 1 hour and 10 minute drive from Ubud to Serangan Pier.
• Closest port access from tourist hotspots (Seminyak, Kuta Beach, Canggu, ect)

Step By Step Guide To Booking The Ferry With 12Go

1. Go To The 12Go Website

Use this link to go to the main page of 12Go’s website. There you’ll see the preference bar (pictured above). Fill out Bali to Gili Trawangan or Gili Air, these are generally the two ferry options. To head to Gili Meno you’ll have to take a smaller boat from one of the other islands.

Then add in your dates, the number of passengers, and press search to find available ferries.

2. Look Through Your Options

The first thing to come up when you press search, will be 3 recommended ferry options. They’ll be in this layout, showing the times, trip length, star rating, company, and price. These are generally the most purchased options.

If you want a more advanced search scroll down until you see ‘Other Options’ as above. You’ll be able to search for a specific price, departure time and departure port.

Below that you’ll also be able to search for other modes of transport. Including bus & ferry combinations and taxi & ferry combinations so you can have a seamless trip from your accomodation straight to the islands.

3. Find The Best Option For You

Once you choose a ferry, you’ll be taken to this page. Here you can double check all the details and make sure they’re correct. You’ll be able to edit the number of passengers, see the total price, and all the details of your fast boat.

If everything’s good, press next step which will take you to your passenger information page. Fill out the information of each passenger, confirm, and then pay. You’re all done! You’ll receive instant confirmation and a mobile ticket which you can use to board the fast boat.

Bali To Gili’s Ferry FAQ’s

How Long Is The Ferry From Bali To The gili Islands?

The ferry from Bali to the Gili Islands can take anywhere between 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours and 30 minutes, depending on weather conditions. However, boats are often delayed from major harbours which can add hours onto your trip.

Is It Worth Going To The Gili Islands From Bali?

It is absolutely worth going to the Gili Islands from Bali. The Gili Islands are a pristine island paradise, with 3 islands and otherworldly snorkelling and dive sites to explore!

Alternative Ways To Get From Bali To The Gili Islands

If a fast boat doesn’t sound right for you, there are a few alternative ways to get to the Gili Islands. There are public boats (but I don’t recommend these, they take up to 9 hours and are very uncomfortable), private boats, helicopter rides and flights.

Private Boats/ yachts

If you have lots of cash to spend and want a more luxurious trip to the Gili Islands, you can charter a yacht direct of overnight. You get the boat to yourself, crew, and you’re able to completely customise your itinerary.

To charter a yacht, head to Bali Yacht Services. They’ve got a large fleet and different options available!

Helicopter

To avoid the hassle of a sea crossing and enjoy some of the most beautiful ocean and island view along the way, you can charter a helicopter to and from the Gili Islands!

Head to Bali Tours to read up on helicopter charters and inquire about your own.

Flights

If you want to avoid the large boat ride, you can always fly to Lombok and take the shorter 15 minute boat ride from Lombok to the Gili Islands. In total however, this will be the longest route.

Must Knows before Visiting The Gili Islands

• The Islands don’t have any motorised vehicles, but there are bicycles for rent along almost every street. Alternatively there are horse drawn carriages, but I highly suggest you avoid those as horses here tend to be treated cruelly and inhumanely.

• There are three main islands, Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, and Gili Air. To decide which one you want to visit, you can read my article ‘Which Gili Island Is Best For You’.

• The best time to visit the Gili Islands is between June and October as it’s the dry season. But keep in mind this is also when the island is at its busiest. I went in June, and the weather was perfect with manageable crowds (and only busy Gili Trawangan).

• There are a few safety concerns about visiting the Gili Islands. Though the islands have a very low crime rate, the party culture, especially on Gili Trawangan presents a few safety problems. To find out how I stayed safe on the Gili’s as a solo female traveler, read my article ‘Are The Gili Islands Safe?’.

Conclusion: How To Get To The Gili Islands From Bali

Now you’ll have all the information you need to safely and easily get from Bali to the Gili Islands. Using 12Go to book your ferry, or via one of the alternative travel methods.

The Gili islands are one of my favourite places in the world, and I’m sure you’ll have just an amazing time as I did. Enjoy the island paradise!