Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to reach the stunning Gili Islands off the coast of Lombok, Indonesia.
There are several ways to venture to the Gili Islands - Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, and Gili Air. Each mode of transport offers a unique experience.
The most popular and quickest way to get to the Gilis is by fast boat from Bali. Departure points in Bali include Padang Bai, Serangan, Amed, and Sanur. The boat trip can take between 1.5 to 2.5 hours depending on your departure location. Major operators include BlueWater Express, Gili Getaway, and Scoot Cruise.
A more economical but time-consuming option is to take a public ferry from Padang Bai, Bali to Lembar, Lombok, and then a shuttle or taxi to Bangsal Harbor. From Bangsal, you can catch a public boat to any of the three Gili Islands. The ferry typically takes around 4 to 5 hours, and the boat from Bangsal to the Gilis can take up to an additional 30 minutes.
If you are coming from outside Bali, you can fly to Lombok International Airport (LOP) located near Mataram. Once at the airport, you can choose to take a taxi or an airport shuttle to Bangsal Harbor, where boats are available to the Gili Islands. The drive from the airport to the harbor takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.
For a more luxurious and private transit, you can hire a private speedboat from Bali or Lombok. This option allows you to choose your own departure time and can be arranged through agencies or hotel concierges.
Once on the Gili Islands, you can easily hop between them using the inter-island public boats or arranging a private boat. The distances between the islands are short, and the trips are often no more than 10-20 minutes.