Gili Islands trip: how to get there from Bali

A Gili Islands trip from Bali is simple once you pick a boat. A fast boat is the quickest way and takes about 1.5 to 2.5 hours. A public ferry plus a short hop costs less but takes most of a day. This guide shows both routes, the three islands, and what to book ahead.

Sources for this section: Wikipedia, Gili Islands; Wikipedia, Padangbai.

Where the Gilis are

The Gilis are three small islands off the north-west coast of Lombok, in Indonesia. They are Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno and Gili Air. "Gili" means small island in the Sasak language. The group is also known locally as Gili Indah.

Lombok sits just east of Bali, so you need a boat to reach the Gilis. The islands have a tropical climate. The dry season runs from about May to October, and the wet season from about November to April. The average temperature is around 28 degrees Celsius.

Sources for this section: Wikipedia, Gili Islands.

Fast boat from Bali

Fast boats have run from Bali to the Gilis since 2005. Padang Bai, on the south-east coast of Bali, has a landing jetty for fast boats. Serangan, on the south coast near Denpasar, is the other common departure point. Crossings take roughly 1.5 to 2.5 hours, depending on the boat, the route and the sea.

Fast boats are the best choice if you have a short stay. You leave Bali in the morning and can be on the beach by lunch. Compare departure times and drop-off points before you pay, and ask which Gili the boat stops at.

The strait can be rough. Ask the operator whether the boat carries life jackets for every passenger, and wear one if the sea looks choppy. Check the weather on the day. If the crossing is cancelled, ask for a later boat or a refund in writing.

Sources for this section: Wikipedia, Gili Islands; Wikipedia, Padangbai.

Public ferry and public boat

The cheaper route has two steps. First, a public ferry runs from Padang Bai to Lembar, the main ferry port on Lombok. Then you travel by road across Lombok to the harbour on the north-west coast and take a small public boat over to the islands. Expect the whole journey to take much longer than a fast boat, so start early.

This route suits travellers who are not in a hurry and want to save money. It also lets you see a little of Lombok on the way. Keep your bags close on the ferry and the road leg, and agree on any taxi price before you get in.

Sources for this section: Wikipedia, Padangbai; Wikipedia, Gili Islands.

Which Gili suits whom

Each island has its own feel, so choose with care.

• Gili Trawangan is the largest and busiest. It measures about 3 km by 2 km and has the most places to eat, stay and dive. It suits people who want company and choice.
• Gili Meno is the quietest, with about 500 residents. It has a seasonal salt lake and a turtle sanctuary. It suits couples and anyone who wants peace.
• Gili Air is the closest to Lombok and sits between the other two in mood. It is known for snorkelling and turtle sightings. It suits travellers who want a balance between lively and quiet.

Divers know the area for sites such as Shark Point, Manta Point and Simon's Reef. If you plan to dive, book with a dive centre that you have checked yourself, and ask about its safety record and gear.

Sources for this section: Wikipedia, Gili Islands.

Getting around the islands

There are no motor vehicles on the Gilis. A local ordinance bans them. People walk, hire bicycles, or ride a cidomo, which is a horse-drawn cart. Pack light, because you will carry your own bag from the beach to your room, or pay for a cart.

Each island is small enough to walk around in a few hours. This is part of the appeal. It also means that help can be slow to arrive, so carry any medicine you need and a small first aid kit.

General information, not medical advice. Talk to a doctor or travel clinic before you travel if you have a health concern.

Sources for this section: Wikipedia, Gili Islands.

What to book ahead

• Your boat. Book the fast boat ahead in the dry season, when seats fill up. Keep your ticket and operator details handy.
• Your bed. Trawangan is popular, so book your first night before you leave Bali. You can look around for a second place once you arrive.
• Your cash. Bring enough Indonesian rupiah for the first few days, so you are not hunting for a cash machine on arrival.
• Your insurance. Buy travel insurance that covers boat travel and any diving you plan to do.
• Your return. Plan to leave a day early if you have a flight to catch from Bali. Boats can run late or be cancelled in rough seas.

Indonesian drug laws are severe, and penalties can include the death penalty. Some islands openly advertise mushrooms, but possession and use are still prohibited, and the law applies here as it does anywhere in Indonesia. Do not carry or buy any illegal drug.

Sources for this section: Wikipedia, Gili Islands.

Sources

1. Wikipedia, Gili Islands: en.wikipedia.org
2. Wikipedia, Padangbai: en.wikipedia.org