Getting to the Gili Islands: All the Routes Explained

More options than most travelers know about

Getting to the Gili Islands is easier than it used to be — fast boat services from Bali now operate year-round to all three islands, and the Lombok ferry provides a cheaper alternative from the local side. Here’s the full picture.

From Bali (most common)

Fast boats depart from Serangan Harbor (south Bali, near Denpasar) and Padang Bai (east Bali). Journey time: 1.5–2.5 hours to Gili Air or Gili T, slightly longer to Gili Meno. Cost: IDR 300,000–500,000 per person. Multiple operators including Eka Jaya, Wahana, and Blue Water Express — book through Klook or direct online. Boats run daily except when seas are rough (October–December rough season, some cancellations). Serangan is slightly closer if staying in south Bali; Padang Bai has more departure options.

From Lombok (cheaper)

Local public boats from Bangsal Harbor (north Lombok, 45 minutes from Mataram): IDR 15,000–20,000 per person to any Gili island. These are the slow traditional wooden boats — part of the experience if you’re not in a hurry. Fast boats from Bangsal: IDR 100,000–250,000, 20 minutes. To reach Bangsal from Lombok airport: taxi or Grab, 45 minutes, IDR 150,000–250,000.

Inter-island boats

Public boats run between the three Gili Islands throughout the day: IDR 20,000–30,000 per person. Schedule is roughly every 30 minutes during daylight hours. Island-hopping between the three Gilis is easy and recommended — spend a night on each for a complete sense of their different characters.