Bali is often the gateway for travellers visiting the picturesque Gili Islands, Lombok. Among these islands, Gili Air stands out with its unique blend of impressive nature and culture. So, how to get to Gili Air from Bali?

This comprehensive guide will equip you with all the information about the best way to get to Gili Air from Bali by speedboat and ferry.

This tiny island is located just off the northwest coast of Lombok. It is part of a group of three islands, often called Gili Indah (beautiful islands). Other must-visit islands are Gili Meno and Gili Trawangan.

Each island offers unique charms. Gili Air is famous for its fancy resorts, lively beach bars, tranquil villages, and beautiful nature.

This island is small enough to explore by foot or bicycle. The absence of motorised vehicles ensures a peaceful atmosphere.

Gili Air offers many exciting activities. For instance, you can snorkel and scuba dive, cycle, explore Sasak villages, and savour local cuisine.

Gili Air is approximately 65 km east of Bali. This distance is measured from Padang Bai port. So, you must sail across the Lombok Strait to reach this small island.

The distance between Bali and Gili Air varies slightly depending on your departure points. This is because Padang Bai is not the only port in Bali.

You can also depart from Amed (North Bali), Sanur, and Serangan (South Bali). So, what is the travel time from Bali to Gili Air? The journey can vary in length depending on the port and mode of transport.

The most common way to reach Gili Air is by sea, speedboat, or ferry. Each mode of transport offers different experiences, durations, and costs.

Here is a detailed explanation of each option, including the routes, schedules, and ticket prices.

Travelling by speedboat is the fastest way to reach Gili Air from Bali. Many boat companies offer daily services from various ports in Bali, including Padang Bai, Sanur, Amed, and Serangan.

How do you get to Gili Air from Bali by boat? Here are the detailed, fast boat routes and schedules.

Padang Bai is the closest port when you stay in the south area of Bali, such as Kuta, Seminyak, Jimbaran, or Denpasar. The journey from Padang Bai port to Gili Air takes approximately two hours.

Here are the schedules of some fast boats operating in Padang Bai Port:

To check the schedule and book the boat to Gili Air from Bali, you can access Traveloka.

If you stay in North Bali, it is better to depart from Amed Port. The sailing time between Amed and Gili Air is around 4,5 hours.

Free Bird Express is the only boat sailing from Amed Port to Gili Air. It departs from Amed at 08.00 AM and arrives at Gili Air port at 12.30 PM. This boat ticket costs IDR 585.000.

The sailing time between Sanur and Gili Air takes 4 hours. Luckily, several boat companies are operating this route.

Here is the schedule and ticket price of some fast boats from Sanur.

Sailing to Gili Air from Serangan takes three and a half hours. Here is the schedule of some boat operators in Serangan Port.

Taking a public ferry from Bali to Lombok is the best option for a budget-friendly vacation. However, please note that there is no direct ferry route to Gili Air.

So, how to get to Gili Air from Bali by ferry? You can take a ferry from Padang Bai Port to Lembar Port Lombok. Then, proceed with taking a boat to Gili Air.

The public ferry ticket price from Padang Bai Port to Lembar Port starts from IDR 65.000. Luckily, there are a lot of public ferry companies operating in Padang Bai Port. Here is the list of ferry companies serving Padang Bai to Lembar Port route:

The departure time of these ferries changes every day. However, the public ferry operates 24 hours a day, and each ferry departs from Padang Bai every 90 minutes.

Once you arrive at Lembar Port, you can head to Bangsal Port by public transportation, taxi, or shuttle service. It costs between IDR 50.000 to IDR 150.000.

After that, you can sail to Gili Air from Bangsal Port by taking a slow boat. It takes 30 to 45 minutes to arrive at Gili Air. The slow boat departs twice a day at 11.00 AM and 04.00 PM.

The price of a slow boat ticket to Gili Air is affordable. The morning boat costs IDR 20,000, and the afternoon boat costs IDR 25,000.

So, what is the best way to get to Gili Air from Bali? The answer may depend on your budget and preferences.

Taking a fast boat is an excellent option If you want to go to Gili Air seamlessly and quickly. But, if you want to save more on your trip, taking a public ferry is wise.

Whether you choose a fast boat or public ferry, book the ticket in advance to secure your seat. Also, always stick to the guide on how to get to Gili Air from Bali to ensure a hassle-free journey. Get your Manila to Bali/Denpasar flight tickets with Traveloka now!