Ultimate Guide: Effortlessly Travel from Bali to Gili Air

Bali often serves as the starting point for travelers heading to the stunning Gili Islands in Lombok. Among these islands, Gili Air is notable for its remarkable blend of natural beauty and cultural richness. So, what’s the best way to reach Gili Air from Bali?

This all-inclusive guide will provide you with essential details on the most efficient methods to travel from Bali to Gili Air by speedboat and ferry.

Flight From Singapore to Bali / Denpasar

Gili Air Overview

This small island lies just off Lombok's northwest coast and is part of a trio of islands known as Gili Indah (beautiful islands). The other islands worth visiting include Gili Meno and Gili Trawangan.

Each island has its own unique appeal. Gili Air is renowned for its upscale resorts, vibrant beach bars, serene villages, and stunning natural landscapes.

The island is compact enough to navigate on foot or by bicycle, and the absence of motorized vehicles creates a tranquil environment.

Gili Air offers a plethora of thrilling activities. You can enjoy snorkeling and scuba diving, cycling, visiting Sasak villages, and tasting local dishes.

Distance from Gili Air to Bali

Gili Air is roughly 65 km east of Bali, measured from Padang Bai port. To reach this charming island, you'll need to cross the Lombok Strait.

The distance between Bali and Gili Air may vary slightly depending on your departure point, as Padang Bai is not the only port available in Bali.

You can also set off from Amed (North Bali), Sanur, and Serangan (South Bali). So, what’s the travel time from Bali to Gili Air? The duration can vary based on your departure port and mode of transport.

Traveling to Gili Air from Bali

The most popular ways to reach Gili Air are by sea, using either a speedboat or a ferry. Each option provides a unique experience, with different travel times and costs.

Here’s a comprehensive overview of each transport option, including routes, schedules, and ticket prices.

Speedboat

Taking a speedboat is the quickest way to travel from Bali to Gili Air. Numerous boat operators provide daily services from several ports in Bali, including Padang Bai, Sanur, Amed, and Serangan.

How can you reach Gili Air from Bali by boat? Here are the detailed routes and schedules for fast boats.

1. Padang Bai Port to Gili Air

Padang Bai is the nearest port for those staying in southern Bali areas like Kuta, Seminyak, Jimbaran, or Denpasar. The trip from Padang Bai port to Gili Air takes about two hours.

Here are the schedules for various fast boats operating from Padang Bai Port:

To view the schedule and book your boat to Gili Air from Bali, you can visit Mytour.

2. Amed Port to Gili Air

For those staying in North Bali, it's advisable to depart from Amed Port. The journey between Amed and Gili Air takes approximately 4.5 hours.

Free Bird Express is the sole boat operating from Amed Port to Gili Air. It leaves Amed at 8:00 AM and arrives at Gili Air port by 12:30 PM. The ticket price for this boat is IDR 585,000.

3. Sanur to Gili Air

The travel time from Sanur to Gili Air is around 4 hours. Fortunately, multiple boat companies offer services on this route.

Here are the schedules and ticket prices for various fast boats departing from Sanur.

4. Serangan Port to Gili Air

The journey from Serangan to Gili Air takes approximately three and a half hours. Below are the schedules for some boat operators at Serangan Port.

Public Ferry

Taking a public ferry from Bali to Lombok is the most budget-friendly option for your vacation. However, keep in mind that there is no direct ferry service to Gili Air.

So, how can you reach Gili Air from Bali by ferry? You can take a ferry from Padang Bai Port to Lembar Port in Lombok, and then catch a boat to Gili Air.

The public ferry ticket from Padang Bai Port to Lembar Port starts at IDR 65,000. Fortunately, many ferry companies operate from Padang Bai Port. Here’s a list of ferry companies servicing the Padang Bai to Lembar Port route:

The departure times for these ferries vary daily. However, the public ferry runs 24 hours a day, with departures from Padang Bai every 90 minutes.

Upon arrival at Lembar Port, you can reach Bangsal Port using public transport, a taxi, or a shuttle service, with costs ranging from IDR 50,000 to IDR 150,000.

From Bangsal Port, you can take a slow boat to Gili Air, which takes about 30 to 45 minutes. The slow boat operates twice daily at 11:00 AM and 04:00 PM.

The ticket price for the slow boat to Gili Air is quite reasonable. The morning boat costs IDR 20,000, while the afternoon boat is priced at IDR 25,000.

Optimal Way to Travel from Bali to Gili Air

So, what is the most effective way to get to Gili Air from Bali? The best choice may vary based on your budget and personal preferences.

Choosing a fast boat is a fantastic option if you want a quick and smooth journey to Gili Air. However, if you're looking to save money, opting for a public ferry is a smart choice.

Regardless of whether you opt for a fast boat or a public ferry, it's advisable to book your ticket in advance to guarantee your seat. Always follow the guidelines on reaching Gili Air from Bali for a stress-free experience. Don't forget to secure your flight tickets from Singapore to Bali/Denpasar with Mytour today!