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How to get from Ubud to Gili Islands (and rest of Bali)

AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE

Visiting Gili Islands was the best decision I have made on my last trip to Bali and getting from Ubud to Gili Islands wasn’t as hard as it may appear at first glance. Imagine small islands with no cars allowed, perfect beaches washed by pristine clear, turquoise water timing with marine life! Do I need to say more?

Many people skip Gili Islands because, at first sight, it seems that getting from Bali to Gili Islands is super tricky! This post will explain in details all the options on how to get to the Gili Islands from different locations.

Where Are The Gili Islands?

gili islands coral reef
Snorkelling with turtles on Gili Islands

Gili Islands are located just off the coast of Lombok (about 15 minutes boat ride). But they are often included in Bali itinerary because they are a slice of paradise and it would be a shame to miss them out from your Bali itinerary.

There are three Gili Islands – Gili Trawangan island, which is the largest with the biggest choice of accommodation, restaurants and best nightlife. The second one is Gili Air which is known for more upmarket hotel options and last but not least Gili Meno, which is the smallest and quietest out of the three. Whichever Gili Island you choose, the process of getting there will be almost the same as they all are situated nearby from each other.

How To Get To The Gili Islands?

There are three harbours in Bali that you can get a fast boat to Gili Islands:

Serangan harbour – is located near Sanur in Denpasar area.

Padang Bai – is located one hour drive away from Denpasar area, on the eastern coast of Bali.

Amed harbour – is located another hour drive north-east.

Book your tickets online

The most convenient and worry-free way is to pre-book your boat tickets online ahead of your trip. This option is suitable if your Bali Itinerary is fixed and lasts about two weeks and you don’t want to risk not being able to get a seat. Booking online doesn’t require haggling, and you can often get a good deal.

The most reputable company to book from is Blue Water Express, and the website that I usually use and find very reliable is 12go.asia. The boat fares typically include pick up from your accommodation and drop off in your chosen city (Ubud, Seminyak, Canggu etc.) which is very convenient and saves a lot of hassle trying to arrange every leg of the journey by yourself.

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If you’re more flexible or unsure on dates you want to travel to Gili Islands, you can buy your Bali ferry to Gili Islands tickets when you’re there. There are several places boat tickets can be purchased from including your hostel/ hotel, small tour shops on main streets and directly from the harbour.

TIP 1: Whatever option you decide, make sure you know how much a ticket should roughly cost, and if someone wants to charge you much more, simply thank them and try shopping around in different places.

TIP 2: Make sure the ticket you are buying is for a speed boat, not a ferry. There is a public ferry Bali to Gili Islands, but it takes a long time, and I wouldn’t recommend it for this reason.

From Ubud to Gili Islands

Underwater statues at Gili Air

Option 1 Book your Ubud – Gili Islands boat ticket online here.

Option 2 Buy your ticket from your accommodation or in one of the tourist shops selling excursions on the main street in Ubud. Try asking in 3 different places and choose the cheapest ones because speed boats are all the same and you may be paying twice the price for the same service if you’re not careful.

These two options will most likely include hotel pick up and will take you to either Padang Bai or Serangan harbour which roughly takes a similar time to get from Ubud. The pick-up van will start collecting people from different hotels which generally takes about an hour, and once everyone is in the van, it will go to the harbour.

Your bags will be tagged, and you will have to show your passport for the passenger manifesto to be completed. There is always some waiting time involved, and boats don’t seem to be following any timely schedule, so be patient and just wait to be called out. 

Getting to Gili Islands from Amed

amed
Amed

It’s not an obvious option as the other two, but there are a lot of advantages of going from Amed.

If you’re planning to see Lempuyang Temple and the Insta famous Gates to Heaven as well as the Water Palace – Tirta Ganga, I recommend hiring a driver that will take you there from Ubud. You can leave your luggage in the car and once you finish sightseeing ask the driver to drop you off in Amed.

This is precisely how I arranged my trip to the Gili Islands.

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Amed is a lovely coastal town on the western coast. It’s way less hectic than Kuta or Seminyak areas. It’s basically a fishermen village that has a beautiful beach with striking black sand and traditional colourful fishing boats stationing on the beach.

If you’ve got more time you can even stay a day or two in Amed, there are some excellent coral reefs in the area to explore and some unique viewpoints where you can get a panoramic view of black sand beaches and rainbow fishing boats.

You will need to pre-book your ticket at least a day before the scheduled departure. Again, you can do it online, from the local sellers or directly from your accommodation which is bound to be the most expensive option but handy if you arrive at Amed late without online booking.

Whichever way you buy your ticket, make sure the organisers know where you’re staying and be ready for the pick-up time. There is a minivan that collects people from different hotels and takes everyone to the beach.

TIP: If you only partially paid for the fare and need to settle the remaining balance (something that happens when you book from your hotel), make sure you have the cash to pay for your boat. I didn’t have any cash and ended up being driven to an ATM on the back of a scooter while other passengers were already boarding the speed boat.

waiting for a speed boat at Amed beach
Waiting for the boat at Amed

Again, you will need to show your passport, and your luggage will be tagged and taken under the deck by the crew members. Boarding the boat involves taking off your shoes and walking through ankle to knee length water, through the steps onto the ship. This can be a little tricky if the sea is choppy, but nothing to overly be worried about.

Bali to Lombok flight

You can fly from Bali to Lombok Airport. Gili Islands have no airport, in fact, they don’t have proper roads either, and the dominant mode of transport is cycling, which is fantastic! Local people also use donkey carts to transport tourists with large suitcases, but I would highly encourage you to pack light and walk instead!

This option makes sense if you want to explore Lombok before you end up in Gili Islands. The airport in Lombok is located 2 hours’ drive from the harbour where you still need to take a 15 minutes boat ride to get to Gili Islands. If you don’t have time for Lombok, consider taking a speed boat directly from one of the three Bali ports.

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From Seminyak to Gili Islands

If you’re travelling from Seminyak, it makes sense to take a boat from the closest ferry port which is Serangan.  You can purchase your boat tickets online or from the local vendors or your accommodation. If you opt for your own transport to the port, make sure you arrive at least an hour before the scheduled departure.

From Kuta to Gili Islands

Same applies to travel from Kuta – Serangan is the closest harbour.

From Denpasar to Gili Islands

Purchase the ticket for a boat leaving from Serangan harbour.

Is day trip from Bali to Gili Islands possible?

Taking a day trip to the Gili Islands is not really possible, and there are currently no tour operators that run this. Gili Islands are at a fair distance from Bali, and it takes around 2 hours plus to get there depending on weather conditions at sea. Also, all the boats back from Gili Islands to Bali seem to be scheduled in the mornings only, making a day round trip impossible.

From Lombok to Gili Islands

Getting to Gili Islands from Lombok is much easier than from Bali. The islands are situated just of Lombok’s coast, and it only takes around 15 minutes by boat to reach them. It is also much cheaper – around 10k IDR.

Boats leave from Bangsal harbour which is located on the eastern coast. If you’re staying in the Kuta area, it takes a reasonably long time to get to the port – about 2 hours. Remember to arrange your lift in advance to arrive at the harbour with plenty of time to spare – at least one hour.

To get to the harbour from Lombok airport also takes about 2 hours.

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From Nusa Penida to Gili Islands

There is no direct boat Nusa Penida to Gili Islands. But you can catch one from Nusa Lembongan. Just show up at Toya Pakeh harbour on Nusa Penida, there are small boats that take people across regularly. It costs around $5, and the trip only takes around 10-15 minutes.

You will disembark in Nusa Lembongan close to the yellow bridge where you can continue your onwards journey to Gili Islands.

yellow bridge between Nusa Islands
Yellow Bridge between Nusa Islands

The trip takes 2-3 hours depending on the service, and the price will reflect that. The slower boats tend to be cheaper. Expect to pay between $30 and $50 for a single way.

The most reputable company to book with is Blue Water Express, and they also are considered to be the safest service which can be important if you’re travelling outside of dry season.

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Gili Trawangan Harbour – What To Expect?

Waiting for the boat at Gili T
Waiting for the boat at Gili T

Most boats stop at Gili Meno first and continue to Gili T. The two islands are only approximately 5 minutes away, so it doesn’t really matter which one is your final destination.

If you’re travelling to Gili Air, get off on Gili T and take a small boat to go across to Gili Air. Just ask around in the harbour for the transport option.

When you arrive from Bali to Gili Trawangan, you’ll notice that the harbour/port/place where boats stop is nothing more than a beach. I remember being stunned by the beautiful turquoise water so clear that I could see fish swimming around the boat!

The view form a small boat between Gili T and Gili Air
The view form a small boat between Gili T and Gili Air

Disembarking the speed boat may be a little tricky if the sea is rough, just follow the guidance from the crew and you will be absolutely fine. You will have to walk down the metal ladder onto the water to the beach. Just wait in the shade for your larger bag to be taken out from under the deck and onto the beach.

Once you’ve got your bag, you are free to go and find your accommodation. There is likely to be a small crowd of local vendors approaching the newcomers with whatever services they are selling – boat trips, hotels, transport. My advice is not to get pressured into buying anything. Instead, come back in the evening another time when you’re more relaxed and are familiar with Gili prices. This way, you are less likely to get ripped off.

Passengers  getting of the boats at Gili T
Passengers getting of the boats at Gili T

Also, you’ll be most likely to get offered a donkey cart to your accommodation but please don’t take it. Donkeys are usually mistreated, and taking the offer only encourages the locals to keep using them for tourism. Just pack light or book your hotel/hostel closer to the harbour so you can comfortably walk and save some money too! I promise Gili Trawangan is pretty small and accessible!

Places To Stay On Gili Trawangan

LuxuryPearl of Trawangan

Pearl of Trawangan Hotel
Pearl of Trawangan Hotel via Booking.com

Located just a few minutes’ walk from the main promenade at Gili T, close to a selection of restaurants, bars and shops, the property boasts a beachfront location, two pools, one facing the ocean with a swim-up bar and one in the garden with a jacuzzi. There are different types of rooms to choose from, some situated in the garden and others facing the beach. They all have a rustic yet modern design and come with an outdoor sitting area.

Compare Booking | Agoda


MidrangeLe Pirate Beach Club

Le Pirate Beach Club via Hotels.com

This hotel is located on Gili T, but on the more quiet, western side. The hotel features charming blue and white cottages. They are a little small inside but have everything you may need: refillable water bottles, air-containing and outdoor bathrooms. They also come with a porch area and a hammock.


Budget Cinta Cottages

Cinta Cottages via Booking.com

Cinta Cottages are located within walking distance to the turtle conservation area on the eastern side of Gili T, minutes away from the beachfront. Cottages come with a plunge pool and a private garden area. The room rate includes breakfast and free use of bicycles.

Compare Booking | Agoda


Gili Islands To Bali – The Journey Back

On the way back, it is pretty convenient just to book your returning boat ticket on Gili T. There are excursion and transport vendors everywhere on the main street by the harbour. Ask in at least three places before you buy to get the best price. Buy your ticket at least one day before departure, and as there are no taxis on the island, you are expected to make your own way to the meeting point.

Main road on Gili T
Main road on Gili T

I found that the shop right behind the public waiting area in the harbour – an area under the roof on the beach with benches and a little kiosk where you can buy tickets for public ferries have best prices. Public ferries are larger vessels, and they take a lot longer to get to Bali and are often packed to the brim with passengers, so for these reasons, I don’t recommend taking them.

ticket office on Gili Trawangan
Tourist Office on Gili T selling boat tickets

On the departure day, arrive at least 30 minutes earlier and make sure you check in the shop that I mentioned above. You will get a wrist band and be asked to wait in the area under the roof where also a lot of locals wait for their ferries. Departures and arrivals of public vessels get announced in Indonesian and are typically used mostly by the locals. The departures of speed boats that are primarily used by foreigners don’t get announced and seem a little hectic.

ticket office on Gili Trawangan
Ticket office for public ferries on Gili T

TIP: There will be lots of people waiting for different boats which can really be confusing. The best way not to get lost is to wait with a larger group of people wearing the same wrist bands like yours. Just pay attention to what’s happening around you, and you won’t miss your boat.

Ubud To Gili Islands: Final Word

sunset at gili islands

Getting to Gili Islands is not as complicated as it may appear at first. I love going with the flow when I travel, but if I have little time, I prefer to pre-book and plan my itinerary carefully so I can make the most of my trip. Above all, it’s good to consider all the options and always shop around before you buy the tickets!

And Gili Islands will most certainly take your breath away with alluring crystal clear water, fish and turtles swimming casually around you not to mention about most incredible sunsets on the planet!

Read also:

How to get to Nusa Penida

Bali Essentials

Wandering what to pack to Bali & Gili Islands? Below are some essentials I recommend:

Day Backpack – for this adventure and many other ones, you’ll need a day pack. My favourite one is the stylish and minimalistic Kanken. It is made of durable materials and it’s super simple and super comfortable.

Mirrorless camera – I love Sony cameras! If you’re looking for an entry-level, compact camera that takes awesome photos, go for Sony Alpha 6400, I’ve used it for years and took some excellent pictures with it. For a more advanced selection, I recommend Sony A7iii, I can’t be more happy with it, and I know lots of professional photographers and creators who use it too.

Power bank – power bank to charge my mobile phone saved my life a few times, no kidding. It is handy if you’re using Google maps which is a drain on the phone’s battery. I recommend choosing a lightweight one

Raincoat – I know you’re probably thinking I’m crazy, but trust me, the raincoat is essential, especially if you’re scootering your way through the island. When it’s rainy, it actually gets cold on the scooter, and during the rainy season, which is between November and April, it rains buckets!

Reusable water bottle – water flask, especially thermal ones, is so practical here in Bali. Many hotels and restaurants let their guests refill the bottles for free in an effort to reduce plastic use on the island.

Sun cream – this is another essential to carry with you and frequently reapply. Choose an eco-friendly and vegan one to do your part for the environment.

Adventure sandals – sports sandals with straps are the best type of footwear for any Bali adventure. They dry quickly and are sturdy enough to keep you safe on your hikes. I use North Face sandals, I’ve had them for years and they never let me down.

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Getting to Gili T, Gili Meno Gili Air | #indonesia #bali #giliislands #balitravel Best ways to travel to the Gili Islands | tips on getting cheapest boat tickets

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