GILI ISLANDS TRAVEL GUIDE
How to Get to the Gili Islands
Every journey happens by boat. Where you depart from shapes your travel time, comfort, and the whole first impression of the trip.
BALI ---------- LOMBOK ---------- GILI ISLANDS
Boat Transfers from Bali, Lombok & Beyond
Getting to the Gili Islands is simpler than it looks, but choosing the right route makes a big difference. Here's how it breaks down depending on where you're starting from.
Where are the Gili Islands?
The Gili Islands sit just off Lombok's northwest coast, between Lombok and Bali. All three are car-free, surrounded by clear water, and reached only by sea.
Gili Trawangan
Gili Air
Gili Meno
From Bali to the Gili Islands
Bali is the main gateway for International travelers.
From Lombok to Gili Islands
This is the fastest and smoothest option
From South Lombok
Selong Belanak, Torok, Kuta and the surrounding villa areas. Most travelers here will follow the same two-step route.
Allow roughly 1.5-2hours by road to reach the northwest coast, depending on where you're staying and traffic, before continuing by boat to the islands.
Inter-Island Transfers
Moving between the Gilis is quick and easy. Travel time is often just minutes, ideal for island hopping.
- Public boats - Local speedboats - Private transfers
Best Time of day to Travel
MORNING
Calmer seas, the smoothest crossing of the day.
AFTERNOON
More wind and movement on the water.
Dry season (April to October) offers the best conditions overall.
Which Route Should You Choose
Padang Bai or Serangan
Teluk Nare or Bangsal
Land transfer + boat
ISLAND HOPPING
Inter-Gili boats