TRIP NUSA NADHI
Planning the hop from Bali to the Gili Islands? This comprehensive guide covers the Bali → Gili fast boat routes, the best departure ports (Serangan, Padangbai, Amed), typical times & prices, luggage & check-in, a smart fly via Lombok alternative, plus what to do when you arrive—diving the Gilis, snorkeling, and getting around car-free islands.
Your real door-to-door time = road time (hotel → port) + sea time + island transfer. Pick the port that fits where you’re staying and how sensitive you are to motion.
Serangan → Gili Trawangan/Air/Meno
Sea time: ~2h15–2h30.
Why choose it: easiest from South Bali (Canggu, Seminyak, Kuta, Jimbaran, Nusa Dua). Boats are often larger (more stable), with organized hotel pickups.
Padangbai → Gili Trawangan/Air/Meno
Sea time: ~1h20–1h40.
Why choose it: a balanced option with many daily departures; efficient if you’re staying in Ubud, Sanur, Candidasa, Sidemen.
Amed → Gili Trawangan/Air/Meno
Sea time: ~55–60 min (shortest).
Why choose it: minimal ocean exposure; great if you’re based in Amed/Tulamben or you’ll overnight in Amed to catch an early boat.
Seasick-prone? Choose Amed (shortest sea) or a larger vessel from Serangan. Morning sailings are often smoother.
First boats: usually morning.
Frequency: more options from Padangbai/Serangan; Amed has fewer daily sailings.
Last boats: typically mid to late afternoon.
Always check live departures for your exact date—times shift by season, tides & demand. If you’re landing at DPS the same day, build buffer for traffic to the port.
Typical one-way fares vary by port, season, vessel size and remaining seats.
Round-trip bundles often cost less and lock a preferred return time.
Add-ons: hotel pickup, oversize/board fees, optional insurance.
Last-minute? Compare ports—Padangbai often has midday availability.
Allowance: commonly ~20–25 kg per passenger + one small carry-on.
Surfboards/oversize: usually permitted with length limits and a small fee—declare during booking so crew can plan stowage.
Check-in: arrive 45–60 minutes before departure (earlier in peak months).
Hotel pickups: shared shuttles from major areas; private cars for tight timing, kids, or lots of gear.
Pack valuables/fragile items (camera housings, instruments) in a small daypack to keep with you.
Operators may delay or reschedule in rough seas—safety first.
If sensitive to motion: choose morning boats, sit mid-ship, inside, look at the horizon, and consider approved motion remedies 30–60 min before departure.
Keep plans flexible around flights/tours on windy or swell-heavy days.
Prefer the calmest journey? Fly to Lombok (LOP), then transfer by road to a nearby pier (e.g., Bangsal/Teluk Nare) for a short local boat to Gili T/Air/Meno. This approach minimizes sea time—handy during rough conditions or for travelers extremely prone to seasickness.
Gili Trawangan (Gili T): the largest; lively after dark, wide dining choice, great snorkeling & dive shops.
Gili Air: relaxed vibe with enough cafés and sunset bars—popular with couples and families.
Gili Meno: the quietest; powdery beaches and lagoon-style shallows—perfect for unplugging.
No cars on the Gilis—get around by walking, bicycle, or cidomo (horse cart). Bring some cash; ATMs exist but can run out on busy weeks.
Gili diving suits all levels—from Discover Scuba to Advanced and freediving. Expect turtles, schooling reef fish, occasional reef sharks, and photogenic statues near Gili Meno. Choose reputable dive centers (small groups, proper briefings). Respect wildlife—no touching or chasing, no flash in close proximity.
Snorkeling highlights: Gili Meno underwater statues, Turtle Point (varies by conditions), shallow reefs off each island’s leeward sides.
Snorkel & beach hop between the three islands.
Cycle the coastal paths (best in early morning/late afternoon).
Sunset swings on Gili T & Air; stargazing on quiet Meno nights.
Cooking classes, yoga, spa—easy wellness add-ons between swims.
| Your Base in Bali | Best Port (Fast Boat) | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Canggu / Seminyak / Kuta / Jimbaran / Nusa Dua | Serangan | Shorter road time, larger boats, easy pickups |
| Sanur / Denpasar | Serangan or Padangbai | Choose by departure time & price |
| Ubud / Sidemen / Candidasa | Padangbai | Balanced road + sea time, frequent boats |
| Amed / Tulamben | Amed | Shortest sea crossing |
How long does the Bali → Gili fast boat take?
About 1h20–1h40 from Padangbai, ~2h15–2h30 from Serangan, and ~55–60 min from Amed (to Gili T; add a little for Air/Meno stops).
Is Gili Islands diving suitable for beginners?
Yes. Many dive shops offer intro dives and courses with gentle, shallow sites.
How much does it cost to go from Bali to the Gilis?
Expect a range roughly comparable to budget–mid fares for fast boats; round-trip and hotel pickup bundles can offer better value.
Can I bring a surfboard?
Usually yes—declare boards during booking; length limits and small fees may apply.
What if the sea is rough on my travel day?
Consider an earlier or larger vessel, shift to tomorrow morning, or fly to Lombok and take a short local transfer.