How to get to the Gili Islands
Frequent boats run to the Gili Islands from Bali and Lombok. You may need to change on Gili Trawangan for Gili Meno and Gili Air. Public and charter boats between the Gilis are plentiful.
Flying to Lombok and taking a boat across to the islands costs roughly the same as the fast boats. It is the only option in rough weather.
By plane
The most comfortable and safest option from Bali is to fly to Lombok’s international airport (30min). Then take a taxi to either Teluk Nare harbour (2hr) and charter a private boat (15min) to the Gilis.
By boat
The quickest way to get to the Gili Islands from Bali is to take one of the many fast boat services. Only book with trusted companies. Morning departures are usually calmer. In the afternoon choppy seas can make the crossings uncomfortable.
Fast boats leave from several harbours around south and east Bali: Benoa, Sanur, Serangan, Padang Bai, Nusa Lembongan and Amed. Crossing takes 1hr 30min–2hr in a fast boat
From Lombok, the main port for the Gili Islands is Bangsal where you’ll find the cheapest and most frequent service to all three islands. The ticket office for all boats is on the seafront. Ignore all other sellers.
By ferry
The cheapest but most time-consuming option is to take the public car ferry from Padang Bai to Lembar port in west Lombok, then continue by bemos to Bangsal for the public boat to the Gilis.
How many days do you need?
Most people end up staying longer on the Gili Islands than they originally planned. It's worth staying for four to five days, especially if you're visiting more than one island.
For pumping nightlife head to Gili Trawangan You can sleep off the hungover on tranquil Gili Meno. Gili Air has a more local feel but all itineraries can be easily tweaked with boats zipping between islands daily.
The best diving here is possible in a day. Throw in a late-night party on day two, plus beach time and island hopping on days three and four, and you've completed much of what the islands have to offer. That said, those beaches are likely to reel you in for as long as a week.
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