How to get here

There are many fast boats available from three main harbors on Bali's east coast, Padang Bai, Serangan and Sanur. Different companies offer many options for times and island stops on the way to Gili Air. Depending on where you stay and what time you want to cross will dictate the best harbor for you. If you leave from Padang Bai, the crossing is the shortest arriving in Gili Air within 1.5-2 hours. The crossing time can differ dependant on weather conditions and harbor tides, etc. Keep in mind that road journeys to Padang Bai from popular Bali areas south of Denpasar will take 2-2.5 hours. You can also leave from Serangan or Sanur in the south of Bali but they are a longer boat ride as you will stop in Padang Bai or Nusa Panida to drop off and pick up other travelers. The trade off is a shorter drive to the harbor as most of the popular areas are 20-50 minutes away. It is recommended to ask the boat company or your hotel/villa for a transfer as they will make sure you are on time for your boat. We recommend choosing early morning crossings in the larger boats as the weather and swells are generally better at this time allowing a smoother and more comfortable journey.
When staying with us we can help with arranging any of this for you, however if you want to go it alone just google bali to gili fast boat and you will find an array of options. We recommend you book directly with the companies for the best prices and service.

You will cross Lombok Strait which is between the islands of Bali and Lombok and is 1,400 meters deep. It connects the Bali Sea to the Indian Ocean and is a critical body of flowing water with immense power which facilitates the exchange of water between the Pacific and Indian Oceans.

Your alternative is to fly from Bali to Lombok which takes 45 minutes and planes fly every day. Then you will need to take a taxi/Grab or private car to Bangsal or Telok Nare harbor in the North, this is about a 1.5 hour journey. You will then need to take a boat to Gili Air which will take 10-20 minutes depending on the boat you take, fast or public.

Bangsal harbor has the most options for crossing to the island, fast, public and speed boats, and Telok Nare is only private speed boats.

We can help with arranging any part of this journey if you need.

When you get to Gili Air you will arrive at the harbor in the south unless you have taken a private speed boat that can drop you at any beach around the island as long as the tide is high enough.

Villa Satu Cinta is in the central north of the island and is about a 1.3Km, 20 minute walk. But remember it is hot and you will have baggage and some of the roads are not paved so walking may not be your best option.

If you are on a private boat ask them to drop you off at La Boheme/Somewhere Else Bar as this beach is 400 meters from the villa, however it is not a smooth paved path and may not be suitable for everyone.

Your other option is to catch a cidomo (local taxi/horse cart), don't worry these horses are very well looked after and the drivers love them and care for them well as they are their source of income. Your ride is supporting them and their families and they are the lifeblood of the island, delivering everything from you food and drinks to all of the building supplies etc.

Most of the cidomo (local taxi/horse cart) will know where we are but if they don't you can use this link to show them on google maps here.

We can also have one of our staff meet you at the harbor if you would prefer and they can organise a cidomo (local taxi/horse cart) for you.

When you are here in Gili Air there are 3 main ways to get to the other two Gili Islands, Gili Meno and Gili Trawangan ,or to Bangsal harbor in Lombok.

There is the Island hopping public boat, fast boat or private speed boat, you can get tickets for these at the main harbor ticket office on the wharf.

These all leave from the main harbor central south on the island.

Private speed boats can pick you up from anywhere on the island as long as the tide permits. These can also be arranged directly with us if needed.

Page updated

Google Sites

Report abuse