Getting to the Gili Islands from Lombok: Fast Boats & Ferry Guide

The Gili Islands are accessible from two directions: from Lombok directly, or from Bali via a fast boat that bypasses Lombok entirely. Which route makes sense depends on where you are starting from and how much time you want to spend on the water.

From Lombok: Bangsal Harbour

Bangsal is the main departure point for public boats to the Gili Islands from Lombok. The harbour is located on the northwest coast, near the village of Pemenang, approximately 35 kilometres north of Mataram (Lombok’s capital) and 25 kilometres north of Senggigi.

Getting to Bangsal

From Mataram or Lembar ferry terminal: Shared taxi or shuttle approximately IDR 50,000–80,000 per person; private taxi approximately IDR 120,000–150,000. Journey time 45–60 minutes.

From Senggigi: Shared shuttle approximately IDR 50,000 per person; private taxi approximately IDR 80,000–100,000. Journey time 30–40 minutes.

From Lombok International Airport (LOP): Taxi or private transfer approximately IDR 200,000–250,000 directly to Bangsal; alternatively take a taxi to Mataram then shared shuttle north.

Cidomo from Pemenang: If you arrive by bemo (shared minibus) at the Pemenang junction, a horse-drawn cidomo cart covers the last kilometre to Bangsal harbour for approximately IDR 10,000–20,000 per person.

Public Boat to the Gili Islands

The cheapest option from Bangsal is the public wooden boat that runs scheduled departures to all three Gili Islands. Boats depart when full (typically every 30–60 minutes through the morning).

Current fares as of 2026 (verify at the harbour — prices change):

• Bangsal to Gili Air: approximately IDR 15,000–20,000
• Bangsal to Gili Meno: approximately IDR 20,000–25,000
• Bangsal to Gili Trawangan: approximately IDR 25,000–30,000

Journey time to Gili T is approximately 30–40 minutes. The boats are open wooden vessels — sit on top if you want fresh air, inside if it is raining.

Ticket touts at Bangsal: Buy your ticket only from the official white booth inside the harbour gate — the KOPERASI ticket office. Touts outside the gate sell identical boat tickets at inflated prices and sometimes sell seats on boats that do not exist. Walk past them and go directly to the official window.

Speedboat Charter from Bangsal

If you have a group or want faster, more certain departure times, a speedboat charter covers Bangsal to any Gili Island in approximately 10–15 minutes. Charter for up to 12 people: approximately IDR 500,000–750,000 per boat (not per person). Split between 4+ people, the cost becomes competitive with the slow boat.

From Mataram or Senggigi by Shuttle + Boat Combo

Numerous operators in Mataram, Senggigi, and around Lombok airport sell combined shuttle + boat packages that bundle transport to Bangsal with a ticket on the public or fast boat. Cost approximately IDR 100,000–150,000 per person to Gili T. Convenient if you do not want to arrange the Bangsal leg independently.

Direct from Bali — Bypassing Lombok Entirely

If you are coming from Bali and heading directly to the Gili Islands, there is no need to go via Lombok at all. Several fast boat operators run direct services from south Bali to Gili Trawangan:

Operators: Scoot Fast Cruises, Eka Jaya, Bluewater Express, and others.

Departure points in Bali: Padang Bai (east Bali) or Serangan harbour (south of Seminyak). Check which harbour your operator uses before booking.

Route: Bali → Gili Trawangan direct (most operators stop at Gili Air and sometimes Gili Meno on request). Journey time approximately 2.5–3.5 hours depending on operator and sea conditions.

Ticket price: approximately IDR 500,000–700,000 per person one-way as of 2026.

Booking: Book online in advance in peak season (July–August). On shoulder season days, you can often buy at the harbour. Pre-booking is always recommended — boats occasionally sell out and stranding yourself in Padang Bai with no boat is a real risk.

Key point: This route lands you directly on Gili T. If you want Gili Air or Gili Meno as your first stop, confirm with the operator — some direct Bali routes call at Gili Air first.

Between the Gili Islands

Once on the islands, moving between them is easy and inexpensive. A public island hopper boat runs between all three Gilis throughout the day. Departures from each island’s main pier at irregular intervals — check locally for the current schedule, which varies by season.

Cost: approximately IDR 50,000–100,000 per person between any two islands.

The boat calls at Gili Air, then Gili Meno, then Gili T (or vice versa). The journey from Gili T to Gili Meno is approximately 10 minutes; Gili Meno to Gili Air another 10 minutes.

No advance booking needed — buy your ticket at the pier before boarding.

What to Bring

Cash in IDR: Gili Meno and Gili Air have no functioning ATMs. Bring enough IDR from Lombok or Bali for your entire stay on those islands. Gili T has ATMs but they frequently run dry and charge high fees.

Sunscreen (reef-safe): Standard chemical sunscreens are banned in marine protected areas; reef-safe sunscreen is available on Gili T but more limited on Gili Meno and Gili Air.

Sarong: If you plan to visit mosques or villages on Lombok before or after the Gilis.

Dry bag or waterproof pouch: The open boat crossing from Bangsal can be wet in choppy conditions. Keep electronics in a waterproof case.