Getting from Lombok to the Gili Islands

The easiest and most affordable way to reach the Gili Islands from Lombok is via the public boats departing from Bangsal Harbour in North Lombok. Bangsal is the main gateway to Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, and Gili Air, with both public slow boats and fast boat services operating daily. For budget-conscious travellers, the public boats remain the most affordable option and are widely used by locals and backpackers alike.

One of the public slow boats that ferry passengers daily between Bangsal Harbour and the three Gili Islands. Photo by Hanna Lazar on Unsplash

Getting to Bangsal from Lombok Airport

If you're arriving at Lombok International Airport, budget around 1.5 to 2 hours for the drive north to Bangsal Harbour by taxi or private transfer.

Feel free to reach out to us at info@discoverlombok.com to arrange your private driver and help make your transportation and arrival seamless.

Public Slow Boat from Bangsal

Public boats operate throughout the day, with the ticket office open from around 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Departures are not fixed by timetable, boats generally leave once around 40 passengers have gathered, so arrival time in the morning tends to give you the quickest departure. Sea conditions can also affect schedules.

Destination	Travel Time	Fare (Approx.)
Gili Air	15–20 minutes	IDR 20,000
Gili Meno	30 minutes	IDR 25,000
Gili Trawangan	45 minutes	IDR 25,000

Gili Air receives the most frequent departures.

Gili Meno has fewer services each day, so it's worth arriving early if that's your destination.

Public Fast Boat Option

If you prefer a quicker and more comfortable crossing, public fast boats also operate from Bangsal Harbour. These larger vessels typically depart hourly between 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM and stop at all three Gili Islands on a circular route.

Approximate fare: IDR 85,000 per person.

Private Speedboat from Teluk Nare

Travellers seeking a more direct and comfortable option can arrange a private speedboat from Teluk Nare Harbour, located about 25 minutes from Senggigi and often preferred by private operators for its quieter setup. While Bangsal is the main public ferry port, Teluk Nare is the preferred choice for private speedboat services due to its better infrastructure and convenience. Private boats can be booked through your hotel or a reputable transfer service and are a good option for families or those with a lot of luggage.

Expect to pay between IDR 700,000 - IDR 1,000,000 for a private boat (return)

Private speedboats ready for departure at Teluk Nare Harbour, a faster and more direct alternative to the public boats at Bangsal

Helpful Tips

• Purchase tickets directly from the official ticket counters at Bangsal Harbour, look for the signposted offices on the beachfront near the departure area.

  
  

• Be aware of unofficial "porters" who may try to grab your bags or tell you the public boats are cancelled, they are not. If someone offers to carry your bags, agree on a price first, around IDR 10,000 per bag is reasonable.

  
  

• Ignore anyone telling you there is no food, water, or supplies on the islands, all three are well stocked.

  
  

Planning Your Island Stay

Not sure which island is right for you?

• Gili Trawangan – nightlife, beach clubs, diving and a buzzing social atmosphere.

• Gili Air – relaxed island vibe with a mix of cafés, snorkelling and boutique stays.

• Gili Meno – the quietest and most romantic of the three islands.

Explore our complete guides to each island before you travel.