Lombok to Gili Islands
Lombok to Gili Islands Operator
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Karya Bahari: The cheapest and most frequent option. 8 daily departures from Bangsal between 09:00 and 16:00, roughly every hour.
Speedboats with no air-conditioning, but the crossings are short: around 30 minutes to Gili Trawangan, less to Gili Meno and Gili Air. Reliable local operator with a solid track record.
- Gili Speed Boat: A private water taxi from Teluk Kodek, near Bangsal. The boat leaves when you are ready and carries only your group.
- Runs until midnight: the only Lombok to Gili Islands service available after 16:00.
Lombok to Gili Travel Tips
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Karya Bahari is the default choice for most travellers: with 8 daily departures, it is affordable and frequent enough.
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Gili Speed Boat is the only option after 16:00: The last Karya Bahari departure is at 16:00. If you arrive in Lombok after that, Gili Speed Boat is the only way to reach the Gili Islands the same day.
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Karya Bahari stops at all three islands: The boat follows the route Bangsal to Gili Air to Gili Meno to Gili Trawangan. Passengers disembark at their island as the boat passes through. This means travellers to Gili Trawangan pass Gili Air and Gili Meno first.
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There are no motorised vehicles on the Gili Islands: All three islands are car-free and scooter-free. The main ways to get around are on foot, by bicycle (widely available to rent) or by cidomo, the traditional horse-drawn cart used as a local taxi.
Gili Trawangan is the largest island and takes around 2 hours to walk around; Gili Air and Gili Meno are both walkable in under an hour.
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Bring enough cash: ATMs exist on Gili Trawangan and Gili Air but are limited in number and can run out of cash in peak season. Gili Meno has no reliable ATM at all. Withdraw Indonesian Rupiah before leaving Lombok or Bali and bring more than you think you will need. Most restaurants, accommodation and dive shops on the islands are cash only or add a surcharge for card payments.
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Island hopping is easy: The Karya Bahari boat stops at all three islands on every departure, so moving between them does not require going back to Lombok first. Gili Speed Boat also runs between islands on request. If you are planning to visit more than one island, factor this into your itinerary from the start rather than booking a return to Lombok before you are ready.
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Gili Speed Boat offers a private transfer from Lombok Airport to the Gili Islands: If you are flying into Lombok, Gili Speed Boat can handle the full journey in one booking: a private car from Lombok International Airport to Teluk Kodek harbour, then a private boat directly to your island. It is the simplest way to get from the plane to the islands without arranging separate transfers.
Gili Islands to Lombok
Frequently Asked Questions: Lombok to Gili Islands
How long is the crossing from Lombok to Gili Trawangan?
Karya Bahari takes around 30 minutes from Bangsal to Gili Trawangan. Gili Trawangan is the furthest of the three islands from Bangsal. Gili Meno takes around 10 minutes and Gili Air is the first stop, just a few minutes from the harbour.
What time do boats depart from Lombok to Gili Trawangan?
Karya Bahari runs 8 daily departures from Bangsal, leaving roughly every hour from 09:00 to 16:00. Gili Speed Boat departs at a time of your choosing, any time up to midnight, from nearby Teluk Kodek.
Can I get a boat from Lombok to Gili Air?
Yes. Both Karya Bahari and Gili Speed Boat serve Gili Air from Lombok. Karya Bahari departs from Bangsal 8 times daily. Gili Air is the first stop on the Karya Bahari route and the shortest crossing from Bangsal. Gili Speed Boat offers a private water taxi from Teluk Kodek to Gili Air, with flexible departure times including late evening.
Can I get a boat from Lombok to Gili Meno?
Yes. Karya Bahari stops at Gili Meno on every departure from Bangsal. The crossing takes around 10 minutes. Gili Speed Boat also serves Gili Meno privately from Teluk Kodek, with flexible timing. Gili Meno is the quietest and least-visited of the three Gili Islands, popular with travellers looking for a more secluded stay.
Can I travel from Lombok to the Gili Islands at night?
Yes, with Gili Speed Boat. The public Karya Bahari ferries stop at 16:00, but Gili Speed Boat operates its private water taxi service until midnight. This makes it the only option for travellers arriving on late flights into Lombok or finishing late in Senggigi. Departure time is chosen at the time of booking.
How do I get from the Gili Islands back to Lombok?
Karya Bahari runs daily return sailings from all three Gili Islands to Bangsal. Gili Speed Boat also operates the return at a time of your choice. You can book the return on Gilitickets at the same time as your outbound ticket..