Best Fast Boat Ports to Gili Trawangan from Bali

Bali has five main fast-boat ports with routes to the Gili Islands:

1. Padang Bai Harbor
2. Sanur Beach Harbor
3. Serangan Pier in South Bali
4. Nusa Penida Pier
5. Nusa Lembongan Pier

Also, knowing the location of these fast boat docks helps you choose the port closest to your hotel in Bali.

Padang Bai Harbor is located in the eastern region of Bali; therefore, it serves as a central pier for speedboats heading to the Gili Islands.

Furthermore, it is strategically positioned and easily accessible from various tourist areas in East Bali.

View Padang Bai Harbor on Google Maps.

• Easy Access: Conveniently located near major tourist centers in East Bali.
• Fast Boat Options: Numerous operators with flexible departure schedules.
• High Departure Frequency: Regular departures from 9 am to 2 pm.
• Famous Operators: Operators like Eka Jaya Fast Boat operate here.
• Travel Time: The journey takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours at sea, excluding check-in, boarding, and loading times.

• Overcrowding: Busy during holiday seasons, leading to long queues.
• Delays: Congestion may cause delays in departures.
• Long Journey: Travel to Padang Bai from South Bali takes 1.5 to 2 hours.
• Space Limitations: Inadequate waiting areas during peak seasons.
• Limited Access: Minimal public transportation to and from Padang Bai.
• Cleanliness: Some tourists report cleanliness issues at the pier.

• Location: Southeastern part of Bali, close to Denpasar.
• Map: Sanur Beach Harbor on Google Maps.

• Easy Accessibility: Close to main tourist areas in Bali.
• Comfort and Convenience: Operators like Scoot Fast Cruises offer regular departure schedules and reliable service.
• Tourist-Friendly Area: Many supporting facilities and a comfortable atmosphere.
• Security: Good supervision at the dock ensures safety.
• Beautiful View: Enjoy the scenic view of Sanur Beach before departure.

• Longer Travel Time: About 3.5 to 4 hours to reach Trawangan Island.
• Limited Choice: Few operators serve this route, such as Starfish Fast Boat, Scoot Fast Cruise, and The Tanis Fast Cruise.
• Busy Harbor: Often crowded, especially during holidays and weekends.
• Inadequate Waiting Room: The waiting area can be insufficient during peak times.

• Location: Southern Bali, near Denpasar and Kuta.
• Map: Find Serangan Harbor on Google Maps.

• Hotel Shuttle: Complimentary shuttle services are included in the ticket price.
• Comfortable Vehicles: Air-conditioned and modern shuttle transportation.
• Helpful Staff: Assistance is available throughout the boarding process.
• Ease of Access: Designed for fast boats, ensuring easy boarding and disembarkation.

• Higher Costs: Generally higher ticket prices compared to other ports.
• Limited Choices: Fewer speedboat operators.

• Location: Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan, islands located southeast of Bali.
• Accessibility: Fast boat trips from Sanur or Serangan pier take 40 to 50 minutes.
• Port Locations: The exact port location in Nusa Penida depends on the fast boat company, typically at Buyuk and Toya Pakeh Ports.
• Google Maps: Buyuk, Toya Pakeh Ports, and Nusa Lembongan Harbor.

• Access to Tourist Destinations: Close to famous tourist attractions, making it convenient for sightseeing.
• Tranquil Atmosphere: Offers a calmer and more natural environment compared to busier ports.

Learn more about how to get to Nusa Penida from Sanur, Bali.

• Additional Travel Time: Travelers must travel from Bali to Nusa Penida or Nusa Lembongan and then to Gili Trawangan, which takes longer than a direct departure from Bali.
• Additional Fees: Travel costs may be higher due to the two crossings by fast boat.
• Limited Choice of Operators: There are fewer fast boat operators compared to central piers in Bali, such as Sanur or Serangan.

Read our Guide to Crossing Locations from Bali to Nusa Lembongan for more details.

• Restaurant: Various dining options, from local warungs to international eateries, are available for quick bites or leisurely meals.
• Café: Cafes offer beverages and snacks, perfect for relaxing before departure.
• Parking Lot: Ample parking space is available, with reasonable fees, and sometimes included in service packages.
• Lodging: Nearby accommodations range from budget hostels to luxury hotels for pre- or post-departure stays.
• Mini Market: Mini markets stock travel essentials, snacks, and beverages for a comfortable trip.
• Gift Shop: Pick up local crafts and souvenirs at the ports’ gift shops.
• Ticket Service: Dedicated ticket service areas assist with purchases, confirmations, or modifications.
• Medical Facility: Basic medical facilities are available for minor health issues and emergencies.
• ATM: ATMs provide easy access to cash in Indonesian currencies.

If you’re staying in South Bali areas such as Nusa Dua, Seminyak, Tanjung Benoa, Kuta, Legian, Canggu, or Uluwatu, Serangan Pier or Sanur Harbor are your best options due to their proximity to your hotel.

Meanwhile, for those in Central and East Bali areas like Ubud, Amed, Tulamben, Sidemen, or Candidasa, Padang Bai Harbor is the most convenient departure point.

However, if your accommodation is in Nusa Penida or Lembongan, you can directly depart from Nusa Penida Pier or Nusa Lembongan Harbor to Gili Trawangan. Above all, this option eliminates the need to return to Bali, saving time and effort.

For travelers prioritizing savings, Padang Bai offers budget ticket prices and numerous operator choices.

Ideal for those seeking a mix of affordability and convenience with accessible facilities.

Perfect for tourists willing to pay more for superior comfort and premium service.

For adventure seekers interested in exploring Nusa Penida and Lembongan before reaching Gili, with a higher travel budget in mind.

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Enjoy your holiday in Bali and the Gili Islands!