Fast Boat to Gili Trawangan
Quick answer: A fast boat to Gili Trawangan from Bali is affordable (roughly £50 per adult) and allows generous luggage, but expect choppy seas and plan a full day of travel. Book ahead, pack seasickness and stomach medication, and allow for possible weather delays.
Gili Trawangan is the largest of the famous three Gilis, a short distance from Lombok’s spectacular coastline and one of Southeast Asia’s most beautiful destinations. It’s easy to see why it is among Indonesia’s best-known islands and such a popular side trip from Bali or Lombok, with scenic landscapes and plenty to keep you busy.
If you’re planning on taking one of Bali’s fast boats to Gili Trawangan Island, here’s what you need to know before boarding.
Benefits of Taking a Fast Boat to Gili Trawangan
1. Good pricing
Fast boats from Bali to the Gili Islands are so common that competition has driven prices down sharply. For roughly £50 per adult, you can escape the noise and chaos of Bali for a few nights on the secluded Gili Islands.
2. Flexible luggage allowance
The luggage limit is more than reasonable and comfortably matches what you’d have on a flight to Indonesia. Most fast boats let each passenger bring a 20 to 25kg suitcase plus a small bag. Some operators will even load and unload your bags for you, so travelling with decent luggage is not a problem.
Drawbacks of the Fast Boat to Gili Trawangan
1. Seasickness
This is without doubt the biggest downside of the Bali speed boats, and it’s impossible to avoid entirely. Even with motion sickness tablets or a patch you may still feel nauseous, because of the size of the waves on the crossing and how much the boats are thrown back and forth.
2. A full day of travel
You’re probably not staying near a port in Bali, you’ll have to queue to board after check-in, and the crossing of the Lombok Strait takes time. It’s wise to set aside a whole day to get from A to B.
How to Avoid Mishaps and Prepare for the Journey
1. Book tickets in advance
Buying tickets online in advance is highly recommended. Boats can fill up quickly, especially in the busy season. If you need a last-minute crossing, some companies may be able to help if they have space.
2. Don’t expect to open the windows
The cabins can get quite warm, especially when full, but you won’t be able to open a window for fresh air. The waves in the Lombok Strait can be large, so windows usually have to stay closed to keep the water out.
3. The upper deck may be accessible
If you need fresh air, the crew may sometimes let you go up to the upper deck when it’s safe. You’ll need steady sea legs to climb the steps!
4. “Bali belly” is a real thing
You can be the most careful traveller in the world: washing your hands often, avoiding tap water, checking TripAdvisor reviews before eating out or even eating at your hotel. You might still get “Bali belly”, in other words diarrhoea. It’s better to pack medication beforehand than regret it later.
5. Boats may be delayed or cancelled
The sea can be rough even on sunny days, so a little patience is needed. Outside the monsoon season (January to March), crossings are rarely cancelled due to bad weather, although it can happen.
Fast Boat to Gili Trawangan: Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Competitive prices, roughly £50 per adult | Seasickness is common |
| 20–25kg suitcase plus a small bag | Plan a full day of travel |
| Some operators handle your luggage | Possible delays or cancellations |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a fast boat to Gili Trawangan cost?
Thanks to strong competition, a fast boat from Bali costs roughly £50 per adult.
How much luggage can I take on the fast boat?
Most operators allow a 20 to 25kg suitcase per passenger plus a small bag.
Do I need to book the fast boat in advance?
Yes, it’s highly recommended, as boats can fill up quickly in the busy season.
How long does the trip from Bali take?
Allow a full day once you include transfers to the port, check-in queues and the Lombok Strait crossing.
Conclusion
A fast boat to Gili Trawangan is the easiest and most affordable way to swap Bali’s bustle for island calm. Book early, pack for seasickness and Bali belly, keep your schedule flexible, and you’ll arrive ready to enjoy one of Indonesia’s most beautiful islands.
