Our journey to Gili Trawangan was a true adventure, full of twists and local color. From Bali, we flew to Lombok – the flight lasted just half an hour and cost 250k IDR. Upon landing at Lombok airport, we faced a battle with local taxi drivers offering rides to Bangsal harbor at astronomical prices. We decided to walk to the main road to catch a cheaper taxi or bus. After a few attempts, we managed to negotiate a fare of 120k IDR – the scenic two-hour drive through Lombok was well worth it. Unlike Bali, the island has retained its authentic character and is not yet dominated by mass tourism.

At Bangsal harbor, beware of touts trying to sell ferry tickets at inflated prices – sometimes as high as 60k IDR per person. We strongly recommend ignoring these offers and going straight to the official port ticket office, where tickets cost just 10k IDR. The same applies to return tickets, where sellers may ask for up to 100k IDR, but firmness and knowledge of real prices help avoid overpaying.

The ferry ride to Gili Trawangan takes about half an hour and is an unforgettable experience – the boat departs right from the beach, and the deck is lively and crowded. Our entire trip from Bali to Gili cost about 350k IDR. We chose this route following Lonely Planet’s guide, which stated that a fast boat from Bali costs as much as 600k IDR. On site, after negotiation, we found speed boat tickets for as low as 300k IDR, with a 1.5-hour trip including hotel transfer in Ubud.
Gili Trawangan is a car-free island – transportation is by bicycle or traditional horse-drawn carriages called cidomo. It’s the perfect place to relax: quiet, sandy beaches, turquoise waters, and bars with cold drinks. In the evenings, the island comes alive with live concerts and warungs serving grilled fish and seafood. Fresh fish prices range from 50k to 100k IDR, while seafood costs between 30k and 50k IDR.

Accommodation is not the cheapest – air-conditioned bungalows range from 300k to 350k IDR, and fan rooms from 200k to 250k IDR. We managed to negotiate a room for 150k IDR per night. Breakfast is included, typically banana pancakes, fresh juice, and coffee or tea.
Most of our time was spent on the beach, enjoying snorkeling – although caution is needed due to strong currents, especially on the island’s northern side. It’s best to start snorkeling in the middle part of the island so the current carries you south. Renting a bicycle for a full day costs 40k IDR and allows you to circle the island. Scuba diving is quite expensive here, but the underwater world of Gili impresses even snorkelers.

Gili is also a meeting place for diverse cultures – home to Sasak people from Lombok, Balinese, and visitors from around the world. The island is known for its tolerance and openness, with local communities committed to environmental protection – cars are completely banned, and plastic use is restricted.
After a few days of blissful relaxation, we returned to Bali by speed boat for 275k IDR – the journey took 1.5 hours and included transfer to our hotel in Ubud. Looking back, we know the simplest and fastest way to reach Gili is by fast boat from Padang Bai or Sanur.
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