How to get from Bali to Gili Gede

Bali to Gili Gede (Southwest Lombok) is a quieter, more local route than the famous Gili T/Air/Meno. Your main choices: a fast boat to Lombok’s southwest plus a short local boat to Gili Gede, a quick flight to Lombok (LOP) then road+boat, or the rock-bottom Padangbai→Lembar public ferry followed by an overland transfer and a 10–20 minute island hop. Resorts on Gili Gede often arrange their own pickup boats—confirm with your stay.

At A Glance (Bali to Gili Gede)

Mode	Duration	Best For
🚤 Fast Boat (Bali → SW Lombok) + Local Boat	~2–3.5h on water (+ road link if needed)	Balanced speed & simplicity
🏷️ Cost: ~IDR 400k–900k pp (fast boat) + ~IDR 50k–200k (local boat) » compare Bali→Lombok boats | alt. listings
✈️ Flight via Lombok (DPS→LOP) + Road + Short Boat	~40m flight + ~1.5–2h road + ~10–20m boat	When seas are rough / reliable timing
🏷️ Cost: Flight ~IDR 500k–1.5m + transfers/boat » search flights
⛴️ Public Ferry (Padangbai→Lembar) + Overland + Local Boat	~5.5–8h total (connection-dependent)	Lowest cost, backpackers
🏷️ Cost: Ferry ~IDR 50k–70k + road/boat add-ons » ferry times
🚐 Hotel Pickup + Boat (Bundled)	~3–5h door-to-door (Bali location dependent)	Families, lots of luggage
🏷️ Cost: ~IDR 700k–1.5m pp (shared) or per vehicle quotes » bundled transfers | private quotes

Which Option or Route Should You Choose?

• Fastest overall from South Bali: Fast boat to SW Lombok (Lembar/Tawun/Tembowong), then short sampan to Gili Gede.
• Most reliable in windy season (Jun–Sep): Fly DPS→LOP, then road to Tembowong and hop across.
• Cheapest: Padangbai→Lembar ferry + public transport/taxi + local boat (longer day).
• No DIY planning: Door-to-door bundle with Bali hotel pickup, car across Lombok, and arranged island boat.

How to Book and Practical Tips

• Sea conditions: Morning sailings are calmer. If prone to seasickness, consider the flight route.
• Last-mile boats: The usual jump-off is Pelabuhan Tembowong (Tawun) or Batu Putih. Resorts often arrange pickup—ask your accommodation.
• Payments & apps: Carry cash for local boats. For Bali/Lombok transfers, use Grab or Gojek; for fixed long rides compare GetTransfer.
• Overnight stops: If you land late, stay near the harbor or airport—compare on Booking.com (Bali) or Booking.com (near LOP).
• Rentals on Gede: It’s a small, quiet island—ask your lodge about bikes/boats; for scooters on Lombok mainland see BikesBooking Lombok.

🚤 Option #1 — Fast Boat (Bali → SW Lombok) + Local Boat

Balanced Quicker than ferry Sea-dependent

• Overview: Take a fast boat from Serangan or Padangbai to southwest Lombok (often Lembar or Tawun/Tembowong depending on operator). From there, hire a short local boat to Gili Gede (10–20 minutes).
• How to book (with price): ~IDR 400k–900k pp for the fast boat, plus ~IDR 50k–200k pp for the local hop. Compare services on 12Go or look for “Bali to Lombok speedboat” dates on Klook. Ask your Gili Gede lodge to pre-arrange the final boat.
• Pros: Decent speed without flying. Cons: Some services land at Lembar (adds a car leg) before the island hop.

Step-by-step: Fast Boat + Local Boat

1. Choose your Bali pier: Serangan (handy for South Bali) or Padangbai (handy for Ubud/Candi Dasa).
2. Book a fast boat to SW Lombok via 12Go or Klook. Confirm the exact landing (Lembar vs Tawun/Tembowong).
3. If landing at Lembar, take a taxi/transfer (~1–1.5h) to Pelabuhan Tembowong (Tawun). If your boat lands directly at Tawun/Tembowong, walk to the local boat jetty.
4. Hire/meet the local boat to Gili Gede (10–20 minutes). Coordinate timing with your accommodation if possible.

Getting to the main embarking points (Serangan / Padangbai / Tembowong)

• Serangan Harbour (Bali): Use Grab/Gojek from Kuta/Seminyak/Nusa Dua (30–60m).
• Padangbai Harbour (Bali): ~1–1.5h from Ubud/Sanur by car or shuttle.
• Pelabuhan Tembowong (Lombok): Southwest Lombok’s small pier for boats to Gili Gede.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

✈️ Option #2 — Flight via Lombok (DPS→LOP) + Road + Short Boat

Most reliable Quick flight Transfers needed

• Overview: Fly Denpasar (DPS) → Lombok (LOP), drive 1.5–2 hours to Pelabuhan Tembowong (Tawun) or Batu Putih, then a 10–20 minute local boat to Gili Gede.
• How to book (with price): ~IDR 500k–1.5m one-way DPS→LOP on Booking.com Flights or Trip.com. Arrange the car+boat via your lodge, a ride-hail from LOP (Grab/Gojek vary by availability), or a fixed car via GetTransfer.
• Pros: Bypasses rough seas; dependable timings. Cons: Extra legs; slightly higher total cost.

Step-by-step: Flight via Lombok

1. Search/buy DPS→LOP tickets on Booking.com Flights or Trip.com; aim for morning flights.
2. From LOP, meet your prebooked driver (hotel/agent) or compare quotes on GetTransfer for a car to Tembowong/Batu Putih.
3. Hire or meet the local boat (often coordinated by your accommodation) to Gili Gede.
4. Confirm your return timing with the same boatman/driver for a smooth trip back.

Getting to the main embarking points (DPS / LOP / Tembowong)

• Denpasar (DPS): Grab/Gojek or hotel car to the domestic terminal.
• Lombok (LOP): Drivers wait landside; rideshare availability varies—ask airport information or prebook.
• Tembowong/Batu Putih: Small piers; limited facilities—carry cash and water.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

⛴️ Option #3 — Public Ferry (Padangbai→Lembar) + Overland + Local Boat (Cheapest)

Budget Runs day & night Slowest

• Overview: Take the frequent car ferry from Padangbai (Bali) to Lembar (Lombok) (~4–5h). Continue by taxi/transfer (~1–1.5h) to Pelabuhan Tembowong, then hop a local boat to Gili Gede (10–20m).
• How to book (with price): Ferry tickets are inexpensive (~IDR 50k–70k pp). See schedules/prices on 12Go. Budget ~IDR 250k–600k for Lembar→Tembowong taxi (negotiable) + IDR 50k–200k for the boat.
• Pros: Very cheap; frequent sailings. Cons: Longest travel time; basic facilities.

Step-by-step: Public Ferry + Overland + Local Boat

1. Go to Padangbai Harbour (Bali) by shuttle/Grab/Gojek from Ubud/Sanur.
2. Buy a Bali→Lombok ferry ticket (or check options on 12Go) and board for Lembar.
3. From Lembar, hire a taxi/transfer to Pelabuhan Tembowong (southwest Lombok).
4. Take the local boat across to Gili Gede. Coordinate land & boat timings to avoid long waits.

Getting to the main embarking points (Padangbai / Lembar / Tembowong)

• Padangbai (Bali): ~1–1.5h from South Bali/Ubud; arrive early on holidays.
• Lembar (Lombok): Taxis tout at the exit; fix fare before departure.
• Tembowong: Simple pier; boats depart on demand/arranged.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚐 Option #4 — Door-to-Door Bundle (Hotel Pickup + Car + Boat)

Hassle-free Best with kids/luggage Higher cost

• Overview: One booking covers Bali hotel pickup, boat to Lombok (fast boat or ferry), private car to Tembowong, and the island hop to Gili Gede—often coordinated with your accommodation.
• How to book (with price): Shared bundles from ~IDR 700k–1.5m pp; private cars vary by group size. Search on Klook or request a fixed quote on GetTransfer. You can also browse curated day transfers on GetYourGuide.
• Pros: Zero haggling; meet-and-greet. Cons: Pricier than DIY; fixed times.

Step-by-step: Door-to-Door

1. Request a quote with exact pickup address and preferred timing via GetTransfer or book a bundle on Klook.
2. Confirm inclusions (boat type, car size, waiting time, final boat to Gili Gede).
3. Meet your driver at the hotel, transfer to the pier, cross to Lombok, continue by car to Tembowong, and take the arranged island boat.

Getting to the main embarking points (Hotel / Piers / Gili Gede)

• Bali hotel pickup: Ready 10–15 minutes early; share live location if in a villa/laneway.
• Piers: Serangan or Padangbai on Bali; Tembowong on Lombok.
• Arrival: Most lodges on Gili Gede are a short walk or quick boat reposition away.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

FAQ (Bali to Gili Gede)

Where do boats to Gili Gede depart on Lombok?
Commonly from Pelabuhan Tembowong (Tawun) or Batu Putih on the Sekotong coast. Your lodge can arrange pickup.

Is there a direct Bali→Gili Gede fast boat?
It’s uncommon. Most travelers land in SW Lombok (Lembar/Tawun/Tembowong) and do a short local hop to Gede.

How rough is the sea?
Trade winds (Jun–Sep) can make crossings choppy—morning sailings help. If conditions look rough, consider flying DPS→LOP.

Can I take the Padangbai→Lembar ferry with a scooter?
Yes, but check paperwork and insurance. For simple mobility, rent on Lombok mainland or ask your lodge for local transport.

Any ATMs on Gili Gede?
Limited or none—bring cash from Bali or Lombok mainland for boats/meals.

What’s the vibe on Gili Gede?
Quiet villages, snorkeling, kayaking, and small resorts—less nightlife than the northern Gilis. Perfect for a low-key escape.