How to get from
Gili Air Island to Padang Bai

About the ride from Gili Air to Padang Bai, Bali

It won't take long to see all there is on the tiny island of Gili Air. Once you've snorkeled with turtles, gawked at the underwater sculptures and lazed on beaches, you'll eventually feel the need to move along. Fortunately, the majestic island of Bali is just a ferry ride away.

In about two hours, you can be transported from the flat, palm-lined shores of Gili Air to Padang Bai — a small port town on the lush, mountainous island of Bali. 

The town of Padang Bai isn't very big, but it sits in a lovely cove of turquoise water. More importantly, it serves as a gateway to the well-developed tourist infrastructure in the island's southern areas. 

From the port, you'll have to take a taxi or arrange for other transportation to get to the many attractions that Bali is known for. You can either head north to explore its massive volcanoes covered in the jungle or follow the tourists south along the coast to Sanur Beach, Denpasar and other popular destinations. 

Whichever way you go, you can take comfort in knowing that whatever slice of paradise you may have left behind on Gili Air will also be waiting for you when you arrive in Bali.

Unmissable things to do in Padang Bai, Bali

Bali has long been a vacationer's playground. It is blessed with a rugged, lush interior and miles of gorgeous beaches. In addition, cultural gems in the form of elaborate temples and impressive monuments truly give Bali an exotic flavor. 

Below is a suggestion if you're sticking close to Padang Bai, along with a few things you won't want to miss in Bali:

1. Go beach hopping. While nearly 100% of travelers pass through Padang Bai on their way to or from the Gili Islands, those who stick around have access to some very lovely beaches. Just a twenty-minute walk from town will bring you to the white sand and turquoise waters of Bias Tugel Beach. Closer to town, you can stroll over to Blue Lagoon Beach. 

2. Hang out in the monkey forest. Not far from the upscale town of Ubud is one of Bali's top attractions — the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary. Roaming through the jungle's scattered pavilions are large troops of Balinese macaques. You will have plenty of chances to see their antics up close and personal — whether you want to or not!! Hang on to your valuables, as they've been known to have sticky fingers.  

3. See the terraced rice paddies. Not far from Ubud are the Tegallalang Rice Terraces. This valley is one of a series of landscapes inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. You can either take your pictures from atop the valley's edge or, for a small fee, make your way down the incredibly green terraced hillsides to see the stunning panorama up close. Either way, this will be a highlight of your visit.

4. Take in some culture. With a rich and colorful history in Bali, you're never far from a cultural highlight. From ornate Hindu Temples such as Tanah Lot to the massive, ancient Balinese shrines of Gunung Kawi, it's impossible to ignore the cultural heritage that adorns all corners of the island.

What to expect when traveling from Gili Air to Padang Bai, Bali

The only way to go directly from Gili Air to Padang Bai on Bali is by ferry. Technically, you could take a roundabout route through Lombok, but with frequent direct service all day long, there's really no need for that.

A ferry ride will take about two hours, depending on the type of ferry you choose. From the lovely Gili Islands, it's a straight run of 66 kilometers (41 miles) across the Bali Strait to the port of Padang Bai. At this point, the mountainous backdrop will fill the horizon and whet your appetite for the adventures ahead. 

How to get from Gili Air to Padang Bai, Bali

To go from island to island, you'll need a ferry. 

Many operators run daily routes between Gili Air and Padang Bai. You can choose between standard and high-speed ferries, though regardless of the name, most will take about two hours to make the crossing.

Most ferries are very modern, with amenities such as AC, restrooms and TV on board. A good number also offer outdoor seating for taking in the fresh salt air and impressive views.

Most operators are similar in price, starting around $14. The major differences are boat size, speed, and departure times. With departures leaving Gili Air throughout the day, you won't lack choices. 

Ferries from Gili Air to Padang Bai depart from Gili Air Harbor. This is a pier centrally located on the southern coast of the island. No matter where you might stay on Gili Air, you won't be far away.

The ferry from Gili Air pulls right into the Padang Bai Ferry Terminal, which is set inside the gorgeous cove fronting the town. 

When is the best time of year to visit Padang Bai, Bali?

For a healthy balance between weather and crowds, visit Bali in the early spring or early autumn. Average temperatures vary little throughout the year, ranging from 26-28°C/79-82°F. The biggest difference is in the amount of precipitation.

While the rainy season lasts from October through March, the rains only briefly come down hard and then pass on through. In fact, you can expect some kind of rainfall any time of year.

Peak season is July through August. Though the weather is nice, sitting in traffic or battling crowds for a spot on the beach is less than ideal. You'll also want to avoid holiday seasons such as Christmas and Easter, which see a surge of foreign tourists and a jump in pricing and hotel demand.

How much time do I need in Padang Bai, Bali?

If Padang Bai is your only destination in Bali, one day will suffice. But chances are you're looking to explore the island at large, and that's going to take some time.

Count on at least five days as a bare minimum if you want to hit the highlights and don't mind rushing around like a crazy person. If you plan on having some downtime on the beach or in the jungle (and you absolutely should), a whole week is a far more realistic timetable.

And, if you speak with any of the many expats who live there, you may be tempted to extend your stay indefinitely.