Gili Air Island to Sanur tickets

About the ride from Gili Air to Sanur Bali 

Waving goodbye to the heavenly island of Gili Air with its sandy roads, rustic beach bungalows and irresistible laidback charm might be challenging. Still, Sanur in Bali isn't too dissimilar in terms of vibes. 

Probably nothing can replace that island-sized hole in your heart, but Sanur will do a stellar job. 

This beach town on the east coast of Bali is more than just a harbor port. It boasts a slow pace of life. Think dreamy beaches much quieter than those on Bali's west coast, lined with cute cafes where you can enjoy breakfast with your feet in the sand. 

Its proximity to Denpasar Airport makes Sanur a popular port to arrive in from the Gili Islands, but don't just pass through. Stick around!

There are 97 km (60.6 miles) of the Lombok Strait that you'll need to cross to get from Gili Air to Sanui, and the only way to do this is by ferry.

If you want to spend as little time as possible at sea, there is also an option to take a ferry to the closer port of Padang Bai and continue to Sanur by minivan or bus. 

The journey takes 3-6.5 hours, depending on the type of boat and company you go with. The speedboat ferries are generally your fastest option. 

Keep reading to learn everything you need about traveling from Gili Air to Sanur in Bali. 

The best things to do in Sanur

Sanur is underrated. There's no debating that. Many people are quick to move onto the more well-known beach destinations on the west coast of Bali, but there are plenty of reasons to stick around in Sanur. 

Check out the best things to do in Sanur to see if this beach town is for you:

1. Sanur Beach: Escape the crowds and surfers on Bali's other beaches and head to Sanur Beach. Its soft sands and calm waters make it the perfect place to swim and relax. Plus, being on the East Coast positions it as the ideal spot to start your day and watch the glorious sunrise.
   
   

2. Try some watersports: Sanur's calmer waters open it up to more watersports than just surfing. Try your hand at paddle boarding and kitesurfing, or explore its magical underwater world by snorkeling or diving.
   
   

3. Free morning yoga: What a way to start the day! Every morning at 7 a.m., a free yoga class is offered in front of the Grand Hyatt. It's open to all levels and a great way to meet other people.
   
   

4. Learn how to carve: All around Bali, you'll notice intricate carvings on doors, houses and temples. You may be wondering how these masterpieces are created. Well, to find out, you can join one of Mertarauh Bali's carving lessons and give it a go yourself.
   
   

5. Sanur Night Market (also known as Sindhu Night Market): With around 350 sellers, there's an abundance of local foods, drinks and crafts to try and buy. 

How to get from Gili Air to Sanur

Since Gili Air and Bali are both islands, you're going to need a ferry. However, you have three options for getting from Gili Air to Sanur. You can get a direct ferry or take a ferry to another port in Bali, Padang Bai, and continue your journey to Sanur in a minivan or bus. 

By ferry

Sanur Port may be farther from the Gili Islands than other ports like Padang Bai, but some travelers opt to arrive in this port in Bali due to its proximity to Denpasar Airport. It's only 30 minutes away. 

The air-conditioned ferry ride from Gili Air to Sanur takes 3-4 hours. Times and prices vary depending on the type of boat you choose. Tickets start from $20 per person, not including the IDR 10,000-30,000 (less than $2) Gili Air Harbor Tax that needs to be paid upon departure.

There are multiple departures throughout the day, with most boats leaving midday.

Make sure to check the exact departure and arrival location of the ferries, as they all vary. 

Most ferries make a few stops along the way to pick up and drop off passengers.

By minivan + ferry 

If you prefer less time at sea, consider taking a combined minivan + ferry journey. 

A high-speed ferry will take you to Padang Bai Port instead, which is closer to Gili Air and takes around two hours. From here, you will hop in a minivan for 2.5 hours, and you'll be dropped at the McDonald's in Sanur. Yep, there are McDonald's in Bali.

Prices start from $19 per person. 

By bus + ferry

The bus and ferry combo is a service that is very similar to that of the minivan. A high-speed ferry will take you to Padang Bai Port (making stops along the way), and from there, the bus will take you to any hotel in Sanur. 

Journey time ranges from 4 to 5.5 hours, and prices start from $22 per person. 

What to expect from the journey from Gili Air to Sanur

Many boats traveling from Gili Air to Sanur offer air conditioning. On ones that don't, you'll have to rely on Mother Nature's air conditioning instead (the sea breeze), which does a pretty good job. 

Expect to pay between IDR 10,000 and 30,000 (less than $2) Gili Air Harbor Tax when leaving the island. If you opt for the bus/minivan + ferry option, you'll also have to pay IDR 20,000 ($1.30) in tax when you arrive at Padang Bai. 

The boats are reasonably comfortable, and the larger ones have bathrooms on board. 

Most boats offer up to 20 kg (44 lbs) of luggage per person, but it's good to double-check when choosing which company to go with. 

Unfortunately, the weather in the Lombok Strait can be a bit unpredictable, resulting in the fast boats between the Gili Islands and Bali often being delayed and sometimes canceled. If your ship is canceled, you'll be offered a full refund or space on the next running ferry. 

If you're prone to sea sickness, it may be worth taking some medication before hopping onboard, even if the sea doesn't look too choppy. 

When is the best time to visit Sanur?

The optimal timing for an escapade to Bali falls within the dry season, from April to October. During this period, you're greeted with abundant sunshine, ensuring your plans remain uninterrupted by rain showers.

This is also the busiest time in Bali, but by staying in Sanur, a less trendy destination, you can escape some of the crowds. 

The wet season, stretching from November to March welcomes sporadic rainfall and high humidity. Every situation has a silver lining, though, and the wet season unveils verdant landscapes and explosions of green everywhere. 

How many days should you spend in Sanur? 

Many will spend less than a few hours in Sanur, getting off the boat, maybe grabbing some food and then heading off to their next destination. 

Or you could see why so many people fall in love with Sanur and stay for months. If you don't have months to spare, that's okay. Three to four days should give you enough time to swim, eat, shop and explore. 

Where should you visit after Sanur?

If you're ready to leave the beach and head inland, Ubud can be a great destination after Sanur. 

Famous for its temples, waterfalls and Monkey Forest, this town quickly became one of Bali's most popular spots. Julia Roberts, in the movie Eat, Pray, Love, also helped to make Ubud a dream destination.

The journey should take around one hour and can be done by bus or minivan.