How to get from
Gili Trawangan Island to Padang Bai

About the ride from Gili Tragwangan to Padang Bai 

Have you reached the point where you no longer call Gili Trawangan by its full name and simply refer to it as the endearing Gili T? If so, that might be a sign it's time to leave and head to another one of Indonesia's paradise islands. 

Padang Bai on Bali is one of the major gateways and arrival ports to the Gili Islands — it offers one of the shortest journey times out of all of Bali's ports. 

Many people arrive in this port town and rush off to more popular destinations like Ubud, Kuta and Canggu. That's great for you if you stay in town — fewer people means a more relaxed and local vibe.

Don't overlook this town's crystal waters, amazing snorkeling and diving, or the ancient temples that line the idyllic coast.

Keeping it simple, just like the island life you'll be leaving, there's only one way to get from Gili Trawangan to Padang Bai, and that's by ferry. 

The trip takes 1.5-3 hours, depending on the type of boat and company you go with. Opt for a speedboat or high-speed ferry over the standard ferry for the shortest journey time. 

With lots of companies covering this route, there are plenty of departure times to choose from, but most of them leave in the morning or early afternoon. 

It might be sad to say goodbye to the lively Gili Trawangan, but plenty of fun awaits you in Padang Bai. 

Fun things to do in Padang Bai

Overlooked by many, you can wave goodbye to most other tourists as they head elsewhere in Bali, leaving you to enjoy Padang Bai in peace. Most of the things to do here involve the water, and with such intense sun, you probably won't be complaining. 

Here are our favorite things to do in Padang Bai:

1. Explore Padang Bai Village. After all the boats are done picking up and dropping off people for the day, Padang Bai slips back into a traditional Balinese village. Wander its charming streets, visit local markets and see what daily life in a fishing community is like. And don't forget to sample some fresh seafood at the waterfront restaurants. 

2. Go snorkeling and diving. It may not be as famous as other snorkeling and diving spots around the island. Still, this area is rich in marine biodiversity, boasting colorful coral reefs and too many fish to count. Blue Lagoon and Bias Tugel are two great spots to check out.

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3. Surf at Blue Lagoon. It's not just great for snorkeling; it has excellent surfing conditions and offers consistent waves suitable for surfers of all levels.

4. Relax at Bias Tugel Beach. Considered one of the best beaches in Bali, this beach may require a bit of effort to reach, but the stunning views make it entirely worthwhile. Bias Tugel is small, with five or six rustic restaurants, but it's more than enough to satisfy your cravings for dreamy beaches.

5. Visit Pura Silayukti Temple. A seaside temple perched on a cliff overlooking the ocean. This sacred site offers stunning views and a glimpse into Balinese Hindu spirituality and architecture.

How to get from Gili Trawangan to Padang Bai 

The only way to cover the 62 km (38.8 miles) of ocean between Gili Trawangan and Padang Bai is to hop on a ferry. 

This port town is one of the best arrival spots from Gili T, as it's the closest. You can be there in as little as 1.5 hours, but many boats take 2-3 hours. Tickets start at $14, and there are various departure times throughout the day. 

Once onboard, most boats have air conditioning and toilets. The seats are reasonably comfortable, although some ships might feel a little cramped. 

If you want to travel on the faster boats, these tickets often sell out, so make sure to book in advance. 

The exact departure and arrival spots depend on the ferry company you choose, so read the fine print and show up 15 minutes early to ensure a smooth start to your trip. 

What to expect on the journey from Gili Trawangan to Padang Bai

Depending on your sea and weather conditions, this crossing from Gili Trawangan to Padang Bai in Bali can be a little bumpy. 

If the sea conditions are too bad, the fast boats will be canceled for safety reasons. 

Those prone to seasickness should consider taking some medication to be on the safe side. 

If you're blessed with perfect conditions, the journey will fly by, especially if you take a fast boat. 

Being inside the air-conditioned cabin can be a welcome relief from Indonesia's scorching sun, so sit back and enjoy the ride. 

When is the best time to visit Padang Bai?

The best time to visit Bali is typically during the dry season, from April to October, when the weather is sunny, and rain has no plans to ruin your fun. You won't be the only person chasing the sun, so expect it to be pretty busy!

Don't write out May, June, and September. They offer a good balance of fewer crowds and pleasant weather. 

The wet season, from November to March, brings occasional rainfall and high humidity. But on the flip side, lush green landscapes and fewer tourists make it a more serene and budget-friendly time to visit. 

How many days should you spend in Padang Bai? 

While most people use Padang Bai as a transport hub, if you want to spend some time in a less popular spot in Bali, it's a great choice. 

Give this village at least one or two nights of your time, and if you like the chilled vibe, you can easily spend three or four days and still discover new things about this place.

Where should you visit after Padang Bai?

Since you're already on the east coast of Bali in Padang Bai, consider visiting Nusa Penida or Nusa Lembongan, two islands only a 30-minute ferry ride away. 

These islands have risen to fame in Bali with their dramatic landscapes, gorgeous beaches and manta rays.