How to get from
Gili Trawangan Island to Sanur

About the ride from Gili Trawangan Island (Lombok) to Sanur (Bali)

After days spent relaxing on the beaches, snorkeling with turtles off the shore, island hopping adventures and enjoying the trendy bars, it's time to leave Gili Trawangan Island for Sanur. 

Since Gili T (as the locals call it) is quite remote, you will need to travel by boat to the mainland where Sanur is located. Thankfully, the journey isn't too long, and it's easy to navigate. 

The travel time should take you anywhere from three and a half hours to five hours. 

Six of the best things to do in Sanur  

Fun fact: Sanur was one of the original hotspots of Bali's tourism. Today it is still popular, with several nice hotels, shops and restaurants. 

If you choose to base yourself there, here are some of the things you can include on your itinerary:

1. Catch a sunrise. For those who wake up early, you won't want to miss the sunrise from Sanur Beach. Enjoy the cool morning breeze, birds chirping, and fishermen heading out as you soak in the majestic colors in the sky. Keep your eyes peeled as you may even spot the iconic Mount Agung and Nusa Penida in the background. 

2. Head to the night market. If you want to enjoy local and authentic food, check out the Sindhu Night Markets, which start at 6 p.m. and finish around 9 p.m. You can enjoy all types of dishes, including chicken satay skewers and bakso (meatball soup). 

3. Enjoy water sports. At Sanur Beach, you'll find a range of activities, like paddle boarding, windsurfing, kayaking, tube riding, parasailing and jet skiing. There are many rental shops to choose from. 

4. Learn how to cook Balinese food. You'll no doubt fall in love with the food you eat during your time in Sanur. Why not impress your friends at home by showing them your skills in the kitchen? Learn to make dishes such as nasi goreng. 

5. Relax at a day spa. It's not a trip to Bali without enjoying a Balinese massage or facial from a day spa. There are plenty to choose from — some are cheap and cheerful, and others are more luxurious. 

6. Try the Bali Seawalker. Wearing a specially designed helmet, you can walk underwater and view the incredible reefs and marine life. Once you have climbed down the ladder, you will have about 30 minutes with an experienced guide who will point things out along the way. 

Anyone above the age of 10 can try this, and you do not require any diving experience.  

How to get from Gili Trawangan Island, Lombok, to Sanur, Bali

There are three ways to get from Gili T to Sanur: ferry, van + ferry and bus + ferry. The prices are just a few dollars apart, so review the details below to decide what works best for you.

Option one: Ferry

Starting price: $19

When traveling from Gili T Island to Sanur by ferry, you have a few companies to choose from. Below, you will find a list of those who operate a ferry between the two locations: 

Wijaya Buyuk 

Starfish Fast Cruise

Scoot Fast Cruises

Wanderlust Fast Cruise

Semaya One Fast Cruise

The Tanis Lembongan Express

Caspla Buyuk 

Your journey will take anywhere from 3.5 hours to 4 hours. 

As for your decision as to which company to choose, your best bet is to look at the departure and arrival times. There are several throughout the day. 

For most of the companies above, you will have air conditioning and access to a bathroom on board. Most of the seating is indoors.

Option two: Van + Ferry 

Starting price: $19

There are a number of companies that include both the ferry and van in their ticketing price. These include:

Bali Paradiso 

CV Indo Tour

Wahana Virendra 

Bali Triptop 

Karunia Perkasa Transfers

Ganggari  

After departing Gili Trawangan, you will head via ferry to Bali — arriving either in Sanur or Padang Bai Port, north of Sanur. From there, you will be transferred in a van to your final stop in Sanur, which, depending on the company, could be either McDonald's or Dunkin Donuts. 

Also, some companies, such as CV Indo Tour, include 15-minute ferry stops on each island. 

Travel times between the companies vary from four hours and thirty minutes to eight hours. 

Note: Harbor taxes at Padang Bai Port and Gili Islands Port are typically not included in the price. 

Option three: Bus + Ferry

Starting price: $21

Your final option is to book a bus and ferry transfer. Two companies offer this route: Semaya One Fast Cruise and Scoot Fast Ferries. 

First, you will take the ferry to Padang Bai Port. From there, you will jump on a shared bus that will drop you off at any hotel in Sanur. 

The ferry takes approximately two hours, and the bus an additional 1.5-3.5 hours. 

Below are some things to note about this route:

1. The ferry will make 10-15 minute stops on each island to allow for onboarding/offboarding of passengers. 

2. The ferry will not depart during severe weather conditions. 

3. There is only air conditioning available on the bus. 

4. Harbor taxes are not included in the price.

5. You must check in at the operator's ticket counter/office at least one hour before departure time. Failure to do so will be charged as a no-show.

About the journey from Gili T to Sanur

As you enjoy the calm waves, take in the views of the sparkling ocean. You'll see the islands of Gili Meno and Gili Air in the distance. 

It's best to wear shorts and flip-flops, as Sanur has no pier. Depending on the tides, you may have to walk through the shallows to reach the sand. 

Pro tip: Ferries between the islands typically operate on island time, so they may depart slightly after the scheduled time. Keep this in mind if you are planning to organize something in Sanur after your arrival. However, that doesn't mean you can be late. Some companies want you to check in one hour before, or they will consider you a no-show. Be sure to read the fine print.    

When should you visit Sanur? 

The good thing about planning a trip to Sanur is that the area has warm weather year-round, averaging 27°C (80.6°F). 

But before you go booking your trip, keep in mind that the dry season runs from April to October. These months are the best time to visit as there will be less rainfall, and it will feel less humid. 

Always check the festivals before booking. The Eid al-Fitr Festival in May or June, marking the end of Ramadan, is particularly busy. During this period, prices skyrocket, and rooms can be booked months in advance.