Nusa Penida to Gili Trawangan Island tickets

About the ride from Nusa Penida to Gili Trawangan

Nusa Penida is breathtaking but rugged — bad roads, steep hikes, and strong currents make getting around an adventure. When you're ready to pack it in for a more laidback island, little Gili Trawangan, affectionately known as Gili T, is the place.

It's much more laidback. There are no cars or scooters, just bicycles and horse carts, but it does have a booming party scene. It couldn't be more different than Nusa Penida.

A ferry is the only way to get between these two island hotspots. It takes anywhere from 1.5 to 3 hours, depending on how fast your ferry motors over the Bali Sea.

It's an infamously choppy ride, so take your seasickness meds before you even get on the ship. Once you're moving, it's too late. 

Five awesome activities in Gili Trawangan

Gili Trawangan is the largest of the Gili Islands, but it's still miniscule. There is just enough to do to keep you from getting bored — if that's even possible in paradise. Here are a few to get started.

1. Learn to scuba dive. This is one of those idyllic places to learn to scuba dive with Padi professionals that won't cost you an arm and a leg. You'll need at least 3-4 days, but the underwater marine life in Indonesia makes it all worth it.
   
   

If diving is not your thing, be sure to snorkel with the manta rays, sea turtles, white-tip sharks, and the iconic Gili Meno statue ring of 48 life-size human statues designed as an artificial reef.

2. Learn to freedive. Gili Trawangan has a thriving freediving scene. The calm, warm waters, minimal currents, and excellent visibility make it an ideal place to train.
   
   

3. Ride a bike around the island. You can rent a bike from your hotel and cruise around the island in under an hour. There are no cars, so the only traffic you'll find is bike traffic. Stop at beach bars, stunning viewpoints, and hidden spots along the way. Grab a nibble, then hit a spa to round out the perfect day.
   
   

4. Party till dawn. It's a small island, but its nightlife scene is legendary. Go for the bar crawl, dance under the stars to reggae, find a DJ or a band and party until the sun comes up. 
   
   

5. Take a glass-bottom kayak tour. Rent a transparent kayak and paddle over the island's coral reefs. Enjoy the tranquil beauty of the underwater world without ever getting wet.

How to get from Nusa Penida to Gili Trawangan

Unless you want to swim with your luggage, you'll need a ferry to travel from Nusa Penida to Gili Trawangan. 

Each ship varies in size, speed, and amenities. Most have an indoor air-conditioned section but also offer open-air seating. If you're prone to seasickness, get a seat up top. Yes, it may be sunny and hot, but the fresh air makes a huge difference when it comes to seasickness.

Larger ships have bathrooms on board, and some might have a TV. 

Depending on the speed and size of the boat, you'll arrive in Gili Trawangan in one to three hours.  

Luggage allowances vary from one 22-lb/10-kg bag to a 55-lb/25-kg bag. Check with the operator when booking for the exact rules. 

Pay attention to the departure and arrival locations, as they differ by ferry company. Nonetheless, neither Nusa Penida nor Gili T are large islands. Regardless of your departure or arrival point, you won't take long to reach your accommodation. 

Prices start at $10.

When is the best time to visit Gili Trawangan?

Luckily, the island is blessed with year-round good weather.

May through October is the dry season. You'll have super sunny days with skies so blue it looks fake. The warm temperatures range from 80–90°F (27–32°C), and the humidity is pretty low. 

The calm sea makes boat trips and island hopping much smoother, and the water visibility is perfect for snorkeling and diving. 

July and August are peak months, so expect larger crowds and higher prices. Booking in advance is a must.

The rainy season is from November to April. 

The short tropical showers pack on the humidity, but the benefit is the lack of tourists.

It's a good time to go if you want to experience the serene side of island life. It's not the best time for underwater activities as the rains kick up the seas and the visibility drops way down. 

Additionally, the party scene is comparatively non-existent. That said, it's still a great time to visit for a more budget-friendly experience.

If you want the best balance of good weather with fewer crowds, June and September are ideal. You'll still get the beautiful sunshine and calm waters without the high-season crowds or prices.

How many days should you spend in Gili Trawangan?

Three days are enough if you are traveling to Gili T for the party. But it's not like you'll be mad about spending more time there.

If you plan to learn to dive, give yourself five days to practice diving in a place renowned for its underwater world after you're certified.   

Not in a rush to move on? Don't. There is no need to search for paradise when you're already there. 

Where should you go after Gili Trawangan?

It all depends on which direction you are heading. 

Head east to Lombok; you are literally on its doorstep. Check out Kuta or Sengigi. 

Or you could head back west toward Bali. You can get from Gili T to Canggu, Seminyak, Sanur or Candidasa in just a few hours. 

If you really don't want to go far, motor on over to Gili Air or Gili Meno. It'll only take you 15 minutes to reach Gili T's sister islands.