Smiling Express: The Best & Cheapest Way to Gili   Trawangan

Smiling Express: The Best & Cheapest Way to Gili Trawangan

Located in North Lombok, the Gili Islands consist of 3 enchanting islands: Gili Trawangan, Gili Air, and Gili Meno. Gili Trawangan is the largest and most visited island, famous for its amazing underwater views. The natural coral reefs on this island are a habitat for various marine species. If you are planning a holiday here, diving or at least snorkeling to explore the underwater wonders is an activity not to be missed. With the natural beauty and extraordinary tourism potential that this island has, a common question arises: How do you travel from Bali to Gili Trawangan, and what exciting activities can you do there? Here, you will find detailed information on all available transportation options, including fast boat services from Smiling Express Bali, ensuring your visit is fun and hassle-free.

How to Get to Gili Trawangan from Bali?

Before heading to Gili Trawangan from Bali, it’s important to understand the transport options available. Bali and Gili Trawangan are separated by sea, similar to the separation between Bali and Nusa Lembongan or Nusa Penida. Here are some of the ways to get from Bali to Gili Trawangan:
  1. Fast boats, a popular choice among travelers.
  2. Chartering a private speedboat.
  3. Flying to Lombok by plane or helicopter, then continuing by boat or ferry to Gili Trawangan. The flight from Bali to Lombok takes about 45 minutes, followed by a land journey to Bangsal Harbor and a brief sea crossing to Gili Trawangan.
However, this page will focus on traveling from Padang Bai to Gili Trawangan using the Smiling Express fast boat, offering a quick and efficient way to reach this tropical paradise.

Smiling Express Padang Bai to Gili Island and Lombok :

To reach Gili Trawangan, you can depart from Padang Bai Harbor in Bali, where several fast boat companies operate. One of the leading companies is Smiling Express Bali, which offers direct services to Gili Trawangan. Their route also includes stops at Gili Air and Bangsal Harbor on Lombok Island before returning to Padang Bai. Smiling Express Bali is equipped with internationally standardized safety equipment and facilities specifically designed to ensure your comfort throughout the journey.

The journey usually takes between 1.5 to 2.5 hours, depending on the destination. Keep in mind that travel times can fluctuate based on the weather and sea conditions. Even though, choosing Smiling Express Bali remains the fastest and safest option for traveling from Bali to Gili Trawangan, Gili Air, and Bangsal Lombok, ensuring your trip is quick and comfortable.

Boat Specifications of Smiling Express

  • Powered by 6 engines, each providing 250 HP
  • Capacity: 130 seats with Comfortable seating
  • Equipped with Two liferafts with a capacity of 65 each
  • Length: 19.2 m
  • Fiberglass
  • Life jackets for all passengers
  • Toilet

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Even if our website says we’re full, we often have last-minute seats available. Just click our WhatsApp button to chat with us directly for the latest updates.

Transportation Options Explore Gili Trawangan

Did you know that the use of motorized vehicles is prohibited on the Gili Islands? This means you won’t find any cars or motorbikes there. So how do you get around? Here are several transportation options for exploring Gili Trawangan:
  1. Bike Rental: Renting a bike is a comfortable and fun way to explore Gili Trawangan. You can find daily rentals in various locations, with prices starting from IDR 75,000 per day. Make sure to check the condition of the bike before renting it.
  2. Cidomo: This offers a unique and traditional way to get around the island. Functioning like a horse-drawn carriage, it is ideal for travel from the port to your hotel, especially when carrying luggage, or for a relaxing tourist experience on Gili Trawangan. Remember to negotiate and agree on a price first, don’t hesitate to haggle if the initial price feels expensive.

Exciting activities that you can do on Gili Trawangan:

  1. Island Hopping and Snorkeling : One of the main attractions on Gili Trawangan is the island-hopping snorkeling tour. This tour usually covers three Gilis: Trawangan, Meno, and Air. You choose a group or private tour, you will explore beautiful snorkeling spots and see coral reefs and colorful fish. You can even swim with turtles near Gili Meno!
  2. Glass Bottom Boat Tour : If snorkeling isn’t your thing, consider a glass-bottom boat tour. You can sit back and enjoy the view of colorful fish swimming below through the transparent bottom of the boat.
  3. Diving: Gili Trawangan is a top diving destination with sites like Turtle Heaven and Shark Point. Whether you’re a certified diver or a beginner, there’s a package for everyone, including relaxing diving that only requires a short training session.
  4. Explore the island by bicycle or Cidomo: Motorized vehicles are prohibited, the preferred modes of transportation are bicycles and cidomo (horse-drawn carriages). Rent a bicycle for around IDR 75.000 per day or take a cidomo with rates starting from IDR 200,000 per hour to explore the island.
  5. Watching Sunrise & Sunset: If you like sunrise or sunset, Gili Trawangan offers a place to enjoy both. Easily accessible from accommodation on the island.
  6. Horse riding on the beach: For a unique beach experience, try horse riding, especially beautiful at sunset for stunning silhouette photos.
  7. Culinary Tour: Don’t miss out on delicious local culinary delights. Enjoy a variety of seafood at the night market or try traditional dishes such as ayam taliwang at local stalls. For the evening, many restaurants, cafes and bars overlook the beach.

Plan Your Perfect Vacation to Gili Trawangan with Smiling Express

With a variety of transportation options and exciting activities available, Gili Trawangan offers an unforgettable experience for every visitor. From diving in the clear blue waters, enjoying delicious culinary tours, to leisurely cycling around the island, every moment on Gili Trawangan is a golden opportunity to create lasting memories. For your convenience, don’t forget to make your reservation through Smiling Express Bali at baligilifastboat.com, where you can find more information and book your fast boat tickets to this tropical paradise. Make your trip to Gili Trawangan smooth and enjoyable by choosing the right service. Have a wonderful vacation and enjoy all the natural beauty that Gili Trawangan has to offer!