Can you get from Nusa Penida to the Gili Islands in one day? Yes! But it requires planning. There's no direct boat, so you'll need to go via Bali. Here's exactly how to do it without spending a night in transit.
The Reality Check
The truth: There's no direct boat from Nusa Penida to Gili Islands. You must transit through Bali. But with good timing, you can do it in half a day.
Total Journey Time
| Leg | Duration |
|---|---|
| Nusa Penida → Sanur | 30-45 min |
| Sanur port → next boat | 30-90 min (connection) |
| Sanur → Gili Trawangan | 1.5-2 hours |
| Total | 3-4.5 hours |
Step-by-Step Itinerary
Step 1: Nusa Penida → Sanur (Morning)
Take an early morning boat from Nusa Penida to Sanur Harbor.
Recommended departure: 7:00-8:00 AM
Arrival Sanur: ~8:00-9:00 AM
Operators: Maruti, Angel Billabong, Crown Fast Cruise
Price: IDR 150,000-250,000
Step 2: Connection at Sanur (1-2 hours)
You'll have a layover in Sanur. Options:
- ☕ Get breakfast at a harbor café
- 🧳 Store bags at the ticket counter
- 💵 Withdraw cash from nearby ATM
Key: Book your Sanur → Gili boat to depart 1-2 hours after your Penida arrival to allow for delays.
Step 3: Sanur → Gili Islands (Late Morning)
Recommended departure: 10:00-11:30 AM
Arrival Gili T: ~12:00-1:30 PM
Operators: EkaJaya, Scoot, Maruti
Price: IDR 350,000-500,000
Arrival on Gili
You'll arrive on Gili Trawangan (or Gili Air) in time for a late lunch. Boats stop at multiple islands — get off at yours.
Booking Strategy
Option 1: Book Separately
Book two tickets: one Nusa Penida → Sanur, one Sanur → Gili. More flexibility but you manage the connection.
Option 2: Through Ticket (Recommended)
Some operators offer combined tickets with guaranteed connections. Ask when booking if a "through ticket" is available.
Option 3: Use Sailtix
We can book both legs and coordinate timing so you don't miss your connection.
Sample Schedule
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 6:30 AM | Leave hotel on Nusa Penida |
| 7:30 AM | Board fast boat to Sanur |
| 8:15 AM | Arrive Sanur Harbor |
| 8:30 AM | Breakfast, check in for Gili boat |
| 10:00 AM | Depart Sanur for Gili |
| 12:00 PM | Arrive Gili Trawangan! |
What If You Miss Your Connection?
Don't panic. There are multiple boats throughout the day:
- Sanur → Gili boats typically run at 9:00, 10:30, 11:30 AM
- Worst case, take an afternoon boat (1:00-2:00 PM)
- Contact us and we'll help rebook
Alternative: Stay One Night
If the timing is too stressful, consider:
- 🌙 One night in Sanur (nice beach town)
- 🌅 Take the first morning boat to Gili (8:00-9:00 AM)
- 😌 Less rushing, more relaxed
Cost Breakdown
| Expense | Cost (IDR) |
|---|---|
| Nusa Penida → Sanur | 150,000-250,000 |
| Sanur → Gili | 350,000-500,000 |
| Total transport | 500,000-750,000 |
Tips for Success
- 📅 Book both legs in advance — don't wing it
- ⏰ Buffer time — allow 1.5+ hours between boats
- 🎒 Light luggage — you'll be moving between boats
- 💊 Seasickness meds — two boat rides means double the waves
- 📱 Have confirmation screenshots — don't rely on data
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a direct boat from Nusa Penida to Gili?
No. All routes go via Bali (Sanur or Serangan). If someone claims direct, they're misleading you.
Can I do Gili to Nusa Penida in one day?
Yes! Same process in reverse. Take an early boat from Gili to Sanur, then connect to Nusa Penida.
What about Nusa Lembongan to Gili?
Same deal — go via Sanur. Lembongan boats also arrive at Sanur Harbor.
Route Options
- Nusa Penida → Sanur (first leg)
- Sanur → Gili Trawangan (second leg)
Best Operators for This Route
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