For Gili Nanggu, Sudak and Kedis the departure point is Tawun, a village harbour where a boatmen’s cooperative rents outriggers by the boat for a fixed circuit. For Gili Gede and Gili Asahan it is Tembowong, about 45 minutes further west, from where local boats shuttle across in ten minutes and resorts collect their guests.
From Bali there is a neat shortcut: a direct fast boat to Gili Gede, and the slow public ferry from Padang Bai lands at Lembar, less than an hour from Tawun. From the three famous Gilis there is no direct public boat — you cross to the mainland and drive. Times below are typical.
Routes at a glance
| From | Route | Time | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Senggigi / Mataram | Car to Tawun, then chartered boat | About 1–1.5 hours by road plus 15–20 minutes by boat | Car hire plus boat charter (priced per boat); day tours from around €20–48 per person online |
| Lombok airport (LOP) | Car to Tawun or Tembowong | About 1.5–2 hours | Private transfer |
| Kuta Lombok | Car west via Sekotong | About 1.5–2 hours | Private car |
| Bali (Serangan / Padang Bai) | Direct fast boat to Gili Gede | About 1.5–1.75 hours on the water | From around €50 online |
| Bali (Padang Bai) | Public car ferry to Lembar, then car to Tawun or Tembowong | 4–5 hours at sea plus 45–90 minutes by road | Very cheap ferry; taxi onward |
| Gili Air / Meno / Trawangan | Boat to Bangsal or Teluk Nara, then car | About 3–3.5 hours in all | Boat plus private car |
| Nusa Penida | Fast boat to Gili Gede (listed on GetYourGuide) | About 1 hour on the water | From around €47 online |
Getting around the Secret Gilis
Between the islands. Everything moves by small outrigger boat. From Tawun you hire a boat for a set circuit of two to four islands; from Tembowong or Gili Gede you can charter by the trip or the day. Agree the islands, the waiting time and the price before leaving.
On the islands. You walk. Gili Gede has footpaths and a few motorbikes used by residents; the others are tiny.
On the mainland. A car with driver is the practical choice. The coast road is scenic and slow, and public transport beyond Lembar is sparse.
Sea conditions. The bay around Nanggu is sheltered and calm for most of the year. The outer islands and the east coast are more exposed; in the wet season boats may not go out on windy afternoons.
