Travel guides › Lombok & Gili

2 nights, 3 days in Lombok and the Gilis: Which island should you choose for a seaside escape?

Three Gili Islands Snorkelling Trip
📷 User:(WT-shared) Burmesedays,OpenStreetMap · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons

A is ideal if you want to enjoy snorkeling, sunsets, and nightlife in the Gili Islands. B suits travelers who want to spend a day in the Gilis, then explore the beaches and hills of Kuta Lombok. Both itineraries begin with a trip from Bali to Lombok and the Gilis.

2 Nights, 3 Days A | Snorkeling around the three Gilis and sunset in Gili Trawangan

Arrive in Gili Trawangan on day one and explore the island, then enjoy a three-island snorkeling tour on day two. On the last day, return from Gili Trawangan to Bangsal Harbor and travel to Lombok Airport.

Day 1 | Arrive in Gili Trawangan, cycle around, and watch the sunset

Take a fast boat from Bali to Gili Trawangan to start your trip. Boat schedules vary by harbor and operator, so confirm your destination island and travel time when booking.

  1. Bali → Gili Trawangan

    Take a fast boat from Bali to Gili Trawangan. The average sailing time is about 1 hour 40 minutes, and a one-way ticket costs IDR 350,000–600,000. There are no cars or motorbikes on the Gilis, so travel from the harbor to your accommodation and the beach on foot, by bicycle, or by cidomo.

  2. Gili Trawangan Harbor → Island Loop

    Rent a bicycle near the harbor and explore the coast and village lanes. Bicycle rental costs IDR 50,000 per day. For lunch, try The Shack Restaurant and Bar or Bodu Kitchen.

  3. East Harbor → Gili Trawangan Sunset Beach

    Cycle to Gili Trawangan Sunset Beach on the island’s west coast and watch the sun set over the sea. The beach is an open-air public space that is always accessible. Have dinner at The Cutting Board, then enjoy the bar and pub atmosphere at Hula! Sunset Beach Club and Restaurant.

Day 2 | Snorkeling around the three Gilis and the night market

Join a shared tour departing from Trawangan to explore the waters around Meno and Air, then return to the area near Trawangan Harbor for dinner. Tour stops and operations may vary depending on sea conditions that day.

  1. Gili Trawangan → Waters around Gili Meno and Gili Air

    Walk, cycle, or take a cidomo to the tour operator’s meeting point, then join a three-island snorkeling tour. Shared tours cost IDR 100,000–150,000 per person and last about 3–4 hours. GiliMove’s public tours depart from Trawangan at 09:30, 10:30, and 13:00. Visits to the underwater statues or turtle-watching sites are not guaranteed.

  2. Snorkeling Tour Meeting Point → Around Trawangan Harbor

    After the tour, have lunch at Scallywags Restaurant or La Coccoterie Restaurant. Spend the afternoon relaxing on the island or strolling along the beach.

  3. Around Trawangan Harbor → Gili Trawangan Night Market

    The night market is close to the harbor, with listed opening hours of 17:00–03:00 daily. Choose grilled seafood or Indonesian dishes from the stalls for dinner. It is helpful to check prices and cooking methods before ordering and bring cash.

Day 3 | Via Bangsal Harbor to Lombok International Airport

On the last day, return from Trawangan to Bangsal Harbor and travel to Lombok International Airport. Allow plenty of time for the boat wait and onward road journey.

  1. Gili Trawangan → Bangsal Harbor

    Take a public boat to Bangsal from the island’s east harbor. The one-way fare is about IDR 23,000–25,000, and the journey takes about 30–45 minutes. Boats may depart when full, so you may have to wait.

  2. Bangsal Harbor → Lombok International Airport

    Travel by car from Bangsal Harbor to the airport. The reference taxi fare at the taxi counter is IDR 280,000–340,000, and the journey takes about 75–100 minutes.

2 Nights, 3 Days A Confirmed Admission and Transport Costs (per adult)

Fast boat to the Gilis IDR 350,000–600,000 + public boat to Bangsal IDR 23,000–25,000 + taxi from Bangsal Harbor to the airport IDR 280,000–340,000 + one-day bicycle rental IDR 50,000 + shared three-island snorkeling tour IDR 100,000–150,000 = total IDR 803,000–1,165,000.

2 Nights, 3 Days B | A Day in the Gilis and the Beaches of Kuta Lombok

Enjoy the island and sunset in Gili Trawangan on day one, then travel to Kuta on mainland Lombok on day two to explore the beaches and Tanjung Aan. On the last day, travel from Kuta to the airport.

Day 1 | Bali to Gili Trawangan

Travel from Bali to Gili Trawangan and explore the area around the harbor and the west-coast sunset shore. Keep your travel and meals within Trawangan.

  1. Bali → Gili Trawangan

    Take a fast boat from Bali to Gili Trawangan. The average sailing time is about 1 hour 40 minutes, and a one-way ticket costs IDR 350,000–600,000. Get around the island on foot, by bicycle, or by cidomo.

  2. Gili Trawangan Harbor → West Coast Sunset Beach

    Rent a bicycle near the harbor for IDR 50,000 per day and explore the island. Have lunch at The Shack Restaurant and Bar, then watch the sunset at West Coast Sunset Beach. For dinner, eat at The Cutting Board or enjoy the bar and pub at Hula! Sunset Beach Club and Restaurant.

Day 2 | From Bangsal to Kuta Lombok and Tanjung Aan

In the morning, travel from Trawangan to the mainland, leave your bags in Kuta Lombok, and explore the southern beaches and viewpoints. Spend the day around Kuta Lombok and Mandalika.

  1. Gili Trawangan → Bangsal Harbor → Kuta Lombok

    Take a public boat from Trawangan to Bangsal. The one-way fare is about IDR 23,000–25,000, and the journey takes about 30–45 minutes; you may have to wait. Travel by car from Bangsal to Kuta Lombok. For lunch in Kuta, try Warung Makan Sederhana or Seassalt Lombok.

  2. Kuta Lombok → Tanjung Aan Beach and Merese Hill

    Travel about 15–20 minutes by car from Kuta to explore Tanjung Aan Beach and Merese Hill. Tanjung Aan is listed as open 24 hours daily with free admission, though on-site parking fees may apply. Walk up Merese Hill for coastal views, then return to Kuta for dinner at El Bazar Cafe and Restaurant.

Day 3 | Kuta Lombok to the Airport

On the last day, travel from Kuta Lombok to Lombok International Airport to wrap up your trip.

  1. Kuta Lombok → Lombok International Airport

    The reference fare at the airport taxi counter is IDR 170,000–200,000, and the journey usually takes about 35–50 minutes. Confirm the actual fare at the airport counter.

2 Nights, 3 Days B Confirmed Admission and Transport Costs (per adult)

Fast boat to the Gilis IDR 350,000–600,000 + public boat to Bangsal IDR 23,000–25,000 + car fare to Kuta Lombok + taxi to the airport IDR 170,000–200,000 + one-day bicycle rental IDR 50,000 = confirmed costs of IDR 593,000–875,000, plus the car fare from Bangsal Harbor to Kuta Lombok.

FAQ

How long does the boat from Bali to Gili Trawangan take?

The average sailing time for a fast boat to Gili Trawangan is about 1 hour 40 minutes, depending on the operator and departure harbor. Check the day’s schedule and destination island when booking.

How do you get around the Gili Islands?

There are no cars or motorbikes in the Gili Islands. The main ways to get around are on foot, by bicycle, by cidomo, or by boat. Bicycle rental in Trawangan costs IDR 50,000 per day.

Can you see turtles on a three-island snorkeling tour?

The tour may visit a turtle-watching site, but wildlife sightings and visits to specific sites are not guaranteed. Ask the operator about the route for that day before booking.

Official sources & check dates

Site updated: 2026-11-02