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HOW TO GET THERE

BY FAST BOAT DIRECT FROM BALI
By far the quickest and easiest way of getting to the Gili Islands from Bali is with the new FastBoat service, operated by Blue Water Safaris. Established in early 2006, this has rapidly become the most popular way of getting to the Gili Islands – it is far quicker than any other boat service, and even quicker than flying via Lombok - it cuts out all the hassle of airport check-in, delayed flights, negotiating transport to the harbour, negotiating boat prices, and provides a convenient one-stop transportation direct to the Gili beaches.

The Blue Water Fastboat includes fee air-con transfers to and from the Kuta area in Bali, which is just 20 minutes from Benoa Harbour. From here it takes around two hours to get you direct to the beaches of Trawangan, Meno or Air. On the way you get to view the impressive coastline of South East Bali, including spectacular views of Gunung Agung, before cruising across the Wallace Line in the Lombok Straight to the Gilis (check out the route on the boat’s GPS system!). Sightings of large groups of dolphins are very common (well over 50% of trips from Bali meet dolphins on the way), and occasionally Beluga Whales are seen breaching.

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BY AIR FROM DENPASAR/SINGAPORE
There are many daily flights from Jakarta via Surabaya, or direct flight from Bali to Lombok. From Singapore, Silk Air fly direct to Lombok 4 times a week. From Mataram Airport, take airport taxi service direct to Bangsal or get a public transport/bemos from Rembiga to Pemenang, then to Bangsal by Cidomo (horse cart). Use your bargaining skills to negotiate the price. From Bangsal to Gili Islands, the only transportation is by regular public boat or boat charter.

The Koperasi Angkutan Laut (Sea Transport Co-operative) is the boat owner cartel which monopolises transport to the islands. Try to get to Bangsal at around 09:30AM or 10:30AM as most boats go in the morning.

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PRIVATE SPEEDBOAT
Most upmarket hotels on Gili Trawangan give extra service and conveniences to their clients by providing their private modern speedboat and skip Bangsal. The alternative harbor is runs privately by hotel's owners at Teluk Nare or Teluk Kodek (another 10 minutes drive from Bangsal). This seems to be more effective and hassle free. It takes only 10 minutes to Gili Trawangan. This option only available if you book in advanced through reputable local tour operators.

BY FERRY FROM BALI
Bounty Cruise - Fast Catamaran is longer operates since 2001. Ferry service from Bali - Lombok - Bali available 24 hours, depart every two hours. It takes up to 4,5 hours from Padang Bay (East Bali) to Lembar (South West Lombok). You will spend almost the whole day on the bus and ferry and by the time you reach Bangsal, you may have to charter the boat to get the gilis at unusual price. From Lembar Harbour, take a bus to Mandalika bus station, choose destination Tanjung, and stop at Pemenang. Get a local transportation called Cidomo (horse cart) to take you to Bangsal Harbour. Once there register your name at the ticket office. Lombok Taxi available 24 hours. To order by phone, dial 627000, or add 0370 (area code) if calling from bali.

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