Bluewater Express Review 2026: Bali to Gili Islands Fast Boat

How to Get to the Gili Islands from Bali: Fast Boat Options

Bluewater Express: Our Experience and Review

By_2jay

One of the main reasons I absolutely fell in love with my Bali trip was the incredible Gili Islands. Honestly, if I hadn't made it there, I would have regretted it deeply!

My itinerary was super tight, but visiting the Gili Islands was absolutely worth it. Next time, I'm planning to stay on the Gili Islands for much longer.

Since many travelers seem unsure about how to get to the Gili Islands, I'm here to share my insights and make your journey smoother.

The journey from mainland Bali to the Gili Islands typically takes about 1.5 to 2 hours by fast boat. The most popular departure point is Padang Bai Port. We departed from and returned to Padang Bai, and let me tell you, it's a bustling hub! Being a popular port, it can get quite chaotic, and you'll encounter a fair bit of hawking from various vendors.

The most commonly used fast boat operators for reaching the Gili Islands are Wahana, Ekajaya, and Bluewater Express.

Here’s why we chose Bluewater Express:

1. Punctual departures (rare delays, unless due to severe weather).

2. Convenient luggage transfer service from their office to the boat.

3. Comfortable, air-conditioned waiting area at their office before boarding.

4. Private pick-up and drop-off service, allowing for a comfortable ride to and from your accommodation.

5. The boats themselves are noticeably clean and well-maintained.

For us, prioritizing a smooth and comfortable travel experience, even if it meant spending a little extra, was key. That's why we opted for Bluewater Express, appreciating their clean facilities and the ability to avoid waiting in the scorching sun.

From Padang Bai to Gili Trawangan

Most international flights arrive in Bali late at night, so we booked a half-night stay at a hotel just a 5-minute walk from the airport. The next morning, our pre-arranged Bluewater Express private pick-up service arrived directly at our hotel. Our driver took us comfortably all the way to Padang Bai Port.

Around Padang Bai Port, you'll find several cafes, perfect for grabbing a quick bite or drink if you arrive early.

As soon as we stepped out of the pick-up vehicle, our driver handled our luggage, attaching tags. We then proceeded to the Bluewater Express office to collect our tickets and wait in the cool, air-conditioned comfort. When it was time, we all moved together to board the boat.

The staff had already moved our luggage to the front of the boat and were loading it. Everyone was incredibly friendly and helpful.

The Bluewater Express office also provides seasickness medication, and once on board, they hand out refreshing candies. Definitely take one of those candies – they’re minty and really help clear your head!

Personally, I was a bit worried about seasickness, so I took medication before boarding. As you can see in some videos online, the waves weren't exactly calm, but I had absolutely no motion sickness and slept soundly throughout the journey. I remember watching a movie on the front screen, then next thing I knew, I was waking up as we arrived, feeling completely refreshed.

There were no lingering side effects from the medication, and I arrived feeling great, ready to tackle the rest of our itinerary in excellent condition.

Arriving at Gili Island

The fast boat often stops at other Gili Islands before reaching Gili Trawangan, so make sure to double-check that you're disembarking at your intended island!

Upon arrival, the staff efficiently unload everyone's luggage for you.

Since we only had one night planned on the Gili Islands, we checked into our accommodation and immediately headed to Turtle Point for some snorkeling.

We arrived late in the afternoon, so the water was a bit murky, but thankfully, with the help of a local, we were able to spot some sea turtles!

Seeing turtles was a huge reason we came to the Gili Islands, so I was thrilled we didn't miss out. After enjoying plenty of turtle sightings, we indulged in some delicious local food. While on the Gili Islands, I highly recommend renting a bicycle and exploring the island on two wheels.

Cycling around the island is a fantastic way to soak in the sights and enjoy the laid-back vibe!

We booked directly through the Bluewater Express website, and at the time, the price was a bit higher than what's currently available. You can often find better deals now, and some options even include private pick-up and drop-off. I cannot stress this enough: opting for the private pick-up/drop-off service is an absolute must! (When you're returning from the Gili Islands to Padang Bai Port, it gets incredibly congested. The aggressive hawking can be overwhelming, but having a driver waiting for you makes the departure seamless and stress-free.)

I will definitely be using Bluewater Express again for my next trip to the Gili Islands.

+ Planning a trip to Bali in 2026? Don't forget to grab a Grab Pass – it's one of the most essential apps for getting around! You can find special discount benefits via the link below, so make sure to check it out if you're planning your adventure.