How to get to Gili Air from Lombok?

Hi there. Well we're still planning our Lombok trip for September. Flying there on Lion Air. Booked and paid for tickets on line. After 6 days in Lombok we need to get over to Gili Air for 5 days, where we are staying at new accommodation called Banana Villas (recommendation from friend who just returned). We just dont know how to get over and how much to pay! So your help would be appreciated with transport/cost would be appreciated!

At this stage we have three days booked in 2 backpacker rooms at the Beach Club in Sengiggi. Quite cheap and in our budget. We have another three days that we are unsure about. Were going to stay in Kuta but unsure about where to stay. Only place that looks nice, has great reviews and that is in our budget is Mimpi Manis, but I think the kids would die without a pool for three days! So we'll keep researching. Then after 5 days on Gili Air we are catching the new Scoot cat to Nusa Lembongan for 3 days to meet a friend and then back to Sanur for 8 days. Can't wait.

Hi and welcome to LL
Are you staying at Beach Club first then looking to go to Kuta? Beach Club is much closer for transport to the Gilis.

For Kuta, Mimpi Manis is a nice clean and cheap homestay, and the owners would be able to tell you where you can go and pay a day rate for a pool. There are also some great local beaches so the kids will enjoy those when you go there. A great way to save money is to stay somewhere like Mimpi Manis and then pay day rates at an expensive hotel to use the pool area.

September is starting to heat up so you also might think about the a/c room or house at Mimpi.

For transport to the Gilis, there are a number of options. Perama operate a boat from Senggigi that goes each morning that is quite reasonable. I forget how much it is, but 'not much'. You could book that while you are at Beach Club. Alteratively you could brave it at Bangsal harbour. You can get a taxi, or local bemo, to Bangsal and walk down to the harbour where public 'ferries' take you to the Gilis. They are not ferries, they are small local boats. Bangsal has a terrible reputation for aggressive hawkers and touts who tell you there are no more boats and that you have to charter, throwing water on your feet and demanding payment for 'washing your feet', telling you the ticket office is closed and you have to buy from them, and all manner of scams. Also for charging a fortune to get you from the terminal to the beach (about a 500m walk I think). When you are dropped off, ignore everyone, and walk to the ticket office which is near where the boats depart on the left. Ferries can stop running around lunchtime, so you need to go in the morning.

If you are staying in Kuta then going to the Gilis you will need to arrange transport back around to Bangsal or Senggigi. Mimpi Manis can assist you with that. For that matter, they can assist you with transport around Kuta including to the spectacular beaches a little out of Kuta like Mawun.

Where-ever you decide to go, while on the mainland of Lombok, make sure you spend some time looking around, go to the waterfalls, the markets, pottery and weaving villages. There is a lot to experience and nothing is very touristy so it is a very authentic experience.

I'm sure you will enjoy your stay.

If the kids need a pool you could try Kuta Indah or Tastura. They both have nice pools but it really depends on your budget.

If you stay somewhere without a pool, Kuta Indah charges 50 000 Rupiah (around $5.50 Aus) per person per day (includes a juice) for the use of their pool.


http://www.kutaindahhotel.com/

http://www.hoteltastura.com/

Renae

It is invaluable. Will definately try Mimpi and swim at Kuta Indah. And great to have an option re boat from Sengiggi. Thanks again.

I read on Trip Advisor today that the boat from Senggigi is now Rp100,000 each and departs daily around 9am. I would recommend that option rather than transport to bangsal and the ordeal there.
If you do use Bangsal also be aware that the boat waits until it is full before departing, which can be quick or take hours.

p.s. that is Kuta behind me in my photo. The shot is taken from Ashtari cafe on the hill, another 'must'.

"The shot is taken from Ashtari cafe on the hill, another 'must'."

View is Fab just rememebr that it's veggie only! For those meat lovers a bit sad!

I have recommended this before when asked about transport to Gili Air from Senggigi. Have used them many times myself over the yrs.
Use Dream Divers means of transport, they pick up at hotel 8 o'clock in the morning, bring you to the harbour and use their own boat to Gili Air. Price 65.000 IDRp per person one way. Daily service. Very smooth way of transport. Go into the office at Jalan Raya Senggigi the day before and buy your ticket.
Have a look at Dream Divers homepage under "Transport" for more info.