Fast Boat
Nusa Penida → Gili Gede
Distance
~43 km
Travel Time
1h00
Fastest Option
Gili Getaway
Alternative
Via Bangsal
Nusa Penida to Gili Gede
Traveling from Nusa Penida to Gili Gede is the ultimate shortcut for travelers swapping the dramatic cliffs for the "Secret Gilis" of Southwest Lombok. While most crowds head to Gili Trawangan, savvy island-hoppers choose Gili Gede for its untouched beauty, world-class snorkeling, and serene, off-the-grid atmosphere.
By using Gili Getaway, you skip the hassle of returning to mainland Bali. This direct route offers a swift, 1-hour connection between two of Indonesia’s most distinct island experiences, moving you seamlessly from Nusa Penida's rugged coast to the calm, secluded waters of the south.
This guide covers everything you need to know about schedules, pier locations, and booking your fast boat from Nusa Penida to Gili Gede.
How to Travel from Nusa Penida to Gili Gede
1- The Direct Fast Boat (Recommended)
The most efficient way to travel is by taking the direct fast boat operated by Gili Getaway. Departing from Buyuk Harbour in Nusa Penida, the journey takes approximately 1 hour, dropping you directly at Gili Gede.
This is the fastest and most comfortable connection between the two islands.
This is the fastest and most comfortable connection between the two islands.
2- The Daily Alternative: Via Lombok Mainland
If the direct boat is not running on your preferred date, you can travel via the Lombok mainland. This route offers daily flexibility:
Step 1: Take any daily fast boat from Nusa Penida (Buyuk or Banjar Nyuh) to Bangsal Harbour in North Lombok.
Step 2: From Bangsal, take a private transfer to Gili Gede. You can easily book this through our sister site, Gili-islandtransfers.com.
A private driver will meet you at Bangsal and take you to Tembowong Harbour, where a local boat will be waiting for the quick 10-minute crossing to Gili Gede.
Fast Boat Operators from Nusa Penida to Gili Gede
As the premier operator for this route, Gili Getaway offer a reliable service.
They use custom-built fiberglass fast boats, specifically designed to handle the Lombok Strait’s unique conditions.
- Onboard Amenities: Restrooms, TV's, GPS tracking system
- Luggage: Allowance of 25kg per person.
- Safety: Life jackets, international-standard safety equipments, and fully certified crew.
Travel Tips - Ferry Nusa Penida to Gili Gede
- Arrive Early: Reach the Harbour at least 60 minutes before departure for check-in and luggage tagging.
- Port Fees: Penida charges a small harbour fee. Some operators include this in the ticket, others require payment on-site. Check the port taxes.
- Keep it Manageable: Gili Gede has no cars. You will likely be walking or taking a small boat to your hotel, so soft-shell bags or backpacks are easier to handle than heavy hard-shell suitcases.
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Cash is King: While luxury resorts like ko-ko-mo take cards, Gili Gede is remote.
ATMs are nonexistent on the island. Withdraw enough Indonesian Rupiah in Nusa Penida before you leave. - Bring a Power Bank: Electricity is mostly supplied by generators and solar. While major resorts have 24/7 power, smaller spots might have scheduled "blackouts" during the day or late at night.
- Wi-Fi is Weak: Don't count on high-speed internet for video calls or work. It’s perfect for a "digital detox," but poor for a "digital nomad" lifestyle.
- No Doctors or Pharmacies: Unlike Gili Trawangan, there is no medical clinic on Gili Gede. Bring a full first-aid kit
- Stay Connected: Signal can be spotty. Download offline maps (Google Maps) and have your resort’s WhatsApp number saved for arrival instructions
Frequently Asked Questions – Nusa Penida to Gili Gede Fast Boat
How often do the direct boats from Nusa Penida to Gili Gede run?
Direct fast boats typically operate 3 times per week (usually Mondays, Wednesdaus, and Fridays), though frequency increases to daily during the peak summer season. The crossing takes approximately 1 hour.
How to Travel from Nusa Penida to Gili Gede?
For a direct trip, take the Gili Getaway fast boat from Buyuk Harbour for a swift 1-hour crossing. Alternatively, take any daily boat to Bangsal and book a private car+boat transfer via Gili-islandtransfers.com to reach Gili Gede via Tembowong.
How do I get from Gili Gede back to Nusa Penida?
The fastest route is the Gili Getaway direct boat (1 hour), departing from the Gili Gede Jetty to Buyuk Harbour. Alternatively, you can book a combined boat and car transfer from Gili Gede to Bangsal via Gili-islandtransfers.com, where you can then catch a daily fast boat back to Nusa Penida.
Are tickets for Nusa Penida to Gili Gede fast boats available online?
Yes, tickets for Nusa Penida to Gili Gede and Gili Gede to Nusa Penida fast boats can be booked online through our platforms for convenience and guaranteed seats. Simply use our search box and follow the booking process.
What are the departure times from Nusa Penida to Gili Gede?
The direct fast boat with Gili Getaway typically departs from Buyuk Harbour between 09:30 AM and 11:30 AM. Because schedules can vary by season, we recommend using the search box at the top of this page to get real-time availability and exact departure times for your specific travel dates.
