Many travelers heading to Gili Trawangan take fast boats from Bali. But if you want to explore Lombok’s mainland—especially with kids—and keep things affordable, there’s a better way: take the local public boat between Gili Trawangan and Bangsal. It’s cheap, simple, and gives your family a little adventure on the way.
In our case, we wanted to visit Lombok Wildlife Park, a small zoo where our kids could feed and touch animals they’ve never seen up close in New Zealand. To get there, we tried the local boat option between Gili Trawangan and Bangsal and came back the same way. This post explains exactly how it worked, what it cost, and how to avoid tourist traps.
Why Take the Local Boat?
- It’s cheaper than fast boats.
- Runs daily between 7 AM and 5 PM.
- Great for a family day trip to Lombok.
- No need to go back to Bali and fly.
This route is perfect if you’re already on Gili Trawangan and want to explore nearby Lombok without spending a lot.
Step-by-Step: From Gili Trawangan to Bangsal
Where’s the Ticket Office?
The local boat terminal is across from Pandawa Medical Island on Gili Trawangan. Look for the official sign that says “Official Ticket Office.” Avoid anyone trying to sell tickets outside of this booth.
How Much Does It Cost?
The fare is 23,000 IDR per person (about $1.45 USD), same for adults and kids. This price is fixed.
What Time Does It Leave?
There’s no fixed timetable. The boat leaves only when 37 people have bought tickets. Boats run between 7 AM and 5 PM, but you might have to wait a bit if it’s not full yet.
Buying Your Ticket
Line up at the ticket booth and tell the staff you’re going to Bangsal. They’ll write down your name and give you a numbered paper ticket. Once they sell 37 tickets, they’ll announce boarding over a loudspeaker—first in Indonesian, then in English.
Boarding the Boat
You’ll walk straight to the beach and step onto the boat—there’s no pier or dock. Wear sandals or flip-flops, not shoes or socks, because your feet will get wet.
The Boat Ride
- Takes about 25–30 minutes
- No air-con, but there’s a breeze and sliding windows
- Locals usually sit quietly or check their phones
- Try to sit on the shaded side to avoid sunburn—boats don’t turn, so the sun hits the same side both ways
Pro Tip: Don’t balance the boat with your body—just pick the shady side. My mistake earned me a sunburn.
Getting Back: Bangsal to Gili Trawangan
When we arrived in Bangsal, several people rushed toward us trying to sell fast boat tickets. But we knew better.
Walk in the direction you came off the boat. You’ll find another “Official Ticket Office” with a clear sign.
Ignore the sellers around it. Walk straight in and ask for a slow boat back to Gili Trawangan. Again, the staff will take your names and give you numbered tickets.
Our return ticket numbers were 7 to 10. The boarding call came after about 20 minutes. We showed our tickets and walked straight to the beach again to board.
This time, the boat was carrying lots of goods—supplies for the island. But we still had space and breeze. The shade tip we learned earlier really paid off.
Related: Planning to go the other way? Check out our full guide: Bali to Gili Trawangan: Your Easy Guide to Booking a Boat to Gili Islands – Deals, Tips and My Story
Is It Safe?
Yes. The boats do rock a bit, especially when large speedboats pass nearby, but nothing extreme. Both rides felt stable and were short enough that our kids had no issues.
Summary: How to Avoid Tourist Traps
Here are our best tips to use the local boat without stress:
- Always buy tickets from the official ticket office (not random people)
- There’s no fixed schedule—boats leave when 37 people are ready
- Ignore anyone trying to sell fast boat tickets unless that’s what you want
- Wear slip-on sandals (boarding from the beach)
- Sit in the shade side of the boat if you can
- Keep some small cash ready (23,000 IDR = ~$1.45 USD per ride)
FAQs: Local Boat from Gili Trawangan to Bangsal
Q. Where do I buy tickets on Gili Trawangan?
At the Official Ticket Office, across from Pandawa Medical Island. Look for the sign and ignore unofficial sellers.
Q. Where’s the ticket office on the Bangsal side?
Walk toward the road after landing. You’ll see the “Official Ticket Office” sign.
Q. How much is the ticket?
23,000 IDR (about $1.45 USD) per person, each way.
Q. Are there set departure times?
No, boats leave when there are 37 passengers.
Q. Is it safe for kids?
Yes. The ride is short and calm most days.
Q. Can I use a credit card?
Most likely not. Bring cash—preferably small bills.
Q. What happens if I miss the boat?
You’ll need to buy a new ticket and wait for the next one. Listen for the announcements.
Why We Took the Local Boat
We wanted to do something different with the kids—not just beaches and resorts. Taking the local boat let us visit Lombok Wildlife Park, a hands-on zoo where our kids got to feed and touch animals they’d only seen in books. Compared to similar places in New Zealand, it was much more affordable, and they had a blast. We’ll share that full experience in another blog post.
Planning Your Trip?
If you’re starting from Bali and looking to get to Gili Trawangan first, check out our full guide:
👉 Bali to Gili Trawangan: Your Easy Guide to Booking a Boat to Gili Islands – Deals, Tips and My Story
For more information on exploring Lombok, including attractions, accommodations, and travel tips, visit the official Indonesian tourism site:
👉 Indonesia Travel – Lombok