I want to get to Gili Trawangan from Ubud in January most likely Padang Bai Route.
I have been doing some reading online and i am reading everything from horror stories to smooth experiences.
If you have travelled to Gili T - any advice?
Is the weather rough in January?
Is it better to book online before you go ~$160 AUD return with Bluewater Express;
Or is it best to get tickets when you are there anywhere from $60-$100 AUD.
It will be peak season.
Thanks D.
Thanks.
This puts things into a bit more perspective.
I can't seem to find much on other operators other than bluewater.
Sounds like I will need seasickness tablets.
See Tripadvisor and Rome2Rio
Just as bad as the boat trip, was the drive to and from Padang Bai. It’s a long and winding road. Worse on way back as you are tired from boat trip.
There is also no good or bad time. Like honeyman says. We had great trip over coming back was rough.
Island is great for relaxing, hire a bicycle and ride around island. More relaxed on far side, less tourists, but less facilities,. Can ride around in an hour or two.
Having snacks with you helps as prices are much higher obviously on island. (This is Ozbargain)
Would love to go back if it was closer but the trip was a real bear
Can’t recall which boat we used, I think it was smaller than the others we saw, obviously we used the cheapest, which we booked a few days in advance.
Thanks for the info.
It's always nice to hear a tailored response.
I'll be sure to take snacks. Last time I was on an island we were warned not to have snacks in our room because of the animals. I had some ants eat their way through my backpack and eat my Oreos.
Another is milk. If you can, long life from here is even cheaper.
I think you will be ok with the Ants. The biggest threat to life Limb etc is other Tourists. Also ear plugs if you arent into all the sounds like honeyman says.
We werent there long enough but trips to the other islands looked like fun.
I did this journey from Ubud to Bluewater Express in Aug 19 (school holidays), only one way as I went on to Lombok.
I found that they were a good company, I booked about a 4 days in advance and it proved a little cheaper than last minute. I also remember they don't do pickup if you book the day before.
They picked me up in a branded bus so it is easy to spot, I was the first pickup and they were about 10 mins early. The bus journey was fine, there was a lot of traffic but we arrived at the dock on time. You check in first and they take your luggage to the boat for you, you also get a bottle of water (there is also bottled water on the boat).
The boat journey was rough, I was one of the last boarding so I sat out the back next to the engines, it proved to be the best place to sit as it was out of the sun on the steadiest part of the boat plus there was a nice breeze.
Initially it was fine but after a while people started to join me, most of them were throwing up and there was one girl having a panic attack. In all there was probably 8-9 people being sick.
You can go on the roof but if you choose to do this then do it before you leave the dock, going up and down the ladder was seriously difficult when the sea is rough. Most people decided not to attempt it once we were moving.
Thanks for the reply.
I'll defo be taking tablets.
Only issue with being near the engine for me would be the fumes.
I'm considering flying back through Lombok to be honest.
TripAdvisor would probably be a better place to ask.
Nonetheless I am in Lombok right now. I've done BlueWater Express a few times to/from Serangan. BlueWater Express is one of the most expensive options, but I've always had a good experience with them and feel safe.
I only felt sick once, but that was probably because I had a couple Bintangs beforehand on an empty stomach.
I've read a lot of TripAdvisor and it always tends to be the extreme ends of things. Gushing reviews or horror stories.
Hence I asked here.
Me and my fiance travelled from Ubud to Gili T via Padang Bai in Aug 2017. We used Patagonia Express, booked ahead but only by a few days. Can't remember how much it was sorry.
Pickup from Ubud was easy, and the boat was modern and felt safe.
Tips:
* On the way there we were among last onto the boat, this meant there was only room for us on the roof. We weren't prepared for this and it was HOT. Definitely need sunscreen and plenty of water in case this happens to you. Your main luggage is stored separately.
* Take sea sickness tablets if you need them.
* You arrive on the beach, no jetty, be ready for this with footwear. Our crew carried our bags onto dry land for us.
* The ride back wasn't as full so we were in the cabin. There was aircon and wifi!
Enjoy Gili T, it was one of our favourite stops. The mosque is annoying, bad for sleep-ins. Check out the snorkeling and consider taking a free diving course if that's your thing.