TSurely, the Gili Islands, a group of three small islands near Lombok, Indonesia, is a great place for travelers. The beaches are clean, the water is clear, and there are lots of fish and other sea life to see. In the past, one of the easiest ways to get there was to take a ferry from Amed, a quiet town on the coast of Bali. But, recently, things have changed with the Amed to Gili ferry service, and it’s left many people confused and looking for other ways to get there. With this post, we want to help by explaining what’s going on now and giving useful tips for those planning a trip to the Gili Islands.
Amed to Gili Ferry: A History
Indeed, the speedboat service from Amed to the Gili Islands was a popular choice for many travelers. Not only was the journey relatively short, but also the views were stunning, adding significantly to the overall travel experience. To put it differently, the service was not just reliable, it was concurrently an enjoyable spectacle. The ferries departed daily from Amed, providing an easy transportation option for those eager to explore the beautiful Gili Islands. With this in mind, it’s easy to see why the Amed to Gili Ferry was the go-to choice for many adventurers.”
The Current Situation: No More Amed to Gili Islands Ferry?
Recently, the Amed to Gili Islands ferry service was surprisingly halted. The apparent reason: the operator lacked a license, and furthermore, there was no proper port at Jemeluk Bay, from where the boats were departing. Undeniably, this has resulted in some inconveniences for travelers. Amed is well worth visiting and one of our favorite places in Bali. Read our article “5 Reasons Why Amed is our Favorite Place in Bali” to discover more about this beautiful place.
Understanding the Reasons Behind the Change
While we could not verify the exact reason, and although it remains uncertain if the government really forbid the Amed to Gili Ferry service because of the reasons mentioned, we comprehend the situation. In essence, the absence of a proper port or ferry terminal in Amed could potentially lead to damage to the coral reefs and the underwater world. Certainly, without the appropriate structures in place, boats could inadvertently harm the delicate marine ecosystem. Moreover, this is a significant concern for all, not only because it threatens the marine life, but also since it disrupts the ferry services from Amed to Gili. Given these points, it is imperative to address this issue sooner rather than later to prevent irreversible damage.
The Impact of the Change on Travelers and Locals
The halt of the boat service from Amed to theGili Islands ferry service has had a significant impact on both travelers and locals. For travelers, the journey to the Gili Islands has become more complicated as they now have to travel to Padangbai, which is 1.5 hours away on the east coast of Bali. This not only adds to the travel time but also increases the cost of the journey.
For locals, the impact has been even more profound. The decrease in tourist traffic has had a negative effect on the local economy, which relies heavily on tourism. Many local businesses that catered to tourists are now struggling to stay afloat.
Alternatives to the Amed to Gili Islands Ferry
Despite the halt of the Amed to Gili Islands ferry service, there are still ways to reach the Gili Islands. The most common alternative is to take a ferry from Padangbai. While this option is a bit more time-consuming, it is currently the most reliable way to reach the Gili Islands from Bali. If you stay closer to Denpasar or in the South of Bali, then Sanur would be the best option.
The Boat from Amed to Gili Islands: A Missed Opportunity?
The suspension of the Amed to Gili Islands ferry service is undoubtedly a missed opportunity for easy travel between these two popular destinations. If the service were to be reinstated, it would benefit travelers as well as the local economy. However, until such time, travelers will need to adapt and explore other options.
How to Buy Ferry / Boat Tickets to Gili Islands Online
In the age of digital convenience, buying ferry tickets to the Gili Islands has never been easier. Platforms like 12go.asia offer a simple and straightforward booking process. With just a few clicks, you can secure your ticket to the Gili Islands. The platform provides detailed information about the schedule, cost, and duration of the journey. This makes it a reliable resource for travelers.
Accommodation on the Gili Islands
To find the best accommodation deals in the beautiful Gili Island, head over to Booking.com. Enjoy these unique islands, swim with turtles, and see one of the best sunsets in Indonesia!
Booking.comConclusion
It’s with a heavy heart that we acknowledge the suspension of the Amed to Gili Islands ferry service. This service was more than just a transportation option. It was a lifeline connecting Amed and the nearby areas with the enchanting Gili Islands and Lombok. For travelers already in Amed the ferry provided an easy and convenient way to explore these beautiful islands.
While we understand the concerns that led to this decision, particularly the potential environmental impact on the delicate marine ecosystem. It’s important to recognize the repercussions this change has brought. The suspension has not only made travel more challenging for tourists but has also affected the local community in Amed. The residents relied heavily on the influx of tourists for their livelihood.
In these changing times, we stand with travelers and the local community, hoping for a resolution that balances environmental concerns with the needs of the people. Until then, we remain committed to helping you navigate these changes and continue your journey with the best possible alternatives. Safe travels!
FAQ
What is the current situation with the Amed to Gili Islands ferry service?
The ferry service from Amed to the Gili Islands has recently been halted. The reason given was that the operator apparently had no license and there was no proper port at Jemeluk Bay, where the boats were departing. This has led to some inconveniences for travelers.
Why was the Amed to Gili Islands ferry service halted?
The exact reason for the halt of the ferry service is not verified, but it’s understood that the lack of a proper port or ferry terminal could potentially lead to damage to the coral reefs and the underwater world. Without proper structures in place, boats could inadvertently harm the delicate marine ecosystem.
What is the impact of the change on travelers and locals?
The halt of the boat service from Amed to the Gili Islands ferry service has had a significant impact on both travelers and locals. For travelers, the journey to the Gili Islands has become more complicated as they now have to travel to Padangbai, which is 1.5 hours away on the east coast of Bali. For locals, the decrease in tourist traffic has had a negative effect on the local economy.
What are the alternatives to the Amed to Gili Islands ferry?
Despite the halt of the Amed to Gili Islands ferry service, there are still ways to reach the Gili Islands. The most common alternative is to take a ferry from Padangbai. If you stay closer to Denpasar or in the South of Bali, then Sanur would be the best option to reach the Gili Islands by Speedboat.
How can I buy ferry or boat tickets to the Gili Islands online?
In the age of digital convenience, buying ferry tickets to the Gili Islands has never been easier. Platforms like 12go.asia offer a simple and straightforward booking process. With just a few clicks, you can secure your ticket to the Gili Islands.
What is the conclusion regarding the suspension of the Amed to Gili Islands ferry service?
The suspension of the Amed to Gili Islands ferry service has not only made travel more challenging for tourists but has also affected the local community in Amed, who relied heavily on the influx of tourists for their livelihood. It is hoped for a resolution that balances environmental concerns with the needs of the people.
