How to Avoid Seasickness on the Gili Fast Boat

The crossing between Bali and the Gili Islands is short, but the open-water stretch can get bumpy — especially in the afternoon or during windier months. The good news: seasickness is largely preventable. Here are nine tips that genuinely work, so you arrive on Gili Trawangan ready for the beach rather than the nearest bench.

1. Take a morning boat

This is the single biggest factor. The sea is calmest early in the day and gets choppier as afternoon winds build. If you have a choice, book the earliest departure you reasonably can — a morning Padang Bai to Gili Trawangan crossing is about as smooth as it gets.

2. Choose the shortest crossing

Less time on the water means less time to feel unwell. Padang Bai has the shortest open-water leg to the Gilis (~1h 30m), versus ~2–2.5 hours from Sanur. If motion sickness is a real worry, favour Padang Bai — see our Padang Bai vs Sanur comparison for the full picture.

3. Sit in the right spot

Not all seats are equal:

• Middle and low is best — the centre of the boat moves least.
• Outside, facing forward, with a view of the horizon, beats an enclosed cabin.
• Avoid the back near the engines (fumes + more bounce) and avoid facing backwards.

Board early to claim a good seat.

4. Watch the horizon

Motion sickness comes from a mismatch between what your inner ear feels and what your eyes see. Fix your gaze on the stable horizon rather than looking down at your phone, a book, or the churning water beside the boat. If you feel queasy, stop scrolling immediately.

5. Take remedies before you board — not after

Prevention beats cure. Common options:

• Over-the-counter tablets (e.g. dimenhydrinate/Dramamine, or cinnarizine/Stugeron) — take them 30–60 minutes before departure, not once you already feel sick.
• Ginger — ginger tablets, chews or ginger tea are a well-regarded natural option.
• Acupressure wristbands (Sea-Bands) — drug-free and worth a try.

If you take medication, check for drowsiness and don't combine it with alcohol.

6. Eat light, but don't travel empty

An empty stomach can make nausea worse, and so can a heavy, greasy meal. Aim for something plain and light before the crossing — crackers, plain rice, toast or a banana. Sip water and skip the big breakfast.

7. Skip the big night before

A hangover and a bumpy boat are a miserable combination. Alcohol the night before dehydrates you and worsens motion sickness. If you know you have an early crossing, go easy the night before — save the beach bars for when you arrive.

8. Get fresh air and stay cool

Stuffy, warm air makes nausea worse. If you can, sit where there's a breeze, keep cool, and avoid strong smells (fuel, perfume, food). If you start to feel off, close your eyes, breathe slowly, and focus on the fresh air.

9. Stay calm and distracted

Anxiety amplifies seasickness. Breathe slowly, relax your shoulders, and distract yourself with music or conversation. Many people find that once they accept a bit of movement and stop fighting it, the feeling passes.

What to do if you feel sick anyway

• Move to the middle of the boat and face forward.
• Fix your eyes on the horizon.
• Get fresh air and loosen tight clothing.
• Sip water slowly; nibble a plain cracker or ginger chew.
• Most operators have sick bags on board — don't be shy about asking the crew.

The bottom line

Book a morning boat on the shortest crossing, sit low and central facing forward, take a remedy before you board, and keep your eyes on the horizon. Do those and the odds are strongly in your favour.

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