In Reply to: Bali to Gili's posted by Labsy on Monday, 27. September 2010 at 20:29 Bali Time:
do a free pick up service Kuta Sanur seminak legian etc. Its a bit early if the boat leaves from pedang bai (preferred as its a shorter sea crossing) and worth the early rise.
We were picked up in Kuta at 6.30 am for the eka jaya crossing,all went smooth even though we were not in our hotel in kuta until 10.30 the night before.
You would be best to book your boat trip before you leave as your time in Bali is a bit short to shop around and the internet price you pay will "Guarantee" your pick up as you pay top dollar
I went eka jaya and it was ok,a few weeks later eka jaya sank shortly after leaving pedang bai.
I cannot recommend eka jaya because of the sinking,our trip was fine but a bit hair raising to say the least.
personally I would say that the Lombok straight from bali to the Gilis is not really 100% safe for any speed boat to do no matter what safety arrangements are in place!
Good luck the Gilis are worth the trip thats for sure. :)