How to get from Bali to Gili Trawangan with luggage: which port to use and where to book boat tickets?

Travelers reported that going to Gili Trawangan with suitcases is not a major issue; in practice, it is not much different from traveling with backpacks.

Padangbai was the recommended departure port from Bali in the shared experience of traveling to Gili Trawangan.

One traveler specifically mentioned using Wahana Virendra, chosen because of Google Maps reviews and a departure time that fit their schedule.

You may be able to avoid middlemen: in this case, the traveler contacted the boat company directly on WhatsApp, reserved seats in advance, and paid cash in person the day before departure.