The best way to see a larger number of sites without spending too long on the island. With a one night stop-over, either island hopping on the way to the Gilis or returning the next morning or afternoon to Bali, you can take in more sites and enjoy a relaxing sunset along the west coast.
Island hopping to Gili the next day (depart Bali 8.00 am, depart Penida for Gili 9.00 am next day)
The fact that you do not have to be back at the harbour late afternoon means you can spend longer visiting sites, and enjoy sunset at one of the fabulous West coast viewpoints. Then have a relaxing evening at your hotel before heading off to the Gilis at 9am the following day. There is also time to take in a sunrise on the east coast before departure, if you fancy another early start!
Back to Bali the following afternoon (depart Bali 8.00 am, return to Bali 5.10 pm next day)
This allows you two full days sight-seeing, and you can take in all the main sites over the two days. We suggest West coast on the first day, ending up at a sunset bar for relaxing sundowners after a busy day touring, then an early start to enjoy an East coast sunrise the following day. You then have plenty of time to enjoy the less-visited East coast sites beaches and really take time to chill out, before cruising back to Bali late afternoon.