As a major tourist destination in Indonesia, Bali is connected to the surrounding small islands. These islands include the Gili Islands, Lombok, Nusa Penida, and Nusa Lembongan. Besides vacationing in Bali, tourists often plan trips from Bali to the Gili Islands and Lombok. Fast boats are one of the transportation options connecting Bali, the Gili Islands, and Lombok. Fast boats from Bali to the Gili Islands and Lombok depart from three main ports in Bali. They depart from the ports of Sanur, Serangan, and Padangbai. Sanur Port is the busiest for trips to Nusa Penida or Nusa Lembongan. Serangan Port is dominated by three fast boat operators: Bluewater, Gili Getaway, and Ekajaya. Padangbai is the busiest port for trips from Bali to the Gili Islands and Lombok. Nearly 12 fast boat operators serve the Bali-Gili Islands-Lombok route, with two departures daily.
Popular Fast Boat Routes from Bali to the Gili Islands and Lombok
- The route from Bali to the Gili Islands and Lombok is one of the busiest ferry routes. Fast boats depart from Padangbai Harbor to Gili Trawangan, Gili Air, and Lombok. The Padangbai to Gili Trawangan route is a direct crossing taking 1 hour and 30 minutes. Fast boats from Gili Trawangan continue to Gili Air, a journey of 15 minutes. Bangsal Harbor in Lombok is the final destination after fast boats stop at Gili Air. The total travel time from Bali to Lombok is approximately 2 hours. About ten fast boat operators serve the Bali to Lombok crossing via Padangbai harbor daily.
- The route from Bali to Nusa Penida/Nusa Lembongan is the second busiest due to the many tourists visiting these islands. Nearly 15 fast boats offer direct crossings from Sanur Harbor to Nusa Penida/Lembongan. The crossing time is relatively short, around 30-45 minutes. The ticket prices for crossings from Bali to Nusa Penida/Nusa Lembongan vary widely, from USD 6-12 per person. Sanur Bali is the main harbor, meeting international standards, with thousands of people crossing to Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan daily.
- Serangan to the Gili Islands and Lombok is a significant route serviced by three fast boat operators: Ekajaya Fast Ferry, Bluewater Express, and Gili Getaway. These three operators are pioneers and currently the largest fast boat operators. The Serangan to Gili Islands and Lombok crossing takes at least 3 hours. The ticket prices for fast boats from Serangan to the Gili Islands and Lombok are relatively higher than other routes, starting from USD 28 per person during regular seasons and typically rising to USD 35 during peak holidays.
- Another busy crossing route is the Lombok to Gili Islands route. This route covers three islands: Gili Air, Gili Meno, and Gili Trawangan. Typically, passengers depart from Bangsal Harbor (Lombok) to the Gili Islands. Three choices of boats are offered: Public Boats, private speed boats, and speed boats by Karya Bahari. The Public Boat is commonly used by locals commuting to the Gili Islands for work, with tickets priced affordably starting at USD 2. Private speed boats cater specifically to tourists who wish to visit the Gili Islands at their preferred time, and they are available anytime they want to depart. The price for a private speed boat starts at USD 35 per boat. Karya Bahari speedboats are widely used by tourists, especially foreigners visiting the Gili Islands. They offer transfers with a relatively short duration of around 15-30 minutes and are priced at approximately USD 8 per person.
For exceptional prices, please book through our website, bali-gili.com or kapalcepat.com. We offer varied and affordable prices, and for your convenience, you can make instant online bookings with e-ticket confirmation. Book now to secure your tickets for a vacation to the Gili Islands, Lombok, Nusa Penida, and Nusa Lembongan.
The Best Fast Ferries to the Gili Islands
Sea transportation has become famous for travelers seeking affordable travel from Bali to the Gili Islands and Lombok. Fast ferries have become an attractive alternative due to the high costs often associated with plane tickets. Fast ferry tickets can be acquired at significantly lower prices compared to airfares, sometimes up to three times less expensive. This affordability makes fast ferries the preferred mode of transport for many, especially those looking to manage their travel expenses effectively.
Fast ferries, commonly known as fast boats, predominantly depart from Padangbai Port in Bali. Their appeal lies not only in their cost-effectiveness but also in their speed. The journey from Bali to the Gili Islands, particularly Gili Trawangan, takes approximately 1.5 hours, allowing tourists to swiftly immerse themselves in the islands’ beauty without enduring lengthy transit times. In contrast, slow ferries can take up to 4 hours and do not provide direct services to the Gili Islands, compromising comfort and efficiency.
Choosing The Best Fast Ferries from Bali to the Gili Islands
When choosing fast ferries, several factors contribute to a pleasant and safe travel experience. Fast ferries must adhere to international standards regarding vessel materials, such as fiberglass or aluminum, and provide adequate safety and comfort facilities for passengers. Equally critical is the crew’s competence, including the captain, who should possess experience and training to ensure safety and deliver excellent service throughout the journey.
Service quality also plays a pivotal role in selecting fast ferries. Key considerations include friendly and professional staff, convenient check-in processes, the availability of official offices, and comfortable waiting facilities. The ability to promptly resolve customer issues further enhances the value of a fast ferry service.
Based on these criteria, KapalCepat.com identifies the top three fast ferries for the Bali-Gili-Lombok route:
- Wahana Virendra Fast Boat: Known for high vessel quality and service excellence standards.
- Bali Ekajaya Fast Boat: Offers a safe and comfortable travel experience with a long-standing reputation in sea crossings.
- Wijaya Perkasa Fast Boat: Despite being relatively new, it has demonstrated a commitment to delivering good service from Padangbai Bali to the Gili Islands and Lombok.
Travelers can explore these options to select a fast ferry that meets their needs and budget. Detailed information regarding departure schedules and ticket prices is available on the KapalCepat.com website, facilitating easy and convenient booking. Armed with this knowledge, travelers can plan their journeys effectively and thoroughly enjoy the captivating landscapes of the Gili Islands and Lombok.
