Quick Overview

Traveling between Bali and its surrounding islands like Gili Trawangan, Lombok, Nusa Penida, and Lembongan can often be a hassle—long waits, unpredictable schedules, and crowded boats. This fast boat ticket service, costing around $19 per person, offers a practical way to skip the stress, with a trip duration of roughly 3 hours. It’s perfect for those with tight schedules or travelers eager for a swift, scenic ride.
What we love about this service is its modern aluminum boats equipped with four powerful engines, ensuring high speed and safety. Plus, the generous baggage allowance of 25 kilograms (about 55 pounds) means you can bring your gear without worries—something that adds real value if you’re planning longer stays or carrying surfboards and snorkeling equipment.
However, it’s worth noting that schedule changes and delays can happen, especially if the weather turns rough. This isn’t unusual for sea crossings in Indonesia, but it’s something to keep in mind if you’re on a tight timetable or connecting to flights.
This experience suits independent travelers who have their own transport to the ports and appreciate a straightforward, no-frills way to hop between islands—minus the chaos of local ferry terminals.
Key Points
- Fast, reliable transportation between Bali and nearby islands like Gili Trawangan, Lombok, and Nusa Penida
- Generous luggage allowance of 25kg per person, ideal for longer trips or gear
- Modern, high-speed boats with four engines for a smooth and quick ride
- Potential schedule changes due to weather or sea conditions
- Additional fees such as harbor, port, and island entrance fees are payable on-site
- Limited services including no hotel pick-up/drop-off and restrictions for pregnant or medically impaired travelers
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An Honest Look at Bali’s Speedboat Service

Traveling around the Indonesian archipelago often involves navigating busy ports, unreliable schedules, and cramped vessels. Booking a fast boat from Bali to islands like Gili Trawangan or Lombok offers a sensible alternative—especially if you value speed and comfort. We’ll walk you through what this experience really involves, what to expect, and how it stacks up against other options.
Starting at the Bali meeting point, you’re greeted at a central location in Padangbai, with the ticket redemption process straightforward at the Ekajaya Fast Ferry. The boats are modern aluminum vessels with four engines, giving you confidence in their ability to slice through the water quickly and securely. You’ll appreciate the air-conditioned cabins and scenic views during the roughly 3-hour crossing.
What makes this service particularly attractive is the capacity for 210 passengers, making it a flexible and less crowded option compared to smaller, traditional boats. The inclusion of insurance for each passenger also provides peace of mind, especially when crossing open waters.
On the flip side, schedule changes are a real possibility. The route can be altered on the day, especially if the weather turns unfavorable, with the alternative being a slower ferry—sometimes with no refund. The reviews include comments such as “Return was at a different location and I was not informed about this,” highlighting the importance of patience and flexibility when traveling by sea in these parts.
Detailed Breakdown of the Trip

From Bali to Gili Trawangan, Lombok, or Nusa Penida
Once you arrive at the meeting point, the process is simple: present your ticket, load your luggage (which is included up to 25kg), and board the vessel. The boat’s speed and stability are key highlights here. We loved the way the boat’s powerful engines let us cut through the waves swiftly, reducing travel time and the risk of seasickness—an important consideration for many travelers.
Waiting at the docks, you might notice the additional fees payable on the spot: harbor fees in Nusa Penida and Lembongan (around Rp.25,000), or port fees in Gili Trawangan and other Gilis (Rp.20,000). These are standard but worth keeping in mind when budgeting your trip. The ferry’s luggage inspection policy is strict, aiming to prevent dangerous or suspicious items, which keeps everyone safer but means packing smartly.
Onboard, you’ll find a comfortable, air-conditioned environment—a welcome relief after a hot day exploring Bali or Lombok. The crew is professional, and the views outside—oceans, islands, and distant volcanoes—are memorable. The journey’s length makes it practical for a day trip, but not so long that it becomes tiring.
Arrival at the islands varies depending on the route. For Gili Trawangan, the dock might be different than expected, and as some reviews note, the schedule can change without prior notice. Once ashore, the island’s lively vibe, with its beach bars and snorkeling opportunities, makes the trip worthwhile.
What Travelers Are Saying
Reviews reveal an overall mixed experience. One traveler, Hasan Z., called it a “Regular service,” citing delays and a return at a different location without prior info. This highlights the importance of flexibility and keeping tabs on the schedule during your trip. The cost of $19 is generally seen as fair for a quick, comfortable crossing, especially considering the included luggage allowance.
Some travelers appreciate the modern boats and scenic ride but note that schedule changes can happen unexpectedly, especially if seas are rough. The boat’s speed is a highlight, allowing you to maximize your time on the islands rather than in transit.
Who Will Love This Experience?
If you’re independent and organized, with your own transport to the ports, this fast boat service is an excellent choice. It offers speed, comfort, and reliability—in good weather. It’s especially suited for travelers who wish to maximize island time and dislike the unpredictability of local ferries.
However, if you’re concerned about schedule changes or traveling with small children or medical conditions, you might want to consider alternative options or prepare for some flexibility. Remember, weather can change quickly, and in Indonesia, delays are part of the adventure.
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Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?
This fast boat ticket is a practical, budget-friendly way to hop between Bali and its nearby islands. While it offers modern vessels and a generous luggage allowance, the reliability depends heavily on weather and operational conditions. Travelers who are flexible and appreciate a comfortable, quick ride will find it worth the price.
For those with tight schedules or specific needs, it’s wise to double-check schedule updates and be prepared for possible delays. The experience can be smooth and scenic, especially if you’re lucky with the weather, but flexibility remains key.
If you’re looking for an affordable, straightforward way to explore Bali’s surrounding islands and don’t mind some unpredictability, this fast boat service can serve as your reliable bridge. Just remember to confirm your return trip 48 hours before and stay aware of additional fees.
FAQ

How much does a one-way ticket cost?
A typical one-way ticket costs about $19, which is quite reasonable considering it includes luggage allowance and insurance.
What islands can I reach with this fast boat?
You can travel between Bali and Gili Trawangan, Gili Air, Gili Meno, Lombok (Senggigi or Bangsal), Nusa Penida, and Nusa Lembongan.
Are there luggage restrictions?
Yes, each passenger can bring up to 25kg (about 55 pounds) of luggage. The ferry reserves the right to inspect luggage and refuse dangerous items.
Are there extra fees I should be aware of?
Yes, expect to pay harbor, port, and island fees on the spot—typically around Rp.25,000 in Nusa Penida and Lembongan and Rp.20,000 in the Gilis. Also, surfboard transport costs about Rp.50.000 per piece.
Can I get a shuttle pickup or hotel drop-off?
This service does not include hotel pick-up or drop-off; you’ll need to make your own arrangements to reach the meeting point.
What if the weather is bad?
The schedule can be changed or canceled without prior notice, especially during rough seas. In such cases, you might be moved to a slower ferry or offered a full refund.
Is this service suitable for pregnant women or those with health issues?
It’s not recommended for pregnant women, people with heart conditions, or those with serious back or physical ailments. If you still choose to travel, you’ll need to sign a disclaimer releasing liability.
Traveling around Bali and its islands by fast boat offers a balance of speed and comfort, making island-hopping manageable without breaking the bank. Be prepared for a few surprises, stay flexible, and enjoy the stunning views along the way.
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