Your Bali Boat Travel Guide
Everything you need to know before you book — answered by local operators since 2010
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Crossing times
Bali → Gili Islands: 1.5–2h • Sanur → Nusa Penida: 45m • Sanur → Lombok: 2.5h. All times depend on sea conditions.
Luggage
Free allowance: 1 suitcase (20kg) + 1 carry-on per person. Extra luggage can be arranged. No strict weight limit on smaller bags.
Safety
All operators are Partas-licensed with life jackets, emergency rafts, and first-aid. Vessels are inspected regularly by Indonesian maritime authorities.
Weather
Boat cancellations due to weather are rare but happen in the monsoon season (Dec–Feb). If cancelled, you get a full refund or rebooking — free.
Payment
We accept Visa, Mastercard, Amex via Stripe, and USDT (TRC20). All prices are in IDR. No hidden fees.
E-tickets
Your e-ticket is emailed immediately after payment. Show the PDF or QR code on your phone at the port — no printing needed.
Route reference
| Route | Duration | Price (pp) | Morning | Afternoon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Padang Bai → Gili Trawangan / Air | 1.5h | Rp 425,000 | 08:30 | 14:00 |
| Sanur → Gili Trawangan / Air | 2h | Rp 525,000 | 09:00 | — |
| Sanur → Nusa Penida | 45m | Rp 150,000 | 07:00 | 13:00 |
| Sanur → Nusa Lembongan | 45m | Rp 150,000 | 07:00 | 13:00 |
| Padang Bai → Lombok / Bangsal | 2h | Rp 425,000 | 08:30 | 14:00 |
| Sanur → Lombok / Bangsal | 2.5h | Rp 525,000 | 09:00 | — |
| Gili Trawangan / Air → Padang Bai | 1.5h | Rp 425,000 | 10:30 | 15:00 |
Prices per person, may vary during peak seasons (July–August, Christmas, Nyepi).
Getting to the ports
Padang Bai
Main east-coast port. ~50min drive from Ubud, ~1h from Sanur, ~1.5h from Seminyak/Canggu. Taxi: Rp 250,000–350,000 from central Bali. Scooter: Rp 100,000–150,000. ATMs, warungs, and parking available.
Sanur
South-east coast, closest to most hotels. Only 5–15 min from Sanur hotels. From Seminyak: ~30min (Rp 150,000–250,000). From Ubud: ~1h (Rp 250,000–350,000). Compact port, operator counters right next to the jetty.
Scooter tips
Riding a scooter to the port? Padang Bai is a straightforward highway ride. Bring your rental agreement — the port parking attendant may ask for proof. Parking costs Rp 5,000–10,000/day. Leave your helmet with the bike.
Pro tip: Book your return taxi through the driver who drops you — they'll wait for your boat. Use WhatsApp if you're lost on departure day.
Island guide
Gili Trawangan
The largest and most developed Gili. Vibe: Partying, diving, beach clubs. No cars or motorbikes — horse carts and bicycles only. Best for: Solo travelers, young couples, divers.
Gili Air
The "middle" Gili — a perfect balance. Vibe: Laid-back, yoga, intimate bungalows, quiet beachfront warungs. Best for: Couples, digital nomads, families. Sea turtles every morning near the jetty.
Gili Meno
The smallest and quietest. Vibe: Honeymoon, total escape, barefoot luxury. Highlights: Turtle sanctuary, underwater statues, incredible sunsets. Best for: Honeymooners, writers.
Nusa Penida
Rugged, dramatic, Instagram-famous. Must-see: Kelingking Beach (T-Rex cliff), Broken Beach, Diamond Beach. Warning: Rough roads — hire a driver (Rp 400,000–600,000/day) unless you're an experienced rider.
Nusa Lembongan
Smaller, flatter, more relaxed than Penida. Vibe: Surfing, mangroves, sunset at Devil's Tear. Best for: Surfers, families, travelers wanting island life without crowds.
Lombok
Bali's quieter, wilder neighbor. Must-see: Mount Rinjani trek (2–3 days), Pink Beach, Sendang Gile waterfall. Best for: Surfers, trekkers, travelers who've "done Bali."
Best time to travel
| Season | Months | Conditions | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry season | Apr–Oct | Sunny, calm seas, 27–33°C | Best time for all islands. July–Aug peak — book early. |
| Wet season | Nov–Mar | Humid, afternoon storms, rougher seas Dec–Feb | Still fine for most trips. Bring motion sickness tablets. |
| Surf season | May–Sep | Bigger swells on west-facing breaks | Best for experienced surfers. East coast is flatter. |
| Festivals | Mar–Apr (Nyepi) | Nyepi = silent day, no one travels | Nyepi: no boats run for 24h. Plan around it. |
Money & local tips
Currency
Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). ~16,000 IDR to 1 USD. ATMs everywhere in Bali but limited on Gili islands — bring enough cash. Most hotels accept cards but small warungs are cash-only.
Tipping
Not mandatory but appreciated. Restaurants: 5–10% if service charge isn't included. Porters: Rp 10,000–20,000 per bag. Boat crew: Rp 20,000–50,000 if they help with luggage.
SIM & data
Buy a local SIM at the airport (Telkomsel = best coverage). Data packages ~Rp 50,000 for 10GB/30 days. eSIM options: Airalo, Holafly. Wi-Fi common in hotels but slow on Gili islands.
Power
Standard EU-style two-pin plug (Type C/F). 230V, 50Hz. Bring a universal adapter from US/UK. Power cuts happen on Gili islands — charge your phone whenever possible.
What to pack
Lightweight clothing, reef-safe sunscreen, mosquito repellent, swimwear, sarong (for temples), motion sickness tablets, power bank, reusable water bottle, light rain jacket (Nov–Mar).
Temple etiquette
Wear a sarong, cover shoulders, don't point feet at the altar. Sarongs available for rent at temple entrances (Rp 10,000–15,000). Women on their period should not enter temples (local custom).
Frequently asked questions
Arrive at least 30–40 minutes before departure. During peak season (July–August, Christmas, Nyepi) arrive 45–60 minutes early.
Essentials: e-ticket on your phone, sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, motion sickness tablets if prone, and a light jacket.
Yes. All boats are Partas-licensed with life jackets for all passengers, emergency rafts, fire extinguishers, first-aid kits, and marine radios.
If the operator cancels due to unsafe conditions, you get a full refund or free rebooking. Weather cancellations are most common December–February.
Changes: free up to 24 hours before departure. Cancellations: full refund 48+ hours before, 50% between 24–48 hours, no refund within 24 hours.
1 suitcase max 20kg + 1 carry-on per person. Surfboards, dive gear, and motorbikes can be carried with advance notice and extra fee.
Most fast boats have a small toilet and basic snack bar. The short Nusa Penida crossing (45 min) usually has no onboard facilities.
Most nationalities get Visa on Arrival at Bali airport for Rp 500,000 (~$32 USD), valid 30 days, extendable once for another 30 days.
On BaliGoat, click Return at the top of the search form. Choose outbound and return routes — both legs appear in the price breakdown.
Credit/debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex) via Stripe, and USDT TRC20. Card details never touch our servers.
We don't operate transfers directly but we help arrange transport. Most hotels in Sanur, Padang Bai, Ubud, and Seminyak offer shuttles.
Missed departures are non-refundable but contact us on WhatsApp and we'll try to get you on the next departure for a small rebooking fee.