What's the difference between a slow ferry and a speedboat? ▼
Slow ferries (Ro-Ro) are large car-carrying vessels that cross between islands at lower speeds. They're much cheaper than speedboats but take longer. Speedboats are fast passenger-only boats at 2-3x the price. Slow ferries can carry vehicles, speedboats cannot.
Are slow ferries safe? ▼
Yes. Major routes like Gilimanuk-Ketapang and Padang Bai-Lembar are operated by ASDP, Indonesia's state-owned ferry company, with modern vessels. These are the same ferries that carry thousands of passengers and vehicles daily. They follow strict safety regulations and have life jackets, life rafts, and navigation equipment.
Can I take my scooter or car on the ferry? ▼
Absolutely! This is one of the main advantages of slow ferries. Motorcycles and cars drive directly onto the vessel. You stay with your vehicle during the crossing or can go up to the passenger deck. The BaliGoat booking form lets you select your vehicle type for accurate pricing.
How do I get to the ferry harbor from my hotel? ▼
BaliGoat offers door-to-door harbor transport from all major tourist areas. Add harbor pickup during booking and a driver will meet you at your hotel, take you to the harbor, and help you board. Post-arrival drop-off is also available at the destination harbor.
Do I need to book in advance? ▼
For foot passengers on busy routes, tickets are often available at the harbor. However, booking through BaliGoat in advance guarantees your spot, especially during peak season (July-August, December-January). For vehicle tickets and harbor transport, advance booking is strongly recommended to secure availability.
How do I get from Ketapang to Bromo or Ijen? ▼
From the Ketapang ferry terminal in Banyuwangi, you can: (1) Take a local minibus to Ijen crater (1 hr, ~Rp 100K), (2) Take a bus to Probolinggo for Bromo (3-4 hr), or (3) Take a train from Banyuwangi to Surabaya/Yogyakarta. Our Bali → Java Explorer package includes drop-off at Banyuwangi terminal where you connect easily.
What should I bring on a slow ferry? ▼
Bring water, snacks (the onboard cafeteria is basic), sunscreen, a hat, and something to read. The Gilimanuk crossing is short (45 min), but Padang Bai-Lembar is 4-5 hours so bring entertainment. Ferries have basic toilets, a small mosque/salat area, and a simple food stall.
Can I combine slow ferry with a speedboat booking? ▼
Yes! Many travelers use a mix: slow ferry from Java to Bali (cheap), then speedboat from Bali to Gili Islands (fast). Or speedboat to Lombok one-way and slow ferry back. BaliGoat covers both options — book what works best for each leg of your trip.