Bali Island Hopping by Ferry: Nusa Penida, the Gilis and Lombok

Bali is the gateway to a string of smaller islands, each reachable by sea. Some trips take half an hour on a fast boat; others are a slow public ferry with trucks and motorbikes on board. This guide covers the main routes, how to choose between fast boats and public ferries, and how to stay safe on the water. Start planning with the Indonesia country guide.

The main hubs on Bali

• Sanur – the main departure point for fast boats to Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Penida. Boats usually load from the beach, so expect to wade in ankle- or knee-deep water.
• Padang Bai – on the east coast, with fast boats to the Gili Islands and Lombok, plus the public car ferry to Lembar on Lombok.
• Serangan – a harbour south of Sanur used by some fast-boat operators to the Gilis and Lombok.
• Amed – a quieter east-coast village with a shorter crossing to the Gilis on some services.

Bali to Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan

The Nusa islands sit just off Bali's south-east coast. Fast boats from Sanur typically take around 30 to 45 minutes, depending on the boat and the sea. Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan are connected by a small bridge; Nusa Penida is larger, with rough roads and dramatic cliffs.

Many visitors do Nusa Penida as a day trip, but staying a night gives you more time and avoids the busiest boat departures. Getting around Penida usually means a hired driver or scooter – the roads are steep and some are in poor condition, so only ride if you are experienced.

Bali to the Gili Islands

The three Gilis – Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno and Gili Air – lie off the north-west coast of Lombok. Fast boats from Padang Bai or Serangan generally take around one and a half to two and a half hours, often stopping at more than one island. Crossings can be choppy, especially in the afternoon.

The Gilis have no motorised vehicles. You get around on foot, by bicycle or by horse-drawn cart (cidomo). Many travellers prefer to walk or cycle.

Between the Gilis, there is a public "island hopping" boat with fixed departures, as well as private boats you can charter.

Bali to Lombok

You have two main choices:

1. Fast boat from Padang Bai or Serangan to Bangsal, Teluk Kodek or Senggigi on Lombok. Quicker and more comfortable, at a higher cost.
2. Public car ferry from Padang Bai to Lembar in south-west Lombok. Ferries run around the clock and the crossing usually takes around four to five hours, though delays are common. It is the cheapest option and the only one if you are taking a car or motorbike.

You can also fly between Bali's Ngurah Rai airport (Denpasar) and Lombok International Airport, which is quick and often good value.

Java to Bali

If you are coming overland from Java, a 24-hour car ferry links Ketapang (near Banyuwangi) with Gilimanuk on Bali's west coast. The crossing is short, but allow for queues at busy times. Trains and buses connect Banyuwangi with Surabaya and other cities in Java. You can plan the full route with Jakarta to Denpasar.

Fast boat or public ferry?

Safety on the water

Sea conditions around Bali and Lombok can change quickly, and fast boats have had accidents over the years. A few precautions help:

• Check the weather and swell before you go, and be flexible. The rainy season is roughly November to March, and crossings are generally calmer in the dry season.
• Choose an established operator with good recent reviews and visible life jackets.
• Note where the life jackets are when you board, and avoid boats that are clearly overloaded.
• Keep valuables in a dry bag, as spray and beach boarding can soak luggage.
• Avoid the last boat of the day where possible, so you have a fall-back if it is cancelled.

Tickets and prices

Fast-boat tickets can be booked through operators, local agents or partner sites. Prices vary by operator, season and whether hotel transfers are included. Tokyo2Us shows ferry legs with a labelled estimate where no published fare exists, and links to partners such as 12Go and Direct Ferries for live prices. We never invent a fare.

Suggested island-hopping route

1. Fly into Denpasar and spend a few days on Bali.
2. Take a fast boat from Sanur to Nusa Lembongan for two nights.
3. Return to Bali, then go from Padang Bai to Gili Air or Gili Trawangan.
4. Cross to Lombok and fly back to Denpasar or onward.

How long each crossing takes

As a rough guide, fast boats from Sanur to Nusa Penida or Nusa Lembongan take around 30 to 45 minutes. Fast boats from Padang Bai or Serangan to the Gili Islands usually take one and a half to three hours, depending on the route and the number of stops. Public car ferries from Padang Bai to Lembar on Lombok often take four to five hours or longer. Treat these as estimates. Sea conditions, extra stops and loading delays can easily add time, so do not book a tight onward flight on the same day.

What to pack for a boat day

Bring a small dry bag for your phone and passport, as spray is common on fast boats and you may wade to the beach on some islands. Wear shoes you do not mind getting wet, bring water and sun protection, and take motion-sickness tablets if you need them. Keep valuables with you rather than in the luggage pile at the front of the boat.

Booking through Tokyo2Us

Search a crossing such as Bali to the Gili Islands on Tokyo2Us to see the ferry and fast-boat options side by side. Times and prices are shown as labelled estimates unless a partner gives us a real fare. The booking button takes you to the operator or a partner, where you can check the live price and the current timetable before you pay.