EkaJaya Fast Boat Review: Is It Worth Booking? 2026
EkaJaya is one of the oldest and most established fast boat operators in Bali. With decades of experience and a large fleet, they're a go-to choice for many travelers. But are they actually good? Here's our honest review.
Quick Verdict
| Aspect | Rating | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Safety | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Excellent track record |
| Punctuality | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Usually on time |
| Comfort | ⭐⭐⭐ | Good, not luxury |
| Price | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Mid-range, fair value |
| Service | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Professional crew |
Overall: 4/5 — Reliable workhorse of the Bali-Gili route. Not flashy, but gets the job done safely.
About EkaJaya
EkaJaya has been operating since the early days of Bali fast boats. They run multiple vessels across several routes and are known for:
- Large, stable boats (60-100 passengers)
- Consistent schedules
- Good safety standards
- Multiple departure points
Routes & Schedules
From Padang Bai
| Route | Departure | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Padang Bai → Gili T | 9:00 AM, 1:00 PM | 1.5 hours |
| Padang Bai → Gili Air | 9:00 AM | 1.5-2 hours |
| Padang Bai → Lombok | 9:00 AM | 2 hours |
From Sanur
| Route | Departure | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Sanur → Gili T | 9:30 AM | 2 hours |
| Sanur → Nusa Lembongan | Multiple | 30 min |
The Boats
Larger Vessels
EkaJaya uses larger boats compared to some competitors:
- 60-100 passenger capacity
- Two engines for reliability
- Air-conditioned cabin
- Outdoor deck seating available
- Toilet onboard
Stability
The larger size means more stability — good news if you're prone to seasickness. They handle the Lombok Strait chop better than smaller speedboats.
The Experience
Check-in
Arrive 60 minutes before departure. Check-in is organized with printed boarding passes. Staff speak English reasonably well.
Onboard
- Assigned seating (first come, better choice)
- Air conditioning works well
- Life jackets provided
- Snacks and drinks sold onboard
- Crew gives safety briefing
Arrival
Boats typically stop at multiple islands. Crew announces each stop clearly. Luggage is unloaded quickly.
Pricing
| Route | Price (IDR) | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Padang Bai → Gili | 450,000-550,000 | $28-35 |
| Sanur → Gili | 500,000-600,000 | $32-38 |
| Return ticket | 800,000-1,000,000 | $50-62 |
Value assessment: Mid-range pricing. Not the cheapest, not the most expensive. You get what you pay for.
Pros & Cons
What We Like
- Established company with good track record
- Larger, more stable boats
- Punctual departures
- Professional crew
- Multiple departure points
What Could Be Better
- Not the most modern fleet
- Can be crowded in peak season
- AC can be too cold (bring a jacket!)
- Limited departures compared to combined operators
Who Should Book EkaJaya
Good for:
- Travelers who prioritize safety and reliability
- Departures from Padang Bai (East Bali)
- Those prone to seasickness (bigger boats)
- Families with children
Maybe skip if:
- You want the absolute cheapest option
- You need luxury/VIP service
- You need a very early or late departure
EkaJaya vs Competitors
| Feature | EkaJaya | Scoot | BlueWater |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | Mid | Lower | Higher |
| Boat size | Large | Medium | Medium |
| Comfort | Good | Basic | Better |
| Schedule | Regular | More times | Limited |
Booking Tips
- Book 2-3 days ahead in peak season
- Online booking is usually cheaper than at the port
- Return tickets offer small discount
- Hotel pickup available (extra charge)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is EkaJaya safe?
Yes. They're one of the most established operators with a strong safety record. Boats are maintained, crew is trained, and safety equipment is present.
Can I bring a surfboard?
Yes, but expect to pay IDR 100,000-150,000 extra. Best to inform when booking.
Do they pick up from hotels?
Yes, hotel pickup is available in most tourist areas for an additional fee (IDR 50,000-150,000 depending on location).
Popular EkaJaya Routes
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