Indonesia offers two very different boat experiences: tourist fast boats and local public ferries. One costs 10x more than the other. Is the fast boat worth the premium? Here's an honest comparison.
Quick Comparison
| Factor | Fast Boat | Public Ferry |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | 45-60 min | 4-5 hours |
| Price | IDR 350k-600k | IDR 35k-50k |
| Comfort | AC, seating, luggage | Basic, crowded |
| Schedule | Fixed times | Frequent/24hr |
| Vehicles | No | Yes (cars, bikes) |
Where Each Option Exists
Routes with Both Options
- Padang Bai → Lombok (Lembar) — public ferry runs 24/7
- Ketapang → Gilimanuk — Java to Bali ferry
- Sanur → Nusa Penida — both available
Fast Boat Only
- Sanur/Serangan → Gili Islands
- Most Bali → Gili direct routes
- Premium Nusa Lembongan routes
Public Ferry Only
- Padang Bai → Lembar (car ferry)
- Ketapang → Gilimanuk (Java-Bali)
- Many outer island connections
The Public Ferry Experience
What It's Like
Public ferries are working vessels used by locals, trucks, and travelers on a budget. Expect:
- 🚗 Vehicle deck — cars, trucks, motorbikes drive on
- 🪑 Basic seating — plastic chairs, floor seating, some premium classes
- 🍜 Food vendors — instant noodles, snacks, drinks
- 👨👩👧👦 Local crowd — families, traders, workers
- ⏰ Slow — 4-5 hours for Bali-Lombok
Price Example: Padang Bai → Lembar
| Passenger Type | Price (IDR) |
|---|---|
| Adult (foot passenger) | 46,000 |
| Motorbike + rider | ~120,000 |
| Car + passengers | ~500,000+ |
Pros
- ✅ Incredibly cheap
- ✅ Can bring motorbike or car
- ✅ Authentic local experience
- ✅ Runs 24 hours (some routes)
- ✅ No advance booking needed
Cons
- ❌ Very slow
- ❌ Basic/no air conditioning
- ❌ Can be crowded and chaotic
- ❌ Hygiene varies
- ❌ Not reliable (delays common)
The Fast Boat Experience
What It's Like
Modern speedboats designed for tourists. Expect:
- ❄️ Air conditioned cabin
- 💺 Comfortable seating
- 🧳 Luggage handling
- 🚀 Fast — 1-2 hours typically
- 👔 Professional crew
Price Example: Sanur → Gili Trawangan
| Class | Price (IDR) |
|---|---|
| Budget operator | 350,000-400,000 |
| Mid-range operator | 450,000-550,000 |
| Premium operator | 600,000-800,000 |
Pros
- ✅ Fast — saves 3-4 hours
- ✅ Comfortable
- ✅ Scheduled departures
- ✅ Direct to destinations
- ✅ Safe and regulated
Cons
- ❌ More expensive
- ❌ No vehicles allowed
- ❌ Need to book ahead
- ❌ Can be cancelled in bad weather
When to Take the Fast Boat
- ✅ You value your time
- ✅ Going to Gili Islands (no ferry option)
- ✅ Traveling with luggage
- ✅ Want comfort and reliability
- ✅ First time in Bali/Indonesia
When to Take the Public Ferry
- ✅ You're on a tight budget
- ✅ Bringing a motorbike or car
- ✅ Want an authentic local experience
- ✅ Traveling overnight (save on accommodation)
- ✅ Flexible on time
Real Cost Comparison
Bali to Lombok Example
| Option | Transport | Time | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fast Boat | IDR 500,000 | 2-2.5 hours | IDR 500,000 |
| Public Ferry | IDR 46,000 | 5 hours | IDR 46,000 |
| Ferry + Onward | IDR 46,000 + 150,000 taxi | 5h + 1.5h | IDR 200,000 |
Analysis: Fast boat is 2.5x the ferry + taxi price, but saves you 4+ hours. Is your time worth $16/hour? For most tourists, yes.
Special Situations
Bringing a Motorbike
Only option is the public ferry. Fast boats don't carry vehicles. Budget IDR 120,000 for bike + rider.
Overnight Travel
Public ferries run 24 hours. Some travelers take the night ferry to save on a hotel night.
Large Groups
Fast boats can be booked in bulk or chartered. Public ferries work too but logistics are harder.
Our Recommendation
| Traveler Type | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| First-time tourist | Fast boat |
| Budget backpacker | Public ferry |
| Digital nomad with scooter | Public ferry |
| Family with kids | Fast boat |
| Adventure seeker | Public ferry (once!) |
| Business traveler | Fast boat |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the public ferry to Gili Islands?
Not directly. You'd take the ferry to Lombok (Lembar), then travel 2 hours north to Bangsal, then a local boat to Gili. It's possible but takes 6-8 hours versus 2 hours by fast boat.
Is the public ferry safe?
Generally yes, though standards vary. The main Padang Bai-Lembar route is well-established. Life jackets are available but not always enforced.
Which is better for the environment?
Ferries carry many passengers efficiently. Fast boats burn more fuel per person but carry fewer passengers. Neither is ideal — but fast boats have a higher carbon footprint per trip.
Top Fast Boat Operators
These are the most reliable operators for island hopping in Bali:
- EkaJaya - Largest network, most routes
- Maruti Group - Premium service
- Scoot Fast Cruises - Budget friendly
- Einstein - Best for Nusa Penida
Popular Routes
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