If you're staying in Ubud, Candidasa, or Amed, Padang Bai is your gateway to the Gili Islands. This East Bali harbor offers the shortest crossing time to Gili Trawangan — just 1-1.5 hours versus 2+ hours from Sanur. Here's your complete guide.
Why Choose Padang Bai?
- ⚡ Shortest route — only 1-1.5 hours to Gili Trawangan
- 🗺️ Closest to East Bali — perfect for Ubud, Candidasa, Amed
- ⛴️ Public ferry option — budget travelers can take the slow ferry to Lombok
- 🏖️ Nice harbor town — arrive early and grab breakfast by the beach
Route Details
| Route | Duration | Price (IDR) |
|---|---|---|
| Padang Bai → Gili Trawangan | 1-1.5 hours | 400,000-600,000 |
| Padang Bai → Gili Air | 1.5-2 hours | 400,000-600,000 |
| Padang Bai → Gili Meno | 1.5-2 hours | 450,000-650,000 |
| Padang Bai → Lombok (Bangsal) | 1.5-2 hours | 350,000-500,000 |
Operators from Padang Bai
EkaJaya Fast Ferry
The most established operator on this route. Large boats, reliable schedule, good safety record.
Departures: 9:00 AM, 1:00 PM
Boat size: 60-80 passengers
Semaya One
Premium option with comfortable seating and snacks included.
Departures: 10:30 AM
Features: AC cabin, TV, snacks
Scoot Fast Cruises
Budget-friendly with decent boats. Popular with backpackers.
Departures: 9:30 AM
Getting to Padang Bai
From Ubud
Time: 1-1.5 hours
Taxi: IDR 200,000-300,000
Tip: The scenic drive through rice terraces is beautiful!
From Candidasa
Time: 15-20 minutes
Taxi: IDR 60,000-100,000
From Amed
Time: 1-1.5 hours
Taxi: IDR 200,000-300,000
From Kuta/Seminyak
Time: 1.5-2 hours
Taxi: IDR 350,000-450,000
Note: From South Bali, Sanur or Serangan may be more convenient.
The Harbor Experience
Arrival & Check-in
Padang Bai is a working harbor with several operators. Each has their own ticket counter along the main road.
- Find your operator's office (look for the signs)
- Check in 45-60 minutes before departure
- Weigh luggage and receive boarding pass
- Walk down to the beach/pier for boarding
Facilities
- Small shops and warungs (local restaurants)
- ATM available (but bring cash backup)
- Basic toilets at the harbor
- Porters available to carry heavy bags
Public Ferry Option
For budget travelers or those heading to Lombok (not Gili), Padang Bai offers a public car ferry:
| Type | Route | Duration | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Ferry | Padang Bai → Lembar (Lombok) | 4-5 hours | IDR 50,000 |
| Fast Boat | Padang Bai → Gili T | 1-1.5 hours | IDR 400,000+ |
Note: The public ferry goes to Lembar port in South Lombok — from there you'd need 2+ hours to reach the Gili Islands. Fast boats are much more practical for Gili.
Padang Bai vs Other Harbors
| Factor | Padang Bai | Sanur | Serangan |
|---|---|---|---|
| To Gili T | 1-1.5h | 2h | 1.5-2h |
| From Ubud | 1h | 1.5h | 1.5h |
| From Kuta | 2h | 45min | 30min |
| Operators | Medium | Most | Fewer |
Tips for Padang Bai
- 🌅 Arrive early and have breakfast at one of the beachfront cafes
- 💰 Bring cash — card acceptance is limited
- 🎒 Watch your bags during boarding (it can get hectic)
- 🏊 The beach near the harbor is swimmable if you have time to kill
- ⛽ There's a dive shop if you forgot gear
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Padang Bai worth the longer drive?
If you're in East Bali, absolutely. The shorter sea crossing more than makes up for the drive. From South Bali, Sanur is more practical.
Are the boats safe?
Licensed operators have good safety records. All boats carry life jackets and safety equipment. Choose established operators like EkaJaya or Semaya.
Can I bring a surfboard?
Yes, but expect to pay extra (IDR 100,000-200,000). Boards are usually stored on the roof or bow.
Popular Routes from Padang Bai
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