Indonesia is an archipelago of more than 17,000 islands, and ferries are not optional extras — they are how people and goods move. For travellers, the network ranges from quick, comfortable fast boats between tourist hotspots to slow Pelni inter-island liners crossing the Java Sea over several days. Here is how to navigate it.
Bali to the Gili Islands: fast boats and the sensible way
The Gili Islands (Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, Gili Air) sit off the northwest coast of Lombok, and reaching them from Bali by fast boat has become one of the most popular short hops in the region. Fast boat operators depart from Serangan Harbour and Padang Bai on Bali's east coast. Journey time to the Gilis is approximately 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the sea state and which harbour you depart from. Some "fast boats" via Padang Bai actually call at Lombok first, adding time.
Dozens of operators run this crossing, with names like Eka Jaya, Blue Water Express, Gili Getaway and Scoot Fast Cruises being among the better known. Fares vary between operators; booking through reputable companies directly or via established booking sites is safer than street touts. The crossing can be choppy, particularly during the peak swell months of July and August, and should be treated with appropriate caution — life jackets should be worn, and stories of overloaded or poorly maintained vessels are not uncommon. Choose operators with a solid safety reputation.
Bali to Lombok direct: Gili Fastboat and conventional ferry
If you are heading to Lombok rather than the Gilis, you have two main options. Fast boats from Serangan or Padang Bai reach Teluk Nara or Bangsal on Lombok's northwest coast in approximately 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours. Alternatively, the conventional ASDP public ferry runs from Padang Bai on Bali to Lembar Harbour in south Lombok in about 4 to 5 hours. The ASDP ferry runs around the clock, departs frequently, takes cars and motorbikes as well as foot passengers, and is the cheapest option by some margin. It is slower and less glamorous than a fast boat, but reliable and well-established.
ASDP (Angkutan Sungai, Danau dan Penyeberangan) is the state ferry operator covering the major inter-island routes. Fares are subsidised and very affordable. Tickets can be bought at the terminal on the day, though it is worth arriving with time to spare on busy periods.
Java connections: Bali to Java and the Surabaya route
The western end of Bali connects to East Java by the Bali–Java public ferry, which runs continuously between Gilimanuk on Bali and Ketapang (near Banyuwangi) in Java. The crossing takes approximately 45 minutes and is one of the busiest ferry routes in Indonesia — used by locals, overland buses, trucks and travellers who want to cross by road. Fares are minimal. Buses travelling between Bali and Java use this ferry, so if you are on a through-bus, the crossing is handled for you.
From Java's north coast, inter-city ferry routes connect towns across the Java Sea, though for most tourist purposes the road and rail network (and the Bali–Java crossing) cover what is needed.
Pelni inter-island ferries
Pelni (Pelayaran Nasional Indonesia) is the national shipping company operating a network of large passenger ferries across the entire Indonesian archipelago — from Sumatra in the west to Papua in the east. These are not fast: Pelni liners travel at moderate speed, covering routes that stretch many days across the Java Sea, the Makassar Strait and the Banda Sea. A journey from Java to Kalimantan might take 18–24 hours; from Java to Sulawesi around 24–36 hours; routes to the far east of Indonesia can take several days.
Pelni ships carry passengers in several classes: first and second class offer private or semi-private cabins; economy class is dormitory-style, with passengers sleeping on tiered bunk platforms in large communal spaces. Economy is used extensively by Indonesians and is an extraordinary way to see the country at ground level — you share meals, card games and long conversations with locals going home to distant islands. It is genuinely cheap. Bring food supplements, earplugs and patience.
Schedules and booking for Pelni are available on the Pelni website, though the interface is in Indonesian and the schedule can be hard to parse. Tickets can also be bought at Pelni offices in major port cities (Jakarta, Surabaya, Makassar, Sorong). Timetables are irregular and subject to change, so confirm your route before committing.
Key ports and logistics
- Padang Bai (Bali): the main departure point for ferries to Lombok and the Gili Islands.
- Gilimanuk (Bali): the crossing point to Java by public ferry.
- Bangsal (Lombok): the gateway to the Gili Islands from the Lombok side, with local cidomo (horse cart) transfers to the beach.
- Benoa Harbour (Bali): used by some cruise ships and charter boats; less common for standard ferries.
- Tanjung Perak (Surabaya, Java): the main Pelni departure port for eastern Indonesia routes.
Practical tips for ferry travel in Indonesia
- Check the weather before any crossing, particularly during the wet season (roughly November to March). Sea conditions can change quickly.
- For fast boats, book with established operators and be sceptical of very cheap deals that may signal substandard vessels.
- Public ASDP ferries are generally reliable but can be crowded. Arrive early at peak times.
- For Pelni routes, flexibility in your schedule is essential — delays are part of the experience.
- For more on how to research and book island crossings, see the how to book ferries guide.
Frequently asked questions
What is the safest way to get to the Gili Islands from Bali?
Use a reputable fast boat operator with a known safety record, wear a life jacket, and avoid overloaded or poorly maintained vessels. Blue Water Express and Scoot Fast Cruises are among the better-regarded operators, but always check recent reviews before booking.
How often does the Padang Bai–Lembar ferry run?
The ASDP public ferry runs around the clock with multiple departures per day — roughly every hour or two in practice. No advance booking is required for foot passengers; tickets are bought at the terminal.
How do I book Pelni ferries?
Via the Pelni website (pelni.co.id), at Pelni offices in major ports, or through local travel agents. The website is primarily in Indonesian; third-party booking tools can help with English-language access to some routes.
Can I take a motorbike on the Bali–Lombok ferry?
Yes. The ASDP public ferry on the Padang Bai–Lembar route carries motorbikes, bicycles and cars for an additional fare. Fast boats for foot passengers only.
Sources and further reading:
- Public ferry schedules and fares: ASDP Indonesia Ferry.
- Inter-island shipping: Pelni (pelni.co.id).
- Ferry booking guide: How to book ferries on Viamo.