Fast boats in Bali: Nusa Penida and Gili Trawangan
How the fast boats between Bali, Nusa Penida and Gili Trawangan work: duration, approximate prices, what to check when you book and how to avoid missing a connection.
The boats are the most delicate part of the logistics of a Bali trip. The islands are the most tropical part of the itinerary, but getting to them depends on schedules that change by operator and sea conditions. Here's what you need to know.
The three connections
Bali to Nusa Penida. A fast boat from Sanur, 30 to 60 minutes, for about 150,000 to 350,000 IDR per leg.
Nusa Penida to Gili Trawangan. One of the most important connections of the itinerary, roughly 2 to 3 hours, for about 400,000 to 700,000 IDR per person. The direct crossing is usually between 1 hour 45 and 2 hours 30 depending on operator and boat.
Gili Trawangan to Bali. There are connections to different ports, especially Padang Bai, taking 1 hour 30 to 3 hours, from about 425,000 IDR depending on the operator.
What to check when you book
Don't choose the ticket just because it's the cheapest. Look at the departure port, the time, whether luggage is included, the arrival port and the change and cancellation policy. Book ahead and arrive at the port with margin: boarding on fast boats isn't organized like a European airport.
How to avoid missing a connection
Schedules can vary and boats run late. If you chain two journeys with no buffer, a delay can make you miss the next one. When you head back from Gili to Bali, try to take a boat that arrives early enough to leave you the afternoon, and don't book any strictly timed activity right afterwards.
Always book fast boats in advance. The connections to Nusa Penida and Gili Trawangan can fill up in high season.
Luggage and seasickness
If you'll leave the hotel before an excursion, leave your bags at your accommodation's reception and collect them on your way to the port, rather than taking them on the snorkel boat. And if you get seasick easily, take something before the fast boat.
Sleeping on Nusa Penida
Trying to do Nusa Penida in a single day from Bali turns the day into a grind of boats and roads. That's why our route spends one night on the island.
Our recommendation
Book all your boats in advance, compare port, time and cancellation policy, and always leave a buffer between connections. The journeys and prices are built around our 14-day Bali itinerary, and what each island offers is in what to see in Nusa Penida.
Our favorite activities in Bali
Getting around Bali
Getting around Bali by boat? The easiest way to book fast boats is through 12Go. We've added direct links to the exact routes from our itinerary, so you can compare schedules and prices in one place.
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