Best Boat in Bali: My Personal Recommendations
Whenever someone asks me about the best boat in Bali, I always share my answer based on my own experience. After living in Bali for more than 20 years, I’ve traveled between the islands countless times and have tried several fast boat operators along the way.
Of course, everyone’s experience can be different, so think of this article as my personal recommendation rather than the ultimate guide. What works best for me may not be exactly what works best for you, but I hope my experiences can help you make a better decision before your trip.
Over the years, I’ve learned that choosing the right fast boat isn’t just about finding the cheapest ticket. Safety, comfort, experienced crews, reliable schedules, and even the departure harbor can completely change your travel experience.
If you’re traveling with children, older family members, or you’re someone who easily gets seasick, these little details become even more important.
Why These Are My Choices for the Best Boat in Bali
I’ve learned that the best boat isn’t always the fastest one.
Personally, I pay more attention to stability in rough seas, professional crews, passenger comfort, air-conditioned cabins, and the company’s overall safety standards. Spending a little more for a reputable operator is usually worth every penny, especially when crossing Bali’s unpredictable waters.
Best Fast Boat to Nusa Penida
If you’re searching for the best fast boat to Nusa Penida, my personal favorites are The Angkal Fast Boat and Gangga Express.
What I really like about these operators isn’t just the service—it’s where they depart from.
Both leave from Kusamba Harbor, not Sanur.
From my experience, the sea between Kusamba and Nusa Penida is generally calmer than the Sanur route. The waves are usually smaller, making the crossing much more comfortable, especially if you get motion sickness or simply don’t enjoy rough water.
Another advantage is the travel time. The crossing only takes around 20 to 25 minutes, making it one of the quickest routes to Nusa Penida.
The only downside is that if you’re staying in Denpasar, Seminyak, or Canggu, you’ll spend more time driving to Kusamba. Personally, I’d rather spend a little longer in the car than deal with bigger waves out at sea.
If Sanur Harbor is more convenient for you, one of my friends recommends Semabu Hills Fast Boat, The Angkal Fast Boat, and Angel Billabong Fast Cruise.
I haven’t personally traveled with these operators from Sanur because I almost always choose the Kusamba route. So while I can’t recommend them from my own experience, they’re definitely worth looking into if departing from Sanur suits your travel plans better.
Best Fast Boat from Sanur to Nusa Lembongan
For the best fast boat from Sanur to Nusa Lembongan, my favorite is Setia Fast Ferry.
Departing from Sanur usually means dealing with bigger waves—sometimes reaching around two meters—but I was pleasantly surprised by how stable Setia Fast Ferry felt during the crossing.
One thing I really appreciate is the passenger cabin.
It’s fully enclosed, air-conditioned, and equipped with television entertainment, making the journey much more relaxing than many open-deck fast boats. The cool cabin also makes a noticeable difference on hot Bali afternoons.
If you’re prone to seasickness, I’d still recommend taking motion sickness medication about 30 to 60 minutes before departure. Bali’s sea conditions can change quickly, and it’s always better to be prepared.
Best Fast Boat from Bali to Gili Trawangan
When people ask me about the best fast boat from Bali to Gili Trawangan, my answer is almost always Ekajaya Matra.
Compared with most fast boats in Bali, Ekajaya Matra is noticeably bigger, and that extra size makes a real difference once you’re out in open water.
Larger boats generally feel more stable in rough seas, which makes long crossings much more comfortable.
Ekajaya Matra departs from Padang Bai Harbor, not Sanur.
Another excellent option is Ekajaya Patra, one of the newest vessels in the Ekajaya fleet. It was launched recently and also sails to Gili Trawangan and Senggigi, Lombok, but departs from Nusa Dua instead of Padang Bai.
It isn’t the cheapest option, but in my opinion, the comfort, professional service, and overall safety make it well worth the money.
Best Fast Boat from Bali to Gili Air
For the best fast boat from Bali to Gili Air, I still choose Ekajaya.
This route is usually served by their slightly smaller vessels:
- Ekajaya 23
- Ekajaya 25
- Ekajaya 26
They’re smaller than Ekajaya Matra and Ekajaya Patra, but I’ve always found them reliable and comfortable for the journey.
Depending on the route, these boats also stop at:
- Nusa Penida
- Nusa Lembongan
- Gili Trawangan
- Bangsal Harbor, Lombok
You can depart from either Padang Bai Harbor in Karangasem Bali or Serangan Harbor in Denpasar.
One thing many travelers don’t realize is that these boats do not depart from Sanur Harbor, so make sure you choose the correct departure point when booking.
I also recommend checking Ekajaya’s official website or contacting their official customer service before making a reservation. Schedules, departure times, and even departure harbors may change depending on weather and operational conditions.
Final Thoughts on Choosing the Best Boat in Bali
At the end of the day, choosing the best boat in Bali comes down to what matters most to you.
Some travelers simply look for the lowest ticket price, while others prioritize comfort or safety. Personally, I’d rather pay a little more for an operator that gives me peace of mind.
A smooth and safe journey is the best way to start any island adventure.
I hope my personal experiences help you choose the right fast boat for your next trip, whether you’re heading to Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan, Gili Trawangan, or Gili Air.
Have a safe trip, enjoy the beautiful islands, and don’t forget to keep an eye on the weather forecast before you sail.(*)
See Also: Best Time to Visit Bali Now is The Perfect Season
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the best boat in Bali?
Based on my personal experience, some of the best operators include The Angkal Fast Boat, Gangga Express, Setia Fast Ferry, and several vessels from Ekajaya, depending on your destination.
Which is the best fast boat to Nusa Penida?
I personally recommend The Angkal Fast Boat and Gangga Express departing from Kusamba Harbor because the crossing is usually calmer and only takes around 20 to 25 minutes.
Which is the best fast boat from Sanur to Nusa Lembongan?
For me, Setia Fast Ferry is the best choice thanks to its enclosed air-conditioned cabin, onboard TV entertainment, and stable ride even when the sea is rough.
Which fast boat is best for Gili Trawangan?
I recommend Ekajaya Matra from Padang Bai or Ekajaya Patra from Nusa Dua because its larger size provides a more stable and comfortable journey across open water.
Which Ekajaya boats travel to Gili Air?
Ekajaya 23, Ekajaya 25, and Ekajaya 26 regularly serve Gili Air, while also stopping at Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan, Gili Trawangan, and Bangsal Harbor depending on the route.
Should I book directly with the boat operator?
Yes. I recommend booking through each operator’s official website or official contact number to get the latest schedules, accurate prices, and reliable customer support if your travel plans change.
