Bali (Serangan) to Gili Trawangan - Gili Air - Lombok (Bangsal)
Traveler rating
4.2/5
Based on 81 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Bali (Serangan) to Gili Trawangan - Gili Air - Lombok (Bangsal) worth booking?
Bali (Serangan) to Gili Trawangan - Gili Air - Lombok (Bangsal) is a 2.5-hour experience in Seminyak, Indonesia, from $40 per person. It scores 47 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 4.2/5 rating across 81 reviews. This booking is non-refundable, so pick your date carefully. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 47 / 100
- Rating
- 4.2/5 (81)
- Duration
- 2.5 hours
- From
- $40 per person
100% foreign investment enterprise specializing in high speed boat transport. We pioneered the fast boat service from Bali to the Gili islands in 2006, and are consequently the longest running operator in this field. Maintain a comprehensive insurance program in line with internationally recognized standards, including a Protection and Indemnity Entry with International Group P&I Club, with a limit or US$ 500,000,000
What you get
About this experience
100% foreign investment enterprise specializing in high speed boat transport. We pioneered the fast boat service from Bali to the Gili islands in 2006, and are consequently the longest running operator in this field. Maintain a comprehensive insurance program in line with internationally recognized standards, including a Protection and Indemnity Entry with International Group P&I Club, with a limit or US$ 500,000,000
What's included
Included
- Bottled water
- Insurance and Medical Coverage
- On-board restrooms
Not included
- In-vehicle air conditioning
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Seminyak
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Returns to the starting point
Before you book
- Cancellation
- All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 10 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- BlueWater Express
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Not recommended for Infants (children under 3 years old)
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 81 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Organization
5 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Traveler reviews
81 verified traveler reviews for Bali (Serangan) to Gili Trawangan - Gili Air - Lombok (Bangsal). Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
If You’re Considering the Fast Ferry from Lombok to Bali, I Recommend Flying Instead
I relied heavily on reviews when booking travel accommodations and transportation, including this one-way ferry trip from Lombok to Bali. Because reviews played such an important role in my own decisions, I wanted to write this for others who may be doing the same. My recommendation after making the journey from Lombok to Bali on the BlueWater Express fast ferry is simple: take the airplane. This was one of the scariest travel experiences I have ever had. At one point during the crossing, the waves became very high, and the boat was repeatedly slamming down onto the water. People began screaming and putting on their life jackets, which understandably created even more panic and fear. Having never taken a fast ferry like this before, I had no way of knowing whether people were overreacting or whether their fear was justified. What made the situation worse was that not once during this period did a crew member come through the cabin to explain what was happening, reassure passengers, or tell us whether the conditions were considered normal. I had my two daughters inside with me, while my husband and son had gone outside. At times, water was leaking into the boat. There were moments when it felt as though the boat could tip over, and the force of the boat hitting the waves was so violent that I found myself wondering whether it could withstand the impact. I located the life jackets and put them on my daughters and myself. All I could think about was what I would do if the boat flipped or began taking on water, and how I would get my daughters out of an enclosed cabin in time. Fortunately, this seemed to be limited to one portion of the crossing, where I assume the conditions were at their worst. The remainder of the trip was relatively calm. After things had settled down, crew members came into the cabin and were laughing about the passengers' reactions. Perhaps they knew the boat was never in serious danger, but as a passenger with no experience on this type of vessel, there was no way for me to know that. A few days later, I learned about the ferry that sank in Cyprus, which reinforced for me how serious accidents involving fast ferries can be. BlueWater Express appeared to have one of the better safety records among the companies I researched, which is one of the reasons I chose them. But no matter how good a company's record is, there are never absolute guarantees when traveling by sea. My second recommendation is that if you do choose to take a fast ferry, think carefully about where you sit. After this experience, I personally would not sit inside an enclosed cabin again. If a vessel capsizes or takes on water quickly, getting out of an enclosed area could become extremely difficult. Incidents like the Cyprus ferry disaster also reminded me that, in an emergency, you cannot assume that other passengers will necessarily be able or willing to help you. People may panic, freeze, focus on themselves, or even pull out their phones. Ultimately, you need to think about your own safety and your family's safety ahead of time. That said, I want to be fair to BlueWater Express. I found their car transportation service, ticketing process, and staff service to be very good overall. My main criticism is the lack of communication from the crew during the most frightening part of the crossing. Even a brief explanation or reassurance from an experienced crew member would have made an enormous difference. BlueWater Express does have a good track record, and perhaps the crew members were laughing afterward because, from their perspective, what we experienced was completely normal. But as a passenger, I had no way of knowing that. For me personally, the experience was enough. I will never take a fast ferry again. I simply do not consider the convenience worth the level of risk and fear I experienced while traveling with my family.
via Tripadvisor
Professional
Great friendly professional service
via Tripadvisor
**Disappointing return journey – poor communication and organization
We chose BlueWater Express because it is supposed to be one of the better fast boat operators between Bali and the Gili Islands. Unfortunately, our experience did not live up to that reputation. The journey from Serangan to Gili Air was actually quite good. Our hotel pickup was on time, the boat departed on schedule, and the crossing was relatively smooth. We did, however, arrive at Gili Air about 45 minutes later than scheduled. The return journey was a very different experience. We were booked on the 11:50 AM boat from Gili Air, but the boat did not arrive until around 2:30 PM — more than 2½ hours late. During this entire time, there was virtually no useful information. Whenever we asked staff what was happening, we received different answers. What was particularly disappointing was the complete lack of communication and acknowledgement. Once the boat finally arrived and we departed, the staff acted as though everything was running normally. There was no apology and no explanation for such a significant delay. At Padang Bai, we then lost another 30 minutes because there was apparently nowhere for the boat to dock. In the end, we arrived at our destination in Bali approximately four hours later than scheduled. We understand that sea conditions, port congestion and other operational issues can cause delays. That is part of travelling by fast boat. But delays of this magnitude require clear and honest communication with passengers. That was completely lacking. Overall, BlueWater Express came across as disorganized and surprisingly unconcerned about the customer experience. Given its reputation as one of the more professional operators on this route, we expected considerably better.
via Tripadvisor
High quality island transfers
Well organised friendly service, service and boats much better than other local companies
via Tripadvisor
BlueWater Express: Does the Job
The beach at the harbour is disgusting, and I wonder if the boat companies could do something about it. The boat itself is good, 3-by-3 seats, film shows on the way and the staff are very friendly and helpful. They call you at each stop and it’s about - 1 hour 30 to the Gili’s depending on which island you’re visiting.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 2.5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Non-refundable
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $40 to $50
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 28
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Why this scores 47
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Bali (Serangan) to Gili Trawangan - Gili Air - Lombok (Bangsal): questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Seminyak.
How much does Bali (Serangan) to Gili Trawangan - Gili Air - Lombok (Bangsal) cost?
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Prices start at $40 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Seminyak usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Bali (Serangan) to Gili Trawangan - Gili Air - Lombok (Bangsal) take?
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Plan for about 2.5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Seminyak is not rushed.
Is Bali (Serangan) to Gili Trawangan - Gili Air - Lombok (Bangsal) worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 47 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.2/5 across 81 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable nightlife in Seminyak, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Bali (Serangan) to Gili Trawangan - Gili Air - Lombok (Bangsal)?
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No. This experience is sold on a non-refundable basis, so only book a date you are confident about. Similar experiences in the city do offer free cancellation if flexibility matters more than price.
Is Bali (Serangan) to Gili Trawangan - Gili Air - Lombok (Bangsal) suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Bali (Serangan) to Gili Trawangan - Gili Air - Lombok (Bangsal)?
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Around 28 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Seminyak can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Seminyak and add a light layer if any part of the 2.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Bali (Serangan) to Gili Trawangan - Gili Air - Lombok (Bangsal) start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Seminyak within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Seminyak?
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On Outty we rank every Seminyak experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Experts Bali Driver : Best Bali Private Driver for Tour in Bali, West Bali Tour: Taman Ayun, Ulun Danu Beratan, Jatiluwih Rice Terrace, Tanah Lot, Best of Bali 3-Day Packaged Tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Seminyak?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Seminyak?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Bali (Serangan) to Gili Trawangan - Gili Air - Lombok (Bangsal)?
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Included: Bottled water; Insurance and Medical Coverage; and On-board restrooms. Not included: In-vehicle air conditioning. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Bali (Serangan) to Gili Trawangan - Gili Air - Lombok (Bangsal)?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Bali (Serangan) to Gili Trawangan - Gili Air - Lombok (Bangsal) wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap; Not recommended for pregnant travelers; and Not recommended for Infants (children under 3 years old). If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Bali (Serangan) to Gili Trawangan - Gili Air - Lombok (Bangsal) if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Bali (Serangan) to Gili Trawangan - Gili Air - Lombok (Bangsal)?
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Across 81 reviews averaging 4.2 out of 5, recurring themes include organization. Pickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
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