Guide
Bali ferry routes, ports and the sane way to plan them
The simplest Bali ferry plan is also the one people skip when they are in a hurry. Pick the right port, then pick the operator. If you reverse that order, you spend more time in traffic and less time on the island you actually wanted.
Routes
34
Operators
15
Harbors
18
Best first checks
Sanur · Padang Bai · Serangan
Quick guide
The fast version
1
Sanur is the cleanest port for Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan.
2
Padang Bai is the shortest Bali-side sea crossing for the Gilis and Lombok.
3
Serangan is valid for the Gilis when south Bali road time matters more than sea time.
Routes
Popular Bali ferry pages
Tanah Merah → Batam
about 60 min Details
Batam → Tanah Merah
about 60 min Details
Tanah Merah → Bandar Bentan Telani
about 70 min Details
Bandar Bentan Telani → Tanah Merah
about 70 min Details
Tanah Merah → Tanjung Balai Karimun
about 100 min Details
Singapore Cruise Centre → Batam
operator dependent Details
Harbors
Harbors worth memorising
FAQs
Bali ferry guide questions
Sanur is the default answer for most south Bali travellers. Serangan only wins when it clearly shortens your road transfer.
Padang Bai is usually the shortest sea crossing. Serangan can still win from south Bali if the road transfer to Padang Bai is the bigger pain.
Yes, especially in the dry season and around weekends. The easy departures go first and people who wing it tend to end up paying more or leaving later than planned.