Bali Tourists Seek Crowd-Free Fast Boat Harbors As Sanur Becomes Increasingly Busy

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By far the cheapest and fastest way to travel between Bali and neighbouring islands like Nusa Penida, the Gili Islands, and Lombok is by fast boat.

Sanur Harbor is the port of choice for millions of tourists every year, but for those seeking a less crowded travel hub, there are always other options to choose from. 

Sanur Harbor is by far the most well-known of Bali’s fast boat hubs for tourists, closely followed by Padangbai. Most tourists opt for Sanur for its central location, close to top resorts like Nusa Dua, Kuta, Legian, Seminyak, and Canggu.

Padangbai, located in East Bali, is a popular option for tourists who have the time to travel over to the east of the island, and is more often chosen by those traveling to the islands after being in destinations like Ubud.

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There are, in fact, more options than just Sanur and Padangabi for tourists looking to travel to Bali’s outlying islands.

One seriously overlooked option is Kusamba Port. Located just a few minutes from the increasingly popular hideaway of Candidasa, Kusamba Port is a great option for those traveling from the centre of Bali, or, of course, anywhere along the southeastern coast. 

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Kusamba Port has just launched its first fast boat services to Nusa Penida, and in the coming months, it is set to offer even more routes.

According to Ni Luh Putu Eka Suyasmin, Head of the Class II Nusa Penida Port Management Unit (UPP) of the several operators currently operating on this route, only the Kampung Kusamba dock facility from the fast boat operator The Angkal has obtained official permits, while others are still in the process of being processed.

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He explained that from an operational perspective, all fast boats serving the Kusamba-Nusa Penida route have met seaworthiness requirements.

These vessels undergo routine docking and annual maintenance, along with updated ship documents through the Padangbai Harbormaster and Port Authority Office (KSOP).

He noted, “The ship itself is operationally seaworthy. Every year, docking and ship documents are updated through the Padangbai Port Authority.”

Tourists looking to travel by fast boat in the coming week are advised to double-check their travel plans and book tickets as soon as possible.

On Nyepi Day, no one in Bali will be permitted to travel, and so those who are looking to be off the island for the day of silence must travel on the morning of 18th March. Tourists should also be aware that Eid al-Fitr will be observed on 21st March, and this is a period of high passenger movement across all public transport in Bali, including fast boats and ferries.

Tourists planning on traveling by boat over the Eid al-Fitr holiday period are advised to book both transport tickets and accommodation as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. 

In terms of Nyepi-related port and harbour closures, tourists should be aware of the following: Tourists planning on traveling to the Gili Islands, Lombok, or the Nusa Islands must be aware that there are no fast boat crossings on Nyepi Day and that port closures will come into effect on 18th March. The temporary closures will take place at the following times:

At Gilimanuk Port: Thursday, March 19, 2026, from 5:00 a.m. to Friday, March 20, 2026, at 6:00 a.m.

At Padangbai Port: Thursday, March 19, 2026, from 4:00 a.m. to Friday, March 20, 2026, at 11:30 a.m.

At Lembar Port: Wednesday, March 18, 2026, from 9:00 p.m. to Friday, March 20, 2026, at 1:30 a.m.

Ketapang Port: Wednesday, March 18, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to Friday, March 20, 2026, at 6:00 a.m. local time.

These closing times are for the ports themselves; the first and last crossing times depend on the services offered by each fast boat and ferry provider.