In Indonesia, there are several types of boats to choose from. Some are more expensive but offer comfort and a faster journey, while others are more affordable but take longer. This post can guide you in choosing the right island transfer for you.
How to Choose the Right Island Transfer
Understanding the different types of water transportation in Indonesia can make it easier for you to choose the most suitable option. Here’s a comprehensive guide to choosing the right transportation for your island transfer:
Tourist Ferry or Fast Boat
Some call it a ferry, while others refer to it as a fast boat or fast ferry. This is the fastest island transfer option. Nowadays, there are an increasing number of ferry and fast boat networks in Indonesia. You can take them for island hopping in Bali, the Nusa Islands, the Gili Islands, or Flores Island.
This option is ideal for short-distance crossings, such as from the Nusa Islands to Bali or vice versa. The speed of the journey depends on the type of boat. Speedboats tend to be faster than larger ferries. While speedboats/fast boats are indeed faster, they have a smaller capacity.
Phinisi Boat
This option is also available for many crossings in Indonesia but is more limited to luxury liveaboards or modern Phinisi vessels. These modern vessels offer better aesthetics and comfort than traditional Phinisi boats. You can enjoy more amenities on a modern Phinisi, including a bar, entertainment area, water sports equipment, a restaurant, and more.
If you want to save on travel costs and don’t mind a longer sea journey, a traditional Phinisi boat could be the right choice.
Cruise Ship
If your sea journey is long, you can take a cruise ship, even for international travel. These ships offer complete amenities, much like a hotel. The difference is that this “hotel” sails between islands and ports.
They have a very large capacity, accommodating up to thousands of passengers per voyage. However, this option isn’t recommended if you need a short crossing, such as from Bali to the Nusa Islands. Cruise ship routes aren’t available for that crossing.
These island transfers also typically include multi-day tour packages, for example, a 5-day package that visits countries across Southeast Asia. If you’re looking for full amenities for recreation and international travel, a cruise ship is worth considering.
That said, access to cruise ships is much more limited. Only major ports or main ports serve as cruise ship stops. Those are some of the transportation options you can choose from for island transfers in Indonesia.
How do you choose the right one? Determine whether your crossing distance is long or short. Choose a fast boat/ferry or a Phinisi boat if the distance is short. Fast boats are a popular choice because they can get you there faster but are more expensive than Phinisi boats.
Our tip is to compare operators, as prices per passenger, amenities, crossing duration, and departure times can vary. It’s also better to choose an operator based on ratings. You can book on GiliBaliBoat if you want an easier way to compare operators covering Bali, Lombok, the Nusa Islands, and the Gili Islands.
