Packing
What to pack for a Bali fast boat
One bag of up to 20–25 kg, a dry bag for the wet boarding, cash for harbour fees and your passport. A short packing list for the boat, and what to leave in Bali.
The team, Fast Boat MatePublished
Photo: Bernard HermantFast boats are not ferries. There is no car deck, the luggage goes on the roof or in a small hold, and at many harbours you walk through the water to get on. Packing for that makes the day much easier.
How much luggage can I bring?
Usually one bag of up to 20–25 kg plus a small hand bag per passenger. Each boat on our site shows its allowance.
| Item | Usually |
|---|---|
| Main bag | 1 per person, up to 20–25 kg |
| Hand bag | 1 small bag or daypack |
| Surfboard, bike, dive gear | Extra charge, book in advance |
| Extra bag | Extra charge, book in advance |
Surfboards and extra bags can be added as an extra when you book. Without a booking, the crew may refuse them if the boat is full.
Which kind of bag works best?
A soft bag or backpack. Porters carry luggage on their shoulders through shallow water and stack it on the roof or in the hold. Hard suitcases with wheels are fine, but they are harder to carry on the beach and take a knock. Put a rain cover or a bin liner inside your bag: spray gets everywhere on a choppy day.
What should go in my hand bag?
Keep everything you can't lose or can't get wet with you, never in the main bag:
- Passport. Names on the booking must match.
- Phone with your QR e-ticket, and a screenshot in case there is no signal.
- Cash in small notes for harbour fees, porters and drivers.
- A card for the cashless Nusa Penida and Lembongan island fee.
- Seasickness tablets and water.
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat.
What should I wear?
For a beach boarding at Sanur, Jungut Batu on Lembongan or Gili Air: shorts and sandals you can take off. You will wade ankle- to knee-deep for a few metres. At jetty harbours such as Serangan and Padang Bai, feet stay dry.
Bring a light layer if you are on a long Gili crossing: air-conditioned cabins can be cold.
Do I need a dry bag?
It helps. A small roll-top dry bag, or a zip-lock bag for your phone and passport, protects them during the wade and from spray on deck. It is useful again for snorkelling and beach days.
Should I bring cash?
Yes. Island ATMs are few and sometimes run out. Budget for:
- Harbour fees: about IDR 10,000 at Padang Bai and Bangsal, about IDR 20,000 on the Gilis, paid in cash.
- Porters, if they carry your bags further than the boat, and taxi trucks on Lembongan (about IDR 50,000–100,000 per person to hotels).
- On Nusa Penida, cash for parking, food and drivers, plus a card for the island fee.
Our fees guide lists every fee with sources.
Anything for the Bali tourist levy?
If you are a foreign visitor, you pay the IDR 150,000 Bali levy once per entry at lovebali.baliprov.go.id. Keep the voucher QR on your phone: it can be checked at seaports as well as the airport.
What about snorkelling gear?
If you join our snorkel trip, masks, fins and life jackets are included. Bring a swimsuit, a towel, reef-safe sunscreen and a T-shirt for sun protection in the water.
Travelling with children?
We ask every operator to carry child-size life jackets; check the safety list on your boat and ask the crew for one when you board. Bring snacks, water and a change of clothes, and carry small children during a beach boarding. Infants travel free on an adult's lap. Check the age bands on each fare before you book.
What should I leave in Bali?
If you are only going for a night or two, ask your Bali hotel to store your big suitcase; many do for guests. Travelling light makes the wade, the porters and the island roads much easier.
