Bangsal Harbour Lombok
The bustling gateway to Lombok's Gili Islands, offering both budget public boats and faster, more comfortable speedboat options.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Bangsal Harbour Lombok
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
The bustling gateway to Lombok's Gili Islands, offering both budget public boats and faster, more comfortable speedboat options.
"Stick to official counters to avoid scams; public boats are cheap but chaotic, fast boats are pricier but smoother."
🎯 Find the Official Counter
Look for yellow or black signs for official ticket offices to avoid scams.
💰 Public Boat Savings
Public boats are the cheapest option, around 18k-25k IDR.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Official Ticket Counters
Locate the designated ticket offices to secure legitimate fares and avoid scams. Look for yellow or black signs.
Public Boat to the Gilis
The most economical way to reach Gili Air, Meno, and Trawangan. Be prepared for potential delays and shared spaces.
Fast Boat Piers
Board comfortable speedboats for a quicker journey to the Gili Islands or mainland Lombok.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigate the Harbour Chaos
Public vs. Fast Boat
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Find the Official Counter
Look for yellow or black signs for official ticket offices to avoid scams. +1
💰 Public Boat Savings
Public boats are the cheapest option, around 18k-25k IDR. +1
💨 Fast Boat Convenience
Fast boats offer quicker, more comfortable travel for a higher price.
🧳 Guard Your Luggage
Beware of unofficial porters; keep your bags with you until boarding.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Find the Official Counter
Look for yellow or black signs for official ticket offices to avoid scams. +1
💰 Public Boat Savings
Public boats are the cheapest option, around 18k-25k IDR. +1
💨 Fast Boat Convenience
Fast boats offer quicker, more comfortable travel for a higher price.
🧳 Guard Your Luggage
Beware of unofficial porters; keep your bags with you until boarding.
⏰ Check Schedules
Public boats have limited departure times; fast boats are more frequent.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Bangsal Harbour is a functional but often chaotic transit point to the Gili Islands. While it offers budget-friendly public boat options, travelers frequently warn of aggressive touts and potential scams. Fast boats provide a more comfortable, albeit pricier, alternative. Planning and sticking to official channels are key to a smoother experience.
"I leave this comment to help navigate getting an "official public boat" ticket (in our case to Gili Meno), cost was 25.000IDR per person.
The harbour is not as bad as many comments say, just avoid anyone trying to sell you anything ;). Please see the photos and video to see the correct ticket office, it is located just left when you enter the harbour gate, on the other side of the parkinglot. It has a long blue/yellow waiting area left of the office.
The public boat to Meno leaves at 14:00 and 17:00 from the beach. The speedboats leave from the end of the long pier.
Please also find a picture of the "official boat" so you know what to expect. The boat trip lasted 15min and was ok, a bit rocky. The arrival there was fine.
Last tip: we got scammed for 50.000IDR while waiting for the boat to leave. Two men came up to us claiming they belonged to the boat and needed to put in the big luggage in the boat first. They brought our bags and came back to ask for a fee to have carried our bag. They claimed 50k and were very persistent. This is nothing official and they ran off after they got money as in fact they didn't belong to the boat after all. Just say no and bring your own bag!
We hope this helps!"
Y. T.
"For public boat to Gili Air : from the carpark, walk to the right past the building with a yellow sign (Centralised ticket counter, easy booking) over the small barrier, continue past all the food stalls till you reach the last office with a black sign saying "offiicial ticket office of bangsal to gili air". Around 23k per person then wait on the beach for your ticket colour to be called. Keep your bags with you, even on the boat as the "porters" will climb on the boat to grab your luggage and then charge you. Smooth system if you know where to go!"
Steph Pong
"First experience:
Didn’t read the reviews and let a couple of guys carrying my suitcases from blue water boat - thought they were employees. At the car they asked for 200k.
I said no firmly. In the end gave them a 5k bill and they were quite pissed 😂
Second experience (departing): thanks to the reviews was very easy to find the counter for the public speed boat to Gili Meno -85k.
Departed exactly on time (12pm) and everything was extremely easy. Just get the tickets from the counter and go to the main pier (scanning the QR). The boat name comes printed on the ticket. The staff will put your suitcase on top (don’t let anyone touch your bags prior to that moment).
Good boat and perfect service. 25 min to Gili Meno"
B. M.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
From Lombok International Airport (LOP), you can take a taxi or pre-booked private car to Bangsal Harbour. The journey takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic. Some TikTok videos show scenic routes along the coast. 
You have two main options: public boats (slow, cheap) and fast boats (faster, more expensive). Public boats depart from the beach, while fast boats leave from a pier.
Yes, you can take a fast boat from Bali (e.g., Padang Bai) directly to Bangsal Harbour. This is a popular route for tourists.
Yes, taxis and private car services are available at Bangsal Harbour for transfers to other parts of Lombok, such as Senggigi or Kuta.
Yes, there are ferry services, like KMP Trimas Laila, that connect from ports like Jangkar in Situbondo, East Java, to Lombok, which can then lead you to Bangsal Harbour.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Look for the official ticket counters, often marked with yellow or black signs. Avoid unofficial touts. The price for the public boat is typically around 18,000-25,000 IDR per person. +1
The official price for a public boat ticket to Gili Air from Bangsal Harbour is usually around 18,000 to 23,000 IDR per person. +1
Fast boat prices vary by company but are significantly higher than public boats, often ranging from 85,000 IDR upwards.
Public boats to Gili Meno typically leave at 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM. For Gili Air, you'll need to check the specific departure times at the counter, but they are generally available throughout the day.
While not always mandatory, booking fast boat tickets in advance is recommended, especially during peak season, to secure your spot and potentially get better prices.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Some travelers have reported feeling unsafe or experiencing harassment at Bangsal Harbour due to aggressive touts and chaotic conditions. It's advisable to be vigilant and stick to official channels.
Be wary of unofficial porters who may try to charge exorbitant fees. It's best to handle your own luggage or use official services if available. Keep your bags with you until you are about to board.
Facilities are basic. There are some warungs (local eateries) for food and drinks. The harbour itself can be chaotic, especially during peak times.
The public boat journey from Bangsal Harbour to Gili Air typically takes around 15-25 minutes.
Public boats depart from the beach, while fast boats leave from a longer, more established pier. The fast boat pier is usually at the end of the harbour.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are simple local eateries (warungs) near Bangsal Harbour where you can find local and some Western food before or after your journey.
Basic snacks and drinks are usually available for purchase at the warungs or small stalls within the harbour area.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the bustling activity of the harbour, the boats, and the scenic coastal views. Sunsets can also be beautiful from the harbour area.
The harbour itself offers dynamic shots of boats and activity. The coastal road leading to Bangsal also provides nice views.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Ensure you have snacks and drinks readily available, as options within the harbour can be limited or overpriced. 💰 Budget Travelers
🚶 Solo Travelers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Bangsal Harbour: A Traveler's Guide
Scam awareness is paramount. Many reviews mention unofficial 'helpers' or 'porters' who approach travelers offering assistance with luggage or tickets, only to demand hefty fees afterward. It's crucial to politely but firmly decline unsolicited offers and proceed directly to the official ticket offices. Keep your luggage with you until you are ready to board your chosen vessel.
For those seeking a more comfortable and less stressful experience, consider alternative ports like Senggigi for fast boat services, although these are typically more expensive.
Public Boat vs. Fast Boat: Choosing Your Gili Transfer
Fast boats, on the other hand, offer a significantly quicker and more comfortable journey. They depart from a dedicated pier and run on more frequent schedules. Companies like Ostina Fast Boat and Wijaya Perkasa operate these services, with prices typically starting from 85,000 IDR.
Ultimately, the 'best' option depends on your travel style. If you're a budget backpacker and have ample time, the public boat is a viable choice. If you value speed and comfort, and your budget allows, a fast boat is the way to go. Always confirm departure times and prices at the official counters.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit