Traveling to the Gili Islands is one of the highlights of visiting Lombok. These three small coral islands—Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, and Gili Air—are famous for their white-sand beaches, crystal-clear water, snorkeling experiences, sea turtles, relaxed atmosphere, and unique “no motorbike” lifestyle. Every year, thousands of travelers cross from Lombok to the Gili Islands using two main options: public boats and private speedboats.
But which option is better? The answer depends on your travel style, budget, schedule, and expectations. This comprehensive guide gives a detailed comparison between public boats and private speedboats, helping you decide the best choice for your journey.
Understanding the Two Main Transfer Options
Before comparing the details, it’s important to understand what each service offers.
Public boats refer to slow wooden boats operated by local cooperatives. They follow fixed schedules, have large seating capacity, and are widely used by local residents for daily transportation. These boats are the cheapest way to reach the Gili Islands.
Private speedboats, on the other hand, are modern fiberglass boats equipped with high-powered engines, operated by licensed private companies. They offer customizable departure times, direct access to any Gili Island, faster travel time, and more comfort.
Both options are viable, but they serve different needs.
1. Travel Time: How Fast Do They Get You to the Gilis?
Travel time is one of the biggest differences between public boats and private speedboats.
Public boats take significantly longer. On average, the journey from Bangsal to Gili Trawangan takes around 30–40 minutes. To Gili Air or Gili Meno, the travel time is slightly less but still slow due to the single-engine wooden boat design. Public boats also wait until they reach passenger quota before departing, which may cause delays.
Private speedboats are much faster. Departing from Teluk Nare, the trip to Gili Trawangan takes only 8–10 minutes. To Gili Meno, around 12–15 minutes, and to Gili Air, about 10–12 minutes. Private boats depart immediately according to your requested schedule, making them efficient and reliable, especially when you need to check in at a resort or catch a connecting boat.
If speed, efficiency, and time-saving matter to you, the private speedboat wins clearly.
2. Comfort and Experience: What Is the Onboard Feel Like?
Comfort levels between the two options vary dramatically.
Public Boats:
Public boats are functional, but basic. You may sit on simple benches, squeezed between luggage, boxes, groceries, and sometimes even construction materials. The boat moves slowly and is more affected by waves due to its wooden build. Ventilation is open-air, but comfort is minimal.
Private Speedboats:
Private speedboats offer a much more enjoyable experience. Seats are cushioned, the boarding process is smoother, and the ride is fast, clean, and modern. You have more legroom, fresh ocean breeze, and often a small cabin for shade. The trip feels more premium and personal, making it ideal for families, elderly travelers, and honeymooners.
If you want a relaxing, worry-free crossing, the private option is unquestionably better.
3. Schedule Flexibility: Fixed vs On-Demand Departures
Public boats depart at fixed hours. If you miss the schedule, you must wait for the next departure. If the boat fills early, it leaves sooner; if it takes longer to fill up, you wait longer. This unpredictability makes public boats less reliable for time-sensitive travelers.
Private speedboats operate on your schedule. You choose the departure time, and the boat will be ready. Whether you need an early morning transfer, a mid-day trip after checking out of your villa, or a sunset crossing, private boats offer complete flexibility.
This flexibility becomes even more valuable during high season when ports are crowded, or when your flight arrival time does not match public boat schedules.
4. Safety Standards and Equipment
Safety is a crucial consideration for any sea transfer.
Public Boats:
Public boats do provide life jackets, but the equipment is often older, and maintenance varies. Boats can get crowded, and sea conditions may affect the stability more due to slower travel speed and older designs.
Private Speedboats:
Private operators maintain modern equipment, including new life jackets, emergency devices, navigation systems, and reliable engines. Boats are maintained regularly, crew members are trained, and sea conditions are constantly monitored before departure. Because the travel time is shorter, exposure to rough sea conditions is also minimized.
Families with children, elderly parents, or travelers carrying valuable equipment often feel safer on private speedboats.
5. Boarding Experience and Port Conditions
Public boat ports can be busy and chaotic. You may need to walk through crowds, stand in long ticket lines, and navigate between port staff, locals, travelers, and cargo. Boarding usually requires stepping through shallow water or uneven platforms.
Private speedboats typically operate from clean, calm, and exclusive private harbors such as Teluk Nare. Boarding assistance is provided, luggage is handled carefully, and the overall process is smooth and comfortable.
6. Price Differences
Public boats are very affordable, which is their biggest advantage. Tickets are cheap and suitable for backpackers, solo travelers, and those on tight budgets.
Private speedboats have higher prices because you pay for speed, comfort, modern equipment, and flexibility. Prices vary depending on boat size, route, and number of passengers. However, for groups, families, or honeymooners, the cost becomes reasonable when split among passengers.
7. Which One Should You Choose?
Choose a public boat if:
You are traveling solo
You are on a budget
You have flexible time
You want the local experience
Choose a private speedboat if:
You want comfort and convenience
You need flexible departure times
You are traveling in a group
You want fast travel
You are carrying heavy luggage
You prefer a premium experience
For travelers who value smooth travel, privacy, and efficiency, private speedboats are the best option. LombokSpeedboat.com connects travelers with reliable, modern, and professional speedboat services.
