Padangbai—Ferries & Diving
Padangbai is Bali's ferry port for the crossing to Lombok and the Gili Islands—but using the sleepy fishing village only as a transit point would be a mistake. The small bay has developed into a relaxed backpacker hangout with excellent dive sites, hidden beaches, and a cozy atmosphere.
The main bay with the ferry terminal is not suitable for swimming, but a few minutes' walk away are two beautiful bays:
Blue Lagoon Beach (10 minutes walk east): A small, sheltered bay with white sand, clear water, and a reef just off the beach that is perfect for snorkeling. Turtles, clownfish, and blue-spotted stingrays are regular guests. Sun loungers and warungs available during the day.
Bias Tugel Beach (also "Secret Beach", 15 minutes walk over the hill east): The most beautiful beach in the area—white sand, turquoise water, hardly any people. No shade and no warung, so bring water and sun protection.
💡 Tipp
Padangbai is one of the cheapest places to dive in all of Bali. Two dives with equipment cost from 700,000 IDR (approx. 40€)—significantly cheaper than in Sanur or Nusa Lembongan. The dive schools Water Worx and OK Divers are recommended.
Ferries & Speedboats
To Lombok (Lembar): The state ferry from Padangbai to Lembar runs hourly, around the clock. Crossing 4-5 hours. Price: 46,000 IDR (approx. 2.60€) per person, motorcycle 130,000 IDR, car 600,000 IDR. Just come to the port and take the next boat—no reservation needed.
To Gili Islands / Lombok (Senggigi): Speedboats run daily (1 departure in the morning, around 9:00 am). Crossing 1.5-2 hours to Gili Trawangan. Price: 350,000-600,000 IDR (20-34€) depending on the provider. Note: In rough seas (especially July-August and December-February), boats regularly cancel or the crossing becomes very rough. Book through the accommodation or a reputable provider like Bluewater Express or Eka Jaya.
Achtung
At the port, there are aggressive touts who want to sell you overpriced tickets. Go directly to the official counter. For speedboats: Only book with established providers and pay attention to the condition of the boat—there have been serious accidents in the past with poorly maintained boats.