How Bad Are The Gili Island Ferries? (Ekajaya Fast Boat) | Bali Vlog 6 of 10

We're leaving Bali and taking a fast boat ferry to reach Gili Trawangan in the Gili Islands. You can read some pretty bad things online, so we booked Ekajaya ferry to see if it's... Book your ferry here: geni.us/giliferry ⬇ Other Bali recommendations are below ⬇
The time has come to leave Bali and head to the AWESOME Gili Islands... which, a lot of travellers don't actually realise are part of Lombok, not Bali. Either way, I've been to the Gili Islands once before (Dane, about 12 years ago) and loved it - so I always wanted to get back to Gili Trawangan and explore Gili Air as well with Stace eventually.
BUT, the big issue is with the fast boat ferries. There's some shocking reviews online, along with some very sad stories recently, so it's kind of difficult to know which is the best way to get from Bali to the Gili Islands and which is the best ferry. After loads of research we thought Eka Jaya was going to be the best - it's the largest boat, which does mean it's a bit slower, but it seemed a bit safer to us.
In this vlog we go through the process of seeing just how crap these fast boat ferries are and honestly, it wasn't nearly as bad as we thought. Going over was smooth sailing, coming back, not so much as we sat around waiting for the boat and then had a weird sea transfer. It's a small price to pay for the beauty and relaxing on the Gili Islands though - so check back for those vlogs next time.
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#Indonesia #Bali #GiliFerry

[@DanegerAndStacey]

Take a look at all the ferry options here (including Eka Jaya) and see what price and time works best for you: geni.us/giliferry

[@sigridkoppen6567]

Did you use this link to order your tickets? I'm also going to the Gillis this year🤩

[@DanegerAndStacey]

@@sigridkoppen6567 12Go is legit for all Asia travels, not just Indo! We're heading to Thailand soon and booking loads of transfers and ferries - or at least use it to compare options and times 👌🏼

[@tonychestnut904]

Great to watch you two lovely young people rolling with the punches, and keeping your cool. Many happy journeys to you!

[@DanegerAndStacey]

Thanks so much!

[@travelertrome8449]

Thanks for keeping things real! Not everything in paradise is smooth sailing (yes pun intended). But the key thing was Stace saying it was all worth it. I have never heard of the Gili Islands. Can't wait for the next vlog! I'm really enjoying you guys being back in Asia, where it all started for me when I subscribed years ago!

[@DanegerAndStacey]

Haha love the pun! Great call. It was definitely all worth it, such a little piece of paradise. We've just been planning more Asia adventures and can't wait to bring you along. Thank you for all your support over the years, means the world to us!

[@adods9824]

I had never heard of them, can't wait to go back in 7 months' time !!

[@samghamem]

Guys congratulations 🎉 the best video explaining about the transfer to Gili anyone explained. Thanks

[@DanegerAndStacey]

Glad it's helpful! Just allow time

[@JohnandCaraRetiredTravellers]

Looks like it all turned out well! Looking forward to seeing the next part of the adventure! ~Cara 😊

[@DanegerAndStacey]

It did, thankfully! Always so hard to choose when it comes to these types of things but we're glad we went with a bigger boat! Cant wait to share more with you soon 😊

[@ejay2844]

Im so glad you both are out and about again, missed you so much.

[@DanegerAndStacey]

Aww so kind, we're happy to be back in Asia and have some verrrrrry exciting trips lined up this year. Cant wait to share more!

[@ejay2844]

@@DanegerAndStacey Please go back to the Phillipines ! loved those videos the best.

[@annika6846]

I love how much information you give us in every video! Thank you🥰

[@DanegerAndStacey]

That makes us so happy to hear! Thank you 😊

[@zuemh702]

I’m loving the Bali series 👍 It definitely has changed a lot since the last time i was there, that was like 7 years ago 😂

[@DanegerAndStacey]

Its only been a few years since we were there and we were absolutely blown away! Imagine how you'd feel after 7!! 🤯

[@blackswan7568]

Hate that so many people have trouble with this ferry system, but I'm glad you guys had a great time once you got there. Who knows? Maybe they make it such a pain on purpose so that they can keep the tourists away😆

[@DanegerAndStacey]

Haha wouldn't blame them if they did, if that was my home I'd want to keep it a secret too 😝

[@damonmorris5874]

After all is said done it appears it worked out👍

[@costasworldofmusicmemories5792]

As always, a great video. You never know what you get when you travel by boat. rough seas , calm seas? That's travel. You guys handled it well ,you have to pack your patience. But in the end you guys enjoyed yourselves. And that's what counts. Harriet and I would do the same thing. We think alike. Sending you lots of love and affection ❤❤❤ How is Nalu doing ? Harriet, Jim and Yuki.

[@DanegerAndStacey]

Thanks team! So true, it really is a gamble - great advice to pack your patience! Nalu is doing great thank you, he's slowly becoming more independent which we love. How is little Yuki?

[@autoltu1113]

Great video. It was a very similar experience for me. Ekajaya is still one of the best options to get there so it can get much worse:) The sea can get pretty rough going there even in good weather so even with the large Ekajaya boat it was quite bouncy and we were almost sick. I wouldn't take any of smaller boats unless absolutely necessary. Anyway, it was definitely worth the visit

[@DanegerAndStacey]

Oh no, it must've been bad to feel sick on such a large boat. We had quite rough seas on the way to Nusa Penida last time on a small boat and that wasn't fun! So glad you enjoyed yourself despite the travel to get there. 😊

[@jasehatcher8283]

Such good info, thank you!

[@DanegerAndStacey]

Any time!

[@CambodiaNomadTips]

Covid is definitely over, looking at the crowds of tourists. Loved the video 😎😎

[@DanegerAndStacey]

Thankfully it wasn't an issue where we travelled! Thanks so much 😊

[@NehaJain-fy6rb]

Hello, i am planning to travel with my 8 month daughter. Is ekjaya and travel to gili t safe? Please let me know thanks

[@emsta0236]

Oh the memories of the long journey just getting to the ferry terminal. While I was waiting at the terminal I had to go to the toilet. I couldn’t find one so I paid for a local bucket 🥴🥴

[@DanegerAndStacey]

oh damn that sounds horrific!

[@AnkitKamble098]

Try going to Gili T during new year in Semaya One Boat... you'll know why people are complaining.

[@DanegerAndStacey]

Ooh can't say that sounds like something we'd enjoy 😂

[@robertgreenaway5166]

Where are your bags? Thanks for the video

[@DanegerAndStacey]

They're all stored upstairs, so having a suitcase is helpful to protect from the elements, but a bit more fiddly with getting on and off

[@ssharma8442]

How much time did it take to reach gili?

[@sophieeasson3858]

Love your vids! Stacey, I love your little black dress- where is it from?

[@DanegerAndStacey]

Aw thank you! It's an Australian brand called Rhythm, I got it yeeeeears ago so hopefully they still have something similar. Pro tip dont wear it on the ferry, everyone will see ya butt when it flies up 😂

[@mariannacristofaro6721]

Hey guys! Thank for these amazing videos! I am getting ready for my trip to Bali and Gili Air and your tips are very useful 😊 at what time did you take the ferry to Gili? The only EkaJaya option I am seeing online is at 8 and duration 4h - I hope they put this as precaution and not as actual duration time

[@adods9824]

Generally 2.5 to 3 hr outwards and 3 - 4 hr returning. Just how it is ..

[@shrutibharadwaj7516]

Hi guys. We are planning a trip to gili t with a 1.5 year old. But we are skeptical about the return journey as I can only find 2.5 hours options with eka jaya. Is that the time it took you to get back? Was it horrible or doable?

[@DanegerAndStacey]

Going back was much more hassle actually, but with Eka Jaya it was reasonable compared to others and experiences Dane had years and years ago. Definitely doable, but just prepare that it is a bit of a half day worth of messing around and prep food, distractions etc for the wee one

[@jthomas420]

I would absolutely not reccomend bothering going to any islands while staying on Bali. The whole process is a nightmare and you basically waste an entire day just to end up in a very same same location. I have extensively traveled around SE Asia and today I had the worst experience of my travel life going from Gili Air to Nusa Lembongan. I didn't even make it there. I had to relocate to new accommodation on Lombok. 215 Australian dollars later. Do not do it.

[@NehaJain-fy6rb]

Did you go? @shrutibharadwaj7516...even i am planning with a infant. Let me know your experience and suggestions if any

[@NikoDundee]

Eka Jaya is the best company you can take to go the Gili Island. And it takes the same time than others.

[@DanegerAndStacey]

From our experience, we tend to agree

[@Ankur512512]

Rightly said. Going to the island was easy but returning back was a total chaos at the harbor. I would recommend everyone to reach atleast 1 hour early even if you have booked your return tickets because otherwise they sell your ticket to someone else (yes they can do that). I booked from Samaya One. So sharing my experience below: If you have booked your return ticket already, then you need to collect it from a shop nearby the harbor in Gili T. Ask around and you will find out easily. Don't try go collect it directly from the harbor, they will send you back. After collecting your tickets, you need to pay the environment tax or something (10k IDR/person) that you can only pay at harbor. Without that they won't let you go to your boat. And nobody will tell you about this before boarding starts. So sharing here to save you from that hustle. In the end, after getting your boarding tickets and environment tax receipt you're good to go. :) Cheers !!

[@chungwong1213]

Thanks for the sharing @DanegerAndStacey @Ankur512512, it is very useful for me! I am also planning to go to Gili Meno from Seminyak next month! I am a bit nervous since there are too much bad comment on the Internet. I was afraid how could we collect the return ticket from Gili Meno, there should be somewhere from a shop near the harbor and pay the the environment tax or something (10k IDR/person) at the harbor. I saw there are 2 options for us with Ekajaya. But I am woundering which option is best for us. 1st option is to travel Ekajaya Fast Boat from Serangan (SR) to Gili Meno (GM) (SPB Trip3) SR-LP-PB-SG-3GL-BSL 08:00 AM- 12:40 PM (4 hours 40 minutes) - Serangan (SR) - 08:00 AM - Gili Meno (GM) - 12:45 PM 2 x IDR 650,000 Price: IDR 1,300,000 2nd option is to travel from Seminyak to Padangbai with Car transfer + Bali Padang Bai (PB) to Gili Meno (GM) (Ekajaya Car transfer) Seminyak To Padangbai 06:30 AM- 08:15AM (1 hour45 minutes) - Seminyak - 06:30 - Padangbai - 08:15 Price: IDR 400,000 (Ekajaya Fast Boat) from Bali Padang Bai (PB) to Gili Meno (GM) 01:45 PM-04:00 PM (2 hours 15 minutes) (PB Trip 02) PB-GT-GM-GA-BSL Price: 2 x IDR 415,000 Price: IDR 870,000 Total: IDR 1,270,000

[@brunorubin]

Thanks for the vlog, that's super helpful! Does the Eka Jaya also goes to Gili Air? Or do you have to transfer to a smaller boat to get there? Thanks!

[@DanegerAndStacey]

Yes it does! They all do the same route onto all 3 Gilis and often on to Lombok as well I think

[@ayu147852]

Thanks for the video... Does the cost mentioned in video IDR 350K is one way per person cost? Or ots for round trip

[@asimmateen12]

The boat rides are really risky especially during evening time. Had the same bad experience while returning from Nusa penida to sanur (Bali) Very risky!

[@DanegerAndStacey]

Yeah that's the trouble on them huh, we've heard some bad stories

[@zafamin3172]

Thanks for the vid, did you guys get the early bot back from gili too? If Was that the situation in the vid?

[@DanegerAndStacey]

Nah we were on a later boat, early would probably be better

[@AgentTash]

Is that dock new? I don’t remember it from when I went to Gili T 4 years ago. I think we had to climb on and off the boat which had beached itself near the main drag. I also went from Padangbai, and remember it being crazy and late both ways

[@lizp4218]

I remember climbing over other boats onto plastic floating wharf 🤔

[@DanegerAndStacey]

We're not 100% sure if it's new, but it's great! Not what we were expecting after reading all the terrible reviews 🙈

[@yearofek6915]

`Hey guys, thanks for this video. Very helpful! How did you get on with your suitcases from gili t to your accomodation?

[@DanegerAndStacey]

Our pleasure! Not sure if you've spotted the vlog after this #7 but its not fun - have to use the horses

[@serg3y]

Our Ekajaya boat stunk terribly of diesel on the inside the whole time. Aircons were on but were inadequate. We did not go upstairs because it was full despite the seas and being rough. Toilet was broken so you could not sit on it and the sink tap was broken. Beer and water is sold at 3x the price. Overall 3.5/5, because some of the other boats are even worse.

[@DanegerAndStacey]

Jeeeeeeeeze this sounds horrific!! Glad you survived, that's a shocker

[@serg3y]

@@DanegerAndStacey it could be worse. But it was not 5 stars.

[@pureheat11]

Thx for a great video. Btw how did you handle the luggages btw, is it difficult to bring the luggages on board?

[@NikoDundee]

Not at all. The crew is well organised.

[@cimpone0866]

What month did you guys travel to bali?

[@TheAlexJWilliams]

Will we be okay bringing 2 suitcases each (4 in total for 2 people)

[@DanegerAndStacey]

It will be, but the majority of people will have backpacks, we rocked suitcases and it's just whatever, do it and don't over think it

[@gailspears9820]

Ho, just wondering where you guys stayed in Pandang Bai please Cheers

[@DanegerAndStacey]

Sorry for the delay, we've been exploring South America! We didn't stay in Padang Bai, we used private drivers to get transport to other spots

[@atticablack]

Bali to Gili T ferry was literal hell in 2014.

[@DanegerAndStacey]

Nooooo!! So sorry you had such a terrible experience, its such a gamble looking at all the reviews! Fingers crossed you enjoyed yourself once on dry land 😂

[@atticablack]

@@DanegerAndStacey Tiny boat, HUGE waves, sat right up front so you felt the waves smash. Your boat looked much nicer! Gili's were so different back then, just one street really. Can you tell me if the woodcarving artist is still on Gili T? He had a huge stall filled with carved driftwood, I bought a statue from him, always wondered if he was still at it.

[@DanegerAndStacey]

@@atticablack That sounds rough, literally! I have similar memories of that first trip I mentioned, this was much nicer. Not sure about the Gili Carver sorry - we didn't see him ourselves

[@RorydriftmansxrsilviaWilkinson]

idk got few another roadd trips on over summer an over winter coming upp anytime soon in 2023 well been doing few queenstown an kaikoura an hamer springs roadd trip an too dunudin as well as chch an timaru. an going too go too aus sometime soon in 2023 this year too seeing my another homies from back in the highschool days off high school years etc an seeing my another cuzzys an freinds an family over there in aus too

[@DanegerAndStacey]

Sounds like you've done some awesome road trips! Exciting you're off to aus as well! Hope you have an awesome trip catching up with old friends 😊

[@decm9258]

Hey guys we’re looking at doing semi yak to Gili t and we’re wondering how you did the private Gili t snorkelling please? Have you got contact info for the guy you guys used please? Many thanks

[@DanegerAndStacey]

Amazing, you're going to love it! We actually started our tour in Gili Air not Gili T - the best thing to do is ask your accommodation host and they will be able to recommend someone!

[@brickstotrips]

Lol they’re extreme! We had a similar experience

[@DanegerAndStacey]

Hope you still enjoyed yourselves 😊

[@jeffklein9248]

Are they hiring where you work.What are you up to now,about 10 weeks paid time off.

[@DanegerAndStacey]

This is our work, Jeff - you just watched it 🤙🏼

[@jacksaviation124]

I love the Bail series❤

[@DanegerAndStacey]

Thanks Jack! Appreciate the good vibes!

[@dhx1616]

Hey may I ask Did you guys take the ekajaya from padang bai or?

[@DanegerAndStacey]

Yup Padang Bai

[@chrischris3157]

hi. if my bags is 2-3 around 35 kilos i will have any problem?

[@shivaprasadreddykatta1835]

No

[@trdh5465]

Would it be possible for a digital nomad to live on Gilis Islands for a few months? Thanks

[@DanegerAndStacey]

It depends where you stay, what your internet connection is like and what your budget is - personally, as nomads we prefer Bali with the option to go to the Gilis for a shorter stay.

[@emsta0236]

Good advice!

[@guyrandom8518]

Hey guys, can you check out Kardia resort while you’re on Gili T, cheers

[@DanegerAndStacey]

Hey Guy, we were only there for such a short period of time we didn't see Kardia resort sorry!

[@guyrandom8518]

@@DanegerAndStacey all good, heading over there for the first time in a few months 😁 enjoyed your footage of the island

[@adicandrachanel]

Adventure Bsli with board is very hapyness

[@Son.226]

How much dude bali lombok ekajaya

[@DanegerAndStacey]

Check the link in our description and you can compare prices

[@baliwalknshops1517]

thanks for video

[@DanegerAndStacey]

Thanks for watching!

[@charyharyono9259]

❤️👍

[@DanegerAndStacey]

❤

[@jeffklein9248]

If I had your money I'd burn mine.Just Unreal.

[@lizp4218]

Omg worst 3 hrs Gili t to Bali 6 hrs total, before we left crew asking everyone if they wanted sea sick pills everyone with heads in sick bags couldn’t go up on deck swell so bad 😳 never again!!

[@DanegerAndStacey]

Oh nooooo!!! That sounds soooo bad!! It sounds like it's just luck of the draw with the weather - now we're realising how lucky we were !!

[@Watergirl66]

Season 2 was better. 🤣🤣

[@DanegerAndStacey]

Ohhhh interesting! We loved the randomness and surprise of S1 I suppose, 2 was great as well tho

[@RorydriftmansxrsilviaWilkinson]

idk had abit off rough time off late too its been pretty rough asf week this week just been an go yo know another that i been missing yo guys ahhahahahaahhahahahahahaahhahahahahahahahahhahahahahahahhahhahahahahahahah stacey an daneger any new vids coming out soon off yo guys on holiday roadd trip too the south island off nz new zealand ahahahaahaahahhahahhahhahhahahahaha an idk been going on few roadd trips around loveley nz new zealand on holiday as i whent an bought a new tow rig truck ute etc. an dirt bikes an jet skis. and whent on roadd trip too few local hot spots too going camping an fishing over my holiday roadd trip around the south island in chch timaru dundein hamer spreings queenstown kaikoura an whent drifting in kaikoura go kart track too with few homies an few mates an freinds an stuff like that too etc.

[@DanegerAndStacey]

No New Zealand vlogs planned soon, but we have some epic Asia vlogs coming out. Keep watching 😉