Hidden Luggage Rules: Can & Can’t Bring on Gili Fast Boat
Imagine this: you are at Sanur or Padang Bai harbour, waiting for your departure to the exciting vacation in Gili Islands. Boarding is about to begin but then….. you are told that you could not bring your surfboard! or even worse, your dog is not allowed to onboard and now you are panicking about choosing what to do…
These scenarios happen more often than you think. While Gili fast boat baggage protocols are not as strict as airlines, that does not mean it is unregulated. Each operator has their own rules about luggages, from oversized items to live animals. Having awareness regarding these hidden rules can save you from stress, unexpected fees or even denied boarding.
Standard Fast Boat Luggage Allowance and Unique Harbour Realities
Most of the Gili fast boats provide luggage capacity similar to airlines, between 20-25 kg each passenger. However, at the harbour, particularly Padang Bai, the luggage handling is typically done by porters instead of the boat staff. So, you have to pay around IDR 10,000 – 20,000 for each bag. This porter service is not part of the official ticket charge.
It is also highly recommended to write your name and your destination on your bag. Fast boats between Bali and Gilis often do luggage stacking and multi-stop unloading (From Gili Trawangan, Meno and Air). Having the name and destination label on your bags will prevent losing your bags.
Are surfboards allowed on a fast boat?
Now, the common question: Can you bring your surfboard on a Gili fast boat?? The answer is: YES, you can! but there will be additional charges as surfboards are classified as oversized baggage. It costs around IDR 25,000 – 100,000 depending on the board size and the operator policies.
Please be aware that your surfboard will be stacked with other luggage and will be handled not too gently, so wrapping it in a hard case, thick bubble wrap or extra padding is a good idea to protect your beloved surfboard.
How about pets on the fast boats?
This matter is more complex due to legal and quarantine regulations.
Transporting animals in Indonesia requires quarantines and paperworks, it is enforced by Indonesian laws. If you are willing to bring your pets, you must have the animal health certificate and quarantine documentation. Without these, there will be higher risk of refusal by the harbour authorities and even legal complications.
If you do have all the paperworks needed, here are some essential things you need to know about boarding with a pet in fast boat to Gili:
- Not all boats are pet friendly. Some operators have strict rules that pets have to stay in the outdoor area and not allowed in the inside AC cabin.
- All animals also have to be in the hard cage or kennel, not on your lap or on the leash.
- The owners have to accompany their pets too, so if you want to bring your pet, be ready to stay outdoors during your boat trip.
If you are a pet owner and could not leave your beloved pet behind, don’t hesitate to contact Gili Voyages to find out the best operators to accommodate you and your furry companion!
Strictly Prohibited Items on Fast Boats:
- Drugs
Indonesia is known to have very strict regulation on drugs. Police check is common in the harbour and severe legal penalties apply. - Weapon and sharp objects
This includes firearms, weapons and large sharp items to ensure everyone’s safety. - Durian Fruit
This fruit is famous for its strong smell, which is also the reason it is forbidden inside the cabin. The strong smell can trigger a lot of people and cause nausea and even seasickness.
Conclusion and Smart Booking tips
The regulations for Gili fast boats might be more flexible than airlines, but it does not mean you can do and bring anything you want. Some items might get surcharges like surfboards and other oversized items, while bringing pets requires more complex paperworks and steps and other items are totally big no.
To avoid unnecessary extra work, make sure you book your ticket in advance and inform the operator or the agency about your unusual belongings. This will help you and the staff to prepare some space or documentation if needed. Also, bring extra cash for any surcharges or porter fees.
Last but not least, contact Bali Voyages about your unusual luggage and consult the best way to transport them by a fast to Gili Islands from Bali.
Related Post
Exploring Nusa Lembongan Beach!
