Chances are, if you’re in, or planning to visit Bali, you’ve heard all about Nusa Penida. It’s a fantastic little island located just 12 km away from Bali at its closest point. Many travelers in Bali ensure to squeeze a visit to Nusa Penida into their Bali itineraries, and for good reason.
The island boasts a stunning array of natural viewpoints, magical beaches, waterfalls, simply INSANE wildlife and a whole lot more. It’s paradise for divers and land lubbers alike, with incredible rays calling the waters home as well as Mola Mola. Then on land there’s these craze monkeys that live on the reef and eat crabs.
Getting from Bali to Nusa Penida is so simple if you know how to do it. I’ve made this journey across the Badung Straight many times now so I feel somewhat qualified to tell you all the things I’ve learned.
So, let’s get into all the juicy bits about traveling to Nusa Penida from Bali. In this guide, I’ll cover bits like where to buy tickets and all of the transport options. Think of this as your one stop shop for getting off Bali and into a whole new paradise.
Ok folks, to Nusa Penida we go!
Image: Nic Hilditch-Short
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Quick Answer: The Best Ways To Get From Bali to Nusa Penida
The best way to get to Nusa Penida from Bali will depend on your budget and schedule. What I can say is that most people in Bali go to Nusa Penida via the Fast Boat on 12GO.
Bali and Nusa Penida are really not that far away from one another. If you opt for the fast boat option, the one-way journey only takes 35 minutes
The easiest and most convenient way of travelling from Bali to Nusa Penida is to organise a speed boat trip with a hotel pick-up option.
How to Get to Nusa Penida From Bali
The fast boat is not the only way of getting to Nusa Penida from Bali. Different transport options come with their own unique pros and cons; the best way to travel between the two islands will be different for everyone. There is a transport option for every budget and all types of travellers, whether you’re backpacking in Bali or being boujee.
Here are the rest of your options for making the trip:
The Transport Options: Fast Boat vs The Rest
- Fast Boat – Best Option: This is the most popular option. A 35-minute fast boat journey.
- Public Ferry – Cheapest Option: The public ferry is the best option for those on a serious budget.
- Private Charter – Alternative Option: The private charter is the most flexible and fun option for sure.
- Fastboat with Hotel Pickup – Most Convenient Option: If I could afford it, I would do it!
Image: Nic Hilditch-Short
The Best Way to Get From Bali to Nusa Penida
The best and most popular way of travelling between Bali and Nusa Penida is to book a fast boat from Sanur. Sanur is the most popular departure point for people looking to make this trip.
If you opt for the fast boat via Sanur, the total journey usually takes 30-45 minutes. I have personally made this trip four times now and cannot recommend it enough. I have never had any issues or problems with this method, and most backpackers choose this option for a reason.
I can vouch for Sanur Starfish, Sanur Angel Billabong and Glory Fast Boat as reliable transfer companies. I’ve also heard good things about Maruti Express and Idola Express. Most companies are ok, and if they’re on 12GO, you’ll be fine! Just pick the departure time that suits you best.
TIP: Leave early to avoid crowds and check the weather before booking to ensure that you have a smooth ride and avoid those choppy seas.
The Easiest Way to Get From Bali to Nusa Penida
The easiest way to get between Bali and Nusa Penida is to book a fast boat with a hotel pickup. This way, you don’t have to faff around getting to any of the harbour or boat ports. Instead, you can relax knowing that everything will be sorted out for you.
Typically, the hotel’s pick-up options are not private shuttles, but rather minivans or shared taxis. The round trip shouldn’t take more than an hour, and the hotel pick-up options stretch as far as Canggu, Seminyak, Kuta and even Nusa Dua.
This option is not the cheapest way of travelling between A and B. But if you’re staying in Bali and aren’t on a budget, it’s a great way to get to Nusa Penida hassle-free.
The Cheapest Way to Get From Bali to Nusa Penida
The cheapest way of getting from Bali to Nusa Penida is to join the locals on the public ferry. This is the best option for the broke backpackers who are short on cash and not on time.
The public ferry leaves from the main harbour at Padang Bai, and the journey usually takes between 1.5 and 3 hours to reach Nusa Penida.
To be quite honest, I do not recommend this transport option. The conditions on the ferry are far from luxurious (to say the least), and the journey is often delayed and can take hours.
To top it all off, the best option is still very fairly priced! The fast boat from Sanur usually costs less than $10USD.
Why You Should Book Online
Image: Nic Hilditch-Short
The best way to get from Bali to Nusa Penida hassle-free and safely is to book a boat ticket on 12GO or Get Your Guide.
Both of these sites are widely used by locals and travellers all over the world, but especially in regions such as Southeast Asia. I (and thousands of others) can personally vouch for the efficiency and legitimacy of these sites, hence they have so many users and reviews.
Booking your ticket online is almost always superior to rocking up at the port and winging it. There are a whole host of issues that can crop up with this method.
Usually, it’s cheaper AND more convenient (faster time-wise) to book online. Not only this, but you can guarantee a ticket/space on the transport vessel. There’s nothing worse than not travelling because tickets are sold out.
No queuing for tickets, no haggling in person where the locals try to rip you off, and you usually get a guaranteed seat on your ticket. Sign me up!
Nusa Penida Day Tours
Ok, so you want to go to Nusa Penida, and you know how to get there… but now what? I can already hear your questions…
“Where should I stay in Nusa Penida?”
“What should I do in Nusa Penida?”
Well, some of the best experiences in Nusa Penida are done all together on a full tour of Nusa Penida. On these kinds of tours, you can smash out all of the highlights and tourist hotspots in one go. You can see the famous Kelingking (Dinosaur) Viewpoint and Beach, Angel Billabong, Broken Beach and MORE!
I also love the full-day boat tours in Nusa Penida that help you see the island from a different perspective. These tours are great for those of you who (like myself) love the ocean and want to explore Nusa Penida from a flattering angle with the added luxury of… well… being on a boat.
Some of the best experiences and tours in Nusa Penida are snorkelling tours. Nusa Penida boasts some seriously impressive marine life in parts. Many tourists flock here for the opportunity to witness Manta Rays and the stunning world beneath the surface of Nusa Penida’s waters.
If you do opt for a snorkelling tour in Nusa Penida, please ensure that you choose a reputable and ethical company to lead your experience.
Getting To The Harbours
The best way to get to Sanur Beach Harbour in Southeast Bali is to get a Grab or Gojek taxi from your current location. Grabs and Gojeks are very cheap and are available almost everywhere. You can get a motorbike taxi for very cheap or a car if you have luggage or are with others.
Image: Nic Hilditch-Short
If you’re trying to get to Banja Nyuh Harbour (if you’re going from Nusa Penida to Bali), most people go by taxi. Nusa Penida is not very big, so the journey shouldn’t take you very long, wherever you are.
If you’re travelling from Bali to Nusa Penida, the package deal with a hotel pickup is a simple and convenient alternative to having to faff around with taxis and finding the correct harbours. With the package option, you can ensure that you’ll make your boat on time and get to the right place!
Onwards and Alternative Travel To And From Nusa Penida
Here are a couple of onward travel, alternative routes and destinations nearby that backpackers in Indonesia take. I think you might find these useful!
Getting From Nusa Lembongan to Nusa Penida
If you want to get from Nusa Lembongan to Nusa Penida or vice versa, then you should opt for the fast boat. The fast boat from Nusa Lembongan to Nusa Penida is a super quick and easy journey to make. It takes around 15 minutes in total. It’s also extremely cheap and usually only costs around $5-6.
The boat port in Nusa Lembongan is called Yellow Bridge. The harbour in Nusa Penida you will arrive in is Toya Pakeh Harbour.
Getting From Nusa Penida to Lombok
Sadly, there isn’t a direct ferry from Nusa Penida to Lombok. You’ll have to take the fast boat back to Bali before making the trip to Lombok.
Once you are back in Bali, the best way to get to Lombok is to head over to Padang Bai. Take a fast boat to Bangsal Pier in Lombok, and you’re done. This is the same fast boat that tourists use to go between the Gili Islands, Lombok and Bali. It is a fast and convenient way of getting to Lombok from Bali.
You can also take a slow boat or ferry from Bali to Lombok, but I DO NOT recommend this. It takes many hours, is a challenging and loud journey (to say the least) and only saves you a few bucks. You can also fly from Bali to Lombok, which is slightly less air time than boat time.
I would still suggest that the fast boat is by far the best way of getting from Bali to Lombok. By the time you take into account getting to the airport early enough, etc, you’re better off just heading over the water.
Image: Nic Hilditch-Short
Getting From Nusa Penida to the Gili Islands
Much like getting from Nusa Penida to Lombok, you’ll have to take the fast boat from Nusa Penida back to Bali… Not just before you go to the Gili Islands, but before you go anywhere else. Nusa Penida is a bit of a dead-end – or a cul-de-sac!
Once you are back in Bali, the best way to get to the Gili Islands is to head over to Padang Bai. From here, take a fast boat to the Gili Islands. Whichever island you are going to, don’t worry, the boat makes a stop at each of them!
As with the journey from Bali to Lombok, you can take a slow ferry to the Gili Islands from Bali. And again, I would not recommend this when the fast boat is only about $10-13 and is four times faster. Not to mention a whole lot more comfortable!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Don’t forget to get some top-class travel insurance for Bali. I would never travel without insurance, especially to crazy places like Bali, and neither should you!
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
Final Thoughts on Getting From Bali to Nusa Penida
So there it is, folks. That’s how to get from Bali to Nusa Penida. If you are making this journey anytime soon, all the best to you, and I hope you have a wicked time!
I have personally made the journey across the Badung Strait many times, so I can leave you with a final recommendation based on my personal experiences. That is to take the fast boat from Bali to Nusa Penida.
I’ve said it once, and I’m saying it again: I would ensure that you book this trip online to avoid complications and secure the best price.
I hope that you enjoy your time in Nusa Penida, and if you ever need travel recommendations for Bali, Nusa Penida, Indonesia or damn near anywhere else in the world… Return to The Broke Backpacker website for more detailed travel tips written by real travellers.
Image: Nic Hilditch-Short
