Wondering how to get to Nusa Penida, known for its T-Rex-shaped beach and photogenic coastline?
Located just off the east coast of Bali, Nusa Penida is easier to reach than you might think. Handfuls of fast boats depart from Sanur to Nusa Penida every day, typically reaching the island in half an hour.
There are also easy boat connections from Padangbai (also in Bali), Nusa Dua, Nusa Lembongan and Lombok.
I spent nearly a week on the island of Nusa Penida and found it very easy to reach.
In the following blog post, I’ll talk you through how to get to Nusa Penida from Bali or other nearby islands, as well as everything you need to know about booking and boarding the Nusa Penida boat.
While you’re here, you might want to check out my Nusa Penida blog posts: the best beach in Nusa Penida, best Nusa Penida snorkel spots and how to snorkel with manta rays at Manta Bay Nusa Penida.
Disclosure: This post includes affiliate links. If you decide to click through and make a qualifying purchase, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you – thanks for your support.
In a hurry? ⏰ Check boat availability here:
1. ⛴️ Sanur (best Bali connection!): Fast boat (optional: with hotel pick-up)
2. 🚐⛴️ Ubud: Fast boat with van transfer
3. 🌊 Nusa Islands: Nusa Dua boat or Nusa Lembongan ferry
4. 🌋 Lombok: Lombok-Nusa Penida ferry
Where is Nusa Penida?
Nusa Penida is a small island off the southeast coast of Bali.
Located between Bali and Lombok, it is the largest of three Nusa islands, the other two being named Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan.
How to Get to Nusa Penida From Bali
There are three ways to reach Nusa Penida from Bali:
- Fast boat (ferry) from Sanur, taking 35 minutes. Cost: 130,000 IDR (£6/$8).
- Fast boat (ferry) from Padangbai, taking 1 hour. Cost: 285,000 (£13/$17).
- Van and fast boat from Ubud, taking 2 hours. Cost: 265,000 (£12/$16).
Fast boats depart from Sanur or Padangbai.
The fast boat from Sanur is the best option for most people because it is the nearest port to Denpasar, Canggu, Uluwatu and Ubud. It’s also the cheapest port to travel from.
You may want to travel from Padangbai if you are staying in Sidemen or the north of Bali.
Fast boat from Sanur to Nusa Penida
The Nusa Penida boats can be booked on 12Go, an intuitive site that I have used for years to book buses, boats and transport in Southeast Asia:
Taking the Fast Boat from Sanur to Nusa Penida
So, now you know how to get to Nusa Penida from different locations in Bali.
But let’s delve into the nitty-gritty details so that you know exactly what to expect…
1. How to Get to Sanur Harbour
The Nusa Penida fast boat departs from Sanur Harbour on the southeast coast of Bali.
Sanur Harbour is very easy to reach by Grab car (download the E-Hailing app to your smartphone to call a taxi) from Canggu, Denpasar or Uluwatu.
The journey usually takes under one hour, depending on your exact location. It should cost 160,000 – 250,000 IDR (£7 – £12).
If you don’t want to rely on E-Hailing services, you can book a transfer to Nusa Penida with hotel pick-up instead.
This includes the boat fare and pick-up from a hotel in Denpasar or Canggu.
It doesn’t cover Uluwatu. Like me, you can order a Grab car directly from Uluwatu to the port.
If you are staying in Ubud, you will be too far away to hail a Grab car. Instead, you can book a van and fast boat from Ubud, which includes a land transfer to the port.
Important Things to Know About the Fast Boat from Sanur to Nusa Penida
There are a few more things you also need to know before you book your fast boat from Sanur to Nusa Penida…
Firstly, some boats are faster than others. The total journey time should be 35 minutes, whether or not it’s labelled as a ferry or fast boat.
Secondly, double-check your arrival port.
Most arrival ports (including those labelled as Nyuh Harbour, Semabu Hills, Maruti Port and Arjuna) are all on the northwest coast of Nusa Penida and a good place to arrive.
However, some harbours are on the north of the island. Unless you are staying on the north of the island (e.g. at one of the dive hotels), it doesn’t make sense to arrive there.
Thirdly, when you board the fast boat in Sanur, you will need to wade (and carry your luggage) through knee- or thigh-high seawater to reach the boat.
Therefore, it’s best to wear sandals or shoes that you can easily remove. Carrying a rucksack will also be easier than handling a suitcase.
TIPS FOR NUSA PENIDA
Best time to visit Nusa Penida: April to October
Best way to get around Nusa Penida: Scooter or private driver 🛵
How to Get to Nusa Penida From Nusa Dua
It’s also easy to reach Nusa Penida from Nusa Dua. The boat from Nusa Dua to Nusa Penida (including hotel pick-up) costs 375,000 IDR (£17).
The journey takes 20 – 30 minutes.
How to Get to Nusa Penida From Nusa Lembongan
Ferries from Nusa Lembongan to Nusa Penida only take 15 minutes. They cost just 88,000 IDR (£4).
The ferries run almost every hour, so you can also get away with booking in person at the harbour.
Getting the Ferry From Lombok to Nusa Penida
There is an air-conditioned Lombok-Nusa Penida ferry, which takes two hours to travel from Lombok to Nusa Penida. The reverse trip takes three hours.
The ferry costs 550,000 IDR (£25.88).
FAQs
Yes, you can easily visit Nusa Penida on your own by booking a fast boat ticket from Sanur to Nusa Penida. There are many group tours that you can join in Nusa Penida. Alternatively, consider hiring a scooter or a private driver to explore the island.
A couple of ferries to Nusa Penida have sunk or capsized in the past, injuring and killing passengers. Although this is a rare occurrence, passengers often raise safety concerns over overcrowding and poor safety enforcement. Bad weather and sea conditions increase the risk of accidents. The fast boats should always provide you with life jackets.
Suggested reading:
- The 10 best resorts in Nusa Penida
- The best Nusa Penida snorkel spots
- Which is the best beach in Nusa Penida?
- Mata Bay Nusa Penida: How to snorkel with manta rays
- Suwehan Beach Nusa Penida – escape the crowds at this beach!