Discover the Best Way to Travel from Bali to Nusa Penida
Nusa Penida, a stunning island located just off the Southeast coast of Bali, has become an essential destination for travelers seeking beautiful beaches, breathtaking cliffs, and vibrant marine life. However, deciding on the best way to get to Nusa Penida can be overwhelming if you are unsure of the options available.
In this guide, I’ll provide you with everything you need to know to get to Nusa Penida from Bali smoothly and efficiently. Whether you're looking to relax on Kelingking Beach, snorkel at Crystal Bay, or hike to those instagramable viewpoints, planning your trip to Nusa Penida is the first step to creating more memories.
Things to Know for Your Trip from Bali to Nusa Penida
Before you start your journey, here are some essential tips to ensure a hassle-free trip:
- Be flexible: Times and prices are rough estimates and subject to change. Boats rarely leave or arrive on time, so plan your day accordingly.
- Leave early: Start your journey early to avoid traffic and long lines at the harbors. Add a buffer of at least 30-45 minutes for potential delays.
- Pack light: Boats have baggage limits, so take only what you need. Keep valuables like laptops in your hand luggage to avoid damage.
- Book in advance: Secure the best prices and avoid last-minute issues by booking your tickets through reliable sites like 12go. Booking in advance ensures you have a confirmed spot on the boat and can often save money with early bird deals.
- Check the weather: Weather can affect boat schedules, so keep an eye on the forecast.
- Bring cash: Some harbors charge a small harbor tax (usually around 10k IDR, so less than $1, per person).
Arrival Harbours in Nusa Penida
Nusa Penida has several harbors that serve as key entry points to the island. All three harbours are located relatively close to each other, therefore it doesn't matter as much which one you choose.
Banjar Nyuh Harbor:
- The busiest and most developed harbor on Nusa Penida.
- Located near the popular Toya Pakeh area.
- Convenient for accessing the island's famous dive spots and beaches.
Toya Pakeh Harbor:
- Located a short distance from Banjar Nyuh.
- Provides easy access to the northern parts of the island.
- Ideal for visitors heading to popular attractions in the area.
- Well-connected with local transport options.
Buyuk Harbor:
- Situated in the northeastern part of Nusa Penida.
- Quieter and less touristy
From Bali to Nusa Penida by Speed Boat
There are several harbors in Bali from which you can catch a speed or fast boat to Nusa Penida. Here’s a detailed look at the options:
Padang Bai to Nusa Penida
- Location: East Bali
- Getting to Padang Bai: 53 km from Kuta, 51 km from Canggu, 37 km from Ubud
- Fast Boat duration: The journey takes around 50 minutes.
- Departure times: Daily at 4:00pm
- Price: The Eka Jaya fast boat costs around 195k IDR ($12) per person.
- Buying a ticket: Tickets can be booked in advance online via 12go or bought at the counter.
Good to know:
Due to the limited space on the boat, tickets might be sold out if you don’t pre-book.
The harbour zone is closed off for Grab & Gojek taxis. They are allowed to drop you but will not be able to pick you up when you return. Local taxis are available though.
Some boat operators offer shuttle busses to popular locations in Bali. These usually include multiple unexpected stops along the way and take way longer than a direct taxi.
If you want to save money and don’t mind the time you can consider this option, however we do not recommend it.
Kusamba to Nusa Penida
Kusamba Port is one of the main ports going from Bali to Nusa Penida because of the quick boat journey and close distance to Ubud. The fastests boat can reach Nusa Penida within 15 minutes.
- Location: East Bali (approx. 11 km south of Padang Bai)
- Getting to Kusamba: 43 km from Kuta, 42 km from Canggu, 27 km from Ubud
- Fast Boat duration: Between 15 to 20 minutes
- Departure times: Regularly from 6:30am to 5:00pm
- Price: If booked in advance, between 115k - 200k IDR ($7 - $12)
- Buying a ticket: Purchase tickets online on 12go or buy at the counter
Serangan to Nusa Penida
Serangan is another convenient harbor, especially for those staying in southern Bali. However due to the few boats departing from here, they are more expensive than those on other harbors. Boats from here usually depart in the mornings.
- Location: South Bali
- Getting to Serangan: 10 km from Kuta, 20 km from Canggu, 30 km from Ubud
- Fast Boat duration: The journey takes approximately 45 to 60 minutes.
- Departure times: Usually in the mornings between 8:00 AM and 10:30 AM
- Price: Fast boat tickets range from 130k - 400k IDR ($8 - $25) per person, depending on the boat provider.
- Where to buy a ticket: You can see all tickets here: 12go.
Good to know:
When buying tickets through 12go.asia, tickets from Serangan and Sanur are shown on the same page. Be aware that those two harbours are a 30-minute drive away from each other. Always double check where exactly your boat is leaving from.
Sanur to Nusa Penida
Sanur is by far the most popular harbor for trips to Nusa Penida due to its proximity to many tourist areas like Kuta, Seminyak or Canggu.
- Location: South Bali
- Getting to Sanur: 12 km from Kuta, 21 km from Canggu, 25 km from Ubud
- Fast Boat duration: The trip usually takes 30-40 minutes.
- Departure times: Boats run frequently from 6:30am to 5:00pm
- Price: Fast boat tickets cost around 115k IDR - 160k IDR ($7 - $10) per person when booked early.
- Where to buy a ticket: Secure your tickets in advance on 12go.
Good to know:
Since Sanur is a tourist hub with beautiful beaches itself, it might be worth going the day before if you are planning to take one of the early morning boats.
From Bali to Nusa Penida by Public Boat
If you are planning to take your scooter to Nusa Penida or simply want to travel more local, you can catch the public ferry from Padang Bai.
- Boat duration: The trip usually takes around 90 minutes.
- Departure times: Once or twice a day at around 10:00am and 2:00pm.
- Price: Roughly 120k for a scooter and two passengers.
- Where to buy a ticket: Tickets can be purchased inside the building named “Loket”. Make sure to bring cash.
Good to know:
Ferry times may differ depending on the day of the week and are often late. Make sure to arrive at Padang Bai at least two hours before departure and plan enough time for delays.
Frequently Askes Questions
How Long is the Boat Ride from Bali to Nusa Penida?
The fast ferry ride usually takes 15-45 minutes, depending on the port, stops, waiting times, and sea conditions. The boats don’t usually leave at the exact departure time as they depart when they are full, so you should arrive at least 30 minutes before departure.
How Much is the Fast Boat Ticket from Bali to Nusa Penida?
The cost of a fast ferry ticket can vary depending on the company, the type of boat, the port of departure, and whether you are traveling in high or low season. Fast boat tickets usually cost between $7 and $15 per person.
Where can I Buy Ferry Tickets?
You can easily buy boat tickets at any port, but we recommend booking online with 12Go. As tickets sell out quickly in high season, we suggest you buy them a few days in advance!
What Should I Bring on the Boat?
Here’s a list of essentials to bring on your trip to Nusa Penida:
- Medication for seasickness and any personal prescriptions
- Sunscreen to protect yourself if you sit on the deck
- A hat or cap and with sunglasses
- Snacks for the waiting time
- A bottle of water
- A power bank and headphones
- Enough cash for the harbour tax, any snacks or drinks you want to buy and a taxi ride once you arrive
Why should I book my ticket it advance? I want to be flexible.
Booking your ferry tickets to Nusa Penida in advance through 12go has numerous advantages:
- Guaranteed Seat:
During peak travel times, ferries can fill up quickly. Booking in advance ensures you have a confirmed seat and won’t have to deal with last-minute disappointments. - Best Prices:
12go offers competitive prices and early bird discounts. By booking online, you can often find better deals than purchasing at the harbor. - Convenience:
Skip the long lines at the harbor and go directly to the boarding area. With an online ticket, your travel experience becomes much quicker.
How to Get Around Nusa Penida
There are several options to get to the popular attractions on the island like Kelingking Beach, Broken Beach, Crystal Bay, and many more.
- Scooter rental:
Depending on the type of scooter, you will probably pay 75,000 to 100,000 IDR ($5 - $7) per day. The road conditions are relatively poor compared to Bali but definitely manageable if you have a bit of scooter experience. - Private car with a driver:
This is the most convenient option, especially if you’re traveling in a group. - Tours:
Join a private or group tour that includes transfers.
Conclusion
Traveling from Bali to Nusa Penida can be straightforward with the right information and preparation. Whether you choose to depart from Padang Bai, Kusanga, or Sanur, booking your tickets in advance, packing wisely, and leaving early will help ensure a smooth journey.
Ready to plan your trip? Visit 12go to book your ferry tickets in advance and ensure a smooth journey to Nusa Penida. For more travel tips and guides, stay connected with Nomadwise.
Happy travels!
