How To Get To Nusa Penida From Bali & Nusa Lembongan
Located just 25 kilometers from Bali is the beautiful, exotic island of Nusa Penida, and it’s very easy to get to Nusa Penida from Bali!
It’s a much smaller island than Bali, but it has some of the most incredible scenery in the entire Bali province (which it’s part of).
If you’re reading this, you’ve probably already seen all of the awesome Instagram photos from this place, and you’re just wondering how to get there. The good news is that it’s pretty easy.
Read on for a complete guide on how to get to Nusa Penida from Bali or Nusa Lembongan!
Nusa Penida Day Tour Packages
First of all, if you’re on a tight schedule or want to skip the extra steps involved in arranging your own trip to Nusa Penida, GetYourGuide has prearranged day trips to Penida, complete with hotel transfer, fast boat tickets, island tour, and same day return to Bali.
We’ve used GetYourGuide for lots of day tours and activities around the world, and they’re great! Highly recommended.
Book Now: Nusa Penida Day Trip
How To Get To Nusa Penida From Bali
From Bali, the only way to reach Nusa Penida is by speedboat or ferry, with the speedboat journey taking about 45 minutes or so. There’s no airport in Nusa Penida.
There are a bunch of speedboat companies making the trip to Penida daily, and they all depart from Sanur beach in Bali at various times. If you’re staying in Ubud, Canggu, Seminyak, Kuta, or elsewhere in south Bali, you can also drive over to Sanur and catch a boat. Some boat companies include a shuttle service from these areas in their total price.
The location in this map is the general departure point for all speedboat companies operating a route to the Nusa islands from Sanur beach.
Note that are no piers at Sanur beach yet, so you will have to wade through knee deep water to reach the speedboat. This can be a bit annoying, but the boat crews will give you a hand with any items you’re bringing into the boat, including luggage or suitcases.
To be extra safe and protect a camera, drone, and other water sensitive things, I like to use a 30 liter Earth Pak dry bag when I visit Penida. That way if I somehow slip and fall when climbing into the boat, my stuff won’t be toast.
How To Book A Speedboat
You can book your speedboat tickets in advance via WhatsApp or the web, or you can show up and buy them in person, if you prefer that.
I generally book my trips using WhatsApp since it’s easiest, but you can also book online using the Skypenida.com website service. I haven’t used Skypenida, but they have good Facebook reviews and seem to be solid.
Sanur Speedboat Companies
• Recommended: Mola Mola Express
My personal recommendation for a speedboat to Penida is Mola Mola Express, which has been operating since 2014.
They have plenty of lifejackets, as well as a life raft. In my experience on well over a dozen trips to Penida, those have never been needed (thankfully), but the waves can be rough at times, so it’s still good that they’re taking safety seriously.
You can ask questions or book with them in advance via WhatsApp at ☎ +62 899-6697-730.
- Website: https://mola-mola-express.business.site/
- Price: 300k IDR (return)
- Hotel Pickup: No
- Departure Times (Sanur): 8:30, 17:00
- Departure Times (NP): 7:30, 16:00
• Idola Express
- Website: www.idolaexpress.com
- Price: 300k IDR (return)
- Hotel Pickup: No
- Departure Times (Sanur): 8:15, 10:30, 17:05
- Departure Times (NP): 7:00, 13:00, 17:00
• Maruti Express
- Website: www.marutigroupfastboat.com
- Price: 550k IDR (return)
- Hotel Pickup: Included
- Departure Times (Sanur): 7:30, 8:30, 10:00, 16:00
- Departure Times (NP): 7:30, 9:00, 15:00, 16:30
Other Speedboat Companies
There are many other speedboat companies operating between Bali and Nusa Penida. The three listed above are just examples.
In the interest of full disclosure, I’ve put together a full list of companies that you can use for your trip.
The Speedboat Journey By Sea
The speedboat journey from Bali to Penida takes about 45 minutes or so.
It’s usually pretty comfortable, but it all depends on how big the waves are when you go. You can check the wind and waves forecast for Sanur at Wisuki. If the forecast is showing waves over 2 meters high, then you might have a bumpy ride.
Even if you have a rough ride once in awhile, I haven’t heard of any boats sinking on this route, and the distance is fairly short from Bali. If the waves are really bad, then they’ll probably cancel the boats or delay the crossing. But again, that’s rare.
The boats have an enclosed design, but there are little side windows you can open for more fresh air. Sometimes they’ll even let you sit on top of the boat, which only has a few seats but the best views by far!
Overall, the journey goes by quickly and you’ll be in the Nusa islands before you know it!
Padang Bai Ferry To Nusa Penida
Last but not least, another option for reaching Nusa Penida from Bali is the ferry service running from Padang Bai (aka Padang Bay).
The ferry to Penida departs at 10:00 and 14:00 daily. This crossing takes about 60-90 minutes and it’s cheaper than the speedboats (the one way price is 31k Rupiah).
With the ferry, you can also bring your car or scooter over to Nusa Penida from mainland Bali, although there are extra charges for this.
Personally, I’m not a big fan of ferries in Indonesia unless there are no other options. Compared to speedboats, the savings are minimal and the safety standards are notoriously bad. The last ferry I took on this route was overloaded and it didn’t even have any lifejackets.
With that said, if you’re wanting to bring your own scooter or car with you to Penida island, the ferry is your only option.
Book Now: Padang Bai Ferry To Nusa Penida
How To Get To Nusa Penida From Nusa Lembongan / Ceningan
I’ve only visited Penida from Bali, but you can also get there easily from nearby Nusa Lembongan or Nusa Ceningan.
This route departs all day near the Yellow Bridge between Lembongan/Ceningan and only takes about 15 minutes to reach Penida.
As of 2019, the one way ticket price is 70k Rupiah per person.
More Nusa Penida Travel Tips
Looking for more information on the beautiful island of Nusa Penida in Bali?
Don't forget to check out my full Nusa Penida Travel Guide with free tips, maps, photos, and more.
This island is loaded with nice beaches, cliffs, caves, and snorkeling spots!
Where To Stay In Nusa Penida
Where We Stayed
We stayed at Saren Villa on the north coast of Nusa Penida, and paid 240k Rupiah ($15 USD) for a private double room with cold A/C, hot shower, and good WiFi.
This is one of the cheapest options in Penida, and it's in a great location near the best restaurants! We were happy.
Prices may fluctuate from time to time, so just keep an eye out for a good deal.
See Also
- Nusa Penida Island: Complete Travel Guide
- 4-Day Nusa Penida Itinerary – Bali’s Blue Paradise Island
- What To Do In Nusa Penida – Caves, Beaches, Cliffs, & More
- GetYourGuide Day Tours To Nusa Penida Island
- Bali Beach Guide – The Best Beaches In Bali
- Bali Waterfalls Guide – The Best Waterfalls In Bali
- Bali Temple Guide – The Best Temples In Bali