There’s always something beyond. And no, we’re not getting philosophical here. We mean it literally—because if you’re already in bustling, chaotic, yet always charming Bali, why not go a little further and discover Nusa Penida?
This neighboring island is paradise for adventurers, divers, nature lovers, and the simply curious. It’s a place of wild beaches, stunning cliffs, and a far calmer, more laid-back vibe than Bali.
So, the million-dollar question: how do you get to Nusa Penida from Bali? The answer is—super easy. But we’ll walk you through it step by step, nice and slow, with all the juicy details.
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How to Get from Bali to Nusa Penida
It’s easy, cheap, and there are plenty of options. No excuses not to go. The choice depends on your budget and how much adventure you want to add to your trip.
Fast Boat
This is the most popular and fastest way to get there. Fast boats depart several times a day from different ports around Bali. The ride usually takes 30 to 45 minutes, depending on the sea and your departure point.
- Price: Between 150,000 and 250,000 IDR (around €10–15) per trip.
- Comfort: Quite comfortable—unless the sea is rough, in which case it’s more like a carnival ride.
- Advantage: The quickest and most convenient option for most travelers.
Public Ferry from Padang Bai
If you’re not in a hurry and want to save some money, you can take the public ferry from Padang Bai. It’s slower—around 1.5 to 2 hours, roughly double the time of a fast boat—but it’s also much cheaper.
- Price: Around 30,000–50,000 IDR (€2–3).
- Ideal if: You’re traveling with a motorbike or car, since this is the only option that carries vehicles.
- Downside: Fewer departures and less predictable schedules.
Organized Tours with Transfers Included
If you’re not into logistics or time tables, you can book an organized tour from Bali that includes hotel pickup, fast boat tickets, and often a guided tour of Nusa Penida.
- Price: Between €30 and €60, depending on what’s included.
- Perfect for: Those with just one day to visit the island and who prefer a stress-free option.
- Downside: Zero flexibility—you’ll have to stick to the tour itinerary.
Departure Ports in Bali for Nusa Penida
Now that you know your boat options, let’s talk about where to leave from, because your departure port makes a big difference. Bali has several ports, and here are the most common ones:
Sanur – The Most Popular Port
Sanur is the main hub for fast boats to Nusa Penida. It’s conveniently located near tourist hotspots like Ubud, Kuta, and Seminyak, which makes it the favorite departure point for most travelers.
- Travel time: 35–40 minutes.
- Tip: Arrive early—the boarding process can get chaotic, and yes, you might have to wade into the water to board the boat.
Padang Bai – Option with Public Ferry
If you’re planning to bring a vehicle or just want to spend as little as possible, Padang Bai is your port. Both public ferries and some fast boats depart from here.
- Duration: Ferry, 90–120 minutes; Fast boat, about 45 minutes.
- Pro: You can bring your motorbike or car with you.
Kusamba – A Less Crowded Alternative
A lesser-known but well-used port among locals. Fast boats to Nusa Penida also leave from here, and it tends to be less touristy.
- Duration: Around 30–35 minutes.
- Advantage: Fewer crowds and slightly cheaper tickets.
Schedules, Prices & Travel Times
- Fast Boats: Depart from morning until late afternoon, roughly every 30–60 minutes (especially from Sanur).
- Public Ferry: Usually 1–2 departures a day, but schedules often change and punctuality isn’t guaranteed.
Approximate Prices:
- Fast boat: 150,000–250,000 IDR
- Public ferry: 30,000–50,000 IDR
Travel Times:
- Sanur → Nusa Penida: 35–40 min
- Padang Bai → Nusa Penida (ferry): 90–120 min
- Kusamba → Nusa Penida: 30–35 min
Tips for Traveling from Bali to Nusa Penida
- Nusa Penida is getting busier every high season, so it’s wise to book your tickets in advance.
- Remember, this is Asia, not Stockholm—schedules can be “flexible.” Get to the port early.
- Protect your belongings from water. Boarding usually happens directly from the beach, so a waterproof bag will save you.
- If you get seasick easily, take motion sickness tablets—the sea can get rough.
- Carry some cash in rupiah. Many ports (and parts of Nusa Penida) don’t always accept cards.
FAQs: Getting from Bali to Nusa Penida
Can you fly to Nusa Penida?
No. Although a small airport is under construction, there are currently no commercial flights. The only way to get there is by sea.
Can you bring a motorbike or car?
Yes. The public ferry from Padang Bai is the only option for transporting your own vehicle. Locals use it regularly to move motorbikes between islands.
Conclusion
Traveling from Bali to Nusa Penida is simple, but it really depends on your travel style.
If you want speed and comfort, go for the fast boat from Sanur.
If you prefer to save money or bring a vehicle, take the public ferry from Padang Bai.
And if you just want total convenience, book an all-inclusive day tour.
Whichever you choose, what matters is that you’re about to discover a completely different kind of island—raw, beautiful, still local in many ways, and full of spots waiting to be explored. Plus, it’s the perfect place to dive with DPM Diving, since we have our own dive school on the island.
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