Getting to Nusa Penida
Nusa Penida has no airport and no bridge to Bali. Everyone crosses by boat, and nearly every crossing leaves from Sanur, on Bali's south-east coast.
Flying in
Bali's airport is Ngurah Rai International, at Denpasar (DPS). From there to Sanur is about 30 to 60 minutes by car, depending on the traffic. If you land in the afternoon, it is usually simpler to spend the first night in Bali and cross in the morning.
From Sanur across the strait
Private speedboat. Your own boat and skipper, about 40 minutes to Nusa Penida and 30 to Nusa Lembongan. It leaves when you are ready, and it can take you straight to the harbour nearest your first stop.
Fast boat. Scheduled boats run from Sanur throughout the morning and early afternoon, taking 30 to 45 minutes. On our fast-boat options your seats are reserved and our driver meets you on the other side.
Boarding depends on the operator and the tide: you may step on from a jetty or wade out from the beach. Wear shoes you can slip off, and let us take the luggage.
Harbours on the islands
- Nusa Penida, north-west: Toya Pakeh and Banjar Nyuh, closest to Crystal Bay, Kelingking and Broken Beach.
- Nusa Penida, north-east: Buyuk, near Sampalan, closest to Diamond Beach and Atuh.
- Nusa Lembongan: Jungutbatu in the north and Mushroom Bay in the south-west.
Travel times to Sanur
- From the airport: 30 to 60 minutes
- From Nusa Dua or Jimbaran: 30 to 45 minutes
- From Seminyak or Canggu: 45 to 90 minutes
- From Ubud: 60 to 75 minutes
- From Uluwatu: 60 to 75 minutes
Bali's traffic is the least predictable part of any day. Our pick-up times allow for it.
The sea
The Badung Strait between Bali and the Nusa islands is open water, and it can be rough, especially on dry-season afternoons when the wind picks up. The back of the boat is the gentlest place to sit. If the harbour authority closes the crossing, nobody sails, and we rearrange your day with you.
Once a year, on Nyepi, the Balinese Day of Silence, the whole of Bali and the Nusa islands stop for 24 hours. No boats run and the airport closes. It falls in March most years, and we will tell you if your dates touch it.
Between the islands
Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan are joined by the Yellow Bridge, which you cross on foot. Between Lembongan and Nusa Penida, small boats take about 15 minutes, and our multi-day trips include a private boat for the crossing.
On Nusa Penida
The roads are narrow, steep and slow, and driving between the two coasts takes about an hour. We don't recommend hiring a scooter here. Our drivers know the roads, and every trip includes a private car.
Ready to plan?
Tell us where you are staying and when, and we will set the times.