How to get to Nusa Penida from Bali
Nusa Penida has quickly become the next “it” destination in Bali. During your next trip to Bali, I highly recommend taking a day trip to Nusa Penida to discover the island’s beautiful views and untouched landscapes, and to experience the adventure that lies just beyond Bali’s touristic bubble!
How to get to Nusa Penida
There are public boats from from Sanur, Kusamba or Padang Bai in East Bali.
From Padang Bai
You can catch the daily public ferry (large boat that includes vehicles) at 11:00 am. A passenger ticket is Rp 31,000 each way and can be purchased at 10:00 am inside the building marked “Loket”. To bring your own motorbike costs an additional Rp 50,000 and is purchased at the gate as you drive up. This ferry arrives in Sampalan at the Sampalan Ferry Terminal on the North-East corner of the island, just off of the main road. This is a preferable way to get to and from Nusa Penida. The boat is fairly stable on the water, and it affords you great views, bathrooms, and the ability to walk around the boat and stretch.
There is also a smaller private speed boat service that typically carries up to 20 people. This departs from Padang Bai beach side every morning. You should be at the beach side by 06:30 to catch the public speed boat. Buy ticket from ticket office near beach and then wait until the boat has enough passengers for the boat to depart. The ticket cost is Rp 45,000 each way if you are Indonesian. If you are from abroad, they will ask you for 75,000 Rp or show the way to the public ferry. This smaller boat requires walking thigh deep in water and being packed into a boat like sardines. It’s fast but not really as comfortable as the less expensive ferry.
From Kusamba
Gangga Express operates several speed boats a day from PelabuhanTribuana in Kusamba. Price for foreigners is Rp 100,000 each way and takes about 30 mins.
There is a daily public boat between PelabuhanTradisional in Sampalan and a port next to PelabuhanTribuana in Kusamba. Leaves Sampalan at around 6 am and probably goes straight back after reaching Kusamba. Price is Rp 45,000 and takes 45 mins.
From BenoaHarbour
Quicksilver runs daily cruises from BenoaHarbour in Bali to their monstrous pontoon which floats off the north western shore of Nusa Penida. The trip includes water sport activities centred on the pontoon. Rp 570,000 per person.
From Sanur
Mola-Mola express, Sanur Beach. Scheduled departures from Sanur Beach at 07.30, 16:30. Departures from Sampalan, Nusa Penida at 08:30, 15:30. It’s new speed boat service, just 2 times daily to Nusa Penida. One way Rp 75,000/person for locals and Rp 175,000/person for tourists.
Caspla Bali Boat, Sanur Beach in front of Ananda Beach Hotel, ☎ +62 361 791-2299. Scheduled departures from Sanur Beach at 08.00, 11:00, 14:00 & 16:30. Departures from Buyuk, Nusa Penida at 08:00, 12:30 & 16:00. Speed boat service, 3 times daily to Nusa Penida. One way fare Rp 150,000/person and return Rp 300,000/person.
Maruti Express, Hangtuah Street (Sanur beach) front Diwangkara Holiday Villa, ☎ +62 813 3875 4848 or +62 812 383 1639. Scheduled departures from Sanur Beach at 08.30, 10.00 & 16:00; departs Nusa Penida at 07.30, 09:00 & 15:00. The first speed boat service to Nusa Penida. One way Rp 175,000, return Rp 300,000.
From Nusa Lembongan
Public boats depart daily at 06:00 close to the suspension bridge between Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan and run to Toyapakeh or BuyukHarbour in northern Nusa Penida. There are also services from the JungutBatu area of Nusa Lembongan to Nusa Penida. All of these can be a little ‘worrying’ at times and are often very crowded.
Charter boats are available, departing from and arriving at the same area as the public boats. If you are staying on Nusa Lembongan, ask at your hotel. If not, go to the shoreline close to the suspension bridge or to the beach at JungutBatu and ask around amongst the boatmen. Rates certainly vary but expect to pay around Rp 300,000.
