Embark on a journey to the dramatic and pristine landscapes of Nusa Penida, an island that promises an escape from the well-trodden paths of Bali. With its sheer cliffs, crystal-clear waters, and unique geological formations, a day trip to Nusa Penida is a must-do for adventurers and nature lovers alike.
In this complete guide you will learn all the necessary information to plan your Nusa Penida adventure. From logistics like ferry schedules and ticket prices to insider tips on the must-see spots, we’ve got you covered. Discover the optimal times for visiting, the most reputable tours, essential items to bring along, and other valuable insights.
Prepare to be captivated by the island’s natural wonders and ensure your Nusa Penida day trip from Bali is an unforgettable excursion. With careful planning, you’re set to enjoy an enriching experience amidst some of Indonesia’s most spectacular coastal scenery.
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The Bali to Nusa Penida route: What’s the best way to get there?
As Nusa Penida doesn’t have an airport, the only way to get to the smaller island from Bali is by boat. You have a few different types of boats to choose from for your trip, including fast boats and ferries, both of which offer multiple departure times each day.
Ferries to Nusa Penida: If you decide to go by ferry, which is the more affordable option, your best bet is to book a ticket with 12Go Ferries. However, you should keep in mind that some of these ferries won’t go directly from Bali to Nusa Penida and instead first make a stop in Nusa Lembongan.
Fast boats to Nusa Penida: Fast boats or speedboats take you directly from Bali to Nusa Penida and are the more popular option among tourists. Although these boats cost more, you’ll get to your destination much faster and you’ll enjoy a much more comfortable voyage. Some of the best fast boat operators include Blue Water Express and Penidago among others.
Which ports do you depart from/arrive at?
The main port of embarkation is Sanur Harbor, but it is also possible to reach Nusa Penida from Padangbai. Both ports are quite busy, with a lot of noise, chaos and harbor traffic, so make sure that you arrive at least 30 minutes before your boat’s departure time so you can find your boat.
Nusa Penida has four arrival ports, namely Toyapakeh, Buyuk, Sampalan — where the fast boats disembark — and the ferry port in Sampalan. Sampalan is centrally located, with most of the island’s main attractions being nearby. Unlike Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Penida has a proper pier which makes for easy disembarkation.
Hotel transfers to ports
Most fast boat operators allow you to upgrade your package to include hotel transfers, which is a popular option for many travelers. You’ll be picked up from your hotel in Bali and when you reach Nusa Penida, you’ll enjoy a transfer to your accommodation on that side. This makes for convenient travel and is well worth the additional cost.
Guided tours to Nusa Penida from Bali
Another option is to book a guided Nusa Penida day trip from Bali. This way, an expert guide will handle your hotel transfers, boat tickets and travel itinerary. All you need to do is be ready and waiting in your hotel lobby at the scheduled pickup time and everything else is taken care of, allowing you to truly relax and enjoy Nusa Penida Island to the fullest.
Time on the move: How long is the journey to Nusa Penida from Bali?
The time it takes to get from Bali to Nusa Penida depends on the type of boat you choose for your journey. Another factor that may affect the time it takes to reach the smaller island is the weather conditions on the day, as rough seas and heavy rain may result in a slower journey.
With that being said, the two islands are less than 30 kilometers away from each other, so no matter which boat option you choose or the weather conditions on the day of your trip, you can expect a travel time of under 1.5 hours.
Fast boats: The quickest way to get from Bali to Nusa Penida is to take a fast boat from Sanur. The direct journey should only take around 30 minutes and you’ll enjoy comfortable seating alongside incredible views of the surrounding islands.
Ferries: Your other option is to take a ferry from Sanur to Nusa Penida, which should take roughly 45 minutes depending on the ferry option you choose. You could also take a slow boat to Nusa Lembongan and then take a local boat to Penida, but this would take you well over an hour.
Which is quickest? Taking the fast boat is definitely the recommended option. Not only is it quicker and easier than the ferry, but it is more comfortable and the price difference between the two options is also not too significant.
Budgeting the boat ride: How much should you expect to pay for a trip from Bali to Nusa Penida?
Boat rides between Bali and Nusa Penida are relatively affordable, with ferry tickets costing between US$8 and US$10 per person and fast boat tickets costing approximately US$20 per person.
Tickets with hotel transfers
Packages inclusive of hotel transfers on both sides typically cost around US$30 per person. However, the cost of these packages may fluctuate depending on the location of your accommodation in Bali and how many people are in your group.
Private speedboats
If you’re looking for a luxury option, you could always hire a private speedboat with a skipper for the day. This would eliminate the need to navigate public transport and you could choose your own departure time. However, you can expect to pay at easy US$300 for this type of service.
Should you book in advance?
While you can buy your boat tickets at the onsite ticket offices on the day of your trip, it is best that you secure your tickets online ahead of time. This way, you won’t have to wait in the long lines and you’ll actually enjoy slightly cheaper rates than if you were to buy onsite. Furthermore, boats can fill up very quickly during high season and booking in advance will ensure you get tickets for your preferred travel dates.
Remember to read reviews online ahead of time and book your tickets through a safe and trustworthy company.
No matter how much you are comfortable with spending on a boat trip from Bali to Nusa Penida, there is an option that is well-suited to your budget.
Must-see attractions: What are Nusa Penida’s unmissable experiences?
With its rugged cliffs, pristine beaches and turquoise waters, Nusa Penida is one of the most beautiful islands in all of Indonesia and has dozens of stunning natural attractions to offer its visitors. The island is the perfect destination for nature lovers and outdoors enthusiasts.
Explore the beaches
One of the things that Nusa Penida is best known for is its incredible beaches, which include Atuh Beach, Diamond Beach, Kelingking Beach, Crystal Bay and Broken Beach among others.
No matter whether you prefer surfing, sunbathing or swimming, there is the perfect beach on Nusa Penida for you to enjoy. Crystal Bay is one of the preferred surfing beaches and Kelingking Beach is one of the best beaches for swimming and tanning.
Have an underwater adventure
The snorkeling opportunities in Nusa Penida are truly incredible, with people from all over the world traveling to the island for the chance to snorkel with manta rays, bamboo sharks, sea turtles, reef fish and a variety of other marine creatures.
Manta Point, located on the southern end of the island, is the best spot to scuba dive or snorkel with the manta rays that frequent the area. A few of the island’s top-rated dive schools include Mambo Dive Center, Pure Dive Resort, and Purple Dive Penida.
Read more: 11 Best Boat Tours in Bali you Shouldn’t Miss
Go on a photo expedition
The island of Nusa Penida is also filled with a plethora of amazing viewpoints, which offer incredible photo opportunities. Those interested in photography will walk away from the island with cameras bursting with breathtaking images.
Hot tip: Traveling with your love one? Don’t miss our selection of romantic activities in Bali.
Banah Cliff Point is undoubtedly one of the most breathtaking viewpoints on the island, but you may also want to check out the Thousand Island Viewpoint and the Rumah Pohon Treehouse if you have time.
Hot tip: Don’t miss our article Bali Instagram Tour – Everything you Should Know.
Discover natural wonders
While Nusa Penida may be best known for its pristine beaches and rugged coastal beauty, you shouldn’t miss out on the opportunity to visit the Peguyangan Waterfall. The cascading waterfall is also home to a small temple as well as a natural infinity pool!
Another one of the island’s famous natural infinity pools is called Angel’s Billabong. This natural pool merges with the ocean and is a great place to take photos and relax in the pool’s warm waters.
With so many unmissable attractions to see during your time in Nusa Penida, it can be challenging to create an itinerary that doesn’t leave you wanting more. This is when opting for a guided tour can be a good option.
Tour selection: What are the top-rated tours to Nusa Penida from Bali?
If you’re looking to visit the island with a local guide, there are plenty of Nusa Penida day tours from Bali to choose from. The advantage of going on a tour is that your guide will take care of all your travel arrangements and ensure that you see the very best of what the island has to offer.
You can opt for a tour that provides you with a general overview of the island’s top attractions or choose an excursion that focuses on snorkeling and provides you with the opportunity to swim with manta rays and sea turtles.
How much do tours cost?
General tours typically cost between US$40 and US$60 for group excursions, where you’ll get the chance to meet other travelers from around the world. Private excursions, such as the Nusa Penida All-Inclusive Day Trip, typically cost around US$80 per person depending on the number of participants.
Tours that focus specifically on snorkeling, such as the Nusa Penida Manta Ray Experience, usually cost around US$80 for a group trip that’s inclusive of snorkeling gear. Private snorkeling trips usually cost at least US$150 per person for an all-inclusive experience.
If you’re looking for a luxury experience, you may be interested in a VIP Private Boat to Nusa Penida. You’ll get to explore the island with a private speedboat for the day, with no need to navigate public transport. You’ll enjoy a combination of snorkeling with manta rays as well as a land adventure. You can expect to pay roughly US$1,600 for a tour that caters for 3 people.
What do tours include?
Tours are typically inclusive of hotel transfers, boat tickets, lunch, bottled water, any equipment required for activities listed on the itinerary and more. Just make sure you read specific tour inclusions carefully so that you know what to expect.
While private tours are more expensive, you’ll enjoy a personalized experience with a custom itinerary. Your guide will cater solely to the specific needs of you and your travel companions. Most tours take place in English, although some private excursions offer tours in other languages, such as French and Japanese.
Ideal visit timing: When should you plan your trip to Nusa Penida for the best experience?
While Nusa Penida can be visited at any time throughout the year, the optimal time to visit the island is during Indonesia’s dry season, which takes place between May and September.
This period is known for its warm dry weather, with very little chance of rain and great water visibility that is perfect for snorkeling and scuba diving. Visiting the island during the rainy season can really dampen your overall experience.
Keep in mind that the island is busiest during June and July, which are the peak months for tourism in Indonesia. However, Nusa Penida will still be a lot quieter than Bali, which can get quite chaotic during June and July.
Day trip essentials: What items are crucial to bring along to Nusa Penida?
Waterproof bag: It’s recommended that you pack all your day trip essentials into a waterproof daypack so that they are protected against potential splashes during your time on Nusa Penida. If you don’t have a waterproof bag, you can easily find one for sale in Bali.
Sun protection: Sun protection is one of the most important things to take with you for your Nusa Penida day trip. You’ll be enjoying beautiful beaches and the great outdoors, so make sure you pack a sun hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.
Swimming gear: As you’ll probably be swimming and/or snorkeling, you should also bring along a swimsuit, towel and maybe even a change of clothes in case the outfit you’re traveling in gets wet along the way.
A charged camera: There will be dozens of amazing photo opportunities so make sure you bring your camera or a smartphone for taking pictures. You may want to bring a power bank and backup batteries just in case.
Good walking shoes: Wear comfortable walking shoes for exploring the island, but bring a pair of flip-flops along with for when it comes time to hit the beach.
Local currency: It’s also a good idea to bring some cash along with you as Nusa Penida’s ATMs (close to the island’s northern coast, where the boat terminals are located.) can sometimes be unreliable.
Getting around Nusa Penida: Is it a straightforward process?
When it comes to getting around Nusa Penida, you have a few different options available to you. The island is significantly smaller than Bali, but it is still the largest of the three Nusa islands and walking between all of the attractions is simply not feasible.
Private vehicles: While it is not possible to rent a car and self-drive during your time on the island, you can rent a vehicle with a private driver. This is a good option for if you have a lot of suitcases or want to enjoy the comfort of a car over a scooter.
Scooter rentals: Scooter rental is probably the most popular form of transport on Nusa Penida. There are scooter rental companies all over the island and it is not necessary to make a booking in advance. However, you should inspect the scooter you plan on hiring and make sure that it is in decent condition.
Take care when riding around the island on a scooter as many of the roads have potholes and are in need of improvements. Also keep in mind that complete darkness sets in around 45 minutes after sunset and you don’t want to be driving on Nusa Penida’s unlit roads after dark.
The signal can be faulty on the island so you can’t rely on Google Maps or similar apps to get you around. You may have to rely on asking locals for directions or a physical map to get from one attraction to another.
Guided tours to Nusa Penida: Because of the challenges associated with getting around the island on your own, guided Nusa Penida day trips from Bali are often preferred. This way, an experienced guide will handle your transportation needs and ensure you don’t get lost or put yourself in danger.
Dining options: Where are the best places to eat in Nusa Penida?
When it comes to finding a bite to eat in Nusa Penida, you have plenty of options available to you. No matter your dietary requirements, budget and other requirements, there is a restaurant on the island to suit your preferences.
Restaurants serving local cuisine in Nusa Penida
If you’re interested in trying out local food at a traditional warung, some of the best options available to you include Warung Forest, Ogix Warung and Warung Tu Pande. On warung menus, you’ll find things like nasi goreng (fried rice), tempeh, tofu, corn fritters and other traditional dishes.
Fine dining in Nusa Penida
If fine dining is more your style, you may want to check out West Food & Drink as well as Cactus Nusa Penida. Both restaurants offer lovely atmospheres and a variety of international cuisines to tantalize your tastebuds.
Eateries with global menus in Nusa Penida
Those looking for budget-friendly eateries that offer a combination of local cuisine and international fare may want to try The Chill Penida, Mambo Beach Cafe and Amok Sunset among others.
No matter where you decide to eat in Nusa Penida. you’re likely to find a wide variety of vegetarian and vegan options. There are so many great restaurants to eat at on the island, so try to visit more than one during your time there.
If you want to buy water, cool drinks, and snacks like chocolate bars, fruit, etc., there are plenty of supermarkets and corner shops scattered around Nusa Penida, so there is no need to bring these items with you from Bali.
Nusa Lembongan visit: Should you include it in your itinerary?
If you have the time, you should definitely include the nearby island of Nusa Lembongan in your itinerary. While the islands are similar in many ways, they are still different enough some each other to make it worthwhile to visit both.
Nusa Lembongan may be smaller in size but it has many unmissable attractions of its own, including Devil’s Tears, the Mangrove Forest, Mushroom Beach, the Gala-Gala Underground House and so much more. The island is one of the top-rated destinations in Indonesia and is a firm favorite amongst tourists from all over the world.
Even if you only have a few hours available to you, it is worth your time to visit Nusa Lembongan while you are in the vicinity of the Nusa archipelago.
Read more: Check out our complete guide Nusa Lembongan Day Trip – All you Need to Know.
Island comparison: Nusa Lembongan versus Nusa Penida, which one stands out?
Both Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Penida are fantastic island destinations in Indonesia and it is very difficult to say if one is better than the other. The main difference between the two islands is that Nusa Penida is a lot larger than Nusa Lembongan, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that Penida has more attractions.
Nusa Lembongan has been catering to tourists for a lot longer than Nusa Penida has, therefore has slightly better infrastructure and a wider variety of things to see and do. Nusa Lembongan also has better surf spots than Nusa Penida, while Penida has more remote beaches.
Both islands are very special in their own way, each boasting a variety of magnificent natural attractions, so why not visit both of them and decide which one is your personal favorite?
Exploring both islands: Is it possible to cover Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Penida in a single day?
It is definitely possible to visit both Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Penida in one day. The best way to do this would be through booking a boat tour that visits both islands. The two islands are separated by a very narrow waterway, which makes it easy to visit both islands in a single day.
Overnight stay possibilities: What are your options for accommodation if you decide to extend your visit in Nusa Penida?
If you want to see everything that Nusa Penida has to offer and experience the island in its entirety, you may be interested in extending your day trip and spending a few nights on the island instead. If this is the case, you have an array of different types of accommodation to choose from.
From charming villas to luxury hotels and everything in between, Nusa Penida has accommodation options to suit a range of different budgets and preferences.
Budget-friendly accommodation in Nusa Penida: If you’re interested in budget-friendly options, you may want to make a booking at Ananta Bungalow, Unicorn Bungalow or Pondok Bamboo Villa.
Luxury accommodation in Nusa Penida: If luxury hotels with all the bells and whistles are more to your liking, you may want to stay at Sea La Vie Resort, Deep Roots Dive and Yoga Resort or Mambo Beach Resort.
Wherever you decide to book, the island is well-suited for tourists and you can expect to enjoy well-furnished rooms, beautiful views and all the amenities you need for a comfortable stay.
That’s a wrap! We hope you enjoyed our Nusa Penida informative guide. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us.
Wondering where your adventures will take you next? Be sure to explore our recommendations for the top places to see in Bali, and don’t overlook our curated list of exciting activities to experience on the Island of Gods.
Have fun in Nusa Penida!