Nusa Penida is a beautiful island off the coast of Bali that offers stunning scenery, pristine beaches, and amazing dive sites.
If you are looking for a getaway from the crowds and chaos of Bali, Nusa Penida is a perfect destination.
But how do you get there? In this guide, I will show you the different ways to travel from Bali to Nusa Penida, including the best ports, fast boat companies, and schedules.
Get to Nusa Penida from Bali By Fast Boat
The most common and convenient way to get to Nusa Penida from Bali is by fast boat. There are several fast boat companies that operate daily trips from Bali to Nusa Penida, and vice versa.
The fast boats are comfortable, safe, and equipped with life jackets and GPS. The journey takes about 40 minutes, depending on the weather and sea conditions.
The fast boats depart from various ports in Bali, such as Sanur, Padang Bai, Serangan, and Kusamba.
The most popular port is Sanur, which has the most frequent departures and the cheapest prices. The fast boats from Sanur arrive at two ports in Nusa Penida: Toyapakeh and Sampalan.
The fast boat tickets usually include hotel pickup and drop-off service in Bali, but not in Nusa Penida. You will need to arrange your own transport from the port to your accommodation in Nusa Penida.
Can either rent a scooter, hire a driver, or book a tour package that includes transport and sightseeing.
The fast boat prices vary depending on the company, port, and season. The average price is around 250,000 IDR ($17 USD) per person for a one-way ticket, and 450,000 IDR ($31 USD) for a return ticket.
You can book your tickets online in advance or buy them at the port on the day of departure. However, it is recommended to book online to secure your seat and avoid scams.
Some of the reputable fast boat companies that operate between Bali and Nusa Penida are:
- Maruti Express
- Mola Mola Express
- Crown Fast Cruises
- Angel’s Billabong Fast Cruise
- Caspla Bali Boat
You can check their websites for more information on schedules, prices, and booking.
Get to Nusa Penida from Bali By Public Ferry
Another option to get to Nusa Penida from Bali is by public ferry. The public ferry departs from Padang Bai port in Bali and arrives at Buyuk port in Nusa Penida.
The public ferry is much cheaper than the fast boat, costing only 31,000 IDR ($2 USD) per person for a one-way ticket. However, the public ferry is also much slower, taking about 90 minutes to reach Nusa Penida.
The public ferry is mainly used by locals who transport goods and vehicles between the islands. Therefore, the ferry is often crowded, noisy, and dirty.
There are no fixed schedules for the public ferry, as it departs only when it is full. The first ferry usually leaves around 7:00 AM and the last one around 4:00 PM.
The public ferry tickets can be bought at the ticket office at Padang Bai port on the day of departure. You will need to pay an extra fee if you want to bring your scooter or car with you. You will also need to arrange your own transport from Buyuk port to your accommodation in Nusa Penida.
The public ferry is not recommended for tourists who value comfort and convenience. However, if you are on a tight budget and don’t mind the long and rough ride, the public ferry can be an alternative way to get to Nusa Penida from Bali.
By Day Tour
If you don’t have enough time or don’t want to hassle with arranging your own trip to Nusa Penida, you can also join a day tour from Bali.
There are many tour operators that offer day tours to Nusa Penida that include hotel transfer, fast boat tickets, island tour, lunch, and snorkeling equipment.
The day tours usually visit some of the top attractions in Nusa Penida island, such as Kelingking Beach, Broken Bay, Angel’s Billabong, Crystal Bay, Diamond Beach, Atuh Beach, and more.
You will be accompanied by a professional guide who will explain the history and culture of Nusa Penida along the way.
The day tours are a great way to see the highlights of Nusa Penida in a short time without worrying about anything.
However, they are also more expensive than doing it yourself. The average price for a day tour is around 800,000 IDR ($55 USD) per person.
You can book your day tour online through reputable platforms such as GetYourGuide or Klook. You can compare different tour options and read reviews from other travelers before booking.
Conclusion
Nusa Penida is a must-visit island for anyone who loves nature and adventure. There are many ways to get to Nusa Penida from Bali, depending on your budget, time, and preference.
Choose to travel by fast boat, public ferry, or day tour. Whatever you choose, you will be rewarded with an unforgettable experience in Nusa Penida island.
