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How to Get to Nusa Penida from Bali: Plan Your Perfect Trip With Fortune Yachts Bali
Welcome to beautiful Nusa Penida, a diamond in Bali's crown. This island shelters the region's hidden natural treasures, and in recent years, its popularity as a tourist destination has steadily increased. As a result, multiple clients of Fortune Yachts Bali have approached us with a relevant question: how can they get to Nusa Penida?
Let’s talk a bit about that and unveil the top secrets of fast, comfortable, and safe transportation to our beautiful island.
Some Geographical Trivia: What Is Nusa Penida, and Where Is It Located
First, what is Nusa Penida? It is one of the so-called Nusa Islands, a group of smaller islands off the coast of Bali. Along with Nusa Penida, these are Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Ceningan, and eleven smaller islands. The main thing making Nusa Penida a desired destination for tourists is that it is located in the vicinity of better-known Bali, just 12 kilometers southeast of it. Although the island has a population of 65K+, it still amazes tourists with its untouched beauty and abundant marine life.
If we take some numbers about Nusa Penida, it would be interesting for a visitor to learn the following:
- Nusa Penida area is 202.84 sq. km.
- Its maximum altitude is 524 meters above sea level.
- Accurate coordinates of the island are 8°44′0″S 115°32′0″E.
- Nusa Penida has three main landing ports that serve as the island’s marinas. These are Banjar Nyuh (or Toya Pakeh), Sampalan, and Buyuk.
At once, this unspoiled wilderness brings challenges to the island’s visitors. Transportation to and from Nusa Penida is among the most important.
Getting to Nusa Penida from Bali: the Main Transfer Methods
When you try to get to Indonesia, the most obvious way is, eventually, to fly. So, the first step for a tourist who wants to visit Nusa Penida is to land at one of Indonesia’s international airports, primarily Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali. Unfortunately, Nusa Penida doesn’t have a local airport or an airfield for private jets’ landing. That’s why the first thing you should know about the transfer to Nusa Penida is that it is possible only by sea.
Yet here, several options are available for the island’s visitors. So, it’s up to you to choose from the following transfer methods:
- Booking a tour that includes a boat transfer to Nusa Penida from one of the local Balinese operators;
- Get to Nusa Penida on your own by buying a ticket to any speedboat/ferry circulating regularly from and to the island.
- Cater for yacht rental services on Bali to get to Nusa Penida by yacht charter.
- Sail to Nusa Penida on your own yacht.
Each of these methods is available year-round, and it depends on your comfort requirements and budget, which one will be best for you.
Ferry Transportation: Schedules and Prices
Ferries and speedboats are almost like city buses connecting Nusa Penida and the mainland of Bali. They offer varying levels of comfort and can transport you to the island and back in 30-40 minutes, depending on the departure point. The main fastboat options connecting Bali and Nusa Penida are as follows:
- Kusamba-Nusa Penida is the fastest route that takes no more than 30 minutes and costs on average 100,000-150,000 IDR. Over 23 boats are available for ticket booking there everyday.
- Sanur-Nusa Penida is the second-fastest destination. Due to the availability of multiple speedboats (there are more than 90 of them) in a new fast boat terminal in Sanur, this transportation method is the most popular among both tourists and locals. It takes 40 minutes to get from Sanur to Nusa Penida, and the ticket costs 150,000-200,000 IDR.
- Pandangbai-Nusa Penida is a longer trip, which takes up to an hour. It may cost you up to 285,000 IDR.
- Ubud-Nusa Penida is not a direct transfer, but a multi-modal trip with a van running you to Sanur, and then a boat transfer. If you stay in Ubud, please reserve at least 2 hours and 265,000 INR for your one-way trip to Nusa Penida.
Do not forget that, in addition to the ticket price, you have to pay a local entrance fee in Nusa Penida after landing. The island receives 25,000 IDR in further support and development.
The benefits of this transportation method are obvious: speedboats depart from all these ports regularly, they cost reasonably, and you can book an e-ticket in advance to use them. Yet, some drawbacks shouldn’t be discarded. During high season, fast boats can be overcrowded, while in wet months it's better to bring something waterproof with you to avoid getting soaked to the bone. Besides, some travelers are not happy with the necessity to depend on the speedboat schedules.
Private Yacht Transfers: Pros and Cons of Yacht Charter
One more convenient option for visiting Nusa Penida is a private yacht charter. There are numerous rental services across Bali that you can use to rent a speedboat, a catamaran, or a full-fledged luxury yacht for your trip. It is especially beneficial for families or friends who want to visit Nusa Penida. Besides, there are various types of vessels available for rent, with such options as:
- Turnkey yacht rental with a crew and additional service. You can have a yacht with a full crew, a cook, and room service at your disposal, so you can spend time without hassle and with maximum comfort.
- Specific services for lenders like catering, open-sea angler services, party organization, etc. It’s a great idea to combine your visit to Nusa Penida with any other activity. Special services by local yacht rentals can help you transform your trip into an unforgettable party with friends, an astonishing open-sea fishing experience, or an exclusive celebration of your special date on the yacht.
- Full-fledged accommodation on a rented yacht. Deluxe yachts are fully ready to host its passengers, so you can save time and costs by accommodating them. Just select the boat that best meets your comfort expectations and start your trip to Nusa Penida. By the way, if you are used to premium-class hotels, yacht accommodation will probably be your best choice, as most hotels on the island are not 100% premium.
Considering the cons of this transfer, they mostly concern the high prices of yacht rental. So, if you simply want to spend a day or two in Nusa Penida, this is not the best transportation option for you. Yet, if you want to create a special event while visiting the island, e.g., a birthday celebration, an engagement, or a romantic weekend, yacht rental suits this perfectly.
Tour Transfer Options by Local Operators
One of the most comfortable ways to get to Nusa Penida from Bali is to book a tour with a local operator. There are numerous touristic options, including one-day, two-day tours or even three-day tours, which include multiple amenities to discover the island’s natural beauty, its diving and snorkeling opportunities and local culture. If you have never been to Nusa Penida, booking a tour that includes round-trip transportation can be a great idea, as it lets you avoid missing the best local attractions. Yet, the drawbacks also exist. When you come to Nusa Penida on a tour, you lose the freedom of decision on what to do and where to go. If you love to travel on your own and explore new places at your own pace, it’s not your choice. Besides, tours are always much more expensive than simple fast boat transportation, and they mostly focus on a limited number of local sites.
Getting to Nusa Penida on Your Own Yachts: Main Tips for Yacht owners
Finally, if you have a private yacht, it’s no problem to visit Nusa Penida. Just plan your route, pack everything you may need for a comfortable life, and set out for the island from one of the Balinese marinas. Due to its proximity to Bali, the trip takes just an hour and is undoubtedly the most comfortable way to reach the island. Three port areas of Nusa Penida work as marinas, so you can moor there safely. Besides, you can plan your route in such a way that you can see the best sights of the island from the sea, meet sunset or sunrise on the deck, or sail to other Nusas while traveling to Nusa Penida.
As you can see, although Nusa Penida is accessible only by sea, there are numerous ways to get there. Over 100 speedboats and ferries operate between the main Balinese cities and Nusa Penida, offering fast transportation in an hour or two. Many local tourist operators also provide transfer services to and from the island for their clients. At last, you can get there by your own yacht, and the journey will be fast and safe.
Just evaluate your budget and comfort requirements to decide whether booking a ticket for a regular fast boat would be convenient for you, or if it's better to come by a private yacht. In any case, we hope that your visit will turn into unforgettable happy memories about the “golden egg of Bali.”