How to get to Nusa Penida from Bali: the Sanur fast boat

Nusa Penida sits just across the Badung Strait from Bali’s south-east coast, close enough to see from the beach in Sanur on a clear morning. There is no bridge and no airport, so every visitor arrives by boat, and for almost everyone that means the fast boat from Sanur Harbour. The crossing takes 30 to 45 minutes depending on the sea, and there are five departures a day in each direction, from early morning to late afternoon. You land at Banjar Nyuh or Buyuk, the two main harbours on the island’s north coast; which one depends on the boat company, and the pier is written on your confirmation email. On this site a seat costs €16 one way or €31 return per person, children included, paid online by card.

There are other ways across, but they rarely suit a visitor. A slower public ferry, which also carries cars and motorbikes, runs from Padang Bai further up the east coast. It is used mostly by islanders and freight, the crossing is noticeably longer, the timetable is less predictable, and Padang Bai is a long drive from where most people stay — so it is not the usual route unless you are already in east Bali or travelling with a vehicle. If you are on Nusa Lembongan or Nusa Ceningan, small local boats hop across the narrow channel to Nusa Penida in a few minutes. From the south of Bali, though, the Sanur fast boat is the simplest and quickest option by a wide margin.

Getting to Sanur Harbour

These are rough times with normal traffic; Bali roads can surprise you in both directions. The transfer from your hotel to the harbour is not included in the boat ticket, so arrange it the day before. Most hotels can book a driver, ride-hailing apps work well around the south of Bali, and a private driver you have used before is often the most relaxed choice for a dawn pickup. Check-in opens at the boat company’s counter and you need to be there 30 minutes before departure, so plan to arrive about 45 minutes ahead to leave room for parking, a coffee and finding the right counter. If you are staying in Canggu or Ubud and taking one of the first boats, that usually means being picked up while it is still dark. Our Sanur Harbour guide explains check-in and boarding in detail.

Check-in, the crossing and arrival

• Check in at the boat company’s counter 30 minutes before departure with your passport and your confirmation email. Each traveller can bring one bag plus one small carry-on; surfboards and diving gear are possible on request.
• The crossing lasts 30 to 45 minutes. It can be bumpy when the swell is up: if you get seasick, sit towards the back, keep your eyes on the horizon and skip the big breakfast.
• You land at Banjar Nyuh or Buyuk, as shown on your confirmation. Depending on the tide and the boat, you may step off into shallow water, so wear sandals and keep your phone in a pocket you can zip.
• Drivers and scooter rentals wait near the harbour. If you have booked a driver for the day, agree the meeting point in advance and share your boat company’s name with them.

Day trip or a night on the island?

A day trip works, and it is how most people first see Nusa Penida: an early boat out, one coast explored with a driver, and a late-afternoon boat back to Sanur. The catch is that the island is bigger than it looks and the roads are slow, so a day trip means choosing between the west coast and the east coast rather than seeing both. Staying one or two nights (see where to stay in Nusa Penida) changes the rhythm completely. You can be at Kelingking before the day-trippers arrive, watch the sunset at Crystal Bay without watching the clock, and keep the east coast for a second morning. If you have the time, book two one-way tickets instead of a return and pick your dates freely; either way, you can book your seat on this site in a couple of minutes.