The island of Bali has been a popular destination for many years with travelers from all over the world who choose to visit the island for its warm waters, beautiful beaches, waves and diving spots, but also to experience the local culture and enjoy nature. Bali is undoubtedly the most popular tourist destination in Indonesia. It attracts thousands of tourists every year. Being such a popular destination, it’s surprising to find another fantastic island nearby that receives far fewer tourists. The island of Nusa Penida has an underdeveloped tourist infrastructure, which is why many consider it an ideal place for a day getaway. With its hills and cliffs, Nusa Penida is different from Bali, but also has some fantastic beaches and snorkeling spots further off the beaten track.
Travel options from Bali to Nusa Penida
Ferry from Nusa Penida to Bali © Nokuro / Shutterstock.com
As Nusa Penida is a short distance southeast of Bali, the journey from Bali to Nusa Penida is not very long. The distance between these two places is less than 30 kilometers. Although Nusa is still less touristy than Bali, the truth is that many travelers are encouraged to visit Bali’s little sister. The only way to get from Bali to Nusa Penida is by boat, and there are many operators to choose from. There are also travel packages and tours available from hotels and tour operators in Bali, but you will pay much more if you opt for a fully organized tour. They can be a good option in some cases, but if you don’t want to spend too much money visiting Nusa Penida, it’s better to go on your own.
From Bali to Nusa Penida by ferry
Ferries from Bali to Nusa Penida © sudarat chanthubha / Shutterstock.com
Calling boats that go from Bali to ferries from Nusa Penida is not the most appropriate in the strict sense of the word. Yes, these boats carry travelers from one island to another, but it’s likely that when you hear the word ferry you think of a large ship, with room even for vehicles. But the truth is that the boats that go from Bali to Nusa Penida are actually fast boats with capacity for a very limited number of passengers. They reach quite high speeds, which can make the journey more bumpy than you expect. If you tend to get motion sickness while traveling, it may be a good idea to take a pill before boarding.
While the journey may be bumpier than you imagine, it’s pretty quick. Almost all boats go from Bali to Nusa Penida in half an hour. Of course, keep in mind that there are several departure points in Bali and different arrival points in Nusa Penida, so journey times may vary.
It’s worth knowing as there are many ferry operators and many departure and arrival options to choose from. Despite this, in the peak season, they can be done in a short time. We advise you to leave Bali on one of the first boats in the morning to make the most of a full day in Nusa, but for this very reason these boats are also the most sought after. You can go to the port of Sanur around 7.00 in the morning, hoping to buy a ticket for the first ferry at 7.30. But to secure a place on this boat, it is better to buy tickets in advance.
Tickets from Bali to Nusa Penida can be booked with many ferry companies through the travel website 12Go.asia. As you search, you’ll be able to see the many options available and compare prices, timetables, departure and arrival locations. So you can choose the one that suits you best and don’t run the risk of running out of a ticket.
Prices vary from company to company, but the services they offer are quite similar. You can check the reviews on 12Go to find out what other travelers who have already used these services think. Almost all Bali to Nusa Penida ferry companies offer instant booking on this site. Thanks to this, you can travel with complete peace of mind and you won’t have to worry about a last-minute ticket. Don’t miss our guide: From Bali to Lombok