How to get to Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Penida
Transportation in foreign countries can be confusing, scary and stressful. We’re here to help you through this annoying process and let you know that everything will be OK. Trust us. We’ve been here a while. Whether you want to go from Bali to Lembongan, take a day trip to Penida or visit one of Ceningan’s many seaside bars, we know how to get there. Although we prefer to guide people underwater, we’ll take our fins off and show you the ropes - or roads, in this case. Additionally, if you stay or dive with Blue Corner we’ll do our best to accommodate your travel needs and even do all the bookings for you! Now that’s some prime customer service.
Bali to Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Penida
There are several options to choose from to get from Sanur, Bali to Nusa Lembongan or Nusa Penida.
Cruise ship – Luxurious, spare no expense.
Traditional fishing boat – Cheapest option, but takes 90 minutes versus 30 minutes.
Fast Boat - Middle ground cost and fastest option.
Swim - Free, but we’d rather you didn’t.
We highly suggest the fast boat. There are many companies to choose from in Sanur, but our favourites are: Rocky Fast Cruises, Glory, and D’Camel. We prefer these companies because we’ve had pleasant experiences with the staff, they are timely and comfortable (depending on how tall you are).
The listed prices include hotel/airport pick up and drop off. Some areas in Bali, however, may have additional charges if they are farther away. Again, let us deal with all those dirty details so you can have a smooth, worry-free journey.
To and from Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Penida
Going to and from the islands is very easy, but the booking system hasn’t quite hit the digital world. You’ll have to do it the old-fashioned way and book in person! Here’s our handy dandy, step-by-step process to ensure a smooth journey.
Go to Yellow Bridge on Lembongan.*
Find a boat captain going to Penida.
Give them money (around 60,000 IDR one-way).
Get on the boat.
Wait 10-15 minutes for boat to fill.
And now you’re on your way to Nusa Penida! It’s that easy!
Additional Logistics
Transport Time: 10-15 minutes
Total Cost: 120,000 IDR with return
Lembongan Pick Up & Drop Off: Yellow Bridge
Penida Pick Up & Drop Off: Toya Pakeh Harbour
If you aren’t comfortable negotiating price or finding a captain, feel free to visit the small booking office just to the right of the Yellow Bridge. There they will give you a ticket and fixed price of 60,000 IDR.
And don’t forget, if you’re visiting Penida, swing by and visit our Penida sister shop!* They offer the same scuba diving opportunities, but with a smaller, island vibe and a bit less hustle and bustle than our Lembongan location. They don’t offer Freediving- yet.
To and from Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan
These two islands are connected by the famous and beautiful Yellow Bridge. It is a stunning piece of infrastructure that highlights the playful paradise of these two islands. And at some point, you will cross it, or at least we hope so. You can cross the bridge via scooter or walking. Trucks cannot cross as it is too narrow, so plan accordingly!
Don’t forget to visit Yellow Bridge at night. It lights up and has stunning views of both islands!
Getting around the Nusa Islands
If you’re coming from Bali you may have grown accustomed to taxis, Grab and or GoJek for all your transportation needs. Here in the Nusa Islands, these things don’t exist. Our options are as follows:
Scooter
You may rent a scooter for a day, a week or a month. Your daily rate should not exceed 100,000 IDR, even so, that’s on the high end. If you’re renting in Mushroom Bay (the south side of Lembongan) your rental prices may be higher as that is the main tourist drop off. If you rent from Jungutbatu in the northern part of the island your daily rate should not exceed 60,000 IDR. If you’re here long-term you can rent a motorbike for 700,000 - 1,000,000 IDR per month.
Hotel transport
Most hotels in Nusa Lembongan or homestays will have their own transport. This is a less independent choice as you will have longer wait periods and less flexibility, but a good option if you have a lot of people and/or luggage. Nusa Lembongan hotels offer various transport options, ranging from renting a golf cart to being driven by a truck. The availability of these options depends on your accommodation. If you're staying at one of the many hotels Nusa Lembongan has to offer, be sure to check their transport services for a hassle-free experience.
Your legs
Lembongan and Ceningan are not massive. Penida, however, is an entirely different story. Some roads are better than others, but it is certainly an option to walk around Mushroom Bay, Jungutbatu or the shores of Ceningan. Especially if you’re in the mood for some bar hopping!
It is HOT here. Would not advise taking a stroll from 11am – 3pm.
There you have it. Your transportation tips of how to navigate to, from and in between the stunning Nusa Islands! It’s not as scary as it seems, we promise. In fact, the boats rides are all a part of the Nusa experience. Great way to see the sights and explore our home. We hope you love it just as much as we do!
Need some tips on what to do on the islands? Check out our blog on How to Make the Most out of Your Trip to Lembongan, Penida & Ceningan.
See you soon!
FAQs about Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Penida
How to get to Nusa Lembongan?
You can reach Nusa Lembongan by taking a speedboat from Sanur Beach in Bali. The ride takes about 30–40 minutes, and several boat operators run daily services. Most tickets include hotel transfers in Bali and drop-offs in Nusa Lembongan.What to do in Nusa Lembongan?
Nusa Lembongan offers stunning beaches, snorkeling, and diving spots like Blue Corner. Explore Devil’s Tear, Dream Beach, and Mangrove Forest, or take a boat trip to nearby Nusa Ceningan for more adventure.How to get to Nusa Penida?
Nusa Penida is accessible by speedboat from Sanur, Bali. The trip takes about 30–45 minutes, and boats run frequently throughout the day. Once there, you can rent a scooter or hire a driver to explore the island.How to get to Nusa Penida from Bali?
To get to Nusa Penida from Bali, take a speedboat from Sanur, Padang Bai, or Kusamba. The journey takes around 30–45 minutes, and tickets can be booked online or at the harbor. Private and public boats are available depending on your budget and preference.