Food & Activities

Boat Experience from Bali to Nusa Penida / Travelogue

2024年5月29日 · 更新於 2026年7月10日 ✏️ 編輯文章

💡 Quick Answer

【Bali/Indonesia Food & Fun】Facebook group member Mei Yi Liao shares her experience/travelogue of visiting Nusa Penida with friends

Bottom line first: The boat ride from Sanur Harbour to Nusa Penida takes about 30-45 minutes. The port facilities are excellent (with escalators, so your feet stay dry when boarding), but the waves are quite noticeable—those prone to seasickness should take medication beforehand. Carry-on luggage is stored on the bow and exposed to the sun, and you’ll need to wait for the boatman to unload after disembarking, so remember to bring a sun hat and sunscreen.

Our Bali/Indonesia Food & Fun Facebook group member Mei Yi Liao shares her experience/travelogue of visiting Nusa Penida with friends, which she kindly provided for us to edit and republish:

Mei Yi Liao提供：沙努爾的登船處，沙努港口設施很完善，上下樓都有手扶梯

Provided by Mei Yi Liao: The boarding point at Sanur. The port facilities at Sanur Harbour are very well-developed, with escalators for both going up and down.

Preparation Before Departure

Our trip goal was Nusa Penida, an island with stunning scenery. Departing from Bali, we chose to take a boat from Sanur. The new port in Sanur is called ‘Sanur Harbour’ on Google Maps. The boarding area now has excellent facilities, so you no longer have to worry about getting your feet wet when boarding—a great relief for travelers with luggage. We opted for light backpacks, but many travelers also brought carry-on suitcases. However, these suitcases are placed on the bow of the boat, exposed to the sun during the journey, and you’ll need to wait for the boatman to unload them after disembarking, which might mean standing in the sun for a while. So, it’s advisable to bring a sun hat and sunscreen.

Further reading: 【Departing for Bali’s Offshore Islands】Sanur Luggage Storage Guide

The Experience During the Voyage

The boat ride takes about 30 to 45 minutes, but this time can be a bit challenging for those prone to seasickness. The waves make the boat rock quite a bit, so it’s recommended to take seasickness medication in advance. Personally, I had no issues and actually enjoyed the journey. With the sea breeze blowing gently, I quickly fell asleep on the boat—this voyage was a relaxing experience for me.

Arriving on Nusa Penida

After arriving on Nusa Penida, we saw someone collecting an island fee at the entrance on the left as soon as we got off the boat. According to locals, this fee is used to maintain the island’s environment and facilities, and local residents don’t have to pay. Be sure to arrange a shuttle in advance, as the port roads and traffic flow are chaotic. We waited about 30 minutes to leave the port—a walk that would have taken just two minutes, but the constant vehicle traffic made it congested. Yet, the locals seemed accustomed to this, patiently waiting for the cars to clear, which gave us a sense of their calm and courtesy.

Challenges of Island Transportation

The roads on Nusa Penida are quite narrow, making passing another car a thrilling experience—often requiring one to pull over and wait for the other to go first. Although the roads are paved, the surface is uneven, making the ride feel like a roller coaster, full of excitement. This journey gave us a real taste of the island’s transportation challenges, but it also added to the fun and sense of adventure.

Read more: Nusa Penida Taxi, Gojek/Grab, Private Car, and Scooter Transport Guide

Exploring the Island’s Scenery and Cuisine

探索島上的美景和美食

The scenery on Nusa Penida is absolutely unmissable. Whether it’s the famous Kelingking Beach or Angel’s Billabong, both are breathtaking. These spots boast stunning natural beauty, crystal-clear waters, and dramatic cliff views that make you want to linger.

Read more: 【Bali - Nusa Penida Complete Guide】Map, Ferry, Accommodation, Transport, Private Car, Activities, Photography, Attractions

Additionally, the island’s cuisine is a major highlight. We tried the local seafood dishes, which were fresh and delicious, truly appetizing. The grilled fish and seafood platter, in particular, were standout specialties—not only tasty but also reasonably priced.

Read more: Nusa Penida Food and Blue Skies: Top 10 Best Choices on the Island

Overnight Options on Nusa Penida

A trip to Nusa Penida is absolutely worth it, and I recommend staying for a night or two instead of just a day trip. This gives you extra time to fully experience this enchanting island. While a day trip is a great way to see the most popular attractions, staying longer allows you to explore and discover hidden gems.

Check this out: Nusa Penida Hotel Guide: 13 Top-Rated Accommodations from Luxury to Budget

Reflections on the Return Journey

After a few wonderful days on Nusa Penida, we were ready to take the boat back to Bali. We kept our luggage light again, which made the trip much more relaxed and enjoyable. Though the boat ride was still bumpy, we had grown accustomed to it and actually began to savor the sea journey.

Final Thoughts

This trip to Nusa Penida left us deeply impressed by the grandeur of nature and the warmth of the locals. From the thrill of sailing the seas to the stunning island scenery and delicious food, everything was unforgettable. I’m truly grateful for the tips shared by fellow travelers in the community—this journey was incredibly rewarding. I hope this travelogue can also help others. If you’re planning a trip to Nusa Penida, don’t miss these beautiful spots and tasty treats. Wishing you a wonderful journey!

Finally, here are a few important reminders for visitors heading to Nusa Penida:

You can buy tickets directly at the port, but be sure to arrive at the ticket office at least one hour before departure.
Booking tickets in advance on Klook offers discounts and saves you from waiting in line.
Large luggage is allowed, but it’s best to avoid it as it’s very inconvenient to carry around the island.
For luggage storage services, check here.
If you booked via Klook, arrive at the port at least 30 minutes before departure.
Klook ticket holders should book at least one day in advance.

Nusa Penida Deals

Do you think Mei Yi Liao’s itinerary sounds amazing? Go ahead and plan your own Bali free-and-easy trip! Feel free to share your itinerary in the community as well!