【Bali - Complete Guide to Nusa Penida】Maps, Ferries, Accommodation, Transportation, Private Drivers, Activities, Photography, and Attractions

When vacationing in Bali, Nusa Penida is an absolute must-visit. Known for its stunning landscapes and captivating culture, this island offers travelers a wealth of experiences. However, due to its relative remoteness, getting to Nusa Penida requires thorough research and planning. This article provides a comprehensive travel guide from Bali to Nusa Penida, packed with the latest information to help you plan your trip.

Introduction to Nusa Penida

Nusa Penida is a small offshore island of Bali, reachable by a 45-minute ferry ride from the mainland. It’s famous for its raw, undeveloped natural beauty, featuring dramatic cliffs, sea caves, beaches, and other incredible terrain that, paired with the azure waters, creates a paradise-like scene! The word ‘Nusa’ means ‘island’ in Indonesian, so Nusa Penida is also translated as ‘Penida Island’ or simply referred to by its Indonesian name.

Nusa Penida Travel Guide

We have a total of four episodes covering Nusa Penida. Here are the links to the other three:

We have a total of five episodes covering Nusa Penida, diving deeper into this island paradise! Here are the links to the other four:

1. Top 9 Food and Blue Skies on Nusa Penida: Best Restaurants
2. Snorkeling Spots on Nusa Penida: How to Join a Snorkeling Trip?
3. Transportation Guide: Taxis, Gojek/Grab, Private Drivers, and Scooters on Nusa Penida
4. Accommodation Recommendations: 13 Top-Rated Hotels on Nusa Penida, from Luxury to Budget

Top Attractions on Nusa Penida

Nusa Penida Travel Guide Map

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▼ Must-Visit Spots on Nusa Penida: T-Rex Cliff (Kelingking Beach)

Getting down to the beach below isn’t easy! A glass elevator is currently under construction, expected to be completed by 2025.

▼ Must-Visit Spots on Nusa Penida: Broken Beach

▼ Must-Visit Spots on Nusa Penida: Tree House

▼ Must-Visit Spots on Nusa Penida: Diamond Beach

▼ Must-Visit Spots on Nusa Penida: Angel’s Billabong

How to Explore Nusa Penida

East & West Nusa Penida Highlights Day Trip from Bali

Ready to explore the top attractions of Nusa Penida? From the dramatic cliffs of Kelingking Beach and the pristine white sands of Diamond Beach to the natural wonder of Angel’s Billabong, you can enjoy the refreshing sea breeze while capturing stunning, Instagram-worthy shots with every click. This tour has everything you need—including speedboat transfers, a local driver, lunch, and more—so you can set off hassle-free. Whether you’re an adventure enthusiast, traveling with a group, or a photography lover who loves to check in, this journey will become an unforgettable memory!

• Nusa Penida Day Trip from Bali
• Nusa Penida West or East Coast Day Trip from Bali
• Nusa Penida Day Trip from Nusa Penida
• Nusa Penida Private Photography Day Trip
• Nusa Penida Private Car Charter Day Trip from Bali
• Nusa Penida Instagram-Worthy Day Trip with Snorkeling

Nusa Penida Snorkeling / Diving / Water Activities

• Manta Point Snorkeling & East Coast Tour
• Nusa Lembongan & Manta Bay Snorkeling Experience
• Nusa Penida Snorkeling Experience
• PADI Discover Scuba Diving Tour (2 Dives)
• Nusa Penida Water Sports: Banana Boat, Donut, Jet Ski, Sea Walking & More

How to Get to Nusa Penida

There are two ways to get to Nusa Penida from Bali. Let’s first look at the independent travel option. Taking a ferry from Sanur Harbor on Bali’s east coast is the most common way to reach Nusa Penida. Sanur Harbor is about 30 minutes from Kuta and about 1 hour from Canggu. You can book your ferry ticket in advance and head to Sanur Harbor. From there, you can take a ferry to Nusa Penida. While this is a budget-friendly option, it also requires time and effort to plan.

• Nusa Penida Speedboat Ticket
• Private Boat Charter for Groups of 8+
• Nusa Penida Private Car Charter
• Nusa Penida Multi-Day Tour
• Nusa Penida Scooter Rental (Road conditions are very poor, so think twice)
• KKday Options

How to Take a Ferry from Bali to Nusa Penida (Canggu, Kuta, Seminyak)?

For those looking to travel from Bali to Nusa Penida, you need to know that the speedboats to the island depart from one location: Sanur—on Bali’s southeast coast, about 40 minutes from Kuta and about 80 minutes from Canggu. The new harbor is called Pemelisan Harbor.

Here is the ferry schedule:

For reference only.

If the weather is too severe, the boats will not operate. It’s a bit unpredictable.

How to Get from Ubud to Nusa Penida?

Traveling from Ubud to Nusa Penida is more complicated because it’s farther away. Currently, there are no speedboat tickets available for booking directly from Ubud.

However, you can arrange transportation from Ubud to the harbor in Sanur. The drive/ride takes about an hour, but frequent traffic jams can make it longer.

What’s It Like Taking a Boat from Sanur Harbor to Nusa Penida?

When taking a speedboat from Sanur to Nusa Penida, you must book your tickets in advance. If you don’t have a pre-booked ticket, you’ll be swarmed by ‘enthusiastic’ touts at the harbor offering wildly absurd prices.

Once you board and set off, the journey from Sanur Harbor to Nusa Penida takes about 45 minutes. The old ‘slow boats’ are no longer used for tourist trips, as they were somewhat dangerous and even capsized in the past. Depending on the weather and sea conditions, it can be a calm, short ride or a wild ocean roller coaster!

Luggage Restrictions

Speedboats from Bali to Nusa Penida usually have luggage restrictions: a maximum of two suitcases with a total weight of 30 kilograms. However, they don’t actually weigh your luggage. They’ll stow it on the deck and cover it with a large waterproof tarp to keep it from getting splashed.

If you need to store large luggage on the main island of Bali, check out: 【Departing for Bali’s Outlying Islands】Sanur Luggage Storage Guide

Accommodation Recommendations

For those planning their own itinerary, there are several accommodation options to choose from once you arrive on Nusa Penida. Below are three recommended choices, covering budget, mid-range, and luxury stays.

Luxury Stay: Adiwana Warnakali Resort Booking

This isn’t the most expensive luxury resort on Nusa Penida, but it’s definitely one of the best! Perched on the waterfront, it features spacious luxury suites and a hearty breakfast.

Luxury Private Villa: MAUA Nusa Penida 4.5-star private pool oceanfront villa

Mid-Range: Jukung Cottage

This beachfront resort-style cottage guesthouse offers excellent value for money. It features a restaurant, outdoor swimming pool, bar, and shared lounge.

Budget Stay: Hostel Bukit Sangcure

A popular choice for backpackers on Nusa Penida. This affordable hostel is close to the port and offers breakfast and bicycle rentals.

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

1. You can buy tickets directly at the harbor, but be sure to arrive at the ticket office at least one hour before departure.

2. Booking in advance on Klook offers discounts and saves you the hassle of queuing.

3. Large luggage is allowed, but it’s best to avoid it as it’s very inconvenient to carry around the island.

4. For luggage storage services, check here.

5. Klook ticket holders should arrive at the harbor at least 30 minutes before departure.

6. Klook ticket holders are advised to book at least one day in advance.

Klook Deals:

• Nusa Penida Day Trip (from Bali)
• Nusa Penida Instagrammable Spots & Diving Tour
• Nusa Penida Speedboat Tickets
• Private Boat Charter for Groups of 8+
• Nusa Penida Private Car Charter
• Exploration Tour - from Bali (meet at Sanur Harbor)
• Nusa Penida Multi-Day Tour
• Nusa Lembongan & Manta Bay Snorkeling Experience
• Nusa Penida Snorkeling Experience
• Nusa Penida Scooter Rental (Road conditions are very poor, so consider carefully)
• Nusa Penida & Lembongan Private Boat Charter
• KKday Options

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We also introduced nine Nusa Penida restaurants with infinity pools, golden sandy beaches, and sunset views.

▶ Nusa Penida Guide Part 2: Savor the Blue Skies and Cuisine of Nusa Penida: Top 9 Picks

▶ Nusa Penida Guide Part 3: Top 4 Snorkeling Spots in Nusa Penida / How to Join a Snorkeling Tour?