When vacationing in Bali, Nusa Penida is an absolute must-visit. Known for its stunning sights and captivating culture, this island offers travelers a wealth of experiences. However, due to its relative remoteness, getting to Nusa Penida requires some thorough research and planning. In this article, we’ll provide you with a 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 roughly 45-minute ferry ride from the main island. It’s famous for its untouched, raw natural beauty, featuring dramatic cliffs, sea caves, beaches, and other fascinating landscapes that blend with the azure waters to create a paradise-like scene! The word ‘Nusa’ means ‘island’ in Indonesian, so Nusa Penida is also translated as ‘Penida Island’ or ‘Pulau Penida,’ and sometimes simply transliterated as ‘Nusa Penida.‘
Nusa Penida 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, so let’s dive deeper into this island paradise! Here are the links to the other four:
- Top 9 Best Choices for Food and Blue Skies on Nusa Penida
- Snorkeling Spots on Nusa Penida: How to Join a Snorkeling Trip?
- Transportation Guide on Nusa Penida: Taxis, Gojek/Grab, Private Drivers, and Scooters
- Accommodation Recommendations on Nusa Penida: 13 Top-Rated Hotels from Luxury to Budget
Popular Attractions on Nusa Penida
Nusa Penida Travel Map
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▼Must-Visit Spots on Nusa Penida: T-Rex Head at Kelingking Beach

Getting down to the beach below isn’t easy! A glass elevator is currently under construction.
Quick reference: Is Kelingking Beach Safe? Hidden Risks and Precautions at the Stunning T-Rex Cliff
▼Must-Visit Spot on Nusa Penida: Broken Beach

▼Must-Visit Spot on Nusa Penida: Tree House

▼Must-Visit Spot on Nusa Penida: Diamond Beach

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

Exploring Nusa Penida
Best of East and West Nusa Penida Day Trip from Bali
Ready to explore Nusa Penida’s top spots? From the dramatic cliffs of Kelingking Beach and the pristine white sands of Diamond Beach to the natural wonder of Angel’s Billabong, you’ll soak up refreshing sea breezes while capturing stunning, Instagram-worthy shots at every turn. 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 seeker, traveling with a group, or a photography enthusiast, this journey is bound to create unforgettable memories!
- Nusa Penida Day Trip from Bali
- East or West Nusa Penida Day Trip from Bali
- Nusa Penida Day Trip from Nusa Penida
- Private Photography Day Trip to Nusa Penida
- Nusa Penida Private Car Day Trip from Bali
- Nusa Penida Instagram-Worthy Day Trip with Snorkeling
Snorkeling / Diving Trips & Water Activities in Nusa Penida

- Manta Point Snorkeling & East Coast Tour
- Nusa Lembongan & Manta Bay Snorkeling Experience
- Nusa Penida Snorkeling Experience
- PADI Discover Scuba Diving with 2 Dives
- Banana Boat, Donut, Jet Ski, and Sea Walking on Nusa Penida
How to Get to Nusa Penida
There are two ways to reach Nusa Penida from Bali. Let’s start with the independent route. Taking a ferry from Sanur Harbor on Bali’s east coast is the most common way to get to Nusa Penida. Sanur Harbor is about 30 minutes from Kuta and an hour from Canggu. You can book your ferry ticket in advance and head to the harbor. From there, you’ll catch a ferry to Nusa Penida. While it’s a budget-friendly option, it does take time and effort to plan.
- Nusa Penida Fast Boat Ticket
- Private Boat Rental 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’ll need to know that speedboats to the island depart from one location: Sanur—on the southeast coast of Bali, about 40 minutes from Kuta and 80 minutes from Canggu. The new port is called Pemelisan Harbor.
Here is the ferry schedule:

(For reference only, subject to actual operations)
If the weather is too rough or the waves are too high, boats will not run. This can be a bit unpredictable.
How to Get from Ubud to Nusa Penida?
Getting from Ubud to Nusa Penida is more complicated due to the greater distance. Currently, there are no speedboat tickets available for booking.
However, you can arrange transportation from Ubud to Sanur port. The drive/ride takes about an hour, but frequent traffic jams may make it longer.
What is it like taking a boat from Sanur to Nusa Penida?
When taking a speedboat from Sanur to Nusa Penida, you must book your ticket in advance. If you haven’t pre-booked, you’ll be swarmed by ‘enthusiastic’ touts at the port offering some absurd prices.
Once you board and set off, the trip from Sanur port to Nusa Penida takes about 45 minutes. The old ‘slow boats’ are no longer used for tourist travel as they were somewhat dangerous and even capsized in the past. Depending on the weather and sea conditions, it could be a calm, short boat ride or a wild ocean rollercoaster ride!
Luggage Restrictions
Speedboats from Bali to Nusa Penida usually have luggage restrictions, allowing a maximum of two suitcases with a total weight of 30 kilograms. However, they don’t actually weigh your luggage. They’ll place it on the deck and cover it with a large tarp to keep it from getting splashed.
If you want to store large luggage on mainland Bali, check out: 【Departing for Bali’s Offshore Islands】Sanur Luggage Storage Guide
Accommodation Recommendations
For travelers arranging their own trip, there are multiple accommodation options to choose from upon arriving at Nusa Penida. Below are three recommendations: 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! Located right on the waterfront, this resort offers large, luxurious suites and a hearty breakfast.
Luxury Private Villa: MAUA Nusa Penida A 4.5-star private pool beachfront villa

Mid-Range: Jukung Cottage
This beachfront resort-style cottage guesthouse offers incredible value for money. It features a restaurant, outdoor pool, bar, and shared lounge.

Budget Stay: Hostel Bukit Sangcure
A top pick for backpackers on Nusa Penida. This cheap hostel is near the harbor and offers breakfast and bike rentals.

Finally, a few important tips for travelers heading to Nusa Penida:
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You can buy tickets directly at the harbor, but be sure to arrive at the ticket office at least one hour before departure.
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Booking in advance on Klook offers discounts and saves you from waiting in line.
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You can bring large luggage, but it’s best to avoid it as it’s very inconvenient to carry around the island.
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For luggage storage services, check here.
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If you booked through Klook, arrive at the harbor at least 30 minutes before departure.
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Klook ticket buyers should book at least a day in advance.
Klook Deals & Tours:
- Nusa Penida Day Trip (from Bali)
- Nusa Penida Instagram-Worthy Spots & Snorkeling Tour
- Nusa Penida Speedboat Tickets
- Private Boat Charter for Groups of 8+
- Nusa Penida Private Car Charter
- Discovery 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, proceed with caution)
- Private Boat Charter for Nusa Penida & Lembongan
- KKday Options
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We also feature ten Nusa Penida restaurants with infinity pools, golden sands, and sunset views
▶ Nusa Penida Guide Part 2: Enjoy Nusa Penida’s Blue Skies and Turquoise Waters: Top 10 Restaurant Picks

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

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