How to get to Nusa Penida from Bali (May 2025)

This comprehensive guide provides everything you need to know about how to get to Nusa Penida island from Bali. With a variety of departure and arrival ports to choose from, finding the right fast boat company can be a challenge. In this article, you will find detailed information on the different ports, fast boat companies, their schedules, and fast boat ticket prices. We aim to make your journey to Nusa Penida smooth and stress-free. This article is part of a series that provides practical information on the island of Nusa Penida. If you plan to go directly to Nusa Lembongan, please read the article on how to get to Nusa Lembongan instead.

The trip to Nusa Penida will only take 40 minutes from Sanur and 20 minutes from Kusamba. With a new fast boat terminal in Sanur, you can now board the boats comfortably, without worrying about getting wet in the sea. With 66 boats available daily from Sanur and 26 additional boats from Kusamba, there is no shortage of options. To ensure your safety, all boats come equipped with life jackets and are maintained to the highest standards. So, whether traveling solo or with a group, rest assured that you’ll be in good hands on your journey to Nusa Penida.

What is the price for a boat trip from Bali to Nusa Penida ?

Traveling to Nusa Penida from Bali varies depending on the transportation company, with one-way ticket prices typically ranging from IDR 150,000 to IDR 200,000. If you hold a KITAS (Indonesian residence permit), you may qualify for a discounted fare of IDR 125,000 from Sanur.

Alternatively, a boat ride from Kusamba to Nusa Penida costs IDR 100,000 to IDR 150,000. Some companies offer port transfer services as part of the ticket, but these are usually more expensive.

Be cautious, as you’ll encounter agents offering to book tickets, but these typically come at a markup compared to public rates.

Pay cheaper online

Be cautious when booking directly at the ticket booth, as some operators, like Axe Stone, charge IDR 250,000 for a one-way trip. However, if you book online with 12go, you can secure fares for IDR 150,000 with the same company or other good companies like Angel Billabong, Maruti or Semabu Hills.

Upon arriving in Nusa Penida, all visitors must pay a local fee of IDR 25,000, which is supposed to support the island’s infrastructure, particularly road maintenance.

Do you need to book your boat trip in advance?

When planning your trip to Nusa Penida, I highly recommend booking your boat tickets in advance, especially during peak seasons or when local ceremonies are scheduled. Boats can fill up quickly, leaving limited or no availability on the day of travel. Additionally, boat services may be suspended during major holidays such as Nyepi, Nyepi Laut, Galungan, or Kuningan, so double-check schedules in advance.

Arrive at the port early to avoid delays or missed departures. Boats typically leave on time and sometimes even a bit ahead of schedule. For smooth planning and great deals, I recommend using 12go. It offers competitive prices and a user-friendly booking experience.

I took the photo below on May 1st, 2025, at 5.30 pm. It was not even the peak season, but all the companies’ last boats of the day were fully booked. This is the best illustration of why you need to book in advance!

Fast Boat Timetable Overview

Several options are available if you’re looking to travel from Sanur to Nusa Penida. In this section, we’ve provided a list of the best fast boat companies connecting the two destinations and their schedules. However, these schedules are subject to change, so please verify the timings before embarking on your trip. Fast boat services from Sanur to Nusa Penida currently depart at 6:30 am, with the last departure at 5:00 pm. Similarly, Nusa Penida to Sanur services begin at 7:00 am and conclude with the last departure at 5:00 pm. I use Maruti Express and Angel Billabong, the most dependable fast boat companies, known for their safe and efficient services. And Semabu Hills, if Maruti and Angel Billabong are fully booked or do not fit my schedule.

Sanur to Nusa Penida

Angel Billabong fast cruise

• from Bali to Nusa Penida (Banjar Nyuh) : 7.30 am, 8.30 am, 10 am, 2.15 pm and 5 pm
• Nusa Penida to Bali (Sanur) : 6.45 am, 7.30 am, 9 am, 1 pm, 4 pm and 5 pm
• +62 82 144 048 323

Maruti Express

• from Bali to Nusa Penida (Banjar Nyuh) : 7.30 am, 9 am and 3 pm
• Nusa Penida to Bali (Sanur) : 7.30 am, 12.30 pm and 4.30 pm
• +62 81 246 892 524 (Sanur)
• +62 83 4022 8883 (Nusa Penida)

Semabu Hills

• from Bali to Nusa Penida (Banjar Nyuh) : 6.30 am, 7 am, 7.30 am, 8 am, 8.30 am, 9 am, 1 pm and 3 pm
• Nusa Penida to Bali (Sanur) : 8 am, 12 pm, 1.30 pm, 3 pm, 3.30 pm, 4 pm, 4.30 pm and 5 pm

Axe Stone

• from Bali to Nusa Penida (Banjar Nyuh) : 7 am, 7.30 am, 8 am, 8.30 am, 9 am, 11 am and 3.30 pm
• Nusa Penida to Bali (Sanur) : 9.15 am, 2.30 pm, 3.30 pm, 4 pm, 4.25pm, 4.30 pm and 5 pm

The Tanis

• from Bali to Nusa Penida (Banjar Nyuh) : 8.00 am, 9 am and 12 pm
• Nusa Penida to Bali (Sanur) : 10 am, 4 pm and 4.30 pm

Ray Fish

• from Bali to Nusa Penida (Banjar Nyuh) : 8.30 am
• Nusa Penida to Bali (Sanur) : 4.30 pm
• +62 82 339 616 768
• rayfishfatscruises@gmail.com

Idola Express

• from Bali to Nusa Penida (Sampalan) : 8.15 am
• Sampalan to Bali (Sanur) : 1 pm and 4.30 pm
• WhatsApp : +62 81 808 072 488
• email : info@idolaexpress.com

From Kusamba to Sampalan

Gangga Express

• Kusamba to Sampalan : 6.30 am, 7 am, 8 am, 9 am, 10.30 am, 12.30 pm, 2 pm, 3.45 pm and 5 pm
• Sampalan to Kusamba : 6.30 am, 7 am, 7.30 am, 8 am, 9.30 am, 11 am, 1 pm, 3 pm and 4 pm 

The Angkal

• Kusamba to Sampalan : 6.30 am, 7 am, 8 am, 9.30 am, 10.30 am, 11.45 am, 1.45 pm, 4 pm and 5 pm
• Sampalan to Kusamba : 6.30 am, 7 am, 7.30 am, 8 am, 9.30 am, 10:45 am, 12.45 pm, 2.30 pm and 4 pm.

Sekarjaya

• Kusamba to Sampalan : 7.15 am, 8 am, 11 am, 2 pm and 4 pm
• Sampalan to Kusamba : 7 am, 8 am, 10:30 am, 1.30 pm and 3.30 pm.

Schedule Sanur to Nusa Penida listed by departure time

6.30 am with Semabu Hills

7 am with Semabu Hills or Axe Stone

7.30 am with Angel Billabong, Maruti Express, Semabu Hills, Axe Stone or the Angkal

7.45 am with Angel Billabong

8 am with Semabu Hills, Axe Stone or the Tanis

8.30 am with Angel Billabong, Semabu Hills, Ray Fish or Axe Stone

9 am with Maruti Express, Semabu Hills, Axe Stone or the Tanis

10 am with Angel Billabong or Semabu Hills

11 am with Axe Stone

12 pm with The Tanis

1 pm with Semabu Hills Express

2.30 pm with Axe Stone or Semabu Hills

3 pm with Maruti Express or Semabu Hills

3.30 pm with Axe Stone or Semabu Hills

4 pm Semabu Hills, Ray Fish or the Tanis

5 pm with Angel Billabong Fast Cruise

Schedule listed by departure time – leaving from Nusa Penida

6.45 am with Angel Billabong

7.30 am with Maruti Express

8 am with Semabu Hills Express

9 am with Angel Billabong

9.15 am with Axe Stone

10 am with The Tanis

12 pm with Semabu Hills Express

12.30 pm with Maruti Express

1 pm with Angel Billabong

1.15 pm with Idola Express (from Sampalan)

1.30 pm with Semabu Hills Express

2 pm with Angel Billabong

2.30 pm with Axe Stone

3.30 pm with Semabu Hills Express

4 pm with Angel Billabong and Semabu Hills Express

4.30 pm with Maruti Express, Semabu Hills, The Tanis, Axe Stone or Ray Fish

4.45 pm with Axe Stone

5 pm with Angel Billabong, Axe Stone and Semabu Hills Express

Which port in Bali and in Nusa Penida ?

The fast boat companies have different ports of departure in Bali and ports of arrival in Nusa Penida. Even though this gives you much flexibility to plan your trip, it might also complicate your choice of departure and arrival ports.

The 2 departure ports from Bali

• Sanur Beach (Jalan Matahari Terbit): Most fast boat companies leave from this brand new port. 
• Kusamba port is located near Padang Bai. Some boat companies that serve Toyapakeh harbour and Sampalan leave from here. Boarding is from a floating pontoon. The crossing is much shorter (around 20 minutes), and the boats are very comfortable.

The 3 arrival ports at Nusa Penida

• Banjar Nyuh is the port close to Toyapakeh and where most of the fast boat companies arrive.
• Sampalan is located in the North part of the island.
• Buyuk, located next to Sampalan. Only some boat companies moor here.

How to choose the correct port?

Choosing the correct port can ensure a smooth and stress-free journey when planning a trip to Nusa Penida. If you’re coming from Amed or Sidemen, Kusamba is the best departure port. Sanur Beach is the ideal option for Sanur, Seminyak, or Canggu. If you’re heading to Sampalan, Buyuk, Ped, or Atuh Beach, choose Sampalan as your arrival port. For Ped, Toyapakeh, or Crystal Bay, go for Banjar Nyuh Harbour.

Drop off your scooter in Sanur or rent your scooter in Nusa Penida

If you have rented your scooter from Bikago, you can drop it off at the Sanur port. Bikago is a reputable company that has been offering high-quality scooters and motorcycles with insurance and efficient customer service since 2014. You can also rent a scooter from Bikago in Nusa Penida. You can pick it up and then drop it off at the Toyapakeh port without any charge.

Getting an international driving permit (IDP) if you rent a motorbike is much safer, especially for insurance coverage. You can apply for an IDP online in less than 8 minutes here.

Ferry to Nusa Penida

Reaching Penida by ferry from Padang Bai is also possible, especially if you want to travel by scooter. But renting a scooter in Nusa Penida is usually easier for a slightly higher price than in Bali. The ferry boat is called Roro. It crosses from Padang Bai to Nusa Penida twice daily, at 10 am and 2 pm, except on Sundays when only the 10 am ferry operates. The price is around 120k for a scooter and two passengers, and the crossing takes around 90 minutes, but the ferry is often late.

You need to book the ferry to Nusa Penida for a car, but this is unnecessary if you are traveling with your scooter. Try to arrive around 9 am and get your ticket from one of the agents who display “online ticket”. He will give you a ticket with a QR code that you will have to show to enter the port. And the (long) wait will begin. The last time I took the ferry boat to bring my scooter to Nusa Penida, I waited until 10:45 am to board (after the trucks and cars). The ferry to Nusa Penida left Padang Bai at 11:15 am and arrived in Sampalan around 12:45 pm.

Ferry boat from Nusa Penida

To take the ferry boat from Nusa Penida to Padang Bai, you must arrive at Sampalan port before 7 am. You will board around 7:30 am. The ferry will then leave around 8:15 am to arrive near Padang Bai around 9:45 am. The ferry then waits for its landing dock to be available to dock around 10:30 am.

What to do, where to go in Nusa Penida ?

There is a lot of things to do once you’re on the island. It is a paradise for scuba divers, the landscape is great and there are many adventures and tours available! I recommend that you read my guide on the 15 favorite places to visit in Nusa Penida. You can also check out my top 6 places directly:

• the iconic T-Rex Kelingking Beach
• the amazing Broken Beach & Angel’s Billabong
• Crystal Bay, perfect spot for diving, snorkeling and awesome sunsets.
• Atuh Beach is a wonderful and still off-the-beaten-track beach.
• Warnakali PADI 5 star dive resort, to stay in a brand new boutique resort and/or dive with a PADI 5 star IDC.
• Amok sunset bar and restaurant, a cool place to see the sunset with a cocktail during happy hour.

The flexible boat schedule allows you to have a full day in Nusa Penida, but I recommend staying longer. With just one day, you’ll most likely spend a lot of time on the road, rushing from one viewpoint to another. I would suggest staying at least one night, in one of the many hotels on the island, enjoying a sunset on this beautiful island, and maybe even going snorkeling or diving with manta rays at Manta Point the day after, or enjoying a swim at Crystal Bay!

You can book with Klook a private day tour in Nusa Penida from Nusa Penida or if you want to make even less effort a day tour to Nusa Penida from Bali. You will also find many options on GetYourGuide. But if you want a more cost-effective option, send me a message and I will give you a contact who can organize a land tour and/or a snorkeling tour with a reliable driver/boat captain.

Where to stay in Nusa Penida ?

When I first came to Nusa Penida in 2015, only two hotels were on the island. Now, more than 400 are listed on Booking.com. So the choice is not always easy. Read the selection of my favorite places to stay in Nusa Penida. They are all located between Toyapakeh and Crystal Bay because it is more authentic and less busy than the north coast.

Adiwana Warnakali dive resort

Adiwana Warnakali Dive Resort is a boutique cliffside retreat perched above the turquoise waters of Nusa Penida, offering stunning ocean views and direct access to some of Bali’s best dive sites. Renowned for its intimate atmosphere and top-notch dive center, the resort combines luxury and adventure with beautifully designed suites, an infinity pool overlooking Mount Agung. Adiwana Warnakali is partnering with Dune Penida 5 star Padi dive center which provides personalized dive experiences, including trips to iconic spots like Manta Point and Crystal Bay for beginners or certified divers.

Adiwana Warnakali was recently ranked #12 in Asia for small boutique hotels by Tripadvisor and has been recognized as one of the “Best of the Best Hotels 2025.” Booking directly on their website using the code “AWK10” will get you a 10% discount.

How to get from Nusa Penida to the Gili Islands?

If you’re planning a trip to both the Gili Islands and Nusa Penida, several fast boat companies connect the Gili Islands and the Penida Islands. One of the best options is Eka Jaya, which offers daily service between these islands. Eka Jaya uses spacious and comfortable fast boats equipped with four powerful engines so that you can travel quickly and comfortably. The boats are 23 meters long and can accommodate up to 210 passengers.

Eka Jaya fast boat departs from Nusa Penida at 10:30 am and stops at Padang Bai and Sengiggi before reaching the Gilis around 2 pm. On the return journey, you’ll leave Gili Trawangan at 11 am and arrive at Nusa Penida by 3 pm.

Direct boats between Penida and Gili islands

If you prefer a direct trip from Gili to Nusa Penida without stopping at Padang Bai, another good option is Semaya One. This boat also offers daily service and can get you to the Gilis quickly and efficiently. The direct trip leaves Nusa Penida at 10 am and arrives at the Gilis by 11:45 am. On the way back, the boat leaves the Gilis at noon and returns to Nusa Penida by 2:30 pm. If you don’t mind stopping at Padang Bai, Semaya One operates another boat that leaves the Gilis at 9 am and arrives at Nusa Penida by 11:50 am, then departs from Nusa Penida at 1 pm and arrives back at the Gilis by 3:15 pm.

Other options

In the 1950s, cartoonist Bob de Moor created a series of comic strips about the adventurer Barelli. Arrival on the island was then made by sailboat. The ferry should go a little faster… or not.

There are also public or private boat connections from Nusa Lembongan to Nusa Penida (about 60k per person).