Nusa Penida Map & Practical Travel Information (2026)

So you’ve decided to come to Bali and visit Nusa Penida — the wilder, more authentic side of the island. You probably already know roughly what you want to do: scuba diving, relaxing on a beach, or discovering the island’s most spectacular spots, and you’ve read up on the top 15 places to see in Nusa Penida. Now you need the practical information to organise your stay — the map, how to get there and around, the tourist tax, ceremonies to watch out for and where to stay. This page brings it all together.

Map of Nusa Penida

Use the map below to get your bearings before you go. It shows the main beaches, temples and viewpoints, the harbours where the boats from Bali arrive (Toyapakeh and Sampalan), the dive and snorkelling sites, and useful spots like ATMs, petrol and hospitals — across Nusa Penida and its neighbours Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan.

How to get to Nusa Penida

Dozens of fast boat companies now connect Bali and Nusa Penida every day, with around a hundred daily crossings — so you’re spoilt for choice. The crossing takes roughly 30 to 45 minutes from Sanur and only about 20 minutes from Kusamba. Some boats land at the port of Toyapakeh, others at Sampalan (plus the smaller harbours of Banjar Nyuh and Buyuk).

Our guide on how to get to Nusa Penida from Bali helps you choose the best departure and arrival port, find the right ticket price for the Sanur and Kusamba routes, decide whether to book in advance, and read the full, regularly updated schedules for every fast boat company — as well as the slower public ferry from Padang Bai.

How to get around Nusa Penida

The most practical and economical way to get around is by scooter (around 100,000–200,000 IDR per day, a little more than in Bali). For families or non-riders, a car with a driver is the best alternative (roughly 700,000 to 1,000,000 IDR per day). The roads have improved a lot but some stretches are still rough, so allow extra time. Our guide on how to get around Nusa Penida covers scooter rental, drivers, taxis and whether Grab/Gojek work on the island.

Itineraries and guided tours

There’s a lot to see, so if you can’t stay for two weeks you’ll want to group the sights into efficient routes. Our Explore Nusa Penida page sets out four self-drive itineraries (east, south-west, west and Crystal/Gamat Bay) plus sea trips and hikes. If you’d rather not drive, see our guided west-coast and east-coast day trips, or the 2 days / 1 night stay from Bali.

Tourist tax and paying on the island

Nusa Penida charges a tourist tax of 25,000 IDR per adult and 15,000 IDR per child, paid online via a QR code on arrival (it’s often already included if you book a tour). Bring some cash in rupiah: many warungs, scooter rentals and small operators don’t take cards, and ATMs are concentrated around Toyapakeh, Ped and Sampalan. If you need to send money to an Indonesian account, a service like Wise usually offers far better rates than a bank transfer.

Celebrations and events in Nusa Penida and Bali

There are religious ceremonies every day in Nusa Penida and Bali — a fundamental part of social life. You’ll often see processions in the street and hear people say “tomorrow I can’t, I have a ceremony.” Some ceremonies have little impact on your trip; others can upset all your plans.

I always sympathise, with a hint of amusement, when travellers tell me their flight or return boat falls on Nyepi day. That’s simply impossible: on Nyepi the airport closes, you must stay inside, and all activity stops. Nusa Penida also has an equivalent holiday dedicated to the sea, called Nyepi Laut. To check the dates and meaning of every Balinese event, see our page on celebrations and events in Nusa Penida and Bali.

Culture and history of Nusa Penida

The page on the culture and history of Nusa Penida is short — there aren’t many sources — but fascinating. It helps you understand the origin of Nyepi, and why Nusa Penida was kept off the tourist map for so long because of its old reputation for black magic.

Where to stay

There are now well over 500 places to stay on Nusa Penida, from five-star resorts to boutique hotels, glamping and charming bungalows. Booking ahead almost always gets you a better rate, since most hotels price by occupancy. See our pick of the best places in where to stay in Nusa Penida.

Practical FAQ about Nusa Penida

Where is Nusa Penida on the map of Bali?

Nusa Penida lies about 20 km off the south-east coast of Bali, across the Badung Strait. It’s the largest of the three Nusa islands, alongside Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan. The map above shows its location and all the main sights and harbours.

How do you get to Nusa Penida from Bali?

The easiest way is a fast boat from Sanur (about 30–45 minutes) or Kusamba (about 20 minutes); dozens of companies run around a hundred daily crossings. There’s also a slower public ferry from Padang Bai. See our full guide on how to get to Nusa Penida from Bali for ports, prices and schedules.

How much is a Sanur–Nusa Penida boat ticket?

A fast boat ticket usually costs between 150,000 and 350,000 IDR (around $10–22) each way, depending on the company and the season. It’s best to book online in high season, and the price often includes hotel pickup in the Sanur area.

How do you get around Nusa Penida?

By scooter (around 100,000–200,000 IDR per day) for the independent, or a car with a driver (roughly 700,000–1,000,000 IDR per day) for families and non-riders. Some roads are still rough, so allow extra time between sights.

How many days do you need in Nusa Penida?

You can see the west-coast highlights in a single day, but two to three days are ideal: one day for the west coast, one for the quieter east coast, and a day for diving or snorkelling. Staying overnight also lets you enjoy the sunset once the day-trippers have left.

Is there a tourist tax in Nusa Penida?

Yes — 25,000 IDR per adult and 15,000 IDR per child, paid online via a QR code on arrival. If you join a guided tour, it’s usually included in the price.

Where can I find a detailed map of Nusa Penida?

The map at the top of this page shows all the beaches, temples, viewpoints, harbours and dive sites, and you can download it as a high-resolution PDF to keep on your phone before you travel — handy, as mobile signal can be patchy in parts of the island.

Explore further

For a full overview, don’t miss our complete Nusa Penida travel guide, which brings everything together in one place. There’s also a page covering things to do in Bali. And if you still have questions, feel free to send me a message or leave a comment.

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