Nusa Penida is a stunning island located just off Bali’s southeastern coast, renowned for its dramatic cliffs, crystal-clear waters, and incredible marine life. Getting to Nusa Penida by fast boat is the most popular option, especially for day-trippers or those looking for a quick island getaway. Here’s your guide to where you can catch fast boats to Nusa Penida from Bali’s east coast.
Sanur Beach Harbor
Sanur Beach is one of the most popular departure points for fast boats to Nusa Penida. Its close proximity to major tourist areas like Kuta, Seminyak, and Ubud makes it a convenient option for many travelers.
- Key Destination: Nusa Penida (Toyapakeh, Sampalan)
- Why Choose Sanur?: Sanur offers numerous daily departures, making it easy to find a boat that fits your schedule. Whether you’re planning a day trip or staying a few nights on Nusa Penida, Sanur provides a wide selection of fast boat operators to choose from.
- Facilities: Sanur Beach has plenty of tourist-friendly amenities. You’ll find cafes, restaurants, and shops nearby, as well as ticket counters along the beach where you can purchase your boat tickets.
- How to Get There: Sanur is around a 30-minute drive from the Ngurah Rai International Airport. Taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available, and most hotels can arrange transfers. If you’re staying in Ubud or Seminyak, Sanur is also easily accessible by taxi or private driver.
- Things to Note: Boats leave directly from the beach, so be prepared to wade into knee-deep water when boarding. Sanur is generally calm, but it’s best to pack lightly and wear comfortable clothing for the journey.
Padang Bai Harbor
Padang Bai, located in eastern Bali, is a well-known harbor for ferries and fast boats heading to Lombok, the Gili Islands, and of course, Nusa Penida. While it’s further from central Bali than Sanur, Padang Bai is a good option for travelers who are already exploring the eastern parts of Bali or looking for an alternative departure point.
- Key Destination: Nusa Penida (Toyapakeh, Sampalan)
- Why Choose Padang Bai?: Padang Bai offers fewer boats to Nusa Penida compared to Sanur, but the boats from this port tend to be larger and more stable, ideal if you’re prone to seasickness. Plus, if you’re coming from Ubud, Candidasa, or Sidemen, Padang Bai is easier to reach than Sanur.
- Facilities: Padang Bai is a busy port with basic facilities, including small shops, cafes, and ATMs. It’s also the starting point for ferries to Lombok, so there’s often a lot of activity around the harbor.
- How to Get There: Padang Bai is about an hour’s drive from Ubud or a two-hour drive from the southern parts of Bali. Many fast boat operators offer shuttle services from these areas directly to the harbor.
- Things to Note: If you plan to visit both Nusa Penida and the Gili Islands, Padang Bai is a strategic location to manage your trips. The seas can be rougher here, so boats from this harbor tend to be larger and more reliable for longer journeys.
Serangan Harbor
Serangan Harbor, located south of Sanur, is another departure point for fast boats to Nusa Penida. It’s a bit more off the beaten path compared to Sanur, but it offers an organized and comfortable experience for travelers.
- Key Destination: Nusa Penida (Toyapakeh, Sampalan)
- Why Choose Serangan?: Serangan is a great option if you’re staying in the southern parts of Bali, such as Nusa Dua or Jimbaran. While the journey to Nusa Penida takes slightly longer from here, the port is quieter, and the boarding process tends to be smoother.
- Facilities: Serangan Harbor is well-equipped, with ticket offices, waiting areas, and basic shops for snacks. Unlike Sanur, boats here depart from a dock, so you don’t need to wade through water to board.
- How to Get There: Serangan is only a 20-minute drive from the airport and around 30 minutes from popular areas like Kuta or Nusa Dua. Most fast boat operators include hotel transfers from these areas, making it easy to get to the harbor.
- Things to Note: If you prefer a more structured boarding process, Serangan might be the better option. However, fewer boats depart from here compared to Sanur, so make sure to check the schedule and book in advance.
Kusamba Beach
Kusamba Beach, located in Klungkung on Bali’s east coast, is a lesser-known departure point for fast boats to Nusa Penida. This small fishing village offers a more local experience and a quieter atmosphere compared to the busier ports like Sanur and Padang Bai.
- Key Destination: Nusa Penida (Toyapakeh, Sampalan)
- Why Choose Kusamba?: If you’re already exploring Bali’s east coast and want to avoid the crowds, Kusamba is an excellent choice. Boats from this beach are typically smaller, offering a more intimate experience for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the main tourist ports.
- Facilities: Kusamba is very basic in terms of facilities. You won’t find ticket offices or restaurants here, so it’s essential to book your tickets in advance and bring any food or water you may need for the trip.
- How to Get There: Kusamba is about an hour’s drive from Ubud and around 90 minutes from the Kuta/Seminyak area. You’ll need to arrange private transportation to the beach as public transport is limited.
- Things to Note: Since Kusamba is a small, local beach, it’s important to plan ahead. You may need to coordinate directly with a local boat operator to secure your tickets. However, this also means you’ll enjoy a more peaceful and scenic journey to Nusa Penida.
Nusa Penida is a must-see destination, and there are plenty of fast boat options from Bali’s east coast. Whether you choose the convenience of Sanur, the larger boats at Padang Bai, or the quieter experience at Kusamba, planning ahead and choosing the right port will ensure a stress-free and enjoyable trip.
Wherever you decide to depart from, make sure to book your tickets early, especially during peak travel seasons, as fast boat services to Nusa Penida are in high demand.
