Ferry to Nusa Penida

Compare all available ferry crossings and secure the best deals for your journey. At Openferry, we make it easy to find and book ferry tickets to and from Nusa Penida in just a few clicks.

Because ferry travel can be seasonal, frequencies and departure times often change throughout the year. We recommend using our live search to see the most accurate schedules and information for your travel dates including:

Popular Connections: The port of Nusa Penida connects to several high-traffic destinations, including Serangan - Nusa Penida, Gili Trawangan - Nusa Penida, Gili Air - Nusa Penida.

Top-Tier Operators: Regular services to and from Nusa Penida are provided by leading carriers like Bluewater Express, Sugriwa Express, Starfish Fast Cruise.

Amenities vary depending on the specific vessel and operator, but most ferries serving Nusa Penida feature:

Comfortable Seating: Options ranging from standard lounges to premium airplane-style seats.

Dining & Leisure: Onboard cafés and restaurants serving food and drinks.

Travel Essentials: Restroom facilities and, on longer routes, private cabins for added privacy.

Vehicle Transport: Most sailings accommodate cars, motorbikes, and campervans, allowing you to take your own transport to Nusa Penida.

Nusa Penida is currently served by 15 ferry routes operated by 10 ferry operators including Bluewater Express, Sugriwa Express, Starfish Fast Cruise.

The most common route to Nusa Penida is by fast boat from Bali, with services departing regularly from Sanur, Padang Bai, and Serangan harbors. The journey typically takes 30-45 minutes from Sanur, with slightly longer times from other ports. Travelers first need to reach Bali, which is well-connected internationally with direct flights from major Asian cities. Once at the harbor, ticket counters and operators are clearly marked, with most offering hotel pickup services in Bali. For those with vehicles, secure parking facilities are available at most departure points, though spaces fill quickly during peak season.

Just off Bali's southeast coast, Nusa Penida stands as a rugged jewel in Indonesia's crown with dramatic limestone cliffs plunging into crystal-clear waters. This island paradise offers a refreshing escape from Bali's bustling tourist centers while still being easily accessible by ferry. Visitors to Nusa Penida are rewarded with pristine beaches, natural wonders, and an authentic island atmosphere that captures the raw beauty of Indonesia.

The dry season from April to October offers the most reliable weather for exploring Nusa Penida, with clear skies perfect for cliff-top views and underwater visibility for diving. July and August bring the highest visitor numbers, while May, June, and September offer ideal conditions with fewer crowds. The rainy season (November to March) sees occasional heavy downpours but also brings lush greenery and dramatic waterfall scenes. Ferry services run year-round but may occasionally face cancellations during severe weather in the rainy season. For manta ray sightings, the period between April and October provides the best opportunities.

Nusa Penida serves as an excellent base for exploring neighboring islands in the region. Nusa Lembongan, just a 15-minute boat ride away, offers a more developed but still laid-back atmosphere with excellent surfing and snorkeling spots. Nusa Ceningan, connected to Lembongan by a yellow bridge, can be reached in about 20 minutes and is known for its Blue Lagoon and cliff jumping opportunities. For those wanting to return to mainland Bali, regular ferries make the crossing throughout the day, allowing for flexible itineraries. The waters between these islands create a beautiful island-hopping experience with stunning views of Bali's Mount Agung on clear days.

Nusa Penida's natural wonders provide the island's main attractions, starting with the iconic Kelingking Beach viewpoint, where a T-Rex shaped cliff formation creates one of Indonesia's most photographed landscapes. Angel's Billabong and Broken Beach offer natural rock pools and unique coastal formations perfect for morning exploration. Underwater enthusiasts can swim with magnificent manta rays at Manta Point or dive among vibrant coral gardens at Crystal Bay. Local warungs serve fresh seafood and Indonesian classics, with standouts including grilled fish with sambal matah and fresh coconuts enjoyed beachside. The less-visited eastern side of the island reveals traditional villages and the stunning Atuh Beach, framed by massive rock formations.

Nusa Penida serves as a crucial sanctuary for the endangered Bali Starling, with conservation efforts helping to restore this bird that nearly vanished in the wild. The island holds spiritual significance in Balinese Hinduism and is considered to balance the forces of good represented by mainland Bali. Local folklore tells that Nusa Penida was once the banishment place for criminals and those practicing black magic during ancient Balinese kingdoms. Despite its growing popularity, over 60% of the island still lacks paved roads, preserving its wild character and keeping many areas accessible only by motorbike or 4x4 vehicles.