This article on tips for visiting Nusa Penida will explain how to get to Nusa Penida safely and smoothly, as well as what transport can be used when exploring this beautiful place. Read on to find out more about this incredible destination.
Where is Nusa Penida Island?
Nusa Penida, a hidden gem just 25 kilometers (15 miles) southeast of Bali, Indonesia, offers a stunning getaway with pristine scenery.
Nusa Penida has two small adjacent islands, Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan, but Nusa Penida is the most famous of the three for its stunning cliff views and breathtaking beaches.
It's a much smaller island than Bali, but it has some of the most spectacular views in the entire province of Bali (of which it is a part).
This beautiful island can be visited as a day trip from Bali (return on the same day), but we suggest the best option is to spend at least a few days in Nusa Penida to see all the amazing sights this island has to offer.
Also read: The Charm of Diamond Beach Nusa Penida
Also read: The Allure of Diamond Beach Nusa Penida
How To Get To Nusa Penida from Bali
If you’re wondering how to get to Nusa Penida, there are 2 fast boat harbours we recommend for your smooth and safe journey to the island. To make it easier for you to find these two ports, we have also attached maps of these two locations.
1. Sanur Harbour
From Bali, you will need to take a fast boat or ferry to reach Penida, with the fast boat journey taking around 45 minutes.
There are many fast boat operators who run daily trips to Nusa Penida, with most departing from Sanur Beach in Bali at different times. But we recommend going to Nusa Penida in the morning, as the sea is calmer then, making it easier to board the boat. The conditions around the beach are also cooler in the morning than at noon.
Sometimes, the seawater can be knee-deep, but don't worry—the fast boat crew will be waiting to help you onto the boat, and porters will handle your luggage.
If you bring your own vehicle to Sanur Beach Port, you can leave it there as there is a large parking area for both motorbikes and cars. The car park is also available for overnight parking. You don’t need to worry about your vehicle as it is very safe.
The location on the map is the common departure point for all fast boat companies operating this route from Sanur Beach:
Also read: The Magical Nusa Penida Tree House
Also read: The Exquisite Charm of Broken Beach
2. Tribuana Harbour
Apart from Sanur, you can also choose to depart from the port of Tribuana Kusamba, which is about 45 minutes from Denpasar. If you're staying in Gianyar, Ubud, Klungkung, or Karangasem, we highly recommend choosing this port to sail to Nusa Penida as it’s much closer than Sanur.
The advantage of departing from Tribuana is that it only takes 25 minutes to get to Nusa Penida, and this port also has a private harbour, making it easier for passengers to get to the speedboat.
The Port of Tribuana also has extensive storage facilities for motorbikes and cars. For motorbikes there is a special place to protect your vehicle from the hot sun and rain as it is stored in a special motorcycle storage room. Just pay IDR 5,000 per day for motorcycles and IDR 10,000 per day for cars.
We also embed a map to Tribuana Harbour if you wish to depart from there:
How to Get Around: Nusa Penida Transportation
Just like in Bali, there are two main modes of transport for exploring Nusa Penida: motorbike rental or car rental with driver.
We recommend that you hire a private car with a driver as it provides a sense of security and comfort for you and your loved ones. The rates are roughly the same as the transportation rental rates on mainland Bali, starting from IDR 550,000 per day including petrol and driver.
You can also choose to rent a motorbike from your accommodation/hotel or from the port in Nusa Penida and the price will be around IDR 75,000 - IDR 100,000 per day.
Things you need to bring with you to Nusa Penida
Most of the items below can probably be found in Nusa Penida. Still, the quality of anything you buy on the street is not guaranteed (we wouldn't use a flimsy street bag to protect expensive camera equipment).
It is a good idea to purchase some of the items below before your trip to Nusa Penida, as they are a guarantee of quality and safety:
- Waterproof bag: It's important to keep your electronics safe on the boat. Personally, I carry a 30-litre bag that can hold a drone, tablet, camera, phone, and many other things. Everything stayed dry, even after several dips in the water!
- Waterproof phone bag: Same as above, but it’s just for your phone. Perfect if you don't have any other electronics to carry and just need something small to protect your phone.
- Snorkelling gear: Nusa Penida has many diving spots with beautiful coral and fish that you don't want to miss. Snorkels and masks can be hired on the boat, but if you plan to do several trips it is more economical to bring your own.
- Water shoes: Protect your feet from pain with water shoes! Avoid cutting yourself on the sharp reef before reaching the boat.
- Sunglasses: Important to protect your eyes from blinding sunlight.
- Sun cream: This cream will protect your skin from burning, as Nusa Penida is an area where the intense sun is very hot.
Nusa Penida Tour
Firstly, we want to inform you that there are many tour operators to Nusa Penida offering cheap prices, but during the tour you'll feel that there are so many extra costs.
That's why you must be careful and smart in your choice of tour operator so that you don't feel cheated and disappointed at the end of the day.
Not all tour operators offer the best service, so you need to look carefully for one that is experienced in organising your trip so that your tour goes as smoothly as you expected.
Wisata Bali Penida is a tour and travel company with decades of experience arranging Nusa Penida tours with rates starting at USD 35 per person.
As well as full day tours, we also offer Nusa Penida Accommodation packages which include 1 day 1 nights Nusa Penida Tour Package and 2 days 1 nights Nusa Penida Tour Package with luxury hotel facilities at affordable prices.
Wisata Bali Penida also organises tours in Bali according to your wishes or request.
