How to Get to Nusa Penida from Bali: The Complete 2026 Guide
Three Routes, One Island — Which One is Right for You?
Getting to Nusa Penida from Bali is straightforward, but choosing the wrong departure port can cost you an extra hour of driving before you even get on the boat. Most travel blogs just say "take a fast boat from Sanur." That's fine advice — but it's not the complete picture.
As someone based on the island, I'll give you the honest breakdown of all three routes: Sanur, Kusamba, and Serangan. Different routes suit different travelers, and by the end of this guide you'll know exactly which one to take.
Option 1: Sanur — Best for Most Travelers
Best for: Anyone staying in Kuta, Seminyak, Canggu, Ubud, Nusa Dua, Jimbaran, Sanur
Sanur is the most popular departure point for Nusa Penida — and for good reason. It has the most operators, the most departures, and the most flexibility. If you miss your boat, there's almost always another one leaving within the hour. More than 90 boats depart daily, from early morning until late afternoon.
Crossing time: 30–45 minutes Ticket price: IDR 150,000–250,000 one way First departure: around 06:30 Last departure: around 17:00
Tip: Book online instead of buying at the harbor. Touts and ticket agents outside the terminal often charge inflated prices. During high season (July–August and December–January), morning boats sell out — book at least a day in advance.
You can book your fast boat ticket from Sanur here.
Option 2: Kusamba — Best for East Bali Travelers
Best for: Anyone staying in Sidemen, Amed, Candidasa, Klungkung, or anywhere in East Bali
This is the route most tourists never hear about — and it's a shame, because for the right traveler it's the smartest choice.
Kusamba is a small fishing village southeast of Klungkung. The crossing takes only around 20–25 minutes — noticeably shorter than Sanur. But the real advantage isn't just time.
From my experience on the water: the crossing from Kusamba tends to have calmer waves compared to the Sanur route. The sea conditions are generally more sheltered, which means a smoother ride — especially useful if you're prone to seasickness or traveling with young children.
Crossing time: ~20–25 minutes Ticket price: IDR 100,000–150,000 one way Departures: Less frequent than Sanur — confirm schedule in advance
If you're staying in Sidemen, Amed, or Candidasa, driving to Sanur adds 1.5–2 hours to your journey each way. Kusamba is a fraction of that drive. It's the logical choice and most people staying in East Bali simply don't know it exists.
The tradeoff: fewer operators and fewer departure times. Always confirm your schedule the day before.
Option 3: Serangan — Best for Maximum Comfort
Best for: Travelers who prioritize comfort and don't mind paying a bit more
Serangan is operated primarily by Eka Jaya Fast Ferry — one of the most established boat companies in Bali. This is not the typical small fast boat. Eka Jaya operates 34-meter aluminum boats powered by four Volvo D16 750HP engines, with a capacity of 210 passengers cruising at 35 knots.
Think of it as the business class option for the crossing. The boats are large, stable, and significantly more comfortable than the smaller fast boats from Sanur. If you get seasick easily, or you're traveling with elderly family members or young kids, Eka Jaya from Serangan is worth the extra cost.
Crossing time: ~1 hour Ticket price: Higher than Sanur — check ekajayafastboat.com for current rates Departures: Around 4 daily departures
Serangan is located in southern Denpasar — convenient if you're staying in Sanur, Nusa Dua, or Jimbaran areas.
Which Route Should You Take? Quick Decision Guide
| Your Location | Recommended Route |
|---|---|
| Kuta, Seminyak, Legian | Sanur |
| Canggu | Sanur |
| Ubud | Sanur |
| Nusa Dua, Jimbaran | Sanur atau Serangan |
| Sanur | Sanur |
| Sidemen, Amed, Candidasa | Kusamba |
| Klungkung | Kusamba |
| Want maximum comfort | Serangan (Eka Jaya) |
Arrival Ports on Nusa Penida
Depending on which operator and route you choose, you'll arrive at one of these ports:
Banjar Nyuh — the main arrival port for fast boats from Sanur. Located on the northwest coast, this is the closest port to the west side attractions (Kelingking, Angel's Billabong, Crystal Bay). Most tourists arrive here.
One honest note: facilities at Banjar Nyuh are still minimal. There is no proper waiting area — you wait outside in the heat. During peak season it gets very crowded and chaotic. Arrive early, stay patient, and bring water.
Sampalan — arrival port for boats from Kusamba. Located on the north coast, closer to the east side (Diamond Beach, Atuh Beach). If you arrive here and want to explore independently, scooter rentals are available right at the port.
Toyapakeh — a smaller port used only for boats to and from Nusa Lembongan. Capacity is limited to 15–20 passengers per boat. Not relevant if you're coming from Bali by fast boat.
Buyuk — near Sampalan, used by some operators.
If you're doing the Nusa Penida West Tour, aim for Banjar Nyuh. If you're doing the East Tour, Sampalan is more convenient.
Can You Bring a Scooter?
Fast boats do not allow motorbikes. Technically there is a RORO ferry from Padang Bai, but honestly it's not worth it — schedules are very limited, the wait can be extremely long, and the crossing itself takes nearly 2 hours. You'd lose half your day just getting there.
The smarter move: take the fast boat from Kusamba (25 minutes, IDR 100,000–150,000), arrive at Sampalan port, and rent a scooter right there at the harbor. Rental is easy to find and affordable. You're on the road in minutes instead of hours.
Tips for a Smooth Crossing
Book in advance during high season. July–August and December–January are peak months. Morning boats from Sanur fill up fast — sometimes days in advance. Don't assume you can just show up.
Watch out for touts at the harbor. Sanur harbor has plenty of unofficial ticket sellers outside the terminal. Always buy from official operator counters or book online beforehand.
Take motion sickness medicine the night before. Not the morning of — the night before. The crossing can be rough during wet season (November–March), and taking medicine on the boat after you're already queasy doesn't help much.
Arrive 15–20 minutes before departure. The boats leave on time. Especially true for morning departures.
Bring cash in IDR. Some operators don't accept cards at the harbor.
Morning departures are calmer. Sea conditions tend to be smoother in the morning than the afternoon. If you have a choice, go early.
What to Do After You Arrive
Once you step off the boat, your driver will be waiting if you've booked a tour. If you're going independent, scooter and car rentals are available right at the port.
Not sure what to do on the island? Start with our Nusa Penida Travel Guide for the full picture, or go straight to planning your day with the West Tour Itinerary or check out our East Tour.
