Gili Air Island to Nusa Penida tickets

About the ride from Gili Air to Nusa Penida

Unlike its larger neighbors to the east and west, Gili Air Island in Lombok has no mountains, hills, or elevation to speak of. What it does have are powdery soft beaches, crystal clear waters and a laid-back South Pacific vibe.

Between the Gili Islands and the tourist playground of Bali is Nusa Penida Island. With sheer cliffs, unique rock formations and teeming coral reefs, this island offers a different type of experience for those who make the effort to get there.

While often overshadowed by its more famous neighbors, Nusa Penida is what tropical dreams are made of. And with regular transportation available, taking a detour to this destination will be more than worth your while.

Considering you’re moving from one island to another, ferries are the only way to get between Gili Air and Nusa Penida. Depending on which operator you choose, it will take anywhere from 1.5 to 5 hours to cross the 74 kilometers (46 miles) that separate them.

Best things to see and do in and around Nusa Penida

Though the majority of visitors to Nusa Penida arrive on a day trip from Bali, there are plenty of things to see and do for those who stick around:

1. Choose your beach views: Nusa Penida offers beautiful beaches with even better beach views from atop its sheer coastline. Most famous is the gorgeous Kelingking Beach, with its appealing blue water and vertical backdrop. In East Penida, Diamond Beach is another crowd-pleaser.

2. Snorkel or dive with manta rays: A snorkel or dive trip to the appropriately named Manta Point is a true bucket list experience. The namesake mantas — with a wingspan of up to nearly four meters (12 feet) — congregate at a specific coral head year-round. Swimming with these majestic giants is a thrill you won’t ever forget.

3. Snorkel or dive anywhere else. Besides Manta Point, there are lots of vibrant reefs where you can peek below the surface for an amazing view. You’ll see lots of colorful fish, sea turtles, and, if fortunate, even the elusive mola-mola (ocean sunfish).

4. Explore East Nusa Penida. Further afield than most day trippers get, East Nusa Penida holds plenty of appeal. 

5. Besides the aforementioned Diamond Beach, visitors during the rainy season (December through March) will enjoy the conical landscape known as the Teletubbies Hills. Take a guided tour to discover some of the best gems on the island.

What can you expect when traveling from Gili Air to Nusa Penida?

From the clear waters of Gili Air, you will pass by, and possibly stop at, its sister islands, Gili Meno and Gili Trawangan, before entering the open channel of the Lombok Strait.

Eventually, you’ll make your way around to the north shore of Nusa Penida. From there, you’ll likely be docking at Buyuk Harbor, which is located midway along the north coast of the island. 

How to get from Gili Air Island to Nusa Penida

Ferries range in size and speed, each with its own timetable and amenities. But don’t be fooled by their names. Sometimes, a standard ferry is faster than a speedboat ferry. Always check the details before booking.

Ferries

The quickest ferries will take about 1.5-2.5 hours to travel from Gili Air to Nusa Penida. These are usually the smallest ferries. Prices start at $14.

Other ferries can take anywhere from 2.5 to 4 hours to make the crossing. These are often much bigger vessels, with A/C, restrooms and even TVs. 

One benefit of the larger ferries is the option of sitting on the top deck to soak in the sun and sea views. Whether or not that’s worth the extra time is up to you. Prices start at $17.

Ferries will vary on the amenities they offer. Air conditioning is usually a given on the larger ships, and most have restrooms on board.

Pretty much all ferries depart from Gili Air Harbor. This is a pier smack in the middle of the southern coast. Considering how tiny the island is, you’re never going to be all that far away.

Docking will be either at Buyuk Harbor, centrally located on Nusa Penida’s north shore or at a pier designated by the specific operator. 

When is the best time of year to visit Nusa Penida?

Determining the best time of year to visit Nusa Penida is dependent on two factors: the weather and crowds.

For the best weather, come during the dry season of April through October. This means more sunny days and calm seas, perfect for exploring the island’s reefs and beaches. 

July and August see the biggest surge of visitors, resulting in large crowds at the island’s most popular attractions. One way to minimize the annoyance is to stay overnight on the island and visit those same attractions in the hours after the day trippers have left.

How many days do I need in Nusa Penida?

You could go the same route as many and visit Nusa Penida on a day trip. The downside is that this will mean battling the crowds of fellow day trippers as you see the same exact sites. 

An even better option is to spend at least a night — two if you can — to take in the island on your own time once the day trippers have gone back to Bali.

Where should I go after Nusa Penida? 

If you haven’t yet explored the magnificent island of Bali, now’s your chance. Ferry service from Nusa Penida to Bali is regular and convenient. 

If you don’t feel like making that short trip, you can take an even shorter one to tiny Nusa Lembongan island just off Nusa Penida’s northwest coast.