Lombok to Nusa Penida tickets

About the ride from Lombok to Nusa Penida (Penida Island)

Lombok provides the vacation of a lifetime with incredible surfing spots, stunning beaches, out-of-this-world diving, and sea turtles. When you're ready to continue your journey, hop from Lombok to Nusa Penida (Penida Island), another incredible Indonesian island.

Nusa Penida is a tiny little island between the larger islands of Lombok and Bali. But don't let its smaller size put you off. Nusa Penida is a miniature paradise with tropical landscapes, white sand beaches, exotic animals, and lush greenery. The word picturesque doesn't even begin to describe this stunning spot!

To get from Lombok to Nusa Penida, you must travel 74 km (46.3 miles) west through (or over) the Bali Sea. Depending on your choice of transport, this takes between one and three hours.

Start building the vacation of your dreams today. Learn which transport options suit you best below.

Incredible sights in Nusa Penida

There are so many gorgeous viewpoints, but where do you start? Here are the five best things to see and do in Nusa Penida:

1. Visit Kelingking Beach: Known as the most picturesque beach on the island, Kelingking Beach is home to unique rock formations, vibrant turquoise waters, and golden sands. If you recognize it, it's because it's always used in adverts for Indonesia. 

2. Take a Manta Ray Tour: Alongside its stunning scenery, Nusa Penida is known for its local residents — the manta rays. Plenty of tours take you snorkeling with these gentle giants, an experience you can't miss.

3. Hike up to Peguyangan Waterfall: Hike up the steep blue stairs, and you'll be rewarded with the incredible Peguyangan Waterfall. It is not as accessible as other spots on the island, which makes it even more majestic.

4. Chill on Crystal Bay Beach: Whether you're looking for a place to drink a beachside beer or get a tan, Crystal Bay Beach could be for you. This beach has a lush green backdrop and plenty of nearby cafes and restaurants for a comfortable day out.

5. Snap pics at Thousand Island Viewpoint: This iconic Nusa Penida photo spot has sprawling views of little islands, blue-green waters, and verdant jungle. Stay back if you're scared of heights.

Can Nusa Penida be seen in one day?

Yes, technically, you can cover a lot of Nusa Penida in one day.

But if you have the luxury of time, don't limit yourself to a day in this tiny paradise! Spend at least three days here to soak up the sights, swim with manta rays, and relax by the coast. You won't regret spending more time here.

How to get from Lombok to Nusa Penida 

The main modes of transportation from Lombok to Nusa Penida are by flight and ferry. Here's what you need to know about each before booking: 

By flight

Flights from Lombok to Nusa Penida are the quickest option, taking around an hour. This could be your route if you're on a short schedule or don't want to go by ferry. 

However, flights are more expensive and start at $79 per person. Not ideal for shoestring budgets or long-term travel.

Economy flights include seats, WCs, A/C, and food and drink services onboard (subject to availability). 

Pro tip: Flights depart Lombok International Airport and arrive at Denpasar Airport (DPS), Bali. To arrive in Nusa Penida, you'll still need to catch another 35-minute ferry.

By ferry

Ferries from Lombok to Penida Island take a little longer but offer stunning seascape views, starting at $13 per person. They depart from the Bangsal ferry terminal or pier and arrive at various ports or piers in Nusa Penida — the location varies by company.

Ferries take 1.5-3 hours and leave a few times daily.

There are different ferry classes for this route (standard, high-speed, tourist, speedboat), but don't let their names fool you. Sometimes, a standard ferry is faster than a high-speed one. It all depends on the operator. So, when booking, pay attention to the details and amenities for each ferry, not just the class. 

Some ferries make quick, 15-minute stops at nearby islands to pick up or drop off passengers. 

Possible ferry amenities include:

A/C

WC

Indoor and outdoor seating

Luggage allowance up to 20 kg/44 lbs (some allow more, it depends on the operator)

Note: If you leave from Bangsal Harbor, there's a tax/retribution fee on departure. This is IDR 10,000 ($0.64) per person.

More details about the trip from Lombok to Nusa Penida

The ride from Lombok to Nusa Penida is safe, and many tourists make it daily. 

No matter your transport option, you'll get some fantastic views of Indonesia either from above or from the glistening waters of the Bali Sea. 

If you take a ferry, you'll likely pass some of Lombok's smaller islands, like Gili Layar, Gili Gede, and Gili Nanggu. Remember to pack your camera to snap these memories!

Some ferries aren't direct. This is normal, as Indonesia's islands are close together. Listen carefully to announcements to ensure you depart at the right stop. While the journey is stunning, you wouldn't want to rearrange your transportation due to a wrong stop!

The best time to travel from Lombok to Penida Island 

Lombok and Nusa Penida experience hot weather and perfect sea temperatures all year round. Expect temperatures between 28°C to 31°C (82°F to 87°F) every month. 

However, April to October have the driest and least humid weather. Within this dry season, July, August, and September have the most pleasant forecasts, so aim to travel then if possible. 

Nusa Penida experiences more rain from November to March, which is not ideal for sunbathing.

Some ferries and flights may be canceled in nasty weather. Look at the forecast before booking, or visit during the dry season for an undisturbed journey.

Where to visit after Nusa Penida?

When you're ready (if ever!) to leave Nusa Penida's gorgeous shores, switch up the pace with a visit to Ubud, a large town on Bali island. With more verdant natural landscapes, vibrant markets, and gorgeous temples, Ubud shows you another side of life in Indonesia. Nusa Penida to Ubud takes around two hours and thirty minutes.