Nusa Penida to Sanur tickets

About the journey from Nusa Penida (Penida Island) to Sanur

Island-hopping in Indonesia is an absolute must; it’s the best way to see everything this incredible country has to offer.

So, once you’ve finished living it up on the Nusa Islands, head back to the iconic island of Bali via Sanur.

The Nusa Islands, including Nusa Penida, offer a more tranquil experience, immersing travelers in their glorious natural beauty and laid-back atmosphere. Carry on this trend by staying around the Sanur area instead of immediately heading further inland.

The only way to cover the 31-kilometer (19.4-mile) distance between Nusa Penida and Sanur is by sea. But it’s a swift journey of 30–60 minutes, depending on the weather.

The azure blue waters of the Bali Sea carry you across the narrow stretch to reach Bali. Thankfully, there is just one port of arrival from Nusa Penida — helpfully called Sanur Port — so there won't be any confusion when finding your boat.

Sit back and relax as the motion of the ocean rolls you across the Bali Sea to yet another island filled to the brim with glorious beaches and welcoming locals.

What is Sanur like?

Sanur might feel drastically different from the relative isolation of Nusa Penida and its low-key atmosphere and protected nature reserves.

While it’s marginally more high-speed, it’s a tranquil area of Bali, even though it’s one of the oldest tourist destinations on the island.

Many tourists just consider Sanur a transportation hub to get to and from neighboring islands, but it’s the perfect base to enjoy your Balinese adventure. Located about 12 kilometers (7.4 miles) from downtown Denpasar and 20 kilometers (12.4 miles) from Ngurah Rai International Airport, Sanur is an ideal location.

Luxuriate on the mesmerizingly beautiful beaches, cycle around the town, and dive into fascinating local history. 

You can also use it as a jumping-off point to visit nearby Seminyak, Ubud, and Uluwatu.

Unforgettable things to do in Sanur, Bali

As the oldest beach resort destination in Bali, it would be easy to assume that Sanur has been overrun with tourists and lost its charm. Luckily, this couldn’t be further from the truth. Sanur still retains its serene feel and Balinese cultural roots thanks to its relaxed atmosphere and pristine natural beauty. Don’t forget to add these must-do activities to your itinerary:

• Rent a bicycle to explore the local area: Sanur is easily navigated by bike, and it’s the best way to soak up the area’s charm.

• Visit Sanur Beach: Undoubtedly the most popular beach in the area, Sanur Beach has everything a traveler could want, with epic views, pristine sandy shores, swimmable waters, and delicious eateries just moments away.

• Try your hand at watersports: You can’t go to Bali without trying out some watersports. It would be wrong! Learn to scuba dive or go snorkeling right from the shores of the beach. Those with a larger budget should check out the sea walker excursions, which allow you to literally walk underwater to the nearby coral reefs wearing a helmet to breathe.

• Explore Le Mayeur Museum: Located on Sanur Beach, this memorial museum houses the works of Brussels-born artist Adrien-Jean Le Mayeur de Merpres, a famous artist who made his home in Bali.

• Visit the Serangan Shark Island project: This conservation initiative saves black-tip and white-tip reef sharks. You can swim and snorkel with young sharks, visit the turtle hatchery, and learn all about their crucial work.

• Pay your respects at the Blanjong Temple: This ancient temple is a fascinating visit and a great way to get out of the unforgiving sun in the middle of the day. It also displays one of the oldest artifacts found in Bali, dating back to AD 914. The piece is believed to be a victory monument created in honor of King Sri Kesari Warmadewam. He was the first king of the Balinese Warmadewa dynasty and is credited with installing the first Balinese formal government.

• Meet the animals at the Turtle Conservation and Education Center: Another great option for wildlife lovers, the conservation efforts here focus on hatching and nursing baby turtles, as well as offering sanctuary to rescued turtles.

• Attend the Bali Kites Festival on Padanggalak Beach: This annual festival takes place between July and August and attracts thousands of traditional kite troupes who fly gigantic kites with wingspans of up to 10 meters on the beach.

Pro tip: Situated on the east coast of Bali, Sanur enjoys spectacular sunrises. Rise early, at least once, to take in the mesmerizing view from Sanur Beach.

What is the journey between Nusa Penida and Sanur like?

The 30- to 60-minute journey between Nusa Penida and Sanur whisks you across the waves, offering glorious views of the island of Bali as it inches closer.

Wave goodbye to Nusa Penida’s lush green hills and say hello to the glorious, sedate beach town of Sanur.

Although it could be bumpier in monsoon season, crossing the Badung Strait of the Bali Sea is mostly a peaceful experience.

Snag a window seat to spot strips of white sand encircling nearby islands, and look upwards to see birds swooping through the skies as they hop between islands, just like you.

The boats may not always provide air conditioning, but the sea breeze whipping through the cabin will keep you cool.

You might also see traditional fishing boats and leisure craft cruising through the waters. The area is famous for its coral reefs and abundant fish.

What is the best way to get from Nusa Penida to Sanur?

The best and only way to reach Sanur from Nusa Penida is by boat. The options have different names, but they’re essentially the same.

You can get a ferry, a high-speed ferry, or a speedboat ferry. However, there is little difference between the three boats, except that the ferry is larger. The journey takes a maximum of 45 minutes, whichever boat you choose.

There are dozens of operators running boats between the two islands, so you’ll never have a problem finding a boat. Some run services a couple of times a day, and others manage up to six or more daily departures.

There is little difference between providers, so just choose the one that works for your schedule.

Most boats leave from Banjar Nyuh Harbor (Nusa Penida Pier). However, some providers have offices and harbors near the pier, so they may have a different meeting point.

All ferries arrive at Sanur Harbor. 

Facilities are limited and depend on the size of the boat. A larger ferry will likely have a toilet and air conditioning, as well as a small shop to buy snacks.

Smaller boats won’t have any amenities. 

They all have ample luggage allowances, typically allowing 20 kilograms of luggage and a 7-kilogram carry-on.

Some providers offer hotel pick-up and drop-off for an extra fee. Hotels have their favorite or associated company, and sometimes they’ll assist you with your luggage from the lobby to the jetty.

Additionally, many accommodations in Sanur include pick-up from Sanur Harbor.

How many days should I spend in Sanur?

You only need two to four days in Sanur to enjoy everything it has to offer, especially if you are primarily focused on relaxing on the beach.

However, it’s great as a base to explore Bali from, so book accommodation here for a full two weeks and book lots of day trips out to avoid switching hotels every other day. 

When is the best time to travel to Sanur, Bali?

The best time to visit Sanur is between May and October, when the dry season arrives, bringing epic sunny days without heavy rains.

Avoid coming between July and August, when tourist season reaches its peak.

Where should I go after Sanur?

Next, head south to Uluwatu to explore magnificent temples or hike to incredible beaches with epic viewpoints. Alternatively, head west to Seminyak or Canggu for some more beach time and surfing lessons.