About the ride from Nusa Penida to Sanur
Island hopping in Indonesia is an amazing way to see the country and have plenty of adventures simultaneously. Even if you’re only in Bali, there are still lots of tiny islands, just offshore, that are crying out to be explored.
Nusa Penida, for instance, is simply divine and features several low-key places to stay and an excessive amount of dive sites and protected nature reserves.
After enjoying an unforgettable few days on the island, it will be time to return to Bali. The distance from Nusa Penida to Sanur—Bali’s closest seaside town—is 32 kilometers (19 miles). The ride by boat takes approximately 30 minutes.
Nusa Penida really is one of those top-secret, not to be shared, locations that you’re going to want to visit before anyone else does. Hardly anything ever changes on the island, and the villagers have come together to ensure that remains the case.
Vacations on Nusa Penida are perfect for resetting your headspace. Diving, snorkeling, hiking and bird watching (it’s a registered bird sanctuary) are the best things to do here. In fact, they are pretty much the only things to do!
So when you’re ready for a little more action, head to Sanur.
High-speed ferries and speed boats are frequent and affordable. You shouldn’t have to pay much more than US$16 for a one-way trip. Most ships on this route have an air-conditioned seating area and an open top deck for sunbathing.
The most popular mode of transport from Nusa Penida to Sanur is the high-speed ferry provided by Crown Fast Cruises. Although not air-conditioned, it’s got plenty of ventilation so you can feel the sea spray and smell the salty sea air.
The fastest way to zip between the island and Sanur is via S’Gening’s fast boat. It leaves twice a day—early in the morning and late in the afternoon. The boat does have air-conditioning as well as a luggage allowance of 20kg and a 7kg carry-on bag.
If you’re looking for the best way to get from Nusa Penida to Sanur for the lowest fare, then Angkal Fastboat has tickets starting from as little as US$10. These high-speed ferries leave from Banjar Nyuh Harbor on the north of the island.
Other high-speed ferry providers on this route include Sri Rejeki Fastboat, Maruti Express Fastboat, Golden Queen Fastboat and Arthamas Express. All boats leave once or twice a day from different piers around Nusa Penida.
There’s not much difference between boats. And you’re not going to be on the water for long. So, the best bet is to choose a company that’s close to where you’re staying. Hotel receptions can help you out.
What to see when traveling from Nusa Penida to Sanur
As you’ll only be on the water for 30 minutes, there’s not a great deal to see as you get from Nusa Penida to Sanur, Bali. However, what you will see as you cross the Badung Strait is gorgeous.
Look out for strips of white sand bordering small offshore islands, as well as all manner of birdlife flitting between the foliage. Look back at Nusa Penida so you can see the forest-covered hills from an all-encompassing angle.
Depending on which harbor you set out from, you’ll also be able to see traditional fishing boats and leisure craft heading out for a day of diving. This area is renowned for its coral and is also well-known for its abundance of tropical fish.
As you complete the Nusa Penida to Sanur distance, you’ll approach the seaside town at a slower pace. Keep an eye out for the rows of traditional jukung wooden boats on the shoreline as well as the beautiful beaches on Bali’s southeast coast.
How to get from Nusa Penida to Sanur
Taking a ferry
If you’re wondering, how do I get from Nusa Penida to Sanur? The only answer is by boat.
There are numerous high-speed ferries and speed boats leaving from various piers around the island. Ticket prices are affordable, and vessels are well-maintained by local service providers.
Although there are many companies running boats from the island to the mainland, they usually only operate once or twice a day. The ferries aren’t all that large either, so it’s definitely a good idea to book your seat in advance to ensure you can leave on time. The staff is always courteous if you need assistance.
Most hotels will have a local ferry company they recommend, and sometimes they’ll help with your luggage from the lobby to the jetty.
It’s also a good idea to have accommodation in Bali booked before you arrive. You might have a representative ready and waiting for you at the Sanur harbor.
And that’s how to get from Nusa Penida to Sanur. It’s a short and sweet ride, so sit back, relax and enjoy the motion of the ocean before you get ready to hit more of Bali’s beaches.
Looks like it’s time to dig out that old sarong—who’s with me?