Bali is an island of beauty and cultural heritage. With stunning beaches, scenic mountains, great restaurants, and fabulous diving. It is no wonder why this Indonesian island is such a popular place to visit. As Bali’s popularity grew, so too did some of the other Lesser Sunda Islands, including Nusa Lembongan. It is one of three islands of the Nusa Penida district, known as the Nusa Islands. And its tourism industry has grown from simple beginnings to now offering lovely boutique hotels. Nusa Lembongan is popular with tourists who come to enjoy the beautiful coral reefs and white sand beaches. The vibe is still more laid back than Bali, making this a great place to visit for a short or longer stay. Getting from Bali to Nusa Lembongan is quick and easy, with a range of transport options available.
Read about:
• Options for Travel from Bali to Nusa Lembongan
• Ferries from Bali to Nusa Lembongan
• Speedboat from Bali to Nusa Lembongan
Options for Travel from Bali to Nusa Lembongan
Nusa Lembongan sits about 25 kilometers (15 miles) east of the southern end of Bali. Making it only a short distance getting from one island to the other.
Nusa Lembongan does not have an airport, so water transportation is the only way to get there. There are plenty of travel options going via water. Ferries and faster speedboats are available, giving you the quickest journey from Bali to Nusa Lembongan of only 30 minutes.
An important note that may dissuade some visitors from making the journey is that boats traveling to and from Nusa Lembongan do not use a ferry port or even a pier. This means that boats depart and arrive right from the beach. The boats will get as close to the beach as possible, but passengers still have to wade through the waves to get on and off the boat. For some, this may be seen as a fun experience, while people with mobility issues will have problems. The boat staff is always there to help as much as possible. But passengers need to be able-bodied and capable of wading through the water and climbing a few steps onto the boat. Even people without mobility issues can have problems if the water is particularly choppy. Always take precautions with your valuables and important personal items to ensure they do not get wet just in case you fall in the water or get splashed by a bigger wave.
Ferries from Bali to Nusa Lembongan
For the budget-conscious traveler, ferries from Bali to Nusa Lembongan are the cheapest option. But for the lower cost of traveling by ferry, you do substitute speed and comfort. The public ferry is the cheapest option; it takes around 90 minutes to cross. The boat is a wooden outrigger usually filled with more passengers than it should be, sacrificing some safety. For this reason, we wouldn’t recommend this Bali to Nusa Lembongan ferry for families. If you’re youthful and enjoy an adventure, it should be fine!
Although there is supposed to be a daily ferry from Bali to Nusa Lembongan, it is not that reliable. This can be a problem if you’re trying to keep to a schedule, so check on exact departure times and dates before deciding on the public boat. You can buy tickets in Sanur (Bali) from the ticket office at the end of Jalan Hang Tuah.
Another slow boat option is operated by Perama. This company has a good reputation and offers boat tickets priced at the mid-level – more expensive than the public ferry, but cheaper than the speedboats. Also good is that if you are staying in an area close to Sanur, the ticket price includes hotel pickup, which adds extra convenience and affordability. The Perama boat takes about 90 minutes, the same duration as the public ferry.
Bali to Nusa Lembongan by Speedboat
When you don’t mind spending the extra money, a speedboat from Bali to Nusa Lembongan is the best way to travel. Multiple boat companies are offering this service, which means numerous daily departures. The best thing about going with a speedboat is that it cuts the journey time substantially. The crossing only takes around 30 to 35 minutes to make.
Two well-known companies are mentioned everywhere: Scoot Fast Cruise, and Rocky Fast Cruise. But don’t limit yourself to just these as there are several other speedboats, giving you plenty of choices for departures. These two companies are often favored because they operate larger boats than their competitors. This results in a smoother ride and could make them safer too. The drawback is that they tend to charge more than others. If you want to save a few dollars, consider some of the other companies. However, Scoot and Rocky also have a pickup service. If you buy your tickets a day or more in advance direct with the company, you should be able to arrange to get a pickup up from your hotel and taken to the boat. And then on Nusa Lembongan get dropped at your hotel or guesthouse too.
Tickets can be bought on the day for most speedboats, but if you prefer to have everything organized ahead of time, you can book online too. Check out the travel website, 12Go for more information on times and costs, and you can book your tickets through them. They have tickets available with a bunch of speedboats from Bali to Nusa Lembongan. And read passenger reviews of the different services if you want to make an informed decision on your trip.
From Bali, the departure point is Sanur Beach Port. This may sound grand, but, as mentioned, the boats depart from just off the beach, so you will be wading out to them. There are a few different arrival points possible on Nusa. Most will bring you to the most touristy part of the island, at Jungut Batu in the northwest, but some go to Mushroom Bay which is in the southwestern part of the island.
Whether you want to travel from Bali to Nusa Lembongan by ferry or speedboat, we always recommend caution if the weather looks risky. The crossing can be choppy at the best of times. If bad weather is rolling in it may be best to wait until it has passed, especially if you’re prone to seasickness. The speedboats operated by Scoot and Rocky are most recommended if you are looking for a more stable journey. But if you want the cheapest option and don’t mind it taking longer, go for the public ferry boat.
Leaving Bali? Don’t miss our guide from Bali to Gili Islands, Denpasar to Ubud and Bali to Nusa Penida.
How long is the ferry from Bali to Nusa Lembongan?
Nusa Lembongan sits about 25 kilometers (15 miles) east of the southern end of Bali, so it’s only a short distance to get from one island to the other. The ferry ride from Bali to Nusa Lembongan takes around 90 minutes. If you’re looking to get there a bit faster, you can also take a speedboat. Then the ride is only about 30 minutes, but it can be quite bumpy on the rough seas. Either way, you’re in for an amazing time!
Can you do a day trip to Nusa Lembongan from Bali?
Yes, you can do a day trip to Nusa Lembongan from Bali. The fast boats only take about 30 minutes. However, we recommend staying for at least a few days so that you can fully enjoy all that these tropical islands have to offer!
How long is the ferry ride from Sanur to Nusa Lembongan?
The ferry ride from Bali to Nusa Lembongan takes around 90 minutes. If you’re looking to get there a bit faster, you can also take a speedboat. The ride is only about 30 minutes, and the speedboat ticket costs about $8.
How much is the fast boat from Bali to Nusa Lembongan?
The fast boat from Bali to Nusa Lembongan costs around 150,000 IDR or $10. With many different ferry operators to choose from. Ferry tickets can be bought with online bookings.
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