Leaving the surf breaks and trendy cafes of Canggu for the turquoise waters of Nusa Lembongan marks a shift from Bali's high-energy mainland to a slower, more intimate island pace. While Canggu is famous for its black sand beaches and sunset beach clubs, Nusa Lembongan offers hidden lagoons, mangrove forests, and some of the best snorkeling spots in the Indonesian archipelago. The transition involves navigating Bali's notorious coastal traffic before boarding a boat to cross the Badung Strait.
Because Canggu does not have its own harbor, the journey always requires a land transfer to Sanur or Padang Bai. Most travelers prefer the convenience of a combined ticket that includes a van pick-up directly from their Canggu accommodation, saving the hassle of negotiating with local drivers on the day of departure. You can easily browse these combined options and book tickets on GoAsia.cc to ensure your seat is secured before you head to the pier.
Canggu to Nusa Lembongan by Van and Boat
The most seamless way to reach the island is by booking a combined van and boat service. This option typically involves a shared van pick-up from the Canggu area, which then drives you to the departure point in Sanur. From there, you transition to either a speedboat or a traditional ferry for the water crossing.
Van and Speedboat Combo
For those who want to minimize travel time, the Van and Speedboat combination is the gold standard. This service costs between $16 and $24 and takes approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes to 3 hours and 30 minutes in total, depending on traffic conditions in Canggu and Kerobokan. The speedboat portion of the trip is exhilarating, cutting through the waves and arriving at Jungut Batu or Mushroom Bay in Nusa Lembongan much faster than the larger vessels.
Van and Ferry Combo
The Van and Ferry option is a reliable alternative, offering a similar price range of $16 to $24. Total travel time is generally consistent with the speedboat options, ranging from 2 hours and 30 minutes to 3 hours and 30 minutes. This is a great choice for travelers who prefer a slightly larger vessel for the sea crossing. The vans used for the land leg are usually air-conditioned and shared with other travelers, making it a social and cost-effective way to get to the coast.
Bali to Nusa Lembongan by Ferry
If you find yourself already near the coast or prefer to arrange your own transport to the harbor, you can book the ferry segment independently. Direct ferry services from the Bali coastline to Nusa Lembongan are priced between $13 and $17. The duration of the boat crossing alone is roughly 3 hours to 3 hours and 15 minutes.
These ferries are the workhorses of the Badung Strait, providing a steady and dependable link between the islands. While they are slower than speedboats, they offer a more relaxed pace and are often favored by those carrying larger luggage or those who simply enjoy the sea breeze on the deck. Note that departures for these ferries are spread throughout the day, starting as early as 06:30 and continuing until the mid-afternoon.
Comparing Your Options
| Mode | Price (USD) | Duration | Comfort |
|---|---|---|---|
| Van + Speedboat | $16 - $24 | 2h 30m - 3h 30m | High |
| Van + Ferry | $16 - $24 | 2h 30m - 3h 30m | Moderate |
| Ferry (Boat Only) | $13 - $17 | 3h - 3h 15m | Moderate |
Tips for Traveling from Canggu to Nusa Lembongan
- Prepare for wet landings: In many cases, especially at Sanur, there is no pier. You may need to wade through knee-deep water to board the boat. Wear shorts and sandals or flip-flops that are easy to remove.
- Account for traffic: The road from Canggu to the Sanur harbor is notoriously congested. Even though the distance is short, a van transfer can take over an hour during peak times. Always choose an earlier departure than you think you need.
- Protect your electronics: While boat crews are excellent at handling luggage, sea spray is common on the smaller speedboats. Keep your phone and camera in a waterproof bag during the crossing.
- Book in advance: Nusa Lembongan is a popular weekend getaway for both locals and expats. Boats can fill up quickly, especially the morning departures that allow you to make the most of your first day on the island.
- Check the arrival point: Nusa Lembongan has two main drop-off points: Jungut Batu and Mushroom Bay. Check which one is closer to your hotel to save on transport costs once you land.
Timetable
| Ferry Bali - Nusa Lembongan $ 13.25–17.39 3h – 3h 15m | |
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| Van Bali - Nusa Lembongan $ 13.25–28.62 2h 20m – 3h 30m | |
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| Van Canggu - Nusa Lembongan $ 16.59–23.95 2h 30m – 3h 30m | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
You can book train, bus, flight, taxi, van, and ferry tickets from Canggu to Nusa Lembongan directly on GoAsia.cc. Use the booking tool on this page to compare all available options and prices in real time.
The cheapest way to make the journey is by booking a Ferry-only ticket, which costs as little as $13. However, you will need to arrange your own transport from Canggu to the harbor, which may increase the total cost.
The fastest way is the Van and Speedboat combination, which can complete the door-to-door journey in approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, depending on Bali's traffic conditions.
The total travel time typically ranges from 2 hours and 30 minutes to 3 hours and 30 minutes. This includes the van transfer from Canggu and the boat crossing to the island.
Yes, it is highly recommended to book in advance, especially during the dry season or on weekends. Using a service like GoAsia.cc allows you to secure your preferred departure time and includes your van pick-up info.
It is very likely. Many boats departing for Nusa Lembongan require passengers to walk through the water to reach the boat. It is best to wear easy-to-dry clothing and appropriate footwear.
Standard luggage (one suitcase or large backpack plus a carry-on) is generally included in the price for both vans and ferries. If you are traveling with a surfboard, you should check with the operator as a small additional fee may apply.