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Leaving the dramatic cliffs of Kelingking Beach and the rugged charm of Nusa Penida behind often feels bittersweet, but the return journey to mainland Bali is one of the most scenic short hops in Indonesia. As you trade the dirt roads of the island for the vibrant energy of Bali's south coast, you will find that the transition is remarkably smooth if you know which pier to head to. The Badung Strait can be a playful stretch of water, occasionally offering sightings of flying fish or even dolphins as you zip back toward the mainland.
Most travelers find themselves returning to Sanur, which serves as the primary gateway, but options have expanded significantly to include direct transfers to popular hubs like Ubud, Canggu, and Seminyak. Whether you are looking for a budget-friendly ferry or a seamless door-to-door connection that includes a van transfer to your hotel, booking your tickets in advance on GoAsia.cc ensures you won't be left standing on the pier during the busy afternoon rush.
Nusa Penida to Bali by Ferry and Speedboat
Speedboats are the most common and efficient way to reach Bali. They are built for speed rather than luxury and cross the Badung Strait to Sanur in about 30 to 45 minutes. As of October 2026, a standard one-way ticket typically costs around IDR 200,000 to 250,000 (roughly $12 to $15) per person depending on the operator; Maruti Express, for example, lists IDR 200,000 for adults. Maruti's boats leave Nusa Penida for Sanur between 12:30 and 17:00.[1]
The Speedboat Experience
Depending on the operator you will leave from Banjar Nyuh, Toya Pakeh, Buyuk, Sampalan or a private operator pier such as Maruti Port, so check which harbour your ticket names. Some boarding points on Nusa Penida still require wading through shallow water, so shorts and sandals are recommended. Seating is usually enclosed with rows of padded benches. The ride is fast but can be bumpy if the sea is choppy, so those prone to motion sickness should prepare accordingly.
Other Harbours
Almost all passengers land at Sanur and continue by road. Some operators also run to Padang Bai or Kusamba on Bali's east coast, usually with fewer departures and different prices, so check the current timetable. Boats to Kuta, Legian or Seminyak are not part of the usual service; those areas are reached by road from Sanur, and the journey time depends heavily on traffic.
Nusa Penida to Bali by Van and Speedboat Combo
If you want to avoid negotiating with taxi drivers at the harbour in Bali, a combined boat and van ticket is the most convenient choice. These packages include a shared or private road transfer to destinations such as Ubud, Canggu or Jimbaran. Prices depend heavily on the destination and the operator; as one example, Maruti Group lists its ticket-plus-shuttle package at IDR 650,000 per adult one way (about $40) as of October 2026.[1]
Total travel time depends on your destination. A transfer to hotels in Sanur may take roughly 2 hours 30 minutes door to door, while Ubud or Canggu can take up to 4 hours 30 minutes depending on Bali's notorious traffic. This is a convenient option that is popular with solo travelers and those with heavy luggage.
Comparing Your Options
| Mode | Price per person | Duration | Comfort |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speedboat (Direct) | IDR 200,000 - 250,000 (about $12 - $15) | 30min - 45min | Standard |
| Van + Speedboat Combo | from about IDR 650,000 (about $40) | 1h 30min - 4h 30min | High (Convenience) |
Tips for Traveling from Nusa Penida to Bali
- Watch the Tide: Many boarding points in Nusa Penida do not have floating jetties. You may need to walk through the surf to reach the boat, so keep your electronics high and wear waterproof footwear.
- Luggage Handling: Boat crews are generally very efficient at loading bags onto the roof or into the hull. While they handle heavy lifting, it is wise to have a waterproof cover for your backpack or suitcase in case of sea spray.
- Book Afternoon Departures Early: The last boats usually leave Nusa Penida between 16:30 and 17:00, and Maruti lists 17:00 as its final departure. These are the most popular slots for day-trippers returning to Bali and can sell out quickly.[1]
- Know Your Harbour: Sanur Harbour (Pelabuhan Sanur) at Matahari Terbit Beach was built by Indonesia's Ministry of Transportation with a floating jetty, so boarding on the Bali side is easier than the old beach landings. Some operators ask you to redeem your voucher at their office before entering the harbour.[2][1]
- Arrival in Bali: If you haven't booked a combo ticket, be prepared for a crowd of drivers at the Sanur pier. Having a ride pre-arranged or using a ride-hailing app can save you from stressful price negotiations.
- Island and Bali Levies: Foreign visitors pay the Nusa Penida, Lembongan and Ceningan entry levy (IDR 25,000 for adults, IDR 15,000 for children) on arrival on the islands, not when leaving. Bali's foreign tourist levy of IDR 150,000 is paid only once per trip through the Love Bali system, so keep your QR voucher.[3][4]
Timetable
| Ferry Nusa Penida - Sanur $ 7.76–14.46 30m – 2h 30m | |
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| Van Nusa Penida - Sanur $ 21.08 2h 30m | |
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| Ferry Nusa Penida - Bali $ 8.03–14.82 15m – 1h 5m | |
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| Van Nusa Penida - Bali $ 16.73–26.77 1h 30m – 4h 30m | |
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| Ferry Nusa Penida - Kuta $ 12.85–14.46 1h 15m – 2h 30m | |
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| Ferry Nusa Penida - Legian $ 12.85–14.46 1h 15m – 2h 30m | |
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| Ferry Nusa Penida - Seminyak $ 12.85–14.46 1h 15m – 2h 30m | |
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| Ferry Nusa Penida - Jimbaran $ 12.85–14.46 1h 15m – 2h 30m | |
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| Ferry Nusa Penida - Canggu $ 16.86–18.47 1h 15m – 2h 30m | |
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| Ferry Nusa Penida - Ubud $ 16.86–18.47 1h 15m – 2h 30m | |
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| Ferry Nusa Penida - Nusa Lembongan $ 6.66 15m | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Use the booking tool on this page to compare the transport options currently available from Nusa Penida to Bali, including current prices and schedules.
The cheapest option is a standard speedboat to Sanur, typically around IDR 200,000 to 250,000 (roughly $12 to $15) one way as of October 2026, depending on the operator. Tickets that include a van transfer cost considerably more.
A direct speedboat to Sanur is the fastest option, usually taking about 30 to 45 minutes.
A direct boat to Sanur takes about 30 to 45 minutes. Adding a van transfer to areas like Ubud or Canggu can bring the total to roughly 2 to 5 hours, depending on traffic.
While you can often find tickets at the harbor, booking in advance is highly recommended, especially for afternoon departures. Popular time slots frequently sell out, and pre-booking ensures a fixed price.
Luggage rules differ between operators. Small to medium bags are usually fine, but large or oversized items such as surfboards may be refused or cost extra, so check with your operator before travel.
The Badung Strait can experience swells, particularly in the afternoons or during the windy season. If you are sensitive to sea sickness, it is best to take a morning boat when the water is typically calmer.
Sources and background
Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.
- [1] Maruti Group: Maruti Group Fast Boat: schedules and ticket prices Sanur - Nusa Penida. Retrieved October 14, 2026.
- [2] Kementerian Perhubungan Republik Indonesia: Pelabuhan Sanur Mulai Dibangun Hubungkan Kawasan Segitiga Emas Bali. Retrieved October 14, 2026.
- [3] Pemerintah Kabupaten Klungkung: Sosialisasi Perda Nomor 4 Tahun 2026 tentang Pajak Daerah, Retribusi Daerah, dan Penyelenggaraan Kepariwisataan Nusa Penida. Retrieved October 14, 2026.
- [4] Pemerintah Provinsi Bali: Love Bali: FAQ Foreign Tourist Levy. Retrieved October 14, 2026.
Guide prices and journey times are indicative, not live quotes. A booked package may include transfers and waiting time as well as the main journey. Check the selected offer, pickup point and current conditions before booking.