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Sanur · Padang Bai → Toya Pakeh · Banjar Nyuh

Banah Cliff and its sea arch on the west coast of Nusa Penida

The complete guide

Everything about crossing to Nusa Penida

Harbours, boats, arrival ports, safety rules and how to shape a day on the island.

In short

The journey from Bali to Nusa Penida is a swift sea transfer, by fast boat or private speedboat charter, departing from Sanur or Padang Bai. The crossing typically takes 30 to 90 minutes and lands at Toya Pakeh or Banjar Nyuh.

  • Fast boats run multiple daily schedules from Sanur and Padang Bai.
  • Private charters offer flexible departure times and personalised itineraries.
  • The island offers diving at Manta Point and dramatic coastal landscapes.

01 — Gateways

Sanur, Padang Bai and where you land

Two harbours in Bali, two arrival ports on Nusa Penida. Which pair you use shapes the rest of your day.

  • Departure

    Sanur

    30–45 min

    The most frequent departure point, closest to Seminyak, Kuta and Ubud. Services run from 7:00 AM until late afternoon, often hourly in peak season. Roughly 20 kilometres of water.

  • Departure

    Padang Bai

    60–90 min

    Further east, preferred from Candidasa or Amed. Fewer fast boats than Sanur, and a more expansive view of the strait.

  • Arrival

    Toya Pakeh

    On the northern coast. Scooter rentals, private cars and ojeks wait at the pier, and many dive centres sit nearby.

  • Arrival

    Banjar Nyuh

    Slightly west, and a frequent landing point for boats from Sanur. The same transport options are available at the pier.

Check in at the Sanur counters about 30 minutes before departure. Fast boats here carry between 50 and 150 passengers. A one-way ticket from Sanur generally runs IDR 200,000 to IDR 300,000, varying by operator and season.

02 — Your crossing

Scheduled boat or your own

The choice sets the character of the whole trip.

Scheduled

Fast boat

Efficient and cost-effective, with air-conditioned cabins, open-air decks and fixed daily departures.

  • Multiple departures daily from Sanur and Padang Bai
  • Suits solo travellers through to small groups
  • Book ahead in high season (July–August, December–January)

one way from Sanur

IDR 200,000 – 300,000

Private

Speedboat charter

You set the departure time, the drop-off point, and can add detours for snorkelling or photography on the way.

  • Carries 4 to 15 passengers
  • VIP harbour transfers from your Bali accommodation
  • Direct access to specific dive sites

half-day excursion

From IDR 3,000,000

03 — On the island

What the island is known for

Limestone cliffs above, a marine protected area below.

  • Manta Point

    Oceanic manta rays with wingspans reaching 7 metres gather at cleaning stations between 10 and 25 metres. Visibility can exceed 20 metres on clear days.

  • Kelingking Beach

    The cliff face descends roughly 150 metres to white sand. The path down takes about 45 minutes and needs sturdy footwear.

  • Broken Beach & Angel's Billabong

    Ocean water crashes into a circular cove at one, and forms a natural infinity pool at the other.

  • Crystal Bay

    Calm water for snorkelling and swimming, with coral reefs at depths of 5 to 15 metres.

The Nusa Penida Marine Protected Area was established in 2010 and covers over 296 species of coral and 576 species of reef fish.

04 — Rules of the route

Safety, regulations and certifications

What governs the boats on this crossing, and what to verify before booking.

  • Maritime law

    Operators are regulated by the Indonesian Ministry of Transportation under Law No. 17 of 2008 concerning Shipping.

  • Vessel certification

    Regular inspections, certified crew training, life rafts, a life jacket for every passenger and fire extinguishers. Vessels typically undergo annual certification checks.

  • Licences and manifests

    Reputable operators display their operating licences and provide passenger manifests for government records.

  • Marine tourism permits

    Diving and snorkelling operators need specific permits to work inside the Marine Protected Area, and dive centres are usually affiliated with PADI or SSI.

05 — Shaping the day

What a day trip looks like

Pick one side of the island rather than both. A day trip gives you roughly 6 to 7 hours ashore, covering up to 40 kilometres.

  1. Early morning

    Fast boat from Sanur

    The earliest services leave from around 7:00 AM.

  2. By 08:30

    Arrive on the island

    A pre-arranged private car tour starts from the pier.

  3. Mid-morning

    West or east, not both

    West: Kelingking, Broken Beach, Angel's Billabong, Crystal Bay. East: Atuh Beach, Diamond Beach, Tree House.

  4. Allow 45 min

    Distances are slow

    The 20-kilometre drive from Toya Pakeh to Kelingking Beach can take upwards of 45 minutes because of the terrain.

  5. By 17:00

    Return fast boat

    Back to Bali on the late-afternoon departure.

Angel's Billabong tidal pool, Nusa Penida

Still deciding how to cross?

Tell us where you are staying in Bali and what you want to see, and we will suggest the harbour and departure that fits.

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