Overview
If you plan a trip to Bali, take advantage of the opportunity to explore the nearby islands, each with its unique charm. From snorkeling with manta rays on Nusa Penida to the white beaches of the tranquil Gili Islands, there's something for every type of traveler. In our Guide, you'll find everything about transport options, the most famous and less-known islands, activities, and practical information. So why not include a short boat trip in your Bali itinerary and discover the beauty practically around the corner?
This Guide is divided into the following sections:
Transport
Public Ferries
The nearby islands of Nusa Penida, Lombok, and Java can be reached by public ferries. The most significant advantage of the ferries is the possibility of taking own scooter or a car. The disadvantages are longer sailing times and often delays of several hours.
For complete information on public ferry services between Bali and the nearby islands, including fares and timetables, see the Public Transport Guide.
Speedboats
Speedboats are also available, a faster and more comfortable option. Unlike ferries, they are more expensive, but they can take you to all the nearby islands. Dozens of companies offer these services, with different starting points depending on which island you are heading to. You can find below which Bali port can be used for each island.
Eka Jaya speedboat, source: Eka Jaya website
Private Boats
If you are traveling in a group or want to avoid crowds and have more flexibility in your schedule, you can also rent a private boat. These can be arranged through travel agents or directly with the boat owners at the ports or beaches. They can transport you to any of the nearby islands. While this option is more expensive than ferries or speedboats, it is primarily a premium of privacy and comfort and the ability to arrange your trip at a time that suits you and your abilities, and you won't be crowded on board with other tourists.
Small boats can be rented directly on the beach
The two main ports that tourists most often use to move between the islands are:
Padang Bai
The port is primarily for large ferries and cargo ships and is also used by some fast boat companies. It can be found in the Karangasem area of East Bali, about an hour and a half drive from the airport.
Padang Bai harbor
Sanur
Sanur is a modern new port (opened on 9th November 2022) designed for commercial speedboats. Located in the village of Sanur in the eastern part of Denpasar, about 30 minutes drive from the airport. You can find the complex Sanur port Guide here.
Sanur port
Sanur port entrance
Sanur port self ticketing service
Helicopter
Air travel is also available for those who prefer a faster and more luxurious option. In Bali, several companies offer flights to nearby islands, such as Nusa Penida and Lombok. The flights are relatively short, lasting approximately 20 to 40 minutes, and provide a spectacular view of the islands from the air. However, this option is also the most expensive and may only suit some travelers.
You can book helicopter flights from the following companies, among others:
To give you an idea, the price for a helicopter flight from Bali (Nusa Dua) to Nusa Penida costs approximately IDR 20,000,000 (USD 1,350) for the whole helicopter, i.e., about 4 to 6 people depending on the aircraft size.
Aerial view of the islands, source: Fly Bali website
Map of Connections and Harbors
Below is a map of selected major harbors in Bali and shipping routes important for tourists and travel between nearby islands.
Can't you see the map? Google can be stubborn. Try this link.
Nusa Islands
The islands of Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan, and Nusa Ceningan fall under the administration of Bali. Of all the islands, those three are the most common tourist destination. Located to the southeast of Bali, these relatively small islands compensate for their size with abundant activities, accommodations, and restaurants.
Hover/Click the image to see the island's names
Nusa Penida
Nusa Penida, the largest of the three, is a beautiful island known for its rugged coastline, crystal clear waters, and amazing marine life. It is a popular destination for travelers seeking a more secluded and adventurous experience.
Nusa Penida has a rich history dating back thousands of years. The island was initially settled by the first inhabitants of Bali, who were skilled in farming and fishing. In the early 11th century, the island came under the rule of the powerful Majapahit kingdom, which expanded its territory throughout Indonesia.
Nusa Penida beaches are made of light sand
During the Dutch colonial period in the 19th century, Nusa Penida served as a prison island where prisoners were sent to serve their sentences. Many of the prisoners were political dissidents and activists who were imprisoned for their opposition to Dutch rule.
⚠️ Warning: If you plan to ride a scooter in Nusa Penida, we recommend that only experienced drivers do so. The roads outside the main road are very treacherous. The roads are very rough and rutted, often with significant differences in altitude. Count on the fact that although the distances on Nusa Penida are short, you will spend much more time on the roads. From the island's north to the southeast will take you at least an hour. The average speed is around 25 km/h. Plan your trips with plenty of time to spare.
In recent years, Nusa Penida has become a trendy tourist destination. Among the most popular places on "Penida" are:
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Crystal Bay: A small bay with a beach where you can snorkel and possibly have lunch in one of the small warungs right on the beach.
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Kelinking Beach: The island's famous landmark, characterized by a T-Rex-shaped reef and a beautiful beach. ⚠️ Warning: Swimming is strictly prohibited at Kelinking Beach due to powerful currents and strong tides. Please respect it and do not risk your own life.
Famous Kelinking Beach
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Angels Billabong: Beautiful natural infinity pool on the cliff, but we recommend not entering. You are putting yourself in real danger. Many tourists had already paid with their lives to swim in this natural pool when an unexpectedly high wave washed them out into the ocean.
Angels Billabong - natural infinity pool
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Broken Beach: From a bird's eye view, it looks like a hole, hence "broken beach." Beautiful to look at but practically inaccessible. Be careful when taking selfies!
Broken Beach
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Diamond Beach: Beach in the southeastern part of the island was made accessible (in 2018) by cliff-carved steps; it attracts influencers worldwide. ⚠️ Warning: Swimming is strictly prohibited at Diamond Beach due to powerful currents and strong tides. Please respect it and do not risk your own life.
Diamond Beach
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Goa Giri Putri Temple: An intriguing Hindu temple in a cave that you must crawl into on all fours.
For more tips on places to visit, see our map below.
💡 Tip: Due to the island's popularity, we recommend visiting the main points of interest early in the morning. In that way, you will avoid crowds and queues for photos. In the afternoon, you can enjoy snorkeling on the beach or a quiet lunch in the restaurants overlooking the sea.
Transportation to Nusa Penida
The island can be reached from Bali by public ferry from Padang Bai harbor, where you can bring your own scooter or car. For more information on ferry transport, prices, and departure times, visit the Public Transport Guide.
You can take advantage of speedboats not only from Padang Bai but also from Sanur. It is a faster and more convenient option. However, it is more expensive, and you must rely on a driver or rent a scooter directly in Nusa Penida.
From Pagang Bai, you can use the speedboats of Eka Jaya company, which runs every day at 15:30 for the price of IDR 185,000 (USD 12)/person/one way. Boats from Nusa Penida back to Padang Bai leave at 9:30 for the same price. The journey takes approximately 35 minutes.
From the new port of Sanur, boats to Nusa Penida leave at least every hour from 6:30 to 17:00 (about 45 connections daily). The average price is IDR 200,000 (USD 13)/person/one way, or IDR 100,000 (USD 7)/person/one way for locals or Kitas visa holders. The price excludes an administration fee and insurance for approximately IDR 15,262 (USD 1)/per person, which you can cancel during the booking process.
You can find individual connections from the various companies on easybook.com (direct link for tickets from Padang Bai is here, direct link for tickets from Sanur is here), where you can buy tickets directly or from self-service kiosks on-site. You can pay online with Visa or Mastercard.
Port of Sanur
💡 Tip: The price at the port is the same as online on the website above. If you buy your ticket at the port, you cannot pay by credit card.
You can also head to Nusa Penida from the small port of Kusamba, where fast speedboats operate from 6:30 am to 5 pm. This is the quickest connection, taking 20-30 minutes, and is convenient for those travelers who want to stay on the quiet west coast of the island, where the boat arrives at the port of Sampalan. Prices range from IDR 150,000 per trip/person; for a Kitas visa holders, the price is IDR 75,000/one trip/person. Ticket for kids from six to ten years old is IDR 100,000 per trip.
Nusa Lembongan
Nusa Lembongan is the northernmost island of this trio. At just eight square kilometers in size, it has the fewest cars. All transport is handled by scooters, or you can get around on foot. It is connected to the smallest island, Nusa Ceningan, by the famous yellow bridge, which is also for pedestrians and scooters only.
Nusa Lembongan - Devils Tears
Nusa Lembongan is mainly visited for surfing, diving & snorkeling, and relaxing on lovely beaches with light sand. The island also offers a great choice of accommodation, from homestays to luxury resorts and many restaurants and bars.
Mushroom Bay with light sand beach
North beach during low-tide
Unlike Nusa Penida, you cannot take your own scooter to Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan. You will have to rent them locally if you wish. You can also rent an electric so-called "buggy" (which is more like a golf cart) for approximately IDR 700,000 (USD 46) / 7 hours.
Buggy for rent
💡 Interesting fact: Don't be surprised if your rented scooter doesn't have registration plates and helmets are not offered as standard. The island is small, and there is almost no police. In any case, we recommend, at the very least, insisting on helmets and making sure they have working fasteners for your safety.
See our map below for tips on interesting places to visit.
Transportation to Nusa Lembongan
The best way to get to the island from Bali is by speedboat from the Sanur or Padang Bai harbor.
From Pagang Bai harbor, you can use the Eka Jaya boats that leave daily at 15:30 for IDR 185,000 (USD 12)/person/one-way. Boats from Lembongan back to Padang Bai go at 9:30 for the same price. The journey takes approximately 30 minutes.
From the new port of Sanur, boats leave directly to Nusa Lembongan Island at least every hour from 8:30 to 17:00 (approx. 25 connections daily). The average price is IDR 250,000 (USD 16)/person/one-way, or IDR 125,000 (USD 8)/person/one-way for locals or Kitas visa holders. The price excludes an administration fee and insurance for approximately IDR 15,262 (USD 1)/person, which you can cancel during the booking process.
You can find individual connections from different companies on easybook.com (direct link for tickets from Padang Bai is here, direct link for tickets from Sanur is here), where you can buy tickets directly. Alternatively, you can buy them from self-service kiosks on-site. You can pay online with Visa or Mastercard.
Nusa Ceningan
Nusa Ceningan is the smallest of the islands belonging to Bali. Apart from snorkeling, we recommend the early evening sunsets overlooking Bali. If you are an adrenaline seeker, you can jump off the 13m cliff at Mahana Point bar for IDR 50,000 (USD 4).
For tips on other places to visit, see our map below.
Transportation to Nusa Ceningan
Unlike the previous two islands, there are no fast boats from Bali directly to Nusa Ceningan. You must get to Nusa Lembongan and cross the yellow bridge connecting the two islands. Alternatively, you can make arrangements at the port or beach and be taken to Nusa Ceningan by boat directly from Nusa Penida or Nusa Lembongan.
Yellow bridge connecting Nusa Lembongan and Ceningan
💡 Tip: You can also travel between the islands of Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan, and Nusa Ceningan by private boat. This way may be more worthwhile if you are a smaller group of travelers. Not only do you get a private boat without other tourists, but you can also set a specific time and stop for snorkeling along the way, for example. Approach the local fishermen at the port and ask about the possibility of visiting the island you need. Most of them have a boat, or they will always refer you to someone with a boat. The price of renting a boat for two hours, including snorkeling stops, ranges from IDR 500,000 (USD 33)/per boat.
Map of Activities
On the map, you will find highlighted places and activities worth visiting, which we recommend. For more information about a particular point of interest, click on its icon.
Can't you see the map? Google can be stubborn. Try this link.
Gilies
The Gili Islands are very popular among visitors to Bali because of their exotic appearance, bright sand beaches, crystal clear water suitable for snorkeling & diving, and quiet environment without scooters and cars. The most visited are the three islands of Gili Air, Gili Meno, and Gili Trawangan in the northwest of Lombok, under whose administration they are.
Gili Air is the closest to Lombok and is considered a compromise between the other two. It offers quiet locations, beach bars, and restaurants with a lively nightlife.
Gili Meno, the middle and smallest of the islands, often called the "honeymoon island," offers the calmest atmosphere, a minimum of late-night bars, and a perfect atmosphere for couples in love. An interesting feature of the island is the saltwater lake where salt is mined.
Gili Meno with its saltwater lake
Gili Trawangan, or Gili T, is the largest of the islands and the farthest from Lombok. It is considered a "party island" because it offers the most significant number of restaurants and bars and a lively nightlife. However, even here, you'll find idyllic spots free of tourists where you'll have absolute peace.
💡 Tip: Practically anywhere near the beach, you can rent a private boat to take you to great snorkeling spots. You usually pay about IDR 500,000 (USD 33) for two hours/boat, which you have all to yourself, including snorkeling equipment.
Transportation to the Gili Islands
The Gili Islands can be reached from Bali from Padang Bai harbor by Eka Jaya and Semaya One. For up-to-date departure times, including tickets, visit easybook.com (direct link here) or the shipping companies' websites directly. Ships run roundtrip every day. They usually leave Bali in the morning and return in the afternoon.
⚠️ Note: Gili Meno is only directly operated by Eka Jaya, which charges an extra fee of about IDR 30,000 (USD 2) on top of the ticket price because the island does not have a port suitable for larger boats. So you must use a floating pier from which a smaller boat will take you.
Both companies run regular services on Gili T and Gili Air. One trip takes approximately two and a half hours, and prices start at IDR 225,000 (USD 15)/person/one-way.
You can also sail to the Gili Islands from the port of Sanur. Cruises are offered by several companies from IDR 315,000 (USD 21)/person/one-way. Again, we recommend the easybook.com (direct link here). One trip takes approximately three hours.
⚠️ Note: Speedboats do not operate to the Gili Islands from Amed as they used to.
💡 Tip: You can find most boat connections via easybook.com, but beware that not all connections can be found here. For example, connections from Gili Air are often not listed here, although you can find them directly on the website of Eka Jaya or Semaya One.
Lombok
The island of Lombok is popular among travelers, especially for its beautiful beaches and excellent conditions for surfing, underwater life, stunning waterfalls, and several days-long treks to the Rinjani volcano (3,726 meters above sea level), which dominates its landscape.
Mount Rinjani (3,726m) crater lake
Transportation to Lombok
You can take a public ferry to Lombok from Bali from Padang Bai harbor and bring your own scooter or car. For more information on ferry transport, prices, and departure times, visit the Public Transport Guide.
You can also use speedboats, a more expensive but faster alternative, without bringing your own vehicle.
Your choice of transport will also depend on where you are going on the island. The ferry arrives at Lembar Harbor in the southwest; speedboats arrive at Bangsal Harbor in the northeast or Senggigi Harbor in the east (Eka Jaya only); see the map above.
Sendang Gile Waterfall in Lombok
Speedboats sail from both Padang Bai and Sanur, and prices start at IDR 225,000 (USD 15)/person/one-way in the case of Padang Bai. In the case of Sanur port, the price starts from IDR 450,000 (USD 30)/person/one-way. Boats to Lombok depart from Sanur only in the morning and from Padang Bai in the morning and afternoon. In the opposite direction, then morning and afternoon to Padang Bai and only in the morning to Sanur.
Tickets can again be purchased in advance online at easybook.com (direct link for tickets from Padang Bai to Bangsal is here, from Padang Bai to Senggigi here, direct link for tickets from Sanur to Bangsal is here) or directly from transport companies such as Eka Jaya, Semaya One, etc.
Java
Java is an island located west of Bali. Its east coast is easily accessible from Bali by public ferries and offers several interesting places to explore. East Java is the least popular among tourists compared to the other nearby islands, although it offers comparable experiences and beautiful nature.
Among the most exciting places in East Java, we recommend:
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Ijen Volcano: Famous for its sulfur mining, its blue flame, which can be seen when climbing at night, and its turquoise blue crater lake. The volcano is 2,769 meters high at its highest point.
Crater lake of Ijen volcano
Sulfur mine
Blue fire during the night
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Baluran National Park: A national park nicknamed "Africa in Java" because it resembles the landscape of the African savannah. In addition to its fascinating landscape, it has a wide variety of endangered fauna. More information can be found on the park's official website.
Baluran National Park
Baluran National Park
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Beautiful beaches: In the Banyuwangi area, you will find several beautiful beaches with light sand and turquoise water, such as Pancur Beach, Teluk Hijau Beach, and Wedi Ireng Beach. Closest to Bali, we recommend the small island Tabuan, where you can snorkel.
Tabuan Island close to Bali
For more tips on places to visit, see our map below.
💡 Tip: Single and multi-day trips to East Java are commonly available, for example, when visiting the village of Pemuteran in West Bali.
Taman Gandrung Terakota, East Java
Transportation to Java
You can take a public ferry from Bali to the island of Java from the port of Gilimanuk, where you can also bring your own scooter or car. For more information on ferry transport, prices, and departure times, visit the Public Transport Guide.
Information about alternative regular speedboat connections is unknown to us, and we will try to add it (if available) as soon as possible. However, we assume no alternative carriers are required due to the short journey times and frequent public ferry services.
Map of Activities
On the map, you will find highlighted places and activities around the east coast of Java worth visiting, which we recommend. For more information about a particular place, click on its icon.
Can't you see the map? Google can be stubborn. Try this link.
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