Bali to Nusa Lembongan: Fast Boat, Ferry & Travel Tips

Traveling from Bali to Nusa Lembongan

I still remember my first trip from Bali to Nusa Lembongan – it felt like stepping into a secret island paradise just 12 km off Bali’s coast. Back then, I wasn’t sure how to get there and ended up winging it. If you’ve read my Bali-to-Lombok story, you’ll know I once tried to hop from Lembongan to Lombok in a single day (spoiler: we did a crossing on a bamboo raft with a Indo captain who spoke no English but was wearing Lululemons). This time, I’m sharing everything I’ve learned about getting from Bali to Nusa Lembongan the right way.

Nusa Lembongan is a small island southeast of Bali (part of Bali’s Klungkung Regency) separated by the Badung Strai. There are no bridges or land routes, and no airports on Lembongan, the only way to reach it is by boat. You can easily book your Bali to Nusa Lembongan boat ticket online using 12Go Asia Luckily, traveling by boat is quick and simple. In fact, Nusa Lembongan is so close that the boat ride can be as short as 30 minutes on a fast ferry.

Learn how to get from Bali to Lombok instead of Nusa Lembongan.

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HOW TO GET FROM BALI TO NUSA LEMBONGAN: At A Glance

To save you time, here’s a quick comparison of the 3 main ways to get from Bali to Nusa Lembongan:

(Table note: A$ = Australian Dollars. IDR = Indonesian Rupiah.)

What are your options for getting from Bali to Nusa Lembongan?

Today, getting from Bali to Nusa Lembongan is easy, but you have a few different transport options to choose from. Depending on whether you’re after the cheapest, fastest or most comfortable journey, you can pick between a fast speedboat ferry, a local public boat, or an organized cruise tour:

1. Fast Boat Ferry – Zippy speed boats that run from Bali to Nusa Lembongan multiple times a day. This is the most popular option for tourists, with fast ferries leaving from Sanur Beach (and also Serangan Harbor) in South Bali. These boats take only about 30-45 minutes to reach Lembongan and often include hotel pick-up/drop-off on Bali for convenience. Dozens of operators run this route daily, so it’s easy to find a time that suits you.
2. Public “Slow” Boat – A traditional wooden boat (jukung) that locals use. It departs Sanur Beach at 10:30am each day. This public ferry is very cheap (around Rp 150k or ~$10), but it’s slower (90+ minutes) and far less frequent. It’s a no-frills ride – expect to sit on wooden benches among locals and groceries! If you’re on a tight budget and not in a rush, this is an option.
3. Day Cruise or Tour – A luxury catamaran cruise or guided day trip from Bali to Lembongan. Companies like Bali Hai Cruises and Bounty Cruise run full-day excursions. These usually depart from Bali’s Benoa Harbour or Sanur in the morning, include activities (snorkeling, island tour, lunch), and return by late afternoon. They’re comfortable and fun (hello, deck chairs and live music) but are pricey (~$100+) and geared toward day-trippers rather than point-to-point transport[7]. (You could use one to get to Lembongan and ditch the return leg, but it’s not the most practical way if you plan to stay on the island.)

What about flights? There are none. Nusa Lembongan has no airport or airstrip, and no commercial flights go there[4]. The closest you’ll get is chartering a helicopter from Bali[3] – an option for high rollers, but not exactly common (or affordable) for the average traveler. For us mere mortals, it’s boats all the way 😄.

Below, I’ll break down these options in detail so you can decide how to get to Nusa Lembongan from Bali in the way that suits you best.

Bali to Nusa Lembongan Fast Boat (Speed Ferry)

Fast boats are by far the most popular and convenient way to travel from Bali to Nusa Lembongan. If you’re looking for the fastest route with a reasonable price, this is it. Here’s what to expect:

• Departure Points: Most fast boat services leave from Sanur Beach in southeast Bali. Sanur is about 30 minutes from tourist hubs like Kuta or Seminyak (more on getting to Sanur below). A few operators also depart from Serangan Harbor (near Nusa Dua), and there’s even a route from Kusamba in East Bali by a local company (useful if you’re staying in Candidasa/Amed area). But Sanur Port is the main hub for Lembongan boats.
• Operators & Schedule: You’ll be spoiled for choice – there are many reputable fast boat companies on this route. For example, Rocky Fast Cruise, Scoot Cruises, Tanis Express, D’Camel, Marlin Fast Boat, BlueWater Express, and more operate daily. Boats run from early morning (~7:30am) until late afternoon (~5:00pm. In high season, departures are frequent (there are over 150 boat slots per day in total!). You can usually just show up and get a ticket for the next boat, but I recommend booking in advance during the busy season to secure your preferred time.
• Travel Time: Around 30 minutes on the water, give or take. Some schedules advertise 30–45 minutes which is about right. Plan for a bit of extra time for boarding and getting off. Still, you can leave Bali at, say, 9am and be on Lembongan’s beach well before 10am – awesome!
• Cost: Approximately IDR 300,000 to 350,000 per person one-way (about A$30). Many companies include hotel pick-up in Bali (from popular areas like Kuta, Seminyak, Ubud, Sanur) in the ticket price. So, it’s a pretty good deal for a fast, easy transfer. You can often get a small discount on a round-trip ticket if you book return with the same operator. Prices might vary by a few dollars between companies or by season, but generally hover around $20–$30.
• Booking: You can book fast boat tickets online (for instance, through 12Go Asia or other travel sites) or buy from a local tour booth/hotel in Bali. Online booking is convenient – you get an e-ticket and usually a WhatsApp confirmation from the boat company regarding pickup. I often book through 12Go because it lets me compare multiple operators and see reviews. Tip: Check where the boat will drop you on Lembongan. Some boats land at Jungut Batu Beach (the main village/harbor area), others at Mushroom Bay on the southwest coast. If your accommodation is in Jungutbatu area or vice versa, picking the closest landing can save a taxi ride. One traveler noted they expected to land at Mushroom Bay but ended up at Jungut Batu and had to grab a local taxi. Not a huge drama (the island’s small), but good to know.
• Arrival: Fast boats are direct to Nusa Lembongan. There’s no ferry terminal in the Western sense – you’ll likely do a beach landing. At Sanur, they recently opened a nice pier, so boarding is easier now (no more wading through surf at Sanur – yay!). On Lembongan, some boats use a small pier if the tide allows, but often you’ll hop off into ankle-deep water. Wear flip-flops and shorts on travel day so you can comfortably step off on the sand. Luggage is handled by the boat crew (they’ll load/unload it for you – don’t be alarmed if you see your suitcase balanced on a guy’s head as he walks it to shore, that’s normal here!).
• Safety: The fast boats are generally safe and well-regulated, but be aware the sea can be choppy, especially later in the day. All operators should have life jackets on board – and they do cancel trips if the weather is truly bad. If you are prone to seasickness, morning departures are usually in calmer waters than afternoon when winds pick up. Pop a motion sickness pill if needed and sit toward the back of the boat (less bumpy).
• Return Trip: Going back from Nusa Lembongan to Bali is just as easy – all these fast boat companies run round trips. You can buy an open return ticket or book your return date once you’re on Lembongan. Daily boats from Lembongan to Sanur also run until late afternoon (last boats around 4:30–5:00pm). Don’t miss the last boat or you’ll be extending your island stay unexpectedly! If you have a flight to catch back on Bali, give yourself plenty of buffer time (or even better, go back a day early, just in case of weather delays).

Overall, fast boats are my recommendation for most travellers. They hit the sweet spot of being quick, reasonably priced, and straightforward. Plus, gazing at the Bali coastline receding and Lembongan appearing on the horizon is a pretty cool experience in itself. Get your camera ready – on clear mornings you might see Mt. Agung volcano towering over Bali in the distance as you depart, and the vivid aqua-blue waters as you approach Lembongan will take your breath away.

How to book a fast boat: You can book directly with operators, but an easy way is to use a site like 12Go to compare times/prices. For example, a search will show options like “Bali (Sanur) → Nusa Lembongan fast ferry” with all the different companies and departure times. Choose one that suits your schedule and location. (I’ve sprinkled some links in this post – feel free to use them for a quick search on 12Go for boats on your date.)

Bali to Nusa Lembongan “Slow Ferry” (Public Boat)

If you’re traveling on a shoestring or just love a local adventure, you can take the public slow boat from Bali to Nusa Lembongan. This is the traditional wooden ferry that serves as the island’s local transport for residents and goods. Here’s the low-down:

• Schedule: The public boat departs Sanur Beach at 10:30 AM daily (yes, just once a day!). Don’t be late – if you miss it, you’ll have to wait until the next day or switch to a fast boat. Occasionally, if there are more passengers, an afternoon public boat might run, but it’s not a sure thing. Generally, plan for the 10:30 AM departure.
• Location: It usually leaves from the beach in front of the Grand Inna Bali Beach Hotel or near Jalan Hangtuah in Sanur. Basically the northeastern end of Sanur Beach. There’s no big sign; look for locals loading boxes and maybe chickens onto a large wooden outrigger boat.
• Duration: Around 90 minutes to 2 hours to cross, depending on sea conditions. This boat is slow (it’s a large motorized outrigger, not a speedboat) and may make a short stop near Nusa Ceningan or Jungut Batu. It’s a leisurely ride – great if you want to enjoy the ocean breeze and don’t mind a bit of extra time.
• Cost: Approximately Rp 120,000 – 150,000 per person one-way (about $10 USD). You typically pay in cash on the spot. There’s no online booking for this; just show up. Tourists are welcome, of course, just understand it’s a local service so don’t expect slick customer service or precise timings.
• Experience: Rustic but charming. You’ll likely be sitting on a wooden bench or the boat’s edge. The boat will probably have locals heading home with groceries, maybe a scooter or two on board (they do sometimes ferry motorbikes on this boat), and an assortment of cargo. It’s a culturally interesting ride and you’ll save money, but remember it’s basic. There’s no safety briefing, probably no lifejackets handed out (they might have some somewhere, but not as evident as on tourist fast boats). If seas are rough, the ride can feel very long – bear that in mind if you get seasick or nervous on boats.
• Landing: The public boat usually lands at Jungut Batu Pier/Beach on Nusa Lembongan. It will pull right up near the shore. You might have to climb over the bow and into the shallow water or onto sandbags (there are often helpers around to assist). As always, wear footwear you can slip off and get wet.
• When to choose this: Go for the slow public boat only if you have time to spare, want the cheapest route, or a bit of local flavor. Honestly, with fast boats being not that expensive and so much quicker, most travelers skip the slow ferry these days. But if you’re the backpacker type who’s not on a tight schedule, it can be a fun experience. I’ve done it once – enjoyed chatting with a local family on board and taking in the views. Just don’t expect luxury; it’s travel stripped to its basics.
• Note: There is no vehicle ferry to Lembongan. Unlike Nusa Penida (which has a car ferry from Padang Bai), you cannot bring cars or larger vehicles to Lembongan. The island is small and mostly navigated by scooter or golf-cart, so you won’t need a car anyway. If you have a scooter in Bali, you’ll have to leave it behind and rent another on Lembongan (plenty available at ~IDR 70k/day).

In summary, the Sanur slow boat is your cheapest way to get to Nusa Lembongan from Bali. It’s reliable and safe enough, just be prepared for a longer journey and a touch of adventure. If you prefer comfort or are short on holiday time, you’re better off on a fast boat. But if you do take this ferry, congrats – you’re basically traveling like the locals do!

Bali to Nusa Lembongan Day Trips (Organized Tours & Cruises)

Want to visit Nusa Lembongan just for a day and return to Bali by evening? Or maybe you’re not the DIY type and prefer everything arranged for you? Then a Nusa Lembongan day trip or cruise might be perfect. Here’s what that entails:

• Luxury Catamaran Cruises: Companies such as Bali Hai Cruises, Bounty Cruise, and BlueWater Safaris run full-day cruises to Lembongan. You’ll typically sail from Benoa Harbour (South Bali) in the morning on a big catamaran or even a pirate-themed ship in some cases. They provide snacks, maybe a band or entertainment on board, and anchor at a pontoon or beach club off Nusa Lembongan. Activities like snorkeling, banana boat rides, village tours, diving, or waterslides are often included. Lunch is usually a buffet on the boat or at their private beach club. You then cruise back to Bali by late afternoon. It’s a fun-filled day and very convenient (no hassle of arranging transport or finding activities – it’s all packaged).
• Cost: These cruises aren’t cheap – expect roughly US $100–$130 per person for the day, all-inclusive. For what you get (meals, activities, transport), it can be worth it if you plan to do those things anyway. Families and older travelers often enjoy this option for the comfort and entertainment factor.
• Speedboat Day Tours: Another style of day trip is a guided speedboat tour. You take a morning fast boat (like one of the standard ferries) to Lembongan, where a local guide meets you and takes you around the island (and sometimes Nusa Ceningan or Nusa Penida) by boat or car. For example, some tours include snorkeling at Mangrove Point, visiting Dream Beach and Devil’s Tear, a mangrove forest tour, etc., all in one day. These can be booked via tour agencies in Bali or online (GetYourGuide, Viator, etc.). They usually include hotel pickup, boat tickets, island tour, lunch, and return by the last boat. Prices vary, but ballpark $70–$100 depending on the itinerary.
• Pros of a Day Trip: You cover a lot in one day without worrying about logistics. Great if you’re short on time and just want a taste of Nusa Lembongan. Also, if you’re not planning to stay overnight, the day tour ensures you catch the right boats and don’t risk missing the last ferry back.
• Cons: It’s a whirlwind. Lembongan (and the neighboring islets) are worth more than a few hours of exploration, in my opinion. A day trip will be quite packed and a bit rushed. You also won’t experience the island in the early morning or evening, which are the best times (sunrise over Mount Agung, sunset by the beach – magical!). If you can spare at least one or two nights on Nusa Lembongan, do it – you won’t regret slowing down to island time.
• Using a Day Cruise as Transport: Some people ask if they can take a Bali Hai or similar cruise one-way (e.g., go on the cruise to Lembongan and then stay on the island instead of coming back that same day). This isn’t a common request, but it’s worth asking the operator – they might offer a one-way rate or just charge the full price (and you skip the return). However, note that those cruises usually moor at a private pontoon or beach club, not at the public harbor, so you’d need to arrange with the staff to ferry you to the island proper with your luggage. Honestly, unless you really fancy a cruise experience, it’s simpler to just take a regular fast boat if your goal is one-way travel to Lembongan.

In summary, day trips from Bali to Nusa Lembongan are an excellent option for travellers who are short on time or prefer a guided, all-inclusive experience. You’ll see the highlights and enjoy the journey. But if you have more time, consider staying a night or two on Lembongan – the island’s relaxed vibe after the day trippers leave is something special.

From Bali Airport (Denpasar) to Nusa Lembongan

Flying into Bali’s Ngurah Rai International Airport and heading straight to Nusa Lembongan? No worries – it’s pretty straightforward to go from the airport to Nusa Lembongan, though it involves a car + boat combo.

Step 1: Airport to Sanur Harbor. Nusa Lembongan’s boat departures leave from Sanur, which is about 15 km from the airport (in the Denpasar area). By road, this is usually a 30-minute taxi ride (could be 40+ minutes if traffic is heavy or during rush hour). At the airport, you’ll find official taxi counters and plenty of drivers. A rough fare to Sanur is around IDR 200k (~A$20) if you haggle, or you can use Grab/Gojek ride-hailing for a bit less. Many fast boat companies offer hotel pick-up, but from the airport you’d likely need to arrange a special pickup or just take a taxi to their office.

Step 2: Sanur to Lembongan by Fast Boat. Once you reach Sanur Beach’s ferry point (typically Sanur Harbour, near Jalan Matahari Terbit), you can catch the next available fast boat to Lembongan. It’s best to book a boat in advance if you’re coming straight from a flight, so you know what departure time you’re aiming for. Most airlines land in Bali by early afternoon at the latest – if your flight lands after 2 or 3 PM, you might struggle to catch the last boat (usually around 5 PM). In that case, consider staying one night in Sanur and heading out the next morning. If your flight arrives in the morning or mid-day, you should have no problem catching an afternoon boat.

Luggage: Fast boats allow luggage (they’ll stow big bags in the front or on the roof of the boat). If you have a surfboard, check with the operator – some charge extra for boards or have length limits. Generally, a shortboard is fine; longboards might be trickier. The boats aren’t huge, so packing reasonably light is always a good idea.

Direct Transfers: For ultimate convenience, you can pre-book a combined transfer from the airport to Lembongan. Some services (like those bookable via 12Go) bundle a private car + ferry ticket in one go. A driver will meet you at arrivals with your name on a sign, drive you to the pier, and hand you off to the boat staff – easy! This can cost a bit more, but it takes the guesswork out, especially if you’re arriving tired after a long flight. One user review mentioned their driver even helped them check in for the boat and coordinated everything smoothly. That kind of service can be a lifesaver when you’re jetlagged.

Tip: If time is tight, tell your driver which boat you’re booked on and the departure time. They’ll know which pier or office to take you to, and they can phone ahead to the boat company if you’re cutting it close. I’ve had a driver literally call the boat crew to say “I have two passengers coming, almost there” – the boat waited an extra 5 minutes for us (wouldn’t recommend cutting it that close though!).

In summary, getting from Denpasar Airport to Nusa Lembongan typically looks like: land in Bali → clear immigration → taxi to Sanur (30-40 min) → hop on a fast boat (30 min) → arrive Nusa Lembongan. In total, just 1.5 to 2 hours of travel (plus any waiting time for the boat). Considering you’ve just come from potentially thousands of kilometers away, that final leg to paradise is a breeze!

Nusa Lembongan vs Nusa Penida: Which Island is Better (and How to Visit Both)?

Bali’s trio of sister isles – Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Ceningan, and Nusa Penida – each offer something unique. Many travelers ask: “Which is better, Nusa Penida or Nusa Lembongan?” The answer really depends on what you’re looking for:

• Size & Vibe: Nusa Lembongan is small and laid-back. You can drive around the whole island in under an hour. It has a chilled-out beach town feel (think beach bars, surf shacks, and no cars – just golf carts and scooters). Nusa Penida, on the other hand, is much larger (about 200 km² vs Lembongan’s 8 km²). Penida’s vibe is more raw and adventurous – it’s less developed, with a handful of villages and lots of rugged nature in between. Penida is famous lately for its Instagram spots, but infrastructure (roads, etc.) is still catching up. Lembongan feels more “holiday resort” friendly, whereas Penida is more “explorer” friendly.
• Scenery: Nusa Penida boasts dramatic sights – think towering cliffs, waterfalls, the T-Rex shaped Kelingking Beach, huge manta rays in the ocean, underground caves and so on. It’s an adventure-seeker’s dream and a photographer’s playground. Nusa Lembongan has gorgeous but more tame scenery – lovely beaches (Jungut Batu, Mushroom Bay, Dream Beach), mangrove forests, and the iconic Yellow Bridge that connects to tiny Nusa Ceningan. Lembongan also has some great surf breaks (if you’re a surfer, names like Shipwrecks, Lacerations, and Playgrounds might ring a bell!).
• Amenities: Lembongan has a wider range of tourist amenities in a compact area – lots of beachfront bungalows, restaurants, dive shops, even ATMs. In Penida, amenities are more spread out and rustic; you’ll find homestays and a few upscale hotels, but the island is so large that you might stay in one part and not see the other unless you drive for hours. Lembongan’s main areas (Jungutbatu and Mushroom Bay) have everything within walking distance or a short scooter ride.
• Getting There: Spoiler: It’s just as easy to get to Nusa Penida as to Lembongan. Fast boats from Sanur go to Nusa Penida multiple times daily, very similar to Lembongan boats (in fact, some Lembongan boats continue on to Penida). The boat ride to Penida is about 40 minutes and costs around IDR 150k-200k (~$15) – very comparable. Penida lies about 17 km southeast of Bali (Lembongan is slightly closer, separated by only ~12 km of sea from Bali at the nearest point). If you’re keen to visit Penida’s famous spots, you can do it as a day trip too, or stay a night or two.
• Which to choose? Why not both! 😄 Many travelers actually visit both Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Penida on the same trip, since they are so close. If I had to generalize: Lembongan is better if you want relaxation, easy access, and a quick island escape with good tourist facilities. Penida is better if you crave adventure, jaw-dropping landscapes, and don’t mind bumpy roads. Lembongan is great for chilling, beginner surfing, diving, and enjoying the island life with minimal effort. Penida requires more effort (you’ll need to hire a scooter or car + driver to see the sights, and some hikes to get down to those beaches), but rewards you with world-class views.
• Which is better for snorkeling/diving? Both are excellent. Lembongan/Ceningan have lovely snorkel spots (Crystal Bay, Mangrove Point) and dive sites. Penida has the famous Manta Point and more chance to see big marine life like Mola-Mola (sunfish in season). Many Lembongan dive shops actually do trips to Penida sites since it’s so close.

How to travel between Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Penida

It’s super easy. Although Lembongan and Penida are separate islands, they’re only a short hop apart. You can see Nusa Penida clearly from Lembongan’s south coast – it’s that close. Local boats shuttle between the two every day. The main crossing is from Jungut Batu or Mushroom Bay (Lembongan) to Toya Pakeh Harbor (Penida). Small boats (like 10-15 seaters) go once they have enough passengers, typically every hour or so, last one around 4pm. The ride is just 10-15 minutes and costs about Rp 50,000 per person (under $5)[26]. No advanced booking – just head to the local pier and ask for the next boat to Penida. It’s a breeze and very informal; I once had a boat captain wait an extra 20 minutes until some more people showed up so he could cover fuel costs.

So if you’re on Lembongan and FOMO hits about Penida (or vice versa), go for a day trip between the two. Many travelers do a day trip to Penida from Lembongan because they’d rather stay on laid-back Lembongan and just pop over to hectic Penida for a tour. You can even hire a guide on Penida for the day who will meet you at the harbor. Conversely, if you based on Penida, you could easily hop to Lembongan for a lunch or surf session.

Bottom line: There’s no winner – both Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan are awesome in their own ways. If you have time, try to see both. If time is tight, figure out if you want easy tropical chill (choose Lembongan) or epic adventure (choose Penida). Either way, you’ll be rewarded with some of Bali’s most beautiful island experiences.

Final Tips: Nusa Lembongan may be a small island, but getting there is a journey you’ll actually enjoy – whether it’s a breezy 30-minute fast boat ride, a colorful local ferry experience, or a relaxing cruise. The island’s charm hits you the moment you arrive: turquoise waters, sandy lanes, and a slower pace of life. Travel from Bali to Nusa Lembongan is straightforward, and now you know all the options. So pack your sunscreen, book that boat, and get ready to sip a fresh coconut on Jungut Batu Beach with a view of Bali’s volcano in the distance. Safe travels, and enjoy Nusa Lembongan! 🌴✨

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