How To Get To Nusa Lembongan From Bali (Plus Tips I Wish I Knew)
Reaching Nusa Lembongan from Bali (or Lombok) can be quite easy, so long as you know which ferry company to take and what days to avoid traveling on. Having traveled this route numerous times over the years, I have found the ins and outs to make this ferry ride as smooth as possible. In this guide, I will break down everything you need to know about traveling to Nusa Lembongan, including what to expect, how to book, and tips to make what can be a bumpy ride, smooth sailing.
Of course, this can be reversed to travel from Nusa Lembongan to Bali.
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How to get to Nusa Lembongan
How to Get to Nusa Lembongan from Bali
Traveling to Nusa Lembongan is easier than it might seem.
STEP 1: FLY INTO BALI
The first step is flying into Bali’s international airport in Denpasar: Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS). When booking my flights around Asia, I always check Skyscanner for the best routes and deals. Not all regional airlines in Asia will populate on Google Flights.
Pro Tip: Many foreigners traveling to Indonesia receive a 30-day Visa on Arrival upon entry for 500,000 IDR (30 USD), which can be extended an additional 30 days for an additional fee. You can find more information on which countries qualify and apply for this VOA online, here.
STEP 2: THE AIRPORT —> THE FERRY PORT
Once you arrive in Bali, you can depart from two main ferry ports to reach Nusa Lembongan: Padang Bai and Sanur.
If you are coming from North Bali, such as Ubud, Sidemen, Amed, or Lovina, I recommend heading to the Padang Bai Ferry Port, as it is closer and more direct.
If you are coming from South Bali, Sanur Ferry Port is the better option. This includes areas like Uluwatu, Nusa Dua, Ungasan, the airport, Kuta, Seminyak, and Canggu.
To reach either ferry terminal, I suggest using Grab or Gojek, the local ride-hailing apps, as they are usually the most affordable option. Both offer cars large enough for luggage, as well as motorbike taxis for backpackers traveling light. Keep in mind that traffic varies throughout the day. If you head to the ferry terminal before 8:00 AM, you are more likely to avoid heavy traffic. If you are tight on time, your best option is to stay as close to the ferry terminal as possible to reduce the risk of missing your ferry due to Bali’s unpredictable traffic.
It is also worth noting that Google Maps is not always reliable in North Bali. It can sometimes suggest routes that do not exist, especially in areas around Amed.
Motorbikes are often the fastest option, as they can move more easily through traffic.
If you prefer to drive yourself to the ferry port, you can rent a motorbike. Motorbike rental businesses are everywhere in Bali, giving you plenty of options. That said, some rentals can be overpriced or untrustworthy, so be sure to read reviews beforehand. For my most recent rental, I used Bikago, which also offers bike delivery and pickup. You can arrange your rental through their website before you arrive. Bali Best Motorcycle is another reliable option and can be arranged directly through WhatsApp.
Keep in mind that if you ride yourself to the ferry terminal, you will either need your rental company to collect the bike or find secure parking, which can be nearly impossible in places like Sanur.
Road conditions and infrastructure in Bali are not always great, so you should be a confident rider, especially during peak traffic times when navigating around cars, trucks, and other obstacles. If you are traveling with bags, you will need to wear them or place them securely near your feet while riding.
Always wear a helmet and carry your international driver’s license with you in case you are stopped by local police.
STEP 3: RIDE THE FERRY
The final step for getting to Nusa Lembongan is the ferry ride, which typically takes around 30 to 40 minutes. Unless you are staying in Nusa Ceningan, I recommend booking a ferry to Jungutbatu Beach or Mushroom Bay to reach your accommodation on Nusa Lembongan more quickly.
To purchase ferry tickets and check current timetables, I recommend booking through platforms like Ferryhopper or 12GoAsia. Ferryhopper is an online platform that allows you to book ferry routes across Southeast Asia, including Bali and Lombok. 12GoAsia is another reliable booking site that offers tickets for ferries, buses, and trains throughout Asia. My preferred ferry companies are usually Ekajaya or Dcamel.
The ferry ride can be extremely rocky, especially on windy days or during larger swells, so I highly recommend packing some form of seasickness prevention. The ferries are small, often packed, and usually not air-conditioned. The upside is that the ride is short, making it much more manageable.
In some cases, the ferry cannot pull fully up onto the sand, so you may need to step into shallow water when disembarking. I suggest wearing shoes that are easy to take off.
Below, I break down each ferry port in more detail to help you decide which option is best for your trip.
Padang Bai Vs. Sanur Ferry Ports
As mentioned previously, you have two ferry ports to choose from to reach Nusa Lembongan from Bali. I will be honest with you, no matter which company or ferry port you go with, the boat will be hot, sweaty, packed as full as possible with people, and very bumpy. So bear that in mind if you are easily seasick. Some ferry companies will hand out sea-sickness medication and sick bags before the ride begins. Some of the seats have windows that can help with sickness; however, sometimes too much water will splash in through the windows, and you will have to close them.
Option #1: Padang Bai…
Ferry Time: 20 to 50 minutes, sometimes longer depending on stops and weather. Though I have never made it there in 20 minutes…
Ferry Cost: 13 to 20 USD
I almost always book the ferries on 12GoAsia, Ferryhopper, or by messaging the companies directly. Always book ahead in case ferries fill up.
Luggage is included in the price but is usually limited to 1 or 2 pieces. Larger luggage will be tagged and placed in a different part of the boat.
Seats are first come first serve.
Ferry Companies: Eka Jaya or DCamel, both of which I have taken.
How To Get To Padang Bai:
Motorbike: You can drive yourself to Padang Bai Port. I have never left my bike there, but I assume you can park for around 10,000-15,000 IDR per day (1 USD). You can always confirm with your ferry company!
Taxi: You can hire a driver from your accommodation, Grab or Gojek (the Uber of Indonesia), or Bluebird (Public Taxi). The Padang Bai Port sits on the East coast of Bali, about 1+ hour from Denpasar, Kuta, Ubud, or Sidemen. Some ferry companies will help you schedule transport to Padang Bai if you message them on WhatsApp!
A view over Nusa Lembongan's coastline.
Option #2: Sanur:
This is the route I normally take to reach Nusa Lembongan. There are many more ferry companies and times available compared with the 2 or 3 from Padang Bai.
Ferry Time: 30 to 40 minutes.
Ferry Cost: Prices vary between companies, but average between 10 USD and 13 USD. I almost always book the ferries on 12GoAsia, Ferryhopper, or by messaging the companies directly. Always book ahead in case ferries fill up.
Luggage is included in the price but is usually limited to 1 or 2 pieces. Larger luggage will be tagged and placed in a different section of the boat.
Seats are first come first serve.
Ferry Companies: Scoot, DCamel, Dream Beach, Arthamas, DStars, Rocky, The Tanis, and more
How To Get To Sanur Port:
Motorbike: You can drive yourself to Sanur Port and park your bike in the lot for 15,000 IDR (less than $1) nightly. I am not sure how secure the parking is.
Taxi: You can hire a driver from your accommodation, Grab or Gojek (the Uber of Indonesia), or Bluebird (Public Taxi). The Sanur port sits on the East Bali coast near Denpasar (20-40 minutes) and Kuta (30-40 minutes). Some ferry companies will help you schedule transport to Sanur if you message them on WhatsApp.
My Experience:
I have always had consistently good experiences taking the ferry from Sanur to Nusa Lembongan, and it is easily my preferred route. The Sanur port itself is modern and surprisingly organized, with the main terminal building resembling a large Viking ship right on the water.
I recommend arriving at least 45 minutes early so you are not rushing. While staff often say boarding starts 30 minutes before departure, it rarely happens exactly on time. Check-in is done at the address given to you by your ferry company.
One of my go-to ferry companies is DCamel. A huge perk with them is that they can transport you from their office to the ferry port by motorbike, and you can often leave your bike parked at the ferry terminal free of charge. This usually applies if you are staying around Jungutbatu rather than Mushroom Bay, so be sure to ask when you check in. At the ferry gate, you will need to show your stickers and tickets again.
There are plenty of food and drink options around the terminal, along with air-conditioned indoor seating or outdoor seating by the water while you wait for your ferry to be called. If you are ever unsure where to go, just ask the workers at the gate. Everything tends to happen very last minute, but it always works out.
Once boarding begins, you will scan your ticket again to go down the escalators to the ferry, then hand your ticket over once more before boarding. I always choose a seat in the middle of the boat, as there is noticeably less movement and it helps with motion sickness.
The ferry ride itself is short, usually around 30 minutes, and compared to many ferries across Indonesia, this one has always felt like one of the easier crossings. You are not fully out in open channels, but it can still be hot, so dress cool and comfortably. You will likely sweat. Sitting near a window gives you a nice breeze. That said, always check the weather and water conditions. There is still a chance of a rough ride on windy days or during larger swells. I usually listen to music or focus on breathing to help pass the time if it gets choppy. (It can be scary choppy some days).
On arrival, disembarking depends on the tide. Sometimes you will walk through shallow water onto the sand, so shoes that are easy to take off are ideal. Other times, you may dock at a smaller boat that brings you ashore. The staff carry your bags all the way onto the sand for you.
Dcamel often offers transfers to your accommodation on Nusa Lembongan. It can feel a bit like sardines in the back of a vehicle, but the rides are short, usually just a couple of minutes. Since Nusa Lembongan is small, I often just walk to my accommodation with my backpack.
On clear days, you can see Mount Agung off to your left as you approach Nusa Lembongan, which is always a special way to arrive.
Pro Tip: If returning to Sanur from Nusa Lembongan, I recommend walking a short distance up the road toward the petrol station before calling a Grab. It is much cheaper this way— the prices right at the port are often significantly inflated.
Best Time to Travel to Nusa Lembongan
Rainy Season: November - March | Dry Season: April - October
The best time to travel to Nusa Lembongan is during the dry season from April to October. The weather will be sunnier with clear skies and less chance of rain and chop. Since wind and swell can be unpredicatable at times, I reccomend always checking the weather before booking your ferry ride. This will help you avoid rough seas and therefore a rough ride over to Nusa Lembongan.
For the divers, July through November (more so September to November) is mola mola season. Plus, there are even more mantas during this time (though you can see them year-round). Diving overall on the island is really good year-round.
For the surfers, the swell tends to be best during the dry season for beginners, where as the rainy season can bring a larger swell for more advanced surfers.
How to Get to Nusa Lembongan From Lombok
Traveling from Lombok to Nusa Lembongan is a very different journey in itself. Departing from Bangsal Ferry Port in North Lombok, the same port used to reach the Gili Islands, this ferry ride takes anywhere from 2 to 3.5 hours, though it has always been closer to 3.5 hours in my experience. The ferry often stops at one of the Gili Islands, and sometimes Nusa Penida as well, which can make the trip feel even longer.
While this can be a cheaper option, the crossing can be extremely rough and bumpy. If you are prone to seasickness or the water conditions look questionable, I honestly recommend skipping this ferry altogether. A much more comfortable option is flying from Praya Airport in Lombok to Denpasar in Bali, then taking the short ferry to Nusa Lembongan instead.
I have taken this ferry once, and it was intense. At times, it felt like the boat was bouncing off waves, landing hard on one side before slamming into another wave and tilting the opposite direction. I took seasickness medication and wore motion sickness bands, and thankfully made it through without getting sick, but many passengers around me were not so lucky. There were moments where I genuinely questioned how stable the ride was. For me, I will always choose the flight followed by the quick 30-minute ferry moving forward. Time-wise, it often ends up being similar, especially when you factor in the drive from southern Lombok up to Bangsal.
That said, if you are already in North Lombok or staying on the Gili Islands, taking your chances with the ferry may make more sense. Ultimately, it comes down to your comfort level on the water.
Similar to other routes, I almost always book ferries through 12GoAsia, Ferryhopper, or by messaging the ferry companies directly. I recommend booking ahead, as ferries can fill up quickly. Luggage is typically included in the ticket price, usually limited to one or two pieces. Larger bags are tagged and stored separately, and seating is first-come, first-served.
Pro Tip: The Lombok to Nusa Lembongan ferry can be very rough. If you are prone to seasickness or traveling in windy conditions, flying from Lombok to Bali and then taking the short ferry is a much more comfortable option.
Essential Travel Tips for Getting To Nusa Lembongan
Arrive at the ferry terminal early. I recommend arriving 30 to 45 minutes before departure so you are not rushing through check-in.
Remember that traffic in Bali can be unpredictable, so allocating extra time for your transport to the ferry port is important.
Always check the weather and swell conditions before planning your trip, especially during windy seasons.
Pack a reusable water bottle for the journey and maybe a small snack. Even on a 30-minute ride, I somehow always end up hungry.
If you are prone to seasickness, plan ahead and bring motion sickness medication or other prevention methods.
I always find that sitting in the middle of the boat helps reduce movement when the ferry hits waves.
Dress comfortably. Speed boats can get extremely hot and sweaty, as most do not have working air conditioning. Loose, breathable clothing makes a big difference.
Download a book, podcast, or music before boarding to keep yourself occupied during the ride. If you plan on listening to anything, remember to bring earphones.
DCamel is my preferred ferry company, as they provide transport to and from the ferry terminal and your accommodation on Nusa Lembongan.
Keep valuables and electronics in a dry bag or waterproof pouch. Even if the ride is calm, boarding and disembarking can involve splashes or walking through water.
Have your ticket easily accessible. You will be asked to show them multiple times. You can always take a photo of it, in case you lose the physical ticket.
If you are sensitive to heat, try to board earlier so you are not stuck standing outside in the sun while waiting.
When returning to Sanur, walking a short distance away from the port before calling a ride share can save you money.
Where to Stay in Nusa Lembongan
The best area to stay in Nusa Lembongan is honestly anywhere on the island, or even on nearby Nusa Ceningan if you do not mind being a bit further away from restaurants and shops (these two islands are connected via a yellow bridge). However, if you want to be within easy walking distance of most restaurants, the main beach strip, and local shops, I recommend staying along the main road in Jungutbatu. Anywhere from Dapur Kecil along the Jungutbatu Beach coastline is a great central location and makes getting around on foot much easier. It is also quite a luxury to be able to walk out of your accommodation and onto the beach within 30 seconds.
Best Accommodation Options In Nusa Lembongan For Every Traveler
Backpacker/Hostel Option: Pandan Wangi (Private Room) or Bima Homestay (Dorm)
Best Low-Budget: Krisna Home Stay or Helly's Secret Garden Cottage
Best Mid-Budget: United Colors of Lembongan
Best High-End Budget: Jenggala Hill or TS Hut Lembongan
Best Luxury Budget: ARNA Suites and Ocean Lounge or Morin Resort
You can also find hotel deals at Agoda and Hostel World! You can help support my blog by booking through my links! :)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to get to Nusa Lembongan?
The best way to get to Nusa Lembongan is from mainland Bali. It offers the shortest ferry rides and smoothest sailing. If you are coming from the North, I recommend the Padang Bai Ferry Port. If you are coming from the South, I recommend the Sanur Ferry Port.
Is it worth visiting Nusa Lembongan?
Umm, yes. I would prioritize Nusa Lembongan over many places in Bali, including Nusa Penida, 100%. The island has a better overall vibe, especially if you are a bit older, more laid back, or simply want the ease of getting around on a smaller island. The diving here is unmatched year-round, there is often a good swell for surfing, the food scene blends great local and Western options, and accommodation remains affordable. Better yet, it is only thirty minutes from Bali. What more could you ask for?
HOW MANY DAYS DO YOU NEED IN NUSA LEMBONGAN?
I would say 2-3 days for a quick trip. But you can easily spend a week diving and relaxing on the island. Add an extra day or two to explore Cennigan and Penida.
How long is the ferry from Bali to Nusa Lembongan?
The ferry is 30-40 minutes from Sanur Ferry Port in Bali to Nusa Lembongan. From Padang Bai Ferry Port, the ride is around 30 minutes— sometimes longer or shorter depending on swell and weather.
WHAT IS THE BEST BEACH IN NUSA LEMBONGAN?
Some of my favorite beaches are Secret Beach, Hidden Beach, and Coconuts Beach. For a full breakdown, head over to my guide to the best beaches in Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan here.
Is Nusa Lembongan cheaper than Bali?
Nusa Lembongan tends to be cheaper than the Bali mainland, of course, depending on where in the Bali mainland you are visiting. Overall, I always find that Nusa Lembongan feels cheaper for what you are getting. If you compare Nusa Penida to Nusa Lembongan, the latter always wins.
IS NUSA LEMBONGAN SAFE?
I have always felt safe in Bali, especially in Nusa Lembongan. There are so many expats living here. I recommend staying up to date with your country’s travel advisories. Follow basic rules of safety while traveling, including:
Keep an eye on personal belongings and valuable items. Do not leave them in your bike.
Never forget your keys in your motorbike, and never leave anything valuable sitting out. Someone may steal it.
Always triple-check vaccination requirements and recommendations for countries. Some potential illnesses include Typhoid and Hepatitis A.
Pack mosquito spray to protect yourself from Dengue and Malaria.
Wear your helmet when riding your motorbike. So many people do not wear their helmets, and it could quite literally save your life.
DO NOT drink the tap water. Keep your mouth closed in the shower and even use bottled water for toothbrushing, especially if you have a sensitive stomach like me!
Never travel without the right insurance in case of any sickness, injuries, or theft. Safety Wing is by far the best travel medical insurance. It has saved me numerous times by covering hospital visits when I was sick during my travels in Asia.
Get an eSIM—so you do not get lost navigating your way. I always use Airalo for my eSims.
Emergency Contact Number: Police: +62 110 | Fire: +62 113 | Ambulance: +62 118 or +62 119
You can find a complete list of Bali Emergency #’s here.
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