Bali to Nusa Lembongan Fast Boat: Info & Tips
Nestled in the stunning southeast of Bali, Nusa Lembongan is an inviting island teeming with beauty and excitement. In this travel guide, I’ll share useful tips to get from Bali to Nusa Lembongan by fast boat.
Bali to Nusa Lembongan fast boat
Situated a comfortable 34 miles (55 kilometers) from Bali, Nusa Lembongan is a true sanctuary graced with unspoiled beaches and tranquil vistas.
You’ll find no airport here – boats are your only ticket to this paradise.
The best way to get from Bali to Nusa Lembongan is by fast boat. These speedboats take about 35 minutes and depart from Sanur in Southeast Bali.
There are several boat companies offering Sanur – Nusa Lembongan route, so I recommend you book the one that drops off closest to your hotel or homestay.
We recently took a trip to Nusa Lembongan for one week, and it was great!
Tips: It’s important to consider the weather when planning your trip.
Sea conditions can be choppy during the rainy season (between October to April). If you are prone to seasickness, it might be a good idea to postpone your visit.
Best boats to Nusa Lembongan from Sanur
Most boats drop guests off at Jungut Batu Beach on Nusa Lembongan.
We took Artharmas Cruise, a crowd favorite that charges around $10 for a swift one-way trip.
Some companies, like Rocky Fast Cruise and Dream Beach Express, run speedboats that dock at the picturesque Mushroom Bay.
When buying your tickets, you can opt for a pickup service from your hotel in Bali and a drop-off at your chosen accommodation in Nusa Lembongan.
Sanur to Nusa Lembongan ferry timetable
| Provider | Departure | Arrival | Tickets |
| Tanis | 8:15 | 8:45 | Book tickets |
| Arthamas | 9:15 | 9:45 | Book tickets |
| Dream Beach | 11:00 | 11:30 | Book tickets |
| Scoot | 11:45 | 12:45 | Book tickets |
| DCamel | 13:30 | 14:00 | Book tickets |
| DStars | 14:00 | 14:30 | Book tickets |
| Arthamas | 14:30 | 15:00 | Book tickets |
Arriving at Nusa Lembongan
Because Nusa Lembongan doesn’t have a pier, be ready for a bit of an aquatic adventure.
You might need to wade through knee-to-thigh-deep water when disembarking the boat. I recommend wearing shorts or swimwear.
It’s a good idea to protect your valuable items, like wallets, mobile phones, and passports, from potential water damage.
Also, be prepared to hand over your shoes before boarding – some companies ask that! Your shoes will be safely returned to you after you disembark.
About luggage, the boat staff will help carry your luggage and bags off the boats, but I still recommend packing light.
If you opt for transportation to your hotel in Nusa Lembongan, you’ll be grouped into truck taxis with bench seats.
However, bear in mind that some accommodations might not be reachable by road. In those cases, you’ll be dropped off as near as possible, and you might have to walk the rest of the way.
Discovering Nearby Islands
While Nusa Lembongan is indeed a gem, don’t miss the opportunity to explore its neighboring islands.
Scoot Fast Cruises, for example, runs high-speed boat services from Nusa Lembongan to Lombok and Gili Trawangan. These trips take around three hours and start at $42.
If you’re curious about Nusa Penida, public boats leave from Jungut Batu on Nusa Lembongan. These trips are a steal at around $3 and only take about 15 minutes.
Useful Travel Tips
- If you’re more of a spontaneous traveler and haven’t booked accommodation yet, have a rough idea of which beach or area you’re interested in so you can book the fast boats accordingly.
- Since internet and mobile data can be iffy on the island, it’s a good idea to make your bookings and research while still in Bali.
- Keep a decent amount of cash on hand as the ATMs on the island aren’t always reliable.
- Check the weather forecast before boarding.
- Expect your luggage to get a bit of a splash during the boat trip. I suggest protecting fragile items inside your bag as they might end up at the bottom of the pile.
What to pack for Nusa Lembongan
When packing for your trip to Nusa Lembongan, consider the following items:
- Lightweight clothing (shorts, t-shirts, sundresses)
- Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses
- Swimwear
- Beach towel
- Water shoes or sandals for rocky beaches
- Lightweight rain jacket in case of sudden showers
- Insect repellent
- Medications, toiletries, and personal care items
- A travel adapter for Indonesian electrical outlets
- Sufficient cash in small denominations and cards
- Travel documents, passport, visa, and travel insurance
- Waterproof bag or pouch for protecting electronics and important items
- Reusable water bottles for staying hydrated and reducing plastic waste.
What is the best way to travel from Bali to Nusa Lembongan?
The best way to travel from Bali to Nusa Lembongan is by taking a fast boat. Fast boats are the quickest and most convenient option.
How long does it take to travel from Bali to Nusa Lembongan by boat?
Fast boats from Sanur to Nusa Lembongan usually take around 30 minutes. However, you should factor in the travel time between your hotel to Sanur Port when planning the trip. You should be at Sanur Port at least 1 hour before boarding. You can check the latest schedules here.
Where do the fast boats depart from in Bali?
Fast boats to Nusa Lembongan typically depart from Sanur Harbor, which is located on the eastern coast of Bali.
How much does it cost to travel from Bali to Nusa Lembongan by boat?
Fast boat ticket prices range from approximately $10 per person. However, if you opt for a transportation package (transport from your hotel to Sanur pier and from Lembongan to your hotel), the ticket price is higher.
How can I book tickets for a boat to Nusa Lembongan?
You can book boat tickets to Nusa Lembongan online through 12go or boat companies’ websites. Alternatively, you can visit the ticket counters at the departure points in Bali. The easiest way, as we did, was booking online using 12go.
Is it possible to do a day trip from Bali to Nusa Lembongan?
Yes, day trips from Bali to Nusa Lembongan are popular. Many tour operators offer day trip packages that include various activities such as snorkeling, diving, and island tours. You can also do a DIY day trip by taking the earliest boat from Sanur and the latest boat back to mainland Bali.
Are there any visa requirements for traveling from Bali to Nusa Lembongan?
Since Nusa Lembongan is part of Indonesia, if you are already in Bali and hold a valid visa for Indonesia, you do not need a separate visa to travel to Nusa Lembongan.
Final thoughts
Nusa Lembongan is a hidden paradise just waiting for you to discover. Whether you opt for the swift speedboats, the economical public boats, or a more leisurely journey, the island promises a memorable experience.
Keep an eye on the weather, protect your belongings, and get ready to embrace the adventure that awaits you in Nusa Lembongan.
