Getting here

How to get to Nusa Penida from Bali, Ubud and Sanur

Nusa Penida is an island, so the only way here is by speed boat, from Bali or from the other islands like Lombok or Nusa Lembongan. From Bali it takes two short steps: a boat to the island, then a drive to Raja Lima.

Aerial view of the Raja Lima village on Nusa Penida: wooden bungalows with red tile roofs, palm trees and plunge pools on the cliff
Raja Lima, on the cliffs of Nusa Penida's east coast.

Step 1

Speed boat to Nusa Penida.

Several harbours on Bali have speed boats to Nusa Penida. Which one to choose depends on where you are staying in Bali:

  • From Sanur, best from the airport, Seminyak, Canggu or the south: about 30 to 45 minutes by boat.
  • From Kusamba, best from Ubud, Sidemen or East Bali: about 15 to 30 minutes by boat.
  • Boats arrive at different harbours on Nusa Penida. Sampalan is the closest to Raja Lima, but any harbour works.
  • Book your boat a day ahead, especially around Balinese ceremonies.

Boat companies, timetables and fares change through the year, so check them when you book. You can compare and book speed boats online.

Atuh Beach and Diamond Beach from the air, on the east coast of Nusa Penida
The east coast of Nusa Penida, near Raja Lima.

From Ubud

Coming from Ubud or East Bali.

If you are coming from Ubud, Sidemen or anywhere in the east of Bali, Kusamba is the natural choice: it is the closest harbour for you, and the crossing is the shortest, about 15 to 30 minutes. Many of our guests spend a few days in Ubud first and finish their trip by the ocean. Our Ubud and Nusa Penida retreat page has ideas for combining the two.

From Sanur, Seminyak, Canggu or the airport, Sanur is usually simpler, with a crossing of about 30 to 45 minutes.

Step 2

From the harbour to Raja Lima.

Raja Lima is on the east coast, next to the Treehouse and a 10-minute walk from Diamond Beach and Atuh Beach. From the harbour you continue by car:

  • Find a driver at the harbour yourself, or
  • let us organise one: message Widi, our driver coordinator, on WhatsApp at +62 878 7112 2432 with your harbour, boat company, date and arrival time. He can arrange a driver from any harbour.

Arriving early? You are welcome at any time, and you can leave your luggage at reception. Check-in is from 2 pm, and we will have your bungalow ready as soon as we can. Meanwhile, relax by the plunge pools, enjoy the view, or have a drink or lunch at the restaurant.

A guest walking down the white garden path between tropical plants and palms at Raja Lima, with the ocean behind
The garden path to your bungalow.

Groups

Travelling as a group or a retreat.

For retreat groups we arrange every step, from Bali airport by car to the harbour, then the speed boat and the car on Nusa Penida. Transfers are charged separately and included in your quote. See our retreat venue page for the practice spaces, rooms and how to book.

Travelling on your own or as a couple? Once you know your dates, book your room and mention your boat in the notes, and we will help with the rest.

A fresh coconut on the terrace at Raja Lima with a view of the sea
A fresh coconut when you arrive.

Questions

Good to know

How do I get to Nusa Penida from Ubud?

Take a car to Kusamba harbour, the best choice from Ubud, Sidemen or East Bali, then a speed boat of about 15 to 30 minutes.

How do I get to Nusa Penida from Sanur or the airport?

Take a speed boat from Sanur, which is best from the airport, Seminyak, Canggu or the south. The crossing takes about 30 to 45 minutes.

Which harbour on Nusa Penida is closest to Raja Lima?

Sampalan is the closest to us, but any harbour works.

Do I need to book the boat in advance?

Book a day ahead, especially around Balinese ceremonies.

Can Raja Lima arrange a driver from the harbour?

Yes, from any harbour. Message Widi on WhatsApp at +62 878 7112 2432 with your boat and arrival time.

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