Transfer · To the islands
From Nusa Lembongan to Nusa Penida, island to island
Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Penida face each other across a narrow strait. A short crossing takes you from one to the other without going back to Sanur. We have not timed it: the 20 to 30 min are an estimate, shorter than our published crossing from Sanur, since the two islands are neighbors.
- Updated on
- 20 to 30 min by boat (estimate)
- 3 min read
- By Kylian Dev
In short
Facts as of · sourced figures
From Nusa Lembongan to Nusa Penida, allow roughly 20 to 30 min by boat. That is an estimate, not a timed trip: the crossing is shorter than from Sanur, the two islands being neighbors. Schedules and fares vary by operator; ask your accommodation the day before, and go in the morning.
Contents
In brief
- Time: roughly 20 to 30 min by boat, an estimate based on a published segment, not a timed trip.
- Price: no single official fare; schedules and fares vary by operator.
- Best time: the morning, to enjoy Penida from the moment you land and keep a margin.
- Good to know: departures are fewer than from Sanur; ask about them the day before.
Boats between the islands leave from Lembongan’s beaches and land on Nusa Penida’s north coast, where the harbors and main roads are. The Nusa Penida page covers both islands.
The 2-week itinerary goes to Nusa Penida. Starting with calmer Lembongan, then crossing to Penida, is a good way to add a stop. The way over from Bali is on Sanur → Nusa Lembongan.
Ways to get from Lembongan to Penida
Two options: a public or shared boat between the islands, simple and short; or a chartered private boat, handy for a group or a set time. Some fast boats from Sanur also call at both islands. Schedules and fares vary by operator.
| Mode | Time | Indicative price | Who it suits | Luggage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Public or shared boat | Roughly 20 to 30 min | Depends on the operator | Most travelers | Dry bag recommended |
| Chartered private boat | Roughly 20 to 30 min | Agreed in advance | Groups, set times | Depends on the boat |
| Fast boat with a stop | Varies with the stops | Depends on the operator | Those with a multi-island ticket | Depends on the operator |
Your accommodation on Lembongan usually knows the day’s schedule and can book the crossing, and even a ride on arrival in Penida.
The crossing, step by step
You head to the departure beach on Lembongan, often on foot or by hotel shuttle. Boarding is from the beach, the crossing is short, and you land on Penida’s north coast. You then need transport to your accommodation, as distances there are bigger.
| Step | What happens |
|---|---|
| On Lembongan | Reach the departure beach, buy or collect your ticket |
| Boarding | From the beach, often wading in |
| Crossing | Roughly 20 to 30 min, estimate |
| Arrival on Penida | North coast; driver or scooter to your accommodation |
Pitfalls on the crossing
The pitfalls: assuming boats run all day as they do from Sanur; landing on Penida with no transport arranged; underestimating Penida’s roads, slower than Lembongan’s; and forgetting that the swell also governs this short crossing, just as it does the longer one from Sanur.
- Setting off without the schedule: ask your accommodation the day before.
- Arriving with no transport: distances on Penida are bigger, so book a driver.
- Underestimating Penida’s roads: they are narrow and bumpy.
- Forgetting the swell: even a short crossing can be delayed.
What next: Penida, then back to Bali
On Penida, read the region page and the where-to-stay page: your base shapes your days. For the way back, fast boats run to Sanur. Let us be honest: Penida takes effort, with slow roads and steep stairs, and deserves several nights.
Read next: the Nusa Penida page, where to stay on Nusa Penida, then the way back via Sanur → Nusa Penida in reverse.
Frequently asked questions
How long from Nusa Lembongan to Nusa Penida?
Roughly 20 to 30 min by boat. That is an estimate, not a timed trip.
Do I have to go back via Sanur from Lembongan to Penida?
No: boats link the two neighboring islands directly.
How much is the boat between Lembongan and Penida?
There is no single official fare: the price varies by operator and type of boat.
Can I visit Penida as a day trip from Lembongan?
You can, but Penida’s roads are slow: a night there lets you see much more.
Sources
Figures and rules checked on October 27, 2026 against the sources below. Entry rules and fees change: always check them on the official websites before you leave.
