Fast boats link Sanur, on the southeast coast of Denpasar in Bali, Indonesia, with Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Penida, two islands in the Badung Strait. Boats leave from Sanur Harbour and from Pantai Matahari Terbit on Jl. Hang Tuah in Denpasar Selatan, and crossings take about 30 to 45 minutes. Many visitors use the service for a full-day trip of eight to ten hours, combining a crossing with island sightseeing, snorkelling or beach time, while others stay overnight. No fitness level is required for the crossing itself, though the islands involve walking on uneven ground and steep steps at some viewpoints, and boarding involves wading or stepping onto the beach from a small jetty with luggage. Children are generally permitted, and operators have their own age and life jacket rules. Licensed fast boat operators sell tickets at Sanur Harbour and online, and the departure time should be confirmed on the ticket. Reported prices are about IDR 150,000 to 350,000 (USD 8-20) per person one way, which should be confirmed with the operator. Visitors are advised to carry reef shoes, a rain jacket, sea-sickness tablets, a dry bag and a copy of their passport. Crossings should include a life jacket for each passenger, and a safety briefing is given by crew; visitors can check that life jackets are visible and that the boat is not overloaded before boarding. Evacuation in an emergency is by another vessel or the harbour boats, and the operator should be able to explain this on request. The dry season from May to October has calmer crossings, whereas December to February brings rougher seas and occasional cancellations. Visitors should avoid travelling in high swell or strong wind, and should allow a buffer for return tickets rather than booking tight same-day flights. Because the boats are small, seating at the back can feel bumpy, and the middle of the boat is usually steadier.
| Price | Reported about IDR 150,000-350,000 (USD 8-20) per person one way; confirm with the operator |
|---|---|
| Duration | Full-day trip, 8-10 hours |
| Difficulty | easy |
| Season | Dry season May to October has calmer crossings; seas can be rough December to February |
| Address | Sanur Harbour and Pantai Matahari Terbit, Jl. Hang Tuah, Sanur, Denpasar Selatan, Denpasar 80228 |
Activity facts
- Where
- Sanur, South Denpasar
Equipment
Reef shoes, rain jacket, sea-sickness tablets, dry bag, passport copy
Location
Sanur Harbour and Pantai Matahari Terbit, Jl. Hang Tuah, Sanur, Denpasar Selatan, Denpasar 80228
-8.6783, 115.2640 View on map
Highlights
- 30-45 minute fast boat crossings from Sanur to Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Penida
- Departures from Sanur Harbour and Pantai Matahari Terbit on Jl. Hang Tuah
- Full-day trip option of 8-10 hours combining crossing and island sightseeing
- Prices reported from about IDR 150,000 (USD 8) one way
Tips for visiting
- Book a morning departure; seas are usually calmer than later in the day.
- Pack sea-sickness tablets, a dry bag and reef shoes for the beach landing.
- Confirm the return departure time on the ticket and allow buffer before flights.
- Check that life jackets are available and the boat is not overloaded.
- Keep a copy of the passport and travel light for wading ashore.
When to visit
Dry season from May to October, with morning departures for calmer seas.
Accessibility
Boarding involves wading or stepping from a jetty or beach onto a small boat, which is difficult for wheelchair users. Ask the operator about assistance in advance.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the crossing?
Crossings from Sanur to Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Penida take about 30 to 45 minutes.
How much does the ticket cost?
Reported prices are about IDR 150,000-350,000 (USD 8-20) per person one way. Confirm with the operator.
When are the seas roughest?
Seas can be rough from December to February, and the dry season from May to October has calmer crossings.
Where do the boats leave from?
From Sanur Harbour and Pantai Matahari Terbit on Jl. Hang Tuah in Sanur.