The Nusa Islands, located just off the coast of Bali in Indonesia, are a breathtaking archipelago that captivates visitors with their natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere. Comprising three main islands—Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan, and Nusa Ceningan—this tropical paradise offers a serene escape from the bustling mainland of Bali. With their crystal-clear turquoise waters, dramatic cliffs, pristine beaches, and vibrant marine life, the Nusa Islands have become a sought-after destination for travelers seeking tranquility and adventure.
I’ll also provide tips on which island is better such as a comparison of Nusa Lembongan vs Nusa Penida Finally, I’ll give tips on where to stay, the best ways to get around, the best tours on the islands, how to get there and back from Bali, how long to stay and a few other handy pieces of advice I can share after multiple trips to the Nusa Islands.
How to get to the Nusa Islands
There are three main options to get to Nusa Penida depending on your budget and how many logistics you want to manage. Here are the three options with the cheapest first:

Book your ticket: Sanur (Bali) to Nusa Lembongan – Book a regular ferry that leaves from Sanur to Nusa Penida on the reliable website 12go. You then need to moped or taxi across to Nusa Penida via another ferry/boat.
Book a fast boat: Sanur (Bali) to Nusa Penida – This option is great as you go direct from Bali to Penida without having to stop in Lembongan. This option is only slightly more expensive than stopping in Lembongan. This is my favorite option of the three and can be booked on Klook.
Book a fast boat with hotel pick-up: Sanur (Bali) to Nusa Penida – This option includes a fast boat from Sanur (Bali) to Nusa Penida but also includes pick-up from your hotel in Bali in a van. This option from GetYourGuide is a bit more expensive but takes all the hassle out of the transit from Bali to Nusa Penida.