Nusa Penida (Sampalan Harbour) Ferries

Sorry, there is currently no available ferries on this route.

Sampalan Harbour is primarily accessed via ferry services from Bali's east coast ports, with regular connections from Sanur, Padang Bai, and Kusamba taking approximately 45-60 minutes depending on sea conditions. From Bali's Ngurah Rai International Airport, travelers can reach these departure points by taxi or shuttle services in about 1-1.5 hours. If coming from the Gili Islands or Lombok, boat transfers connect to Bali first, from where you can catch a ferry to Nusa Penida. Parking facilities at mainland departure points are limited, so consider arranging drop-off transportation if arriving by car.

Nusa Penida, with its dramatic limestone cliffs and pristine beaches, stands as a wild counterpart to Bali's more developed islands. This rugged gem in the Indonesian archipelago offers travelers a glimpse into untouched natural beauty, with crystal-clear waters teeming with manta rays and vibrant coral reefs. Sampalan Harbour serves as the gateway to this island sanctuary, where traditional Balinese culture thrives alongside breathtaking landscapes that seem to defy reality.

Nusa Penida enjoys a tropical climate with distinct dry and wet seasons, making April through October the ideal time to visit when clear skies and calm seas ensure reliable ferry crossings. The peak tourist months of July and August bring more visitors, while May, June, and September offer the perfect balance of excellent weather and fewer crowds. During the December-March rainy season, ferry services may occasionally be disrupted by rough seas, though prices drop significantly. The island's annual Nyepi celebrations in March provide a unique cultural experience, while the best visibility for diving and snorkeling occurs during the dry season months.

Sampalan Harbour connects travelers to several stunning nearby destinations, including Nusa Lembongan with its laid-back surf scene and mangrove forests, just a 15-minute boat ride away. The small island of Nusa Ceningan, accessible via a yellow bridge from Lembongan, offers cliff jumping spots and the famous Blue Lagoon, perfect for a day trip. For those seeking mainland experiences, regular ferry services return to Bali's east coast (45-60 minutes), where cultural attractions await. The harbor also serves as a starting point for guided boat tours to prime snorkeling locations around Nusa Penida's coast, where you might encounter manta rays and the rare ocean sunfish.

Nusa Penida rewards adventurous travelers with natural wonders like Kelingking Beach, where a T-Rex-shaped cliff formation creates one of Indonesia's most photographed landscapes. The natural infinity pool at Angel's Billabong and the crystal-clear waters of Atuh Beach showcase the island's pristine coastline. For wildlife enthusiasts, snorkeling at Manta Bay offers close encounters with gentle manta rays gliding through the water. The local cuisine centers around fresh seafood, with warung-style restaurants serving grilled fish with sambal matah (Balinese chili relish). Crystal Bay offers spectacular sunsets, while the traditional villages inland provide glimpses into authentic Balinese life rarely seen in more touristy areas.

Nusa Penida serves as a bird sanctuary for the critically endangered Bali starling, with a successful breeding program helping to save this species from extinction. The island was traditionally considered a place of exile by the Balinese, who believed it housed demons and dark spirits, giving it a mysterious reputation that lingers in local folklore. Beneath the waters surrounding Nusa Penida lies part of the Coral Triangle, hosting over 250 species of coral and 600 species of reef fish in one of the most biodiverse marine ecosystems on the planet. The island's name derives from 'Nusa' meaning island and 'Penida' from the Sanskrit 'penida' meaning clear or white, referring to its limestone composition.