How to get from Bali to Nusa Lembongan
Bali to Nusa Lembongan is a quick island hop: most travelers take a 30–40 minute fast boat from Sanur Beach with optional hotel pickup. Alternatives include boats from Serangan (pier boarding), bundled door-to-door transfers, or organized day trips that include activities. Here’s how to choose and book.
At A Glance (Bali to Nusa Lembongan)
| Mode | Duration | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 🚤 Fast Boat (Sanur Beach → Lembongan) | ~30–40m on water (+ check-in 20–30m) | Most travelers, frequent departures |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~IDR 150k–450k one-way » compare boats | alt. listings | ||
| 🛥️ Fast Boat (Serangan Pier → Lembongan) | ~40–50m on water | Calmer boarding at a pier, rougher-tide days |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~IDR 200k–500k one-way » compare boats | ||
| 🚐 Hotel Pickup + Boat (Bundled) | ~1.5–3h door-to-door (area-dependent) | Families, big luggage, zero fuss |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~IDR 250k–650k pp » bundled transfers | GYG options | ||
| 🏝️ Organized Day Trip (Snorkel/Island Tour) | ~8–10h round trip | One-day visit with activities included |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~IDR 700k–1.6m pp incl. gear/lunch » compare tours | ||
Which Option or Route Should You Choose?
- Fastest & most frequent: Fast boat from Sanur to Jungut Batu or Mushroom Bay.
- Most comfortable boarding: Serangan pier boats (less surf at boarding than Sanur’s beach ramp).
- Hassle-free door-to-door: Bundled hotel pickup + boat (good with kids/boards).
- Only have one day: Day trip packages with snorkeling/mangroves + transfers.
How to Book and Practical Tips
- Compare departures: Use 12Go for times/companies and Klook for promos or bundles.
- Transfers on Bali: Short hops via Grab/Gojek; for fixed-price private rides (boards/luggage), try GetTransfer.
- Luggage & boarding: Sanur boarding is beach-style; bags may get splashed—use dry bags. Serangan has a pier.
- On Lembongan: Scooters are common—compare rentals on BikesBooking or arrange via your hotel.
- Stay or stash: Overnight near the beach? Browse Lembongan stays. Need to explore bag-free on Bali? Check Radical Storage Bali.
🚤 Option #1 — Fast Boat from Sanur Beach (Most Popular)
Frequent 30–40m Beach boarding
- Overview: Dozens of daily sailings from Sanur Beach to Jungut Batu or Mushroom Bay. Check-in 20–30 minutes before; boats use a ramp from the sand—expect wet ankles in small surf.
- How to book (with price): ~IDR 150k–450k one-way depending on time/operator. Compare schedules and operators on 12Go or scan deals on Klook. Many include Bali hotel transfers for a small add-on.
- Pros: Fast, frequent, cheapest overall. Cons: Beach boarding (splash risk); peak hours can be busy.
Step-by-step: Fast Boat from Sanur
- Get to Sanur Beach Harbor by Grab/Gojek or prebooked car via GetTransfer if carrying surfboards/lots of luggage.
- Check your ticket on 12Go/Klook, find the operator desk (name on voucher), and collect boarding tags.
- Board when called; keep small bags on your lap to avoid splashes. Wear sandals you can get wet.
- Arrive at Jungut Batu or Mushroom Bay; porters can help with bags (tip small). Walk or take a pickup to your accommodation.
Getting to the main embarking points (Sanur Beach)
- By ride-hail: Grab/Gojek widely available across South Bali; set destination “Sanur Harbor.”
- By private car: Hotels can arrange; for fixed quotes compare GetTransfer.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🛥️ Option #2 — Fast Boat from Serangan Pier (Calmer Boarding)
Pier boarding 40–50m Fewer daily runs
- Overview: Boats leave from Serangan Harbour (a small island south of Sanur) with jetty boarding—drier and easier for kids/elderly or on rougher tide days. Services are less frequent than Sanur.
- How to book (with price): ~IDR 200k–500k one-way. Check departures on 12Go or search bundles on Klook.
- Pros: Jetty boarding (no wet feet), organized terminal. Cons: Longer water time; fewer slots than Sanur.
Step-by-step: Fast Boat from Serangan
- Ride to Serangan Harbour (25–50m from most South Bali areas) via Grab/Gojek or a prebooked car (GetTransfer for fixed price).
- Show your 12Go/Klook voucher at the counter to get boarding passes.
- Board via the pier when called; store large bags in the hold.
- Disembark at Mushroom Bay or Jungut Batu and transfer to your stay.
Getting to the main embarking points (Serangan Harbour)
- By taxi/app: Drivers know “Pelabuhan Serangan.” Allow extra time for traffic.
- Parking/drop: Short-term parking exists; most travelers arrive by car service.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🚐 Option #3 — Hotel Pickup + Boat (Door-to-Door Bundle)
Hassle-free Great with kids/gear Costs more
- Overview: Operators include Bali hotel pickup, boat tickets, and Lembongan drop-off in one voucher—no haggling or transfers.
- How to book (with price): ~IDR 250k–650k per person depending on pickup area and season. Check bundled transfers on Klook or GetYourGuide.
- Pros: One booking, door-to-door. Cons: Slightly pricier than DIY.
Step-by-step: Door-to-Door Bundle
- Choose a bundle on Klook or GetYourGuide that fits your pickup area/time.
- Be ready in the hotel lobby; the shuttle collects you for Sanur or Serangan check-in.
- Staff handle boarding; on arrival, a truck/pickup takes you to your Lembongan accommodation.
Getting to the main embarking points (Hotel → Harbor → Hotel)
- Pickup windows: Typically 60–120 minutes before sailing depending on your location (Ubud/Canggu earlier).
- Drop-off areas: Most Lembongan neighborhoods covered; check surcharge zones.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🏝️ Option #4 — Organized Day Trip (Boat + Activities)
All-in-one Hotel transfers Fixed itinerary
- Overview: Full-day tours include round-trip fast boat, hotel transfers, and activities like snorkeling (Manta spots often off Nusa Penida), mangrove tour, island sightseeing, and lunch.
- How to book (with price): ~IDR 700k–1.6m per person depending on inclusions. Compare itineraries/reviews on GetYourGuide and Klook.
- Pros: Zero planning; great for first-timers. Cons: Less free time; weather can affect snorkel sites.
Step-by-step: Day Trip
- Pick a tour with your must-do (snorkel/mangrove/sightseeing) on GetYourGuide/Klook.
- Get collected at your hotel; check in at Sanur/Serangan and cross to Lembongan.
- Follow the guided program; lunch typically included; return boat late afternoon.
Getting to the main embarking points (Hotel pickup → Sanur/Serangan)
- Pickup time: Early morning; confirm your WhatsApp contact for updates.
- Return: Usually back to your hotel by early evening depending on surf/tide.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
FAQ (Bali to Nusa Lembongan)
Sanur or Serangan—which is better?
Sanur has far more departures and is fastest; Serangan’s pier boarding is drier and can feel easier in choppy conditions.
Where do boats land on Lembongan?
Most arrive at Jungut Batu (north) or Mushroom Bay (southwest). Pick the landing closest to your accommodation.
Can I bring surfboards or large luggage?
Yes—tell the operator when booking; some charge a small board/bike fee. Use dry bags; Sanur boarding is from the beach.
Are there ATMs on the island?
Yes but they can be empty. Bring some cash for pickups, scooter fuel, and small eateries.
What about seasickness?
Morning crossings are usually calmer. Sit toward the stern and look at the horizon; bring medication if prone.
How do I get around on Lembongan?
Scooter rental is common; ask your hotel or compare on BikesBooking. Many lodges offer pickup trucks for transfers, and there’s a small fleet of taxis/pickups.