Fast Boat from Bali to Nusa Lembongan
The fastest and most convenient way to travel from Bali to Nusa Lembongan is by fast boat, with multiple departures daily from Sanur, crossing the Badung Strait. If you’re coming from Canggu, expect the drive to Sanur’s boat harbour to take around an hour, but I’d allow extra time—Bali’s traffic is terrible, especially in the afternoon.
Several ferry companies operate on this route, including Rocky Fast Cruise, D’Camel Fast Ferry, Scoot Fast Cruises, and Arthamas Express. Tickets start from IDR 150,000, and children under two can travel free on a parent’s lap. Each passenger is allowed 20kg of luggage, and I also travelled with a port-a-cot and small pram, which wasn’t an issue.
If your ticket doesn’t include a transfer, I recommend pre-booking a local driver or using Grab or Gojek to ensure you arrive on time. The ferry companies suggest checking in one hour before departure, but in reality, 30–40 minutes is plenty. Check-in locations are small offices along the road leading to the terminal. If you’re walking, it’ll take no more than 5 minutes to reach the ferry terminal after you’ve checked in. Or, if your booking includes hotel pickup, your driver will take you there first.
Once checked in, you’ll receive a ticket and a lanyard or wristband—both are important, so don’t lose them. The Sanur ferry terminal opened in 2022 and has a jetty for boarding, so you won’t have to wade through the water.
However, once you reach Nusa Lembongan, only Rocky Fast Cruise docks at a pier. The other ferries drop passengers at Jungutbatu Beach or Mushroom Bay Beach, where you’ll need to climb out into the water. Depending on the tide, it could be ankle-deep or up to your knees—something to keep in mind when choosing your boat!
Best Fast Boat to Nusa Lembongan
If you want the easiest and most hassle-free way to get from Bali to Nusa Lembongan, Rocky Fast Cruise is the way to go. They’re the only company that offers a jetty-to-jetty service, meaning you won’t have to climb out into the water when you arrive. This was particularly important for me as I was travelling with a toddler—I like to keep things as simple as possible.
Rocky Fast Cruise departs from Sanur at 10:00, 12:00, 14:00, and 17:00, with return trips from Nusa Lembongan at 09:00, 11:00, 13:00, and 16:00.
Tickets start at IDR 275,000, or IDR 325,000 if you include hotel transfers. Their team is also super organized—they contacted me via WhatsApp to confirm my booking and pick-up details, which was helpful and reassuring.
When you arrive in Nusa Lembongan, you’ll dock at Rocky’s private jetty in Telatak Village, on the island’s east side. It’s right next to their beach club (which is currently closed), making it a smooth arrival process. Once you disembark, you’ll need to collect your luggage, even if your ticket includes a hotel transfer. From there, Rocky’s team will help direct you to your transfer vehicle.
For anyone, but particularly families, this is hands-down the best option—the trip is short, the process is easy, and you don’t have to worry about juggling kids and luggage while stepping into the ocean. If you’re heading to Nusa Lembongan, this is the only fast boat I’d recommend.
(*and this isn’t a sponsored post)
