Visit the Nusa Islands from Bali: reservations and prices

Are you planning your next holiday in Bali? Enjoy it to visit the Nusa Islands located south of the island of Gods!

For travellers in Bali, the main tour is called the islands Gili . Yet there are three islands in the south, less frequented and less known, which deserve the detour. These are the Nusa Islands: Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Ceningan, Nusa Penida. This article lists all practical tips (visit period, what to do, how to move...) to visit the Nusa Islands from Bali. Ready to board? Follow the guide to discovering one of Indonesia’s treasures.

History of the Nusa Islands

For centuries, the Nusa Islands form an independent kingdom concentrated around the great island, Nusa Penida. The first writings date back to the 10th century and mention a missed expedition of the Balinese king of the time to conquer the three islands. Until the 17th century, the islands remained independent by resisting many military expeditions. dynasty Gegel , famous for perhaps having sanctuated Singes Forest to Ubud , finally ended the resistance of the islands which were then attached to Bali.

The suite then collapsed with Bali until the Dutch conquest in 1908. The story of Nusa Penida is the most documented. We know in particular that it was nicknamed the island of bandits! The Balinese used to send all criminals, political opponents and followers of black magic to Nusa Penida. This bad reputation makes the island opened quite late to tourists.

Our tips to visit the Nusa Islands

Best times

The climate of the Nusa Islands is fairly stable. Indeed, temperatures are located between 25 and 32° all year , rarely more. However, the period April-October is preferred because it is the dry season. Between November and March, it is the rainy season, although the storms often take place at the end of the day. The humidity is present throughout the year and the feeling is often higher than the actual temperature, especially during the rainy season.

In summary:

• It’s from May to October that the weather is the most lenient.
• It’s in July and August that the climate is the dryest and therefore the most pleasant... but it is also the most touristic period.
• We advise December and especially January, the last month being generally very rainy.
• For those who have the choice, we recommend visiting the Nusas Islands in May, June and September, months off tourist season and almost as pleasant as July and August.

Visit time

It is difficult to determine an average time as the desires of each traveler differ. It is quite possible to pass 2 days like 3 weeks On the islands! In general, visit Nusa Penida mechanically extends the duration of the stay because it is, by far, the largest island.

If possible, Wanderlix recommends staying at least 5 days on site because the landscapes of Nusa Penida are truly breathtaking!

Travel to the Nusa Islands

The limited number of cars on the islands is quite quickly observed. On the other hand, the scooters are everywhere. This is clearly the best way, the most pleasant and cheapest (about 8€ per day ) to go through the three Nusa.

What to see and what to do in the Nusa Islands?

The beaches of Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Penida

Nusa Lembongan is the closest to Bali and many boats go there. It is a small island but so friendly! Quiet and welcoming place, Nusa Lembongan offers above all very beautiful beaches for lizarder.

• Apart from the Mushroom Beach To be avoided since all boats come here, the beaches of the island are superb.
• The little heart stroke of Wanderlix is the beach Pantai Pasir Putih ("white sand beach"), also known as Mahagiri Beach. As its names indicate, a true Caribbean paradise!

There are also many beaches in Nusa Penida ( Crystal Bay, Atuh Beach, Diamond Beach ) that is the southernmost island. However, Nusa Penida has so many other assets that we sometimes forget the quality of its beaches! If the opportunity is present and the weather is not lacking, take advantage of it to rest and jump into the water, especially in Crystal Bay.

The panorama from the cliffs

Visiting the Nusa Islands is also to contemplate beautiful landscapes. It is in Nusa Penida that we find the most beautiful cliffs.

• The best known is undoubtedly the cliff Paluang, located west of the island. A virgin beach a hundred meters below the feet, a verdie rock that stretches a bit on the left, a turquoise water: it is a real picture of postcard that opens before our eyes. The best time is undoubtedly just before sunset, which is at regular time in Bali.
• Nusa Penida is full of other cliffs or stunning views, as Broken Beach (Pasih Uug), where the rock forms an arch, and the point of view Thousand Islands, located all south. With the latter, you can't see a thousand islands but a magnificent view.
• But if we had to keep LA the most beautiful cliff in the Nusa Islands? We would then throw our devotee on the Blue Lagoon the little Nusa Ceningan! If the sun shines on the day of the visit, then you can admire a true perfection of nature offering its most beautiful colors.

Dive

The Nusa Islands have the most beautiful dive sites in Bali. Marine fauna and flora are exceptional and well preserved thanks to the protection of local authorities. It includes superb corals just a few meters from the shore and manta rays. There's even an engulfed temple for divers!

The majority of diving sites are in Nusa Penida but there are also in Nusa Lembongan. All levels are welcome, from beginner to experiment. Of course, each agency has its level requirements, so it is essential to get in touch upstream or once on site. Know that diving equipment is of very good quality and well maintained. Do not have any fear on this side!

Surfing

Of course, the heart of Balinese surfing is in Uluwatu. But we can also practice it on the Nusa Islands. It is mainly in Nusa Lembongan, close to Coconuts Resort , that are the surfing spots. However, waves are not easy to touch and the place is not recommended for beginners. Also the regulars advise to surf high tide.

It is also possible to surf at Nusa Ceningan but the place is only accessible by boat.

The mangrove

The east of Nusa Lembongan is covered by a tropical mangrove. It is possible to ride by boat. For those who want to see a tropical ecosystem closer, this is the ideal place.

Algoculture

Algoculture is algae culture. The algae farms are mainly on the delimitation between Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan. They are well visible to low tide when you take the yellow bridge to get from one island to another. You can then observe the traditional work of the premises.

How much does a ticket cost to visit the Nusa Islands?

There is no entry ticket for the Nusa Islands. Indeed, the only thing to pay is your journey. Depending on your departure point, arrival point and type of boat, the journey will last between 30 min and 2h for oscillating prices between 50€ and 70€ .

How do I book a ticket for the Nusa Islands online?

Many tour operators offer excursions to the Nusa Islands. You will be spoiled for the choice when booking because many packages can be purchased online: private transfer, diving, accommodation, driver... Prices are very variable, 10€ per person over 2000€ for the private boat with captain!

Are there visits combined with other locations?

Some packages bookable online include the Gili Islands. It's all taken care of. The price is fairly high but with tranquility as a bonus. To give you an idea, a cruise 5 days between the two islands still cost near 500€ .

How to access the Nusa Islands?

• First, you have to get to Bali by plane, logical! Do not hesitate to consult our partner’s website Skyscanner to find the right combination. Once arrived at the airport of Bali-Denpasar, the transfer It's pretty simple. In fact, many ways of locomotion are available: shuttles, taxis, buses, private drivers...
• Once you arrive on site, you have to go until Sanur east of the island and less than 30 minutes from the airport, Kuta or Seminyak. Then, if you have already booked upstream on the internet or via an agency, you take your boat. All leave early in the morning, often around 8h.

Note: the types of boat are quite disparate, from the local wooden boat to the motor boat ( fast boat ). The first is not very expensive ( 3 to 5€ ), but the journey lasts between 60 and 90 minutes . If the sea is agitated, given the absence of Western security standards, it can scare more than one but the incidents are extremely rare. The second is much more expensive, more than 20€, sometimes 50€ If you go directly to Nusa Penida! The journey then takes between 30 minutes (Lembongan) and 45 minutes (Penida) .

Where to stay on the Nusa Islands?

In the Nusa Islands, we find mainly what is called villas. These are often identical small houses for each visitor. The place is well decorated, in Balinese, and breakfast is often excellent. You can easily stay in Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Penida. There are almost no choices in Nusa Ceningan.

To find your accommodation, do not hesitate to check out Compare hotels or Airbnb to experience a more authentic experience.

Good stay in Bali!