There is no airport on Nusa Lembongan and no bridge to Bali: everyone arrives by boat. The vast majority of visitors take a fast boat from Sanur, on Bali’s south-east coast, which crosses the Badung Strait in about 30–45 minutes. Day cruises from Benoa and a few boats from elsewhere in Bali are the alternatives.
From Bali’s international airport (DPS) to Sanur is roughly 30–60 minutes by car, depending on traffic, so a morning flight arrival can be on Lembongan in time for a late lunch.
The options, compared
| How | Time | Cost (approx.) | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fast boat from Sanur | 30–45 min | from ≈€11–15 one way | Almost everyone |
| Fast boat + Bali hotel pickup | 1.5–3 h door to door | a little more than boat-only | Arrivals from Ubud, Seminyak, Canggu |
| Day cruise from Benoa | ≈1–1.5 h each way | from ≈€100+ incl. activities | Day visitors, families |
| Day trip with snorkelling | full day | from ≈€45 | Bali-based visitors with one day |
| Boat from Nusa Penida | ≈15 min | from ≈€7 | Island-hoppers |
1. Fast boat from Sanur — the standard route
Several companies run fast boats between Sanur and Lembongan throughout the day, typically from early morning to late afternoon. Boats are open-deck speedboats or larger fast cruisers; the crossing takes about 30–45 minutes depending on the sea. Most boats now use the purpose-built harbour at Sanur, while a few still board from the beach — your ticket shows the meeting point. Book a Sanur–Lembongan speedboat in advance, especially in July, August and at Christmas.
2. Fast boat with hotel pickup
Many tickets include, or offer for a small supplement, a shuttle from hotels in south Bali and sometimes Ubud. It takes the stress out of the drive to Sanur and is good value for couples and families.
3. Day cruises from Benoa
Big day-cruise boats leave Benoa Harbour in the morning for pontoons and beach clubs off Lembongan, returning in the late afternoon. They are an easy, all-inclusive family day — see our ranked day cruises — but not a way to reach the island if you plan to stay.
4. From Nusa Penida or the Gilis
Local boats cross between Nusa Penida (Toyapakeh or Banjar Nyuh) and Lembongan in about 15 minutes. Some fast-boat companies also link Lembongan with the Gili Islands and Lombok, useful if you are travelling on east.
Fees and paperwork
- Bali tourist levy: since 14 February 2024, foreign visitors to Bali pay a one-off levy of IDR 150,000 per person, ideally online through the official Love Bali website or app before arrival.
- Nusa Penida islands levy: a small local retribution fee (around IDR 25,000 per adult at last check) is usually collected when you arrive at the harbour or included in your ticket. Keep the receipt.
- Visa: many nationalities need a visa on arrival or e-VOA for Indonesia (IDR 500,000 for 30 days at the time of writing). Check the official Indonesian immigration site before you fly.
Fees and rules change. Check official sources shortly before you travel.
Getting around Lembongan
- Scooter: the most popular way to get around; rentals cost roughly IDR 70,000–100,000 a day. You legally need a licence covering motorbikes plus an International Driving Permit, and a helmet. Some roads — and Ceningan’s — are steep and rough.
- Golf buggy: rent one or book a buggy tour with a driver. Buggies cannot cross the Yellow Bridge.
- Pickup-truck taxis: hotels arrange rides in open trucks and minivans at fixed prices, including to and from the boats.
- Walking and cycling: Jungutbatu to Mushroom Bay is about 45 minutes on foot; bicycles are available but the hills are steep.
