Getting There & Away: Nusa Lembongan

Air Travel

Bali's Main Airport

The nearest major international airport for Nusa Lembongan is Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) in Denpasar, Bali. No airport exists on Nusa Lembongan itself. All international and most domestic travelers arrive via DPS.

Airlines & Routes

DPS, a major Southeast Asian hub, welcomes numerous international airlines from major global hubs and regional cities.
Full-service carriers: Garuda Indonesia, Singapore Airlines, Qatar Airways, Emirates, Qantas, Cathay Pacific.
Low-cost carriers: AirAsia, Jetstar, Scoot, Lion Air offer budget options.

Flight Planning

Direct flights to Bali grow in number. These include routes from Australia (Perth, Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane), Southeast Asia (Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Jakarta, Manila, Ho Chi Minh City), and the Middle East (Dubai, Doha).

Seasonal & Pricing

Flight prices to Bali typically peak during Indonesia's high season (July, August, December, January) and major holidays.
Booking flights several months early, especially during peak times, secures better rates and availability. Prices run lower during the wet season (February-March, November).
DPS is a modern airport with ATMs, currency exchange, duty-free, restaurants, airline lounges, and SIM card vendors.

Flight Deals

Dollar Flight Club for discounted airfares.

Price Comparison

Skyscanner for comparing flight options and prices.

Airport Transfers

Many fast boat companies offer packages including airport pick-up in Bali.

Transfers to Fast Boats

From DPS Airport

Taxi: Official airport taxis await outside arrival hall. Confirm price beforehand or insist on metered taxi.
Ride-sharing apps: Gojek and Grab are present, but may mean walking short distance outside immediate airport taxi area due to local rules.
Pre-arranged transfer: Many fast boat companies Offer packages with pick-up from DPS (or your Bali hotel) to their fast boat departure point in Sanur or Serangan.
This often proves the most convenient, stress-free option, especially for luggage-laden or late-arriving travelers.

Driving in Bali

Self-driving a car in Bali is possible but generally not suggested for tourists due to challenging traffic, narrow roads, and local driving styles.
An International Driving Permit (IDP) holds legal necessity in Indonesia, along with your national driving license, if you choose to self-drive.
Parking also presents difficulty in popular areas.
Road conditions vary widely; main roads are generally paved but can be congested. Smaller roads might see less maintenance. Traffic can appear chaotic.

Land & Sea Travel Connections

Border Crossings

Not applicable for direct travel from Bali to Nusa Lembongan. This journey is within Indonesia, so no border crossings appear. Immigration procedures for international arrivals complete solely at Bali's Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS).

Train/Bus Options

Not applicable. No train services in Bali or on Nusa Lembongan. Bali has some limited long-distance bus services, but they do not serve as the main or most convenient way to reach fast boat departure points for Nusa Lembongan. Most travelers use taxis, ride-sharing, or pre-arranged transfers.

Road Safety on Lembongan

Roads on Nusa Lembongan remain mainly narrow; many are unpaved, rocky, or steep. Potholes frequently appear. Always drive slowly and defensively. A helmet is always necessary. Drive cautiously, assuming others may not follow traffic rules.

Sea & River Travel

Fast Boat Services

Fast boats are the standard, most efficient way to reach Nusa Lembongan from Bali.

Details

Departure Points in Bali: Sanur (most common and convenient, shortest sea crossing), Serangan, and Padang Bai (further east).
Travel Time: From Sanur to Jungut Batu or Mushroom Bay takes approximately 30-45 minutes, ocean conditions permitting.
Operators: Numerous reputable fast boat operators serve the route (Scoot Fast Cruises, Rocky Fast Cruise, D'Camel Fast Ferry, Marlin Fast Boat). Booking with a well-known operator brings reliability and safety.

Cost & Public Ferry

Typical costs range from IDR 250,000 - 400,000 for an one-way ticket, or IDR 450,000 - 750,000 for a return ticket. Many fast boat tickets include hotel pick-up and drop-off services in specific areas of Bali (e.g., Sanur, Kuta, Seminyak, Ubud center) and sometimes even on Nusa Lembongan.

Public Ferry Option

A slower, larger public ferry (Roro boat) operates from Padang Bai in Bali to Nusa Penida.
From Nusa Penida, you can take a small local boat (jungkung) to Nusa Lembongan.
This option proves significantly cheaper but consumes much more time and entails more transfers, making it less suitable for most tourists.

Sea Immigration

Immigration for international arrivals to Indonesia completes at Bali's Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS). No separate immigration procedures exist at the fast boat departure points in Bali or upon arrival at Nusa Lembongan. You simply check in with your fast boat operator, board the boat, and disembark on the island.

Arrival & Transfers

Upon arrival at Jungut Batu or Mushroom Bay on Nusa Lembongan, local transport options await to take you to your accommodation.
Fast boat company transfer: Many fast boat companies include a transfer service to your accommodation on Nusa Lembongan in their ticket price. Look for staff holding signs for your resort or asking your destination.
Local drivers: If a transfer is not included, local drivers with scooters (ojeks), golf buggies, or modified pick-up trucks await at arrival points. Agree on the price prior to commencing your journey.

River Transportation

Not applicable. No river transportation options to or around Nusa Lembongan exist.

General Transport Tips

Familiarize yourself with the main departure points in Bali for smooth transitions.
Book fast boat tickets in advance, especially during high season, to secure your spot.
Pack light for easier luggage handling, as transfers from boat to shore can involve wading.

Departure Information

Exit Fees/Taxes: No specific exit fees or taxes apply for air departure from Indonesia; these generally appear in your airfare. No separate exit fees from Nusa Lembongan when departing by fast boat.
Departure Procedures & Timing: For your fast boat return to Bali, arrive at the departure point (e.g., Jungut Batu) 30-60 minutes before scheduled departure. Confirm specific requirements with your fast boat company the day before.
For international flights departing from DPS, plan to arrive at the airport 2-3 hours before scheduled departure. This time yields ample check-in, security screening, and immigration procedure time.

Airport/Station Facilities: DPS offers duty-free shopping, various restaurants, lounges, and currency exchange.
Fast boat departure points on Nusa Lembongan appear basic: small kiosks for check-in, waiting areas, and small shops. Do not anticipate extensive facilities or services at these points.
Account for potential traffic on the way to the airport from your Bali accommodation, especially for early morning or late evening flights.

Departure Logistics

Smooth Departures

Reconfirm fast boat schedules and airport transfer times the day before departure to ensure a seamless journey off the island.

Getting There & Away