Nusa Penida, Nusa Ceningan aud Nusa Lembongan.These three unspoiled islands are southeast of Bali. Boats ply the routes to the islands from Sanur and Benoa (south Bali), Padangbai and Kusamba (east Bali). Most leave by 9-10 am. When traveling from Padangbai, it is advisable to overnight in Candidasa or Padangbai.

There are different take-off points depending on your destination. If you are heading to Jungut Batu on Nusa Lembongan, where most of the losmen are, then leave from Sanur. Benoa or Kusamba. If you are going to Toya Pakeh on Nusa Penida, leave from kusamba or Padangbai.
You will have to wade through the water to get on and off the boat and you may get splashed during the crossing. Pack everything in plastic bags and keep a raincoat or poncho handy.

At certain times of the year the sea call be treacherous, full of strong currents and even whirlpools. Ask locally. During these periods, the voyage is not advisable in a small jukung and it’s safer to take one of the large excursion boats leaving Benoa. Another problem is pricing: the fare is low for locals.

Getting there

From Padangbai. Be there early and register on the beachfront cast of the main pier. Boats leave from 7 am – 2 pm.

From Kusamba. Take small jukung on the beach, 100 m from the market. When local traders book all the boats it’s difficult to sail from here.

From Sanur. Boats seating 50 leave from the bcach at the end of Jl. Raya Sanur, next to the Grand Bali Bech Hotel and take you to Jungut Batuon Nusa Lembongan in an hour. Depature 7-8 am. Boat with two 80HP engines, live jacket and radio communication is operated by Yayasan Pembangunan Desa Sanur Kaja.

From Benoa. Join a day-trip tour on yacht. Contact Bali Camar 231592, the Bali International Yacth Club 288391, Bali Adventure Club 751767, Baruna Watersport 751223 or any of the companies mentioned in Sanur practicalities.

Bali Hai Cruises (720331, 771463, fax: 720334) has daily cruises to Nusa Lembongan. The Beach Club Cruise (9 am – 4.30 pm) features swimming and a barbecue lunch at a private club.

WakaLouka (261129, 226695, fax. 261130, 227067) yacht sails to Lembongan daily from Benoa at 9 am, returning at 6 pm. $78, includes buffet lunch anduse of WakaNusa Resort facilities.

Getting around

Nusa Penida. In Toya Pakeh, take a bemo to Sampalan terminal where you can charter another bemo for an island tour ($20 unless you are very good at bargaining). To go to Jungut Batu on Nusa Lembongan either charter a jukung or take a public jukung.
Nusa Lembongan. Hire a trail bike from Jungut Batu for a tour of the island. The price is high because there are no bemos. Cross the new bridge to get to Nusa Ceningan. Bird-watchers should check out the cliffs there.