Photo by water-sport-bali.com

While Bali itself holds the title as Indonesia’s crowned jewel, and one of the most sought after destinations in the world, many forget that there are three lesser islands that are just as beautiful. These islands are Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Ceningan. Geographically, the Nusa islands are located just south east of Bali, and are easily accessible with a fast boat in as little as half an hour from Sanur.

With that said, these neighboring Nusa islands are just as beautiful, if not moreso, than Bali itself. Speaking of the island, did you know that Nusa Penida shares the same regency as Klungkung in Bali? Despite being separated by the Badung Strait, Nusa Penida remains under the same province as Klungkung.

The Nusa islands of Lembongan, Ceningan and Penida are home to incredible landscapes and seascapes. In fact, a 20,057 hectare area around the Nusa islands was declared as a Protected Maritime Zone in 2010.

The waters around these islands are home to some of the best diving and snorkeling spots in the world. Most notable are the Mola-Mola Sunfish that visit the island each year from July to October, as well as the incredible resident school of Manta Rays, making it a hotspot for divers around the world.

In addition to the seascapes, the Nusa islands have an equally amazing landscape for visitors to explore. Unlike Bali, the majority of these islands are relatively undeveloped; meaning you’ll have the privilege to marvel at their beauty for what it is. With hidden waterfalls, majestic limestone cliffs, and pristine beaches, there is no shortage of outdoor beauty to explore in the Nusa Islands.

As mentioned above, both Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Penida are just a short fast boat trip from Sanur. The average time to cross the Badung Strait to reach the island is between 30 - 45 minutes depending on the water and weather conditions.

The majority of the fast boat operators will have two time frames in which they transport visitors to and from the island. These are split into the morning time frame, between 7 am to 10 am, and the afternoon time frame, between 2 pm and 5 pm.

Day trips are a popular option if you’re planning to spend the day on the Nusa islands and return to Bali to your accommodation. If you are opting for a day trip we recommend you take the earliest boat, which leaves as early as 7:00 am. Tickets are available online, and also on the spot. For on the spot tickets, we recommend arriving at least 30 minutes in advance to make sure you have enough time to purchase tickets before departure.

Your adventure in Bali and the Nusa islands are only as good as the place you’re staying in. That’s why we believe you should stay in our comfortable and luxury villas in The Samata.

Staying in The Samata means your comfort and wellness is in good hands. We embrace a philosophy where we prioritize your presence more than anything. Enjoy our comprehensive list of facilities that include a complete fitness center to sustain your active lifestyle, a wellness studio to sharpen your mental clarity, as well as three different pools to cool off from the tropical sun.

We are here to enhance your Bali experience to its fullest extent. Book your stay with us at The Samata in Sanur, we look forward to welcoming you.