Harbour guides
Banjar Nyuh vs Buyuk vs Sampalan: which Nusa Penida harbour?
Nusa Penida has several harbours, and the one you land at decides how long you spend in a car. Banjar Nyuh is best for the west coast, Buyuk and Sampalan for the east.
The team, Fast Boat MatePublished
Photo: Matthew De ZenFast boats to Nusa Penida land on the north coast, at one of several harbours a few kilometres apart. They look close on a map, but Penida's roads are slow, and the island's best-known sights sit on opposite coasts. Choosing the right arrival harbour can save you an hour or more each way.
Which harbour is closest to which sights?
| Harbour | Coast | Closest to | Boats from Bali |
|---|---|---|---|
| Banjar Nyuh | North-west | Kelingking, Broken Beach, Angel's Billabong, Crystal Bay | Most Sanur boats |
| Toyapakeh | North-west | Crystal Bay, cafés, shuttles to Lembongan | Local shuttle boats |
| Buyuk | North-east | Diamond Beach, Atuh, Thousand Islands viewpoint | Sanur (some), Serangan |
| Sampalan | North-east | Sampalan town, ATMs, petrol | Public car ferry from Padang Bai |
From Banjar Nyuh, the west-coast viewpoints are 45–75 minutes by road. Buyuk and Banjar Nyuh are about 35 minutes apart; Sampalan is about 40 minutes from Banjar Nyuh and 5 minutes from Buyuk.
Banjar Nyuh: for the west coast
Banjar Nyuh, between Toyapakeh and Ped, is the main arrival harbour for most Sanur boats, including Angel Billabong, Maruti, Semabu Hill and El Rey. Some sellers call it "Toyapakeh", so check the harbour on your ticket.
Drivers and scooter rentals wait at the harbour. Boarding can be from a jetty or the beach depending on the boat and the tide. This is also where our snorkel trip starts.
See the Banjar Nyuh Harbour guide.
Buyuk: for the east coast
Buyuk is on the north coast, just west of Sampalan town. Wijaya Buyuk from Sanur, and Gili Getaway and BlueWater Express from Serangan and to the Gilis, use it. It is the best base for Diamond Beach, Atuh and the Thousand Islands viewpoint, and it is close to the shops and ATMs in Sampalan.
See the Buyuk Harbour guide.
Sampalan: the main town
Sampalan is Nusa Penida's main town, with ATMs, petrol and markets. Its harbour is the main port for the public car ferry from Padang Bai, which is slower than a fast boat but carries vehicles. It is served by the public car ferry; none of the fast boats we sell land here.
Toyapakeh: for Lembongan and Ceningan
Toyapakeh is a small pier in a calm channel facing Nusa Ceningan, with cafés and hotels nearby. Local shuttle boats cross to Lembongan and Ceningan in about 15 minutes, so it is handy if you are island-hopping between the Nusas.
Does it matter for a day trip?
Yes. On a day trip you have about seven hours on the island. Landing at Banjar Nyuh and then driving to Diamond Beach costs you the best part of three hours on the road, there and back. Pick the side you want to see, then the harbour that matches. Our day trip plan has a realistic timetable.
Can I land at one harbour and leave from another?
Yes. Book each direction separately, or as a return with different harbours: the search shows every arrival and departure harbour with the island side. It makes sense if you stay a few nights, for example arriving at Banjar Nyuh for the west and leaving from Buyuk after a night on the east side.
What fees apply at the harbour?
We are not aware of a harbour fee on Nusa Penida, but every foreign visitor pays the Klungkung island fee: IDR 25,000 per adult and IDR 15,000 per child, cashless (card or QR). Attraction fees are extra. See the fees guide.
How do I know which harbour my boat uses?
Every boat on our site shows the arrival harbour and its side of the island before you book, for example "Banjar Nyuh (north-west, closest to Kelingking)". Your e-ticket shows it again. If a seller only says "Nusa Penida", ask which harbour.
