Crystal clear Balinese sea. There are fish clearly visible moving together towards north. There is a traditional Balinese wooden boat and the backdrop of a mountain possibly mount Batur.

How to Get from Ubud to Nusa Lembongan: Step-by-Step Guide

BySilvia Gentile Polese

Have you watched lots of horror-style videos of ferries around Bali? Me too, and I’ve been on a couple of those! But here is the thing, Nusa Lembongan is pretty close to Sanur Harbour, so the chance of you getting sick is really low. 

I normally get motion sick everywhere, and I have been sick on lots of boats around Bali, but NEVER on this specific ferry and never on my way to Nusa Lembongan. 

If you are confused about how to get from Ubud to Nusa Lembongan, I hear you, and I’ve been in your shoes before. I’ve tried them all. The worst thing I did was go to Sanur Harbour in person to try to get cheap deals.

Not only did I not get cheaper deals, but I also got stopped constantly around the harbour from people who pretended to sell tickets (some followed me too!). 

All I had to do was book my ticket via 12Go for about $13 and pack! But hey, there is always a first time!

Heads up: This post contains an affiliate links. If you book through them, I may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. I only recommend what I’ve personally used and trust!

The Step-by-Step Way to Get From Ubud to Nusa Lembongan

I’ve tried different boats and I have to say Rocky Fast Cruise is my favourite so far. It’s always on time, the staff is nice, and I always get to the other side in one piece (without feeling seasick too!). 

Here’s the exact process I’ve followed more than once — it’s reliable, quick, and much easier than piecing together vans and WhatsApp groups.

Step 1: Book Your Ferry Ticket in Advance

A young boy with wind-tousled hair sits quietly near the front of a small boat with white and red seats, gazing out through a large window. The boat's clean interior includes a mounted fan, metal support bars, and a skylight showing an overcast sky.

Head to 12Go and book your boat from Sanur to Nusa Lembongan.

When you choose your boat, you will see that you have the option to get a van that will pick you up directly from your accommodation in Ubud. 

I don’t recommend doing this because they literally pick up everyone travelling from Ubud that day. If you get car sick like me, this will simply be the definition of a nightmare because that trip will last FOREVER. 

Get a private driver instead, it will be only you and you will get to destination a lot quicker!

So I would advise booking only the ferry unless you don’t get car sick or you are on a budget (a shared transport will be cheaper than a private driver!).

👉🏽 Book your Rocky Fast Cruise on 12Go for just $13 and sail stress-free!

Step 2: Arrange a Private Driver from Ubud

If you’re booking a private driver, make sure you give the right address for Sanur. It’s not at the harbour but Rocky Fast Cruise office — here’s the exact location on Google Maps.

You’ll also receive an email from the ferry operator with detailed instructions on where to go. 

Leave at least 1.5 hours before your ferry check-in time to account for traffic. Sanur is around 1–1.5 hours from Ubud, depending on the time of day. If you can, get an early morning boat which means you will leave Ubud before the traffic hits the road!

👉🏽 Grab the only Bali boat ride I’ve never gotten sick on: Rocky Fast Cruise via 12Go!

Step 3: Check In at the Sanur Office

Google Maps screenshot showing exactly where is the Rocky Fast Cruise office in Sanur. It's between a big road called Simpang Sanur and Sunrise Beach - not far from Sanur Port.

Once you arrive at the check-in office, staff will confirm your booking and give you a sticker to wear. This helps them keep track of passengers by destination.

From here, you’ll be taken in a shuttle van to the harbour. Your luggage goes with you in a separate cart, and everything’s handled for you.

👉🏽 Book Rocky Fast Cruise through 12Go

Step 4: Head to the Harbour and Board the Boat

A boat with clean interior includes metal support bars, and a skylight showing an overcast sky. There is a red and bold writing reading "insurance". The boat searts are padded with a black leather fabric and red headrest. [From blog post: How to get from Ubud to Nusa Lembongan]

The harbour is just a few minutes from the check-in office. Once at the harbour, you will all have to wait at the “gate” until it’s time for boarding.

The ride to Nusa Lembongan usually takes 30–40 minutes. It’s relatively smooth, and the staff are helpful throughout.

👉🏽 Lock in your ticket to Nusa Lembongan for about $13 here on 12Go

Step 5: Arrive at Nusa Lembongan and Get to Your Hotel

Close-up of a person wearing a light Adidas windbreaker and a sticker label that reads “Rocky – The Best Way To Get a Way,” with “Yoga Bliss” handwritten on it and marked for 1 pax. The background shows passengers seated on a boat, some wearing masks and looking out the windows.

Rocky Fast Cruise docks at their private pier in Nusa Lembongan. 

From there, you have two options to reach your hotel:

👉 Ask your accommodation in Nusa Lembongan to pick you up from the pier — many offer this for free.

👉 Or, Rocky Fast Cruise will provide a shared drop-off at your hotel if you booked with them. Just know this will be a shared van with other guests, so it may take a little longer, but it’s not too bad!

If you choose the last option, they will stick a label on you when you check in. This is because once you get to Nusa Lembongan, everyone will see straight away where you need to be taken.

Remember, there is no Grab or Gojek on the island, so you have to arrange your pickup in advance!

👉🏽 Reserve your Rocky Fast Cruise ticket on 12Go now and show it on your phone—no printer needed!

Tips To Avoid Feeling Sick 

A tanned hand is holding 4 red pills in a seethrough packaging written "antimo dimenhydrinate" on the front. Her nails are colorful and the thumb nail holding is on front of the pills showing a green nail varnish with yellow glitters

If you ask for tips from local Balinese people, they would say, “Sit on the back and pray for the Gods”. I’m going to say that praying to the Gods is optional, but do sit on the back! That’s because the boat moves significantly less than at the front. 

I’m not a doctor, but I sometimes take pills for motion sickness, never on this specific ride, but ALWAYS when I go to Lombok (however, this new boat is super safe and tested if you need to go to Bali to the Gilis). 

So if you want to play safe, I would say it could help to take one pill. For me, it also helps a lot having an empty stomach, but you do you!

👉🏽 Book your seat now!

Best Places To Stay in Nusa Lembongan

Left image: A cozy beachside hotel room with a neatly made bed, orange bed runner, and a towel folded into an animal shape. Floor-to-ceiling glass doors open to a balcony with two wooden chairs and a view of palm trees and the ocean beyond. Right image: A woman wrapped in a white towel stands on a balcony, gazing out at a calm ocean framed by palm trees and beach umbrellas, with a hilly coastline in the distance under a clear blue sky.
Aurora Beach View

Here are some of my favourite places to stay in Nusa Lembongan. They are easy to reach and comfortable for female solo travellers like us!

💲💲💲Santai Villas -> These villas have the most beautiful interior design and Western comforts. There is a private pool, breakfast included and it’s a few steps away from Jungutbatu Beach! (Prices starting from $160 per night)

💲💲Aurora Beach View -> This place is actually in Nusa Ceningan but it’s not far from Nusa Lembongan and it’s a really beautiful place. The owners are super friendly and professional. One time we went swimming together at sunset. (Prices starting from $30 per night with sea-view!)

💲Pandan Wangi -> I found this place recently, it’s in the Jungutbatu area, super affordable and cute. You can easily walk to the beach from here and you get breakfast included! (Price? Around $15 per night!)

Final Tips For Your Trip To Nusa Lembongan

  • They will ask you to print the tickets, but it’s not necessary. I always show it on my phone, and it will be fine

  • Remember to bring your passport for the check-in

  • Have your hotel’s WhatsApp ready for pickup arrangements.

  • Bring some cash with you because there is only 1 ATM on the island, and sometimes you may need to pay in cash!

Now that you have your transport sorted, check out this full guide to Nusa Lembongan to get inspired for your trip!

Ciao for now,

Silvia x

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✍️ Bali Travel Planning Guide 🌴

Before you start your unforgettable journey to Bali here are the essential tips every female solo traveller should know:

📱 Do I need an eSIM for Bali?

✅ Yes. Having data from the moment you land makes your trip so much easier. I recommend Ubigi eSIM, which connects instantly without queuing at the airport for a SIM card and works better than other eSIMs I have tested. 👉 Get your Indonesia plan now

🚑 Should I buy travel insurance for Bali?

✅ 100% YES! — My #1 safety tip for all travellers is to buy travel insurance for every trip in case anything happens during their visit (and yes, Bali belly is a thing!). I highly recommend HeyMondo – you get 24/7 support and it’s budget-friendly!

💧Can you drink the water in Bali?

🚱 No — It’s recommended to drink filtered or bottled water in Bali (I even brush my teeth with filtered water).

🏩 What’s the best way to book my Bali accommodations?

My go-to for Bali hotels is Booking.com. For hostels, I normally go for Hostelworld (you can also filter by private rooms if you want!). If you love pets you should consider Trusted Housesitters, you would get free accommodation in exchange for looking after amazing pets ❤️

🐒 What’s the best way to book my Bali activities?

Get Your Guide and Viator are the best ones. You can go through the reviews to learn more about each activity and they have amazing customer support!

🛒 Will I find tampons in Bali?

Yes! However, they are hard to find! Get the guide with the list of sellers and Google Map here!

🚕 How can I book my taxi in advance from the airport to my accommodation?

I always recommend reserving your taxi in advance via Klook. This is because it will ask you for flight details and the driver will be able to track your flight in real time. I would book my taxi especially when I fly to new places or get there at night time! If you want to rent a car, Klook is still your best bet. They have cars available to pick up right at the airport! For scooter rental in Bali, go to BikAgo.

🏄🏽 Where can I book surf camps or yoga retreats?

Booksurfcamps.com is the best for surf camps all over the world. Use Bookyogaretreats.com for the best yoga retreats in Bali and worldwide.

✈️ What’s the best site to book my flight?

Skyscanner is definitely the best one out there! I love their “explore everywhere” function for when I need inspiration on where to go next! If you will embark on a long flight and you love showering in between flights or just using the lounges in airports all over the world, check out Lounge Passes on Klook, GetYourGuide or get a lounge membership on Priority Pass!

🎫 Do I need a visa for Bali?

👍 Yes — US, UK, and EU passport holders can get the Visa On Arrival (Tourist Visa) valid for 30 days in Bali. Read more here)

💰 𝗖𝘂𝗿𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆: The currency here is the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR), and there are plenty of ATMs if you need cash. I always withdraw from ATMs to get the best rates (select “no” when it asks you if you accept the conversion rate). The best debit card to use when travelling to Bali is Wise!

🚕 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Getting around Bali is easy peasy! Rent your scooter on BikAgo. The alternative would be getting a scooter taxi using Grab or Gojek which are safe and cheap in major places like Ubud, Canggu and Uluwatu. You can also book your private driver!

Meet Silvia, a solo traveller who left what looked like the perfect life in London with a tech job, a stylish apartment and all the comforts she thought she wanted to live a simpler life in Bali, close to nature and a beautiful culture. Through The Good Observer, she shares honest and practical advice for solo female travellers, from where to find essentials in Bali to how to connect with locals and explore beyond the tourist path.