If you’re planning a trip to Nusa Penida, you’re probably wondering if ridesharing apps like grab, gojek, or even Uber are available on the island. Getting around Nusa Penida can be a bit tricky, and it’s important to come prepared so your trip can be as fun and comfortable as possible.
You might have heard about Nusa Penida’s dangerous roads and how this island isn’t the best place to drive a scooter if you don’t have a lot of experience. This complete guide summarises all the transport methods available, so you can decide which one is best for you.
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Why you can trust this article
Hi, I’m Victoria, and I’m your go-to source for Bali travel information – that includes Nusa Penida!
I’ve lived on the Island of the Gods for several years now and visited plenty of times before that, both as a tourist and backpacker. I know how to save money and when to splurge on things, so I’ll introduce you to the best luxury getaways for a special occasion but also the cheapest airport pickups and authentic local restaurants.
Nusa Penida is one of my favourite places to take family and friends who are visiting Bali so I go there quite a lot, making sure that this blog post is always up to date. I’ll be the first to know if and when gojek and grab will be available in Nusa Penida.
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Are grab and gojek available in Nusa Penida?
The popular ridesharing apps grab and gojek are currently not available in Nusa Penida, even though they’re legal in Bali. Since the island is small and tourism here is still quite recent, taxis are still more popular. Grab and gojek sometimes struggle to find a sufficient amount of drivers and demand on small islands, as well as the necessary support from local communities who may prefer keeping their elevated taxi prices.
As more and more day-trip tourists arrive at Nusa Penida every day, it is expected that grab and gojek may finally be operating here soon.
However, much like in many parts of Indonesia, the local taxi mafia control the popular tourist locations and may prevent pick-ups and drop-offs in busy locations in Nusa Penida. This means that even if the apps make it to the island, they will most likely have limited operational areas.
Is uber available on Nusa Penida?
Uber does not operate in Indonesia and is therefore also not available on Nusa Penida. Usually, grab and gojek are popular alternatives, however, on Nusa Penida, these do not work either.

Are taxis safe and easy to access in Nusa Penida?
Taxis are very safe in Nusa Penida, and scams are not common. Safety concerns only arise when it comes to the roads and driving habits of the drivers, but with years of experience, you can trust them to take you around as safely as possible. Luckily, it’s hard to drive very fast on the island, and you’ll be far safer in a car than on a scooter, for example.
Taxis are easy to access at the harbour, but in more remote locations, you may struggle to find them readily available. Luckily, you can ask at a hotel or restaurant, and they will call one for you.

How to get from the harbour to your hotel in Nusa Penida
You’ll arrive in Nusa Penida by boat at one of the island’s two harbours: Banjar Nyuh, or less commonly, Buyuk Harbour. The best way to get to your hotel will be to organise a pickup ahead of time by asking at your accommodation. Some, like Rama Homestay (my personal favourite in Nusa Penida), will even pick you up for free if you reach out to them via WhatsApp or text message.
While the boat ride to Nusa Penida isn’t as bumpy as the one to Gili, you might still find our seasickness guide helpful.
If your hotel doesn’t have a pickup service, you can get a taxi at the harbour to take you to your accommodation in Nusa Penida. Prices are high (around IDR 100k ($10 AU) for a 10-minute drive), but haggling is difficult since there are few alternatives. There are also motorbike taxis available, which will be slightly cheaper but may not be realistic depending on how much luggage you have.
You can also rent a scooter at the harbour, which will save you from having to pay for a taxi. Just keep in mind that the rental companies at the harbour are generally the most expensive.
Another option is to walk to your accommodation if you don’t live too far away. This is the cheapest, of course, and if the tide is low you should walk along the beach, which will be more comfortable than the busy road.
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Not sure where to stay in Nusa Penida? This post about villas vs hotels will help you out.
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How to get around Nusa Penida
Grab and gojek are unfortunately not an option in Nusa Penida, so how what is the best way to get around the island?

1. Can I rent a scooter in Nusa Penida?
Yes, renting a scooter is a popular way to explore Nusa Penida. But the question is: SHOULD you rent a scooter in Nusa Penida?
The roads are notoriously dangerous on the island, and even experienced drivers often have accidents. Since there are lots of hills, everything is steep with lots of winding narrow roads, making driving here a real challenge. Your rental scooter will often only have 125cc, which is not strong enough to take two people uphill.
Since a lot of people have bad experiences driving a scooter in Nusa Penida, more and more tourists are choosing to hire a driver instead and explore by car. This means that the already terrible infrastructure is even more crowded than before, with more cars on the road than scooters. The drivers often drive recklessly, making it even more dangerous for tourists on bikes.
Unless you’re a very experienced driver, renting a scooter in Nusa Penida is not recommended. Also, keep the extreme heat and sun the island is known for in mind, which in addition to the bumpy roads, will make the ride very uncomfortable. Getting from one place to another can take hours in Nusa Penida, so you’ll be driving for longer than you may expect. In my experience, a car is a much better choice.
OUR TIP
Scooter prices in Nusa Penida are slightly higher than in Bali. Expect to pay between IDR 50,000 and IDR 100,000 (~ $5 AU and $10 AU) per day, depending on the type of bike and rental duration.

Can I rent a scooter in Nusa Penida without an international driver’s license?
You need a valid license, as well as an international driver’s permit to rent a scooter or car in Indonesia. That being said, rental places rarely check, and you will most likely not be asked to show it. Still, it’s important to follow local rules and regulations, and in case of an accident, your insurance may not pay if you were driving illegally.
Every traveller should have insurance, including coverage for medical emergencies, hospital visits and unforeseen accidents.
They have a great selection of plans, including trip insurance, which supports you in case of cancelled flights or lost baggage.
My favourite part is that they offer adventure sports coverage ad-ons, so you can do all the exciting activities without having to worry about taking unnecessary risks.
No matter where you’re travelling, you cannot put a price on peace of mind.
Tips for renting a scooter and driving in Nusa Penida
If you do decide to rent a scooter in Nusa Penida, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Get an NMAX or a bike with at least 150cc to make going uphill easier
- Compare a few rentals before deciding to make sure you get the best possible bike and deal
- Honk before turning a tight corner to warn oncoming traffic
- Bring a towel or something to sit on when your bike seat gets hot in the sun
- Fuel up before exploring more remote parts of the island
- Go slow and steady and prioritise safety
- Obviously, don’t drink and drive
- Always wear a helmet and try to get one from the rental that actually fits
- Expect to pay an IDR 2,000 (~ $0.20 AU) parking fee at most attractions

2. Getting around Nusa Penida by taxi
Getting a taxi is a great way to get to and from the harbour, but it’s not really a suitable way to explore the island. Taxis are expensive in Nusa Penida, and you’ll struggle to find one to take you back at a good price. Most tourists come to attractions like Kelingking Beach or Diamond Beach with their own scooter or a private driver, so there aren’t too many taxi drivers around.
If you’re going to be seeing several attractions in Nusa Penida in one day, getting a private driver is definitely worth it.
3. Getting around Nusa Penida with a hired car and driver
Hiring a driver to take you around is the best way to explore Nusa Penida, in my experience. Not only will you be comfortable in an air-conditioned car, but you’ll also have a guide with you who will be able to tell you about the places you’re going and give you tips along the way.
You’ll be able to leave things like towels, drinks, or spare clothing in the car, so you don’t have to worry about carrying everything around with you. Drivers also know the quickest routes from one place to another and will be able to tell you what’s realistic to see in one day.

How much is a private driver in Nusa Penida
Hiring a private driver in Nusa Penida costs anywhere between IDR 500,000 to IDR 700,000 (~ $50 AU to $70 AU) per day. Currently, IDR 600,000 (~ $60 AU) is a common price, which is similar to the day rates for drivers in Bali. This includes petrol and parking but excludes entrance fees to attractions (usually only a few euros per day) and a tip.
Tipping shows your appreciation for the driver and will be much appreciated. If you were happy with the experience, anything from 10% to 20% is an appropriate amount, although more is always appreciated if you can afford it. It’s also a nice gesture to offer to pay for your driver’s lunch, although many may not accept.
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How to find private drivers in Nusa Penida
I would recommend finding a driver a few days before your Nusa Penida trip, so you can plan everything before you arrive. You can find drivers via Facebook groups, TripAdvisor, Google, or by asking for recommendations from people you know. Hotels and accommodations in Bali may also be able to help you out if you’re struggling to find options.
Text a few drivers on Whatsapp and compare prices before you commit. It’s common to pay your driver cash after the tour is finished, so avoid making deposits or payments before you arrive.
You can also organise a driver on arrival in Nusa Penida by asking your hotel or inquiring with local taxi drivers who may also offer day trip tours.
The Best Private Drivers In Bali
The most comfortable way to get around Bali is with a private driver. Read our complete guide or book instantly at the lowest prices with no need to haggle.
Tips for hiring a driver in Nusa Penida
Here are some tips for hiring a driver in Nusa Penida.
- Discuss your Nusa Penida itinerary in advance to make sure your expectations are realistic
- Compare prices from a few drivers to get the best deal
- It’s okay to negotiate and haggle but don’t overdo it and stay respectful
- You can get a better price if you hire a driver for multiple days
- Clarify whether you are booking your driver for 8, 10, or 12 hours
- Discuss whether your driver will also act as a tour guide (this may depend on their level of English)
- Give a generous tip at the end of the day if you were happy with everything

4. Getting around Nusa Penida on foot
Walking is a good way to cover short distances in Nusa Penida, but the island is not known for being very pedestrian-friendly, unfortunately. The main road is narrow, and it can be dangerous to walk there, especially at night. Walking along the beach is a much better choice, but this is only possible during low tide.
You’re most likely going to do at least some walking in Nusa Penida to get from your hotel to a restaurant or shop. But, any distance that is going to take more than 10 minutes won’t be very comfortable. Consider renting a scooter instead (the main road connecting both harbours in Nusa Penida is easy to drive), or walk along the beach whenever you can.
It goes without saying that you cannot walk to attractions like Kelingking Beach or Angel’s Billabong from the area around the harbour.
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Planning on walking a lot during your time in Bali and the surrounding islands? These tips and things to know will make it a lot easier.
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5. Getting around Nusa Penida with a tour
Day-trip tours to Nusa Penida are very popular, and you’ll see excursions advertised all over the island. If you’re short on time, one day in Nusa Penida is definitely enough, and the best way to make sure everything will go smoothly is to join a guided tour. There are both private and open trips available, and it’s important to do some research on what’s included before you book.
Our favourite day-trip tours to Nusa Penida include:
If you have a bit more time, this 2-day tour which also includes Nusa Lembongan is also a fantastic option.
OUR TIP
Are you overwhelmed by the planning process and want to explore Nusa Penida as part of a fun group of new friends? A multi-day group tour around Bali may be a great option for you. We reviewed the best ones without any bias, and you’re definitely going to find one that you like. No need to worry about drivers or choosing hotels. These tours do it all for you.
6. Can you rent a car in Nusa Penida?
It’s not really possible to rent a car in Nusa Penida and drive around yourself. It’s far more common to get a car with a driver who will make getting around a lot easier. The roads here are narrow and difficult to navigate, even for experienced drivers. Since hiring someone to take you around the island is so affordable, there is no real reason to rent a car.
Unlike in Bali, where renting a car is definitely possible, Nusa Penida also doesn’t really have any car rental companies, or at least not any that are commonly used by foreigners.

7. Is there public transport in Nusa Penida?
There is no public transport available in Nusa Penida, unfortunately. Tourists have to get around by car or scooter, and you won’t find buses or shared minivans here at this time. Hopefully, in the future, the infrastructure on the island can be improved, which might help the catastrophic traffic situation.
Driving and getting around Nusa Penida at night
Nusa Penida’s roads can be even more dangerous at night. Luckily, you most likely won’t be going very far in the evenings since most restaurants and bars are concentrated in the area around the two harbours of the island. If you’re driving, go slowly and make sure you have a scooter where the lights are working.
Walking along the main road can be very dangerous at night since the path is so narrow, and cars won’t see you in the dark. Always have your phone light out and point it in the direction of oncoming traffic so the cars and scooters can see you. If possible, walk along the beach instead or get a taxi.
Map of Nusa Penida and its road network
The roads in Nusa Penida aren’t straightforward, and sometimes even though two places are geographically located very close to each other, it may take an hour or move between them due. This means that getting around Nusa Penida takes a lot longer than you might expect.

Best things to do in Nusa Penida
Plan your trip to this beautiful island using our helpful 3-day itinerary. If you have limited time, you absolutely need to visit the following places.
1. Climb down to Kelingking Beach
Kelingking Beach is definitely Nusa Penida’s most famous attraction, and even though it can be crowded, you need to see it at least once. Just make sure to always prioritise safety and avoid swimming here since the waters at Kelingking Beach, as well as the hike down, can be extremely dangerous.
2. See Diamond Beach and Atuh Beach
Diamond and Atuh Beach are located right next to each other, and both are must-visits. The climb down the steep cliffs may be exhausting, but the views and crystal-clear waters make it more than worth it.
3. Stay at Rumah Pohon Treehouse
If you’re looking for an unusual stay, you’ll love Rumah Pohon Treehouse, which has some of the best views around. If this famous little treehouse is too basic for your taste, you might enjoy the nearby Tropical Glamping Villas more.
4. Swim in the Tembeling Natural Pools
Did you know Nusa Penida has a stunning jungle where you can find a hidden beach and several natural pools? Tembeling Forest is a must-visit if you enjoy venturing off the beaten path.
5. Visit Goa Giri Putri Cave
Goa Giri Putri is one of those places that everyone needs to see at least once in their lives. This mystical cave temple is a hidden gem in Nusa Penida and is highly recommended.
6. See Angel’s Billabong and Broken Beach
Angel’s Billabong and the nearby Broken Beach may not be as much of a secret place to visit on the island, but they should still be high on your to do list. Don’t miss out.
7. Plant coral
Nusa Penida has several coral planting organisations where you can join in and plant coral as a diver or snorkeller. Definitely check them out and consider volunteering to help Bali’s coral reefs.
Getting around Nusa Penida FAQ
Transport in Nusa Penida can be a bit tricky and the easiest way to get around is by taxi or private driver.
Walking around Nusa Penida is not possible in general since the road systems is so incomprehensive. If you would attempt it, it would take several hours and wouldn’t be very enjoyable due to the heavy traffic.
It takes around one to two hours to get from one side of Nusa Penida by car, depending on where exactly you’re going.
The northern side of Nusa Penida has the most hotels and restaurants so it’s the best place to stay.
Yes, there are plenty of hotels to choose from in Nusa Penida, although luxury options aren’t so common.
Transport in Nusa Penida isn’t easy, since apps like gojek and grab don’t work here. Hire a private driver instead and make your day on the island absolutely perfect.
Gojek and other ridesharing apps unfortunately do not work in Nusa Penida.
A 10-minute taxi ride in Nusa Penida costs around 100k IDR (~ $10 AU), which is far more expensive than normal rates in Bali.
Neither grab nor gojek work in Nusa Penida and only regular taxis are available.
No, uber is not available in Nusa Penida.
Nusa Penida is very safe when it comes to crime and the main dangers are the strong currents and steep cliffs in places like Kelingking Beach.
Grab is not available in Nusa Penida so hiring a private driver is the better choice.
Before you go…
Grab and gojek make getting around South East Asia a breeze, but unfortunately, these apps are not available in some regions or neighbourhoods. Read our gojek guides on Kuta Lombok, Kintamani, Ubud, Uluwatu, Lovina, Amed, Canggu, Padang Bai, Labuan Bajo, Sanur, Seminyak, Nusa Dua, Nusa Lembongan, Tanah Lot Temple or the airport in Bali to make sure you come prepared.
You might also enjoy our articles on the tap water in Bali, the dress code at immigration, the best eSIMs the price of beer, and our post on how to make friends on the island as a solo traveller.
Did I miss anything?
If you have any questions or feel like something is missing from this post, please leave a comment below or contact me.
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