The only realistic way although you can charter a helicopter to reach these islands from Bali is by boat. There are several options according to budget and speed. It is straightforward to reach Nusa Lembongan and visitors to Nusa Penida usually come via Nusa Lembongan, although direct services from Bali are available. All services involve getting your feet wet as there are no jetties to speak of. Nusa Ceningan is reached on foot or by bike via the suspension bridge that connects it and Nusa Lembongan.
Boat Charters
You are able to charter speedboats to get into either Nusa Lembongan or Nusa Penida from Sanur or Padang Bai. Expect to pay about Rp 1,000,000 each way. Contact the speedboat operators or make enquiries in person at the relevant point of departure one day in advance.
To Nusa Penida Direct From Bali
It is possible to take regular public ferries to Nusa Penida direct from Sanur, Kusamba or Padang Bai in East Bali, but this is difficult. The services are very sketchy, sometimes over-loaded and cannot be recommended for safety reasons.
To Nusa Lembongan From South Bali
From South Bali there are boat services to Nusa Lembongan, departing from Sanur Beach and Benoa Harbour. More information about the boat services is in the main Nusa Lembongan article.
To Nusa Lembongan From East Bali
Regular public ferry services run to Nusa Lembongan from Padang Bai and Kusamba but these are unreliable, get very crowded and have a poor safety record. Not recommended.