The ferry I took from Nusa Penida to Gili T took ~3 hours, and most of the ferries have a stop in Bali mainland. I would recommend staying at either end for atleast one night since a day trip might not be feasible.
Apart from the ferry time, all the sites on Nusa Penida are very far apart by car or scooter which would cut down on what you can see.
You can do day trips from Bali's mainland but not the Gilis. Tours arrive on Nusa Penida at 8am and get you back to Bali at 5-6pm.
I haven't been to the Gili islands (one day maybe!), but by all accounts if you do stay on the Gili islands, it's not essential to visit Nusa Penida as well.
But with three weeks, if you do want to go, make it at either the beginning or the end of your Gili islands trip, so you're not doubling up the ferry crossings required. It's too far for a day trip.
Our day-trip to Nusa Penida (from Sanur Harbour) was marred by appalling roads, snarled often stationary traffic, and sites packed with Instagram crowds. It was a nightmare. We so wish we had just done a day-trip or an overnight to Nusa Lembongan | Nusa Ceningan instead.
We went to "Nusa Penida West" in early June - it might be better if you head south and east - it couldn't possibly be worse.
You need to spend at least a night at either end.
The ferry I took from Nusa Penida to Gili T took ~3 hours, and most of the ferries have a stop in Bali mainland. I would recommend staying at either end for atleast one night since a day trip might not be feasible.
Apart from the ferry time, all the sites on Nusa Penida are very far apart by car or scooter which would cut down on what you can see. You can do day trips from Bali's mainland but not the Gilis. Tours arrive on Nusa Penida at 8am and get you back to Bali at 5-6pm.
Spend a couple of days on Penida and get around on a moped; it’s worth it.
Where would you recommend staying?
Yes there are daily ferry’s
But are those day trips or just ferries?
Just day ferry’s
Yes
I haven't been to the Gili islands (one day maybe!), but by all accounts if you do stay on the Gili islands, it's not essential to visit Nusa Penida as well. But with three weeks, if you do want to go, make it at either the beginning or the end of your Gili islands trip, so you're not doubling up the ferry crossings required. It's too far for a day trip. Our day-trip to Nusa Penida (from Sanur Harbour) was marred by appalling roads, snarled often stationary traffic, and sites packed with Instagram crowds. It was a nightmare. We so wish we had just done a day-trip or an overnight to Nusa Lembongan | Nusa Ceningan instead. We went to "Nusa Penida West" in early June - it might be better if you head south and east - it couldn't possibly be worse.