How to Get Around Nusa Penida—The Ultimate Travel Guide
Nusa Penida undoubtedly tops the list of must-visit places for every traveler visiting Bali. It is a ruggedly beautiful island located to the southeast of Bali. With iconic destinations like Kelingking Beach, Diamond Beach, and Broken Beach, this island feels like untouched paradise, like stepping into a postcard. The beautiful nature, little ripples of the seas, the remote houses, the less crowded places, and the smiling local faces—all will attract you to come here again and again. But once you get here, a common question arises: how to get around Nusa Penida?
The island is far less developed than mainland Bali, and figuring out your transportation options can make or break your experience. This guide will walk you through all the best ways to get around Nusa Penida—from renting a scooter to hiring a private car with drivers—plus practical travel tips that will help you like real friends.
But before that, let’s have a quick look at the chapters that I am going to cover in this article:
What is Nusa Penida?
Nusa Penida is a stunning island located just off the southeast coast of Bali, well known for its dramatic cliffs, crystal-clear waters, and unspoiled natural beauty. Unlike the crowded tourist spots of Bali, Nusa Penida offers a more peaceful and raw experience, perfect for those seeking adventure and breathtaking landscapes. From the iconic Kelingking Beach to the serene Diamond Beach, from the mysterious Broken Beach to the heavenly Rumah Pohon, the island is filled with picture-perfect spots. Whether you’re snorkeling with manta rays or exploring hidden waterfalls, Nusa Penida promises a memorable escape into nature’s wild beauty, just a short boat ride away from Bali.
Related Post : Nusa Penida Travel Guide
Why Transportation Matters in Nusa Penida
Whenever we plan to explore a place, the transportation mode matters a lot. In the case of Nusa Penida, where the whole island is full of attractions, the transportation network seems much more vital. But Nusa Penida doesn’t have a well-developed public transport system like Bali. Roads can be steep, narrow, and bumpy—especially around the more remote areas. If you plan poorly, you might spend hours on the road and miss the proper time for the best views.
Knowing how to get around Nusa Penida ahead of time will save you time, stress, and possibly even a few scratches from the rocky terrain. Here I am sharing details of all four types of transportation systems available in Nusa Penida upon which you can rely.
Option 1: Renting a Scooter—The Most Popular Choice
One of the most common answers to how to get around Nusa Penida is by scooter. Renting a scooter is easy and convenient here. If you are a solo traveler or a couple, you can definitely rely on a scooter to roam through the island and explore it from the soil.
Why Rent a Scooter?
•Freedom and Flexibility—Scooter gives you freedom to stop whenever and wherever you want: waterfalls, clifftops, local warungs.
•Affordability & Availability—Daily rental starts from IDR 70,000 to 100,000 (approx. USD 5-7). The rental service is available at the Nusa Penida Port areas, where tourists come at first. You may book directly from the hotel.
•Compact Size—The roads in Nusa Penida are narrow and sometimes broken. A scooter is perfect for these narrow, winding roads.
Things to Know before Renting a Scooter in Nusa Penida
•Experience Required: The roads in Nusa Penida are often challenging. If you’re not experienced and confident riding a scooter, don’t risk it.
•Wear a Helmet: You should always wear helmet while riding a scooter here. Locals may not always wear one, but tourists absolutely should.
•Fuel Stations: Nusa Penida is a small island. There are no big gas stations everywhere. Refill your scooter at the available ones, or look for roadside stalls selling petrol in bottles.
✅ Best For:
Solo travelers or couples who are adventurous and experienced with scooters.
Option 2: Hire a Private Driver—Comfort Without the Hassle
If you’re wondering how to get around Nusa Penida without the stress of riding yourself, hiring a private car with a driver is your best bet. It gives you comfortable travel on the island. You do not need to worry about the roads and the weather. Your driver is your guide throughout the trip. It is the best method if you are travelling with your family or on a honeymoon.
Why Choose a Private Driver?
•Safety—Cars are always safer than scooters. You do not need to tackle the bumpy roads yourself here. Safety always matters, especially in a new unknown place.
•Local Knowledge—Your driver likely knows all the roads, the shortcuts and the hidden gems in Nusa Penida. It will help you to save time on the way and give the required time in spots.
•Convenience—Hiring a car with a driver is perfect if you’re traveling in a group or with kids. This is the only safe option for you.
Costs
•Half-Day Tour: Starts at IDR 500,000 – 700,000 (approx. USD 35-50).
•Full-Day Tour: Ranges from IDR 800,000 to 1,000,000 (USD 55–70), including fuel and parking.
✅ Best For:
Families, groups, or those short on time and wanting a stress-free way to explore.
Option 3: Join a Group Tour—Easy and Economical
If you are still unsure how to get around Nusa Penida without a rental scooter or a hired cab, then you can join a group tour and forget all the worries. Group tours are getting popular nowadays due to low-cost travel options and tension-free travel. A group tour is where you will travel with other unknown people in the same car. If you are comfortable traveling with an unknown group of people, then you can definitely book a group tour. You can book the day tours from tourist booths available in the market areas like Ubud, Kuta, Seminyak, Canggu, etc.
What You Get
•Pre-Planned Itinerary—You do not need to make an itinerary for the trips. A pre-planned itinerary is ready for you.
•Transportation Included—The group tours usually include hotel pickup, fast boat, and vehicle on the island.
•Guide Onboard—The tour guide will guide you throughout the tour. Learn about local culture and attractions.
Popular Routes
•West Nusa Penida Tour: Kelingking Beach, Broken Beach, Angel’s Billabong
•East Nusa Penida Tour: Diamond Beach, Atuh Beach, Thousand Islands, Rumah Pohon Tree House
Price Range
•Between USD 40 and 80, depending on the operator and inclusions.
✅ Best For:
This option is ideal for first-timers or solo travelers seeking a social and organized experience.
Option 4: Rent a Car for Self-Driving—Not Recommended (But Possible)
Yes, you read it well. Renting a car and driving it yourself in Nusa Penida is possible.
But I don’t recommend it unless you’re an experienced driver and are confident at navigating steep, narrow, and often broken roads.
Why You Should Think Twice
•Tight Roads: As I have already written, the roads in Nusa Penida are very narrow, full of potholes and sometimes broken. Some are only wide enough for one car.
•Navigation Trouble: If you are here for the first time and using Google Maps for navigation, it can be horrifying at times. Google Maps can be unreliable in remote parts.
•No Road Signs: You may end up lost or stuck in traffic.
Still, if you’re determined and have experienced driving in Southeast Asia, it can be done.
✅ Best For:
Seasoned travelers with excellent navigation and driving skills.
Nusa Penida Road Conditions—What to Expect
Understanding how to get around Nusa Penida also means knowing what the roads are like. Spoiler: They’re not smooth highways. There is no straight way here. Roads are curvy, narrow, and steep and go through hilly areas. Sometimes the road is so narrow that only one vehicle can pass through. Sometimes the road is broken. So be prepared.
Key Facts:
•Paved But Uneven: Many roads are partially paved with sudden potholes.
•Dusty and Rocky: Especially in East Nusa Penida, you will notice the roads are dusty and rocky.
•Steep Hills: The island is hilly, and the roads are full of sharp inclines and descents.
Tips: Drive slow, be cautious, and always check weather conditions before heading out—rain can make the roads very slippery.
Internet & Navigation—Stay on Track
You can rely on Google Maps for navigation. It works well if you have a Telkomsel SIM card. There is no assurance of network if you are using any other SIM card. The best will be to download Google Maps offline.
Tips:
•Download offline maps of Nusa Penida before arriving.
•Ask locals if you’re unsure—people are friendly and happy to help.
•Carry a power bank, as long drives may drain your battery fast.
Suggested Routes for First-Timers
If you’re still wondering how to get around Nusa Penida in a way that covers all highlights, I have a good suggestion for you. Nusa Penida is not so small that you can cover all the places in a single day. It is recommended that you spend at atleast two days here to explore all the popular attractions. You may divide the island into two parts, one western region and one eastern region. Then you can spend one full day in one part to explore fully. Here’s a suggested itinerary based on region.
West Nusa Penida (Full-Day Tour)
• First head towards Kelingking Beach
• Your second spot will be the Broken Beach.
• Right next to Broken Beach you will find Angel’s Billabong.
• After lunch relax at Crystal Bay Beach.
Tip: These are relatively close to each other and ideal if you’re short on time.
East Nusa Penida (Full-Day Trip)
•First head towards Diamond Beach
• Next to Diamond Beach is located the famous Atuh Beach.
• Next, head towards Rumah Pohon Tree House.
• After lunch go to Teletubbies Hill.
Tip: The east side has more challenging roads, so hiring a driver is highly recommended.
Eco-Friendly Ways to Get Around Nusa Penida
Do you love nature and want to explore Nusa Penida more sustainably? There are some ways by which you can make your trip eco-friendly. Here’s how:
•Carpool Tours: The best way to go eco-friendly is by sharing your tours with groups. You can reduce your carbon footprint by sharing a van.
•Electric Scooters: You can rent an electric scooter for your island hopping. Though still limited, a few places offer them.
•Support Local Operators: Hire local drivers and guides instead of big corporations.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Underestimating Travel Time: It can take 45 minutes or more between attractions.
❌ Ignoring Road Safety: Don’t attempt scooter rides if you’re unsure.
❌ No Plan B: Always have a backup option if your scooter breaks down or gets a flat tire.
Final Thoughts—What’s the Best Way to Get Around Nusa Penida?
If you’re wondering how to get around Nusa Penida, the answer really depends on your travel style. For adventurers, a scooter might be the perfect way to explore. For comfort seekers and families, a private driver will be your best friend. And for those who want zero planning stress, group tours offer fantastic value.
One thing’s for sure—no matter how you get around, Nusa Penida will blow your mind. Just plan ahead, drive safe, and embrace the wild beauty of this unforgettable island.
