Nusa Penida Travel Guide: Explore Bali’s Untouched Paradise
Nusa Penida, the iconic island towards the southwest coast of Bali, is the island of dramatic cliffs, turquoise waters, and the kind of raw natural beauty that’s hard to put into words. It is the island of some of the most beautiful places in the world. When you search Bali on the internet, you see the picture of a T-Rex-shaped cliff, a diamond shaped cliff, a tree house and some out-of-this-world beaches. They are actually located on Nusa Penida Island, a few miles away from Bali. As someone who has visited this island multiple times, I can confidently say that no two trips to Nusa Penida ever feel the same. It’s Bali’s wild cousin—untamed, adventurous, and unforgettable.
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about Nusa Penida—how to get there, where to stay, top attractions, hidden gems, local food, practical tips, and everything in between. So this blog will be enough for you to plan a trip to Nusa Penida.
But before that, let’s check the topics that I have covered in this content:
What is Nusa Penida?
There are three independent islands off the southeast coast of Bali which are called the Nusa Islands in together. Nusa Penida is the largest of those three islands, the others being Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan. Unlike mainland Bali, Nusa Penida is far less crowded and commercialized, making it a heaven for nature lovers, adventure seekers and digital nomads.
Nusa Penida has everything to offer for everyone. A trip to Bali will stay incomplete without a visit to this island. From jagged cliffs and pristine beaches to manta rays and Instagram-famous viewpoints, Nusa Penida offers an experience that feels more like a secret escape than a tourist destination.
How to Get to Nusa Penida
Nusa Penida, being an island, can be easily reached by waterways from Bali Island. There is no airport in Nusa Penida. That means you have to take the only mode of transportation, the boats. There are three harbors in Bali from where you can take a fast boat and reach Nusa Penida. The easiest way to reach here is by fast boat from Sanur Harbor in Bali. So many companies operate fast boat service to Nusa Penida from Sanur Port, like Maruti, Angkal Fastboat, Axe Stone, Angel Billabong, Arjuna, Waruna Darma, etc. The boat ride takes about 30 to 45 minutes and costs around IDR 150,000 to 200,000 (approx. $10-13 USD) one way.
The Three Departure Points:
•Sanur Harbor (most popular)
•Padang Bai (East Bali)
•Serangan Port (South Bali)
You can book your tickets online or directly at the harbor. I personally recommend booking your ticket early and online for a discounted price. Book a return ticket also to avoid last-minute hassles. You can book tickets online via 12go.asia , klook.com etc.
Important Tip: Boats often get canceled during rough seas in the wet season (December to February), so plan accordingly.
Getting Around Nusa Penida
Getting around Nusa Penida depends on how many of you are here. If you are a solo traveler or a couple then you have two options: renting a scooter or hiring a private car with a driver. But if you are more than two or with your family, then the only mode available is to book a car with a driver.
Once you arrive on the island, the real adventure begins! The roads in Nusa Penida are narrow and bumpy, so renting a scooter is ideal if you’re confident riding on uneven terrain. Otherwise, hire a private car with a driver for a more comfortable experience.
•Scooter Rental: IDR 80,000–100,000/day (petrol extra)
•Private Car with Driver: IDR 600,000–700,000/day
If you are renting a scooter, be cautious. The roads here are seriously narrow. There are potholes everywhere. You have to ride through highlands in the central Nusa Penida. Prepare for a hilly road and sharp bend.
Best Time to Visit Nusa Penida
The island is accessible throughout the year, but the dry season (April to October) is the best time to visit Nusa Penida. During this period, the weather being fine, the whole island looks beautiful and accessible. In the dry season the sea remains calmer, and roads are more manageable. Avoid visiting during the wet season when landslides and slippery roads are common.
Top Attractions in Nusa Penida
There are many attractive places in Nusa Penida to explore, some of which are on the eastern side of the island and some are on the western side. If you make just a day trip here, you will be able to see only the main 3-4 places. I recommend you to spend atleast 2 days here to cover all the attractions. The best will be to spend 2 nights and 3 days on this island so that you can submerge yourself in this land. The popular and most iconic attractions are
1. Kelingking Beach
Whenever you search “most beautiful beach in Bali,” you will see a beautiful cliff stretched in the ocean. It is the Kelingking Beach. Also known as the T-Rex Cliff, Kelingking is Nusa Penida’s most iconic spot. The jaw-dropping view from the top is unlike anything else in Bali. If you’re brave (and fit) enough, hike down the cliffside to reach the secluded white sand beach below.
Tip: This place gets crowded after 10:00 a.m. when the day trip starts. If you want to take a picture from the best place, you may have to wait in a queue. Bring plenty of water and wear sneakers if you plan to hike down—it’s steep and slippery.
2. Angel’s Billabong & Broken Beach
Both places are located on the western side of the island. Angel’s Billabong is a natural rock pool with crystal-clear water, while Broken Beach features a scenic arch carved by the sea. They’re located near each other and can be easily explored in one visit. Both places have become Instagram sensations. You can take beautiful photographs from different places near Broken Beach. During peak season you may have to wait in a queue for the perfect location to take a photograph.
3. Crystal Bay Beach
Crystal Bay Beach is an outstanding beach located on the western coast of Nusa Penida. It is perfect for snorkeling, sunbathing, or catching the stunning sunset. The water is calm, making it ideal for beginners, and there’s a vibrant coral reef just a few meters offshore. People mostly visit the place during the afternoon to enjoy the sunset.
4. Diamond Beach
Located on the eastern side of the island, Diamond Beach is a landmark place in Nusa Penida. It is undoubtedly a postcard-perfect beach. A steep stairway carved into the cliffs leads you down to one of the most beautiful beaches you’ll ever see. The way to the beach itself is a beautiful and marvelous one. If you plan to go down to the beach, be careful on the descent—some parts of the stairs are narrow with no railing.
5. Atuh Beach
Just a short walk from Diamond Beach, Atuh Beach is located. This beautiful beach offers dramatic cliffs, calm waters, and fewer tourists. I once spent an entire morning here without seeing more than five people.
You can simply climb down to the beach and spend an entire day on the beach.
Additional Must-Visit Spots in Nusa Penida
6. Thousand Islands Viewpoint (Pulau Seribu)
The Thousand Islands Viewpoint is located near the Diamond Beach on the eastern side of Nusa Penida. This viewpoint offers an unreal panorama of jagged islands and deep-blue sea. From here, you can also spot the Rumah Pohon Treehouse, which has become Insta-famous. This spot is magical at sunrise. You’ll feel like you’re standing at the edge of the world.
7. Rumah Pohon Treehouse
The Rumah Pohon Treehouse is the recent Instagram sensation. You’ve seen the photos—this wooden treehouse perched on a cliff overlooks the sea and is a dreamy spot to take pictures. You have to walk down more than 200 stairs to reach the place. Besides, you have to wait in a queue for more than 20-30 minutes for your turn to take the photographs. So, being physically fit is required. You can also book it for an overnight stay!
8. Teletubbies Hill
It is a group of many big and half-round hills that takes after the iconic Chocolate Hills in the Philippines. Teletubbies Hills is also a great attraction in Nusa Penida. A completely different landscape from the cliffs and beaches, this place features rolling green hills that turn golden during the dry season. It’s a quiet, peaceful contrast to the dramatic coastline.
Snorkeling and Diving in Nusa Penida
Nusa Penida is a world-renowned snorkeling and dive site, particularly famous for encounters with manta rays and the elusive mola mola (sunfish). There are a lot of places around the island where you can go for snorkeling or diving. And the best part is that most hotels take bookings for snorkeling activities. There are many reputable snorkeling and diving operators on the island. Choose eco-certified ones to ensure safe and sustainable practices.
Best Snorkeling Spots:
•Manta Point – Swim with majestic manta rays.
•Gamat Bay – Vibrant coral and lots of fish.
•Toyapakeh – Deep reefs and great visibility.
•Wall Bay – Ideal for beginners with colorful marine life.
Where to Stay in Nusa Penida
Nusa Penida has a lot of beautiful places to stay, from luxury villas to beach front resorts, from budget stays to homestays. Accommodation options in Nusa Penida have improved a lot over the years. You can now find cozy homestays, boutique hotels, and cliffside resorts.
Where to Stay:
•West Penida: Close to Kelingking, Angel’s Billabong, and Crystal Bay.
•East Penida: Ideal if you’re exploring Diamond Beach, Atuh, and Thousand Islands.
Personal Recommendations:
•Adiwana Warnakali Resort—My personal favorite stay for the outstanding views and comfort.
•Autentik Penida Glamping – Great for a unique stay that is surrounded by nature.
•La Roja Bungalows – Stylish and budget-friendly.
•The Mesare Eco Resort – Hidden gem for tranquility and sustainability.
Where to Eat in Nusa Penida
Bali is famous for its unique dishes and tastes. Though food options in Nusa Penida are more limited compared to mainland Bali, you’ll find plenty of local warungs and beach cafés offering tasty meals. But in recent years multiple cuisines are available in popular market areas.
Best Places to Eat:
•Penida Colada – Beachfront bar with live music and seafood.
•Secret Penida Café – Chill vibes and healthy food.
•Warung Pondok – Authentic Indonesian cuisine.
•Amok Sunset – Excellent for romantic dinners and epic sunsets.
Must-try Bali dishes:
•Nasi Campur
•Ayam Betutu
•Grilled snapper with sambal matah
What to Pack for Nusa Penida
•Light, breathable clothes
•Hat and sunglasses
•Sunscreen (reef-safe)
•Power bank (some areas have power cuts)
•Snorkel gear (optional)
•Dry bag for electronics
•Travel insurance
Pro Tip: Download offline maps and keep small cash handy. Most ATMs are unreliable, and many restaurants don’t accept cards.
My Personal Experiences in Nusa Penida
Having visited Nusa Penida several times, I’ve experienced both the chaos and calm the island has to offer. I’ve hiked to the base of Kelingking Beach in the blazing heat, snorkeled with manta rays in the open ocean, and shared meals with locals in tiny warungs where no one spoke English, but smiles said everything. I have spent an entire day sitting on the balcony that overlooked the sea. Everything is just the way I like it to be.
Each visit brought something new—whether it was a hidden beach, a spontaneous waterfall discovery, or a quiet moment on a cliff with nothing but waves below.
Suggested 3-Day Itinerary for Nusa Penida
Day 1: West Coast Highlights
•Morning: Arrive via fast boat to Nusa Penida Port
•Visit Kelingking Beach
•Explore Angel’s Billabong & Broken Beach
•Relax or snorkel at Crystal Bay
•Dinner at Amok Sunset
Day 2: East Coast Adventure
•Sunrise at Thousand Islands Viewpoint
•Explore Rumah Pohon Treehouse
•Swim at Diamond Beach
•Chill at Atuh Beach
•Visit Teletubbies Hill (golden hour is amazing)
•Overnight at a resort in East Penida
Day 3: Snorkeling + Departure
•Morning snorkeling tour: Manta Point + Gamat Bay
•Lunch at Penida Colada
•Return boat to Sanur in the afternoon
Final Thoughts: Why You’ll Fall in Love with Nusa Penida
If Bali is the heart of Indonesia, then Nusa Penida is definitely its wild soul. It’s not an easy place to explore because the roads are rough, the internet is patchy, and comfort is secondary to experience. But that’s exactly what makes it special. Every time you step in here, it unfolds differently. If you are looking for some charming Bali moments that are less crowded but much more local, then welcome to Nusa Penida!
Here, nature reigns. You’ll climb cliffs, swim in remote lagoons, chase sunrises, and find yourself surrounded by beauty that no camera can fully capture. And once you go, you’ll understand why so many of us keep returning.
So if you’re dreaming of a Bali adventure that goes beyond the usual tourist trail, let Nusa Penida be the highlight of your journey.
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