In a nutshell
- Nusa Penida, east of Bali, is an absolute must on any Bali itinerary. Plan on at least two to three days.
- First-time visitors should stay in western Nusa Penida — that’s where most of the top sights are and where the ferries arrive. Our top pick: Penida Bambu Green.
- Want a beach vacation with fewer crowds? The east coast is your best bet for nusa penida accommodation with a relaxed vibe. Our favorite there: Alana Penida.
- The center of Nusa Penida is pure jungle — stay there if you want to be right in the middle of nature, equally close to both coasts.
The Best Regions to Stay on Nusa Penida on a Map
When looking for places to stay on Nusa Penida, it helps to think of the island in three regions. Depending on what you’re hoping to get out of your trip, one region will suit you better than the others:
- Nusa Penida’s West: close to most of the major attractions on Nusa Penida and quick to reach from Bali
- Nusa Penida’s East: quieter setting and great for a beach vacation
- Nusa Penida’s Center: staying in the jungle
For First-Time Visitors: Staying in Nusa Penida's West
The west of Nusa Penida is the best area to stay if you’re visiting the island for the first time.
All the ferries from Bali arrive in the west, so you won’t be traveling long from the port to your hotel.
The majority of the highlights are also here. You’ll be staying really close to Kelingking Beach and Crystal Bay, for example. That’s why the west is the ideal base for first-timers — you can see as much as possible in the shortest amount of time.
That’s probably exactly why the west also has the most hotels.
And there’s one more bonus: the sun sets in the west. Along the west coast, you can watch spectacular sunsets every evening.
Advantages of staying in Nusa Penida’s West
- Close to the most important attractions
- Close to the port
- On the sunset side
- Great if you don’t have much time
Disadvantages of staying in Nusa Penida’s West
- This is where most of the tourists are
Our Hotel Recommendations for Nusa Penida's West
At Penida Bambu Green, you stay in seriously cool bamboo bungalows — one of our top accommodation picks for Bali! Breakfast is served directly to your room, and your bathroom is open-air — but don’t worry, no one can peek in.
Pramana Natura is one of our favorite boutique hotels in Bali. Every room has a stunning ocean view — even from the bathroom.
Good and affordable
Better
Luxurious
Quieter Setting: Staying on Nusa Penida's East Coast
If you want more peace and quiet, the east coast is the perfect spot — and it’s also ideal for a proper beach vacation.
Not all day-trippers make it to the east coast, since most stick to the sights in the west. Fewer tourists stay overnight here too, so you’ll have it much quieter than on the west coast.
The east also has large stretches without steep cliffs, which means more hotels right on the water. Perfect if you’re dreaming of a relaxed beach stay.
That said, you should plan a bit more time on Nusa Penida if you’re basing yourself on the southern east coast. Many of the island’s top sights are a bit farther away than from hotels in the west or center.
The east coast is home to Atuh Beach and Diamond Beach, though — two of the most beautiful beaches in Bali. And you can get there before the crowds do.
Advantages of staying in Nusa Penida’s East
- Quieter setting than in the west
- Many beautiful beachfront hotels
Disadvantages of staying in Nusa Penida’s East
- Long way from the port to your hotel
- It’s a long trip to sights like Kelingking Beach
Our Hotel Recommendations for Nusa Penida's East
We can hardly believe a place like Alana Penida Hotel actually exists. It’s right on the beach, recently opened, and has an unbeatable price. That’s why it’s our best-value pick in both our most beautiful beach hotels in Bali and our top hotels in Bali overall. Don’t miss it!
Good and affordable
Better
Luxurious
Deep in the Jungle: Staying in Nusa Penida's Center
If you’ve always wanted to spend the night in the jungle, a hotel in Nusa Penida’s center is the place to do it.
Much of Nusa Penida’s interior is dense jungle — which makes it a seriously unique opportunity to actually stay surrounded by nature.
Hotels here usually have several bungalows scattered throughout the jungle. From them, you get an incredibly cool view into the canopy — or even over it, if the bungalows are built on higher ground.
From the center, you’re roughly equidistant from both the east and west coasts. That means all the major points of interest are about the same distance from your lodging. If you rent a scooter, it’s about 30 minutes to either coast.
Advantages of staying in Nusa Penida’s Center
- Right in the middle between all the attractions
- Surrounded by nature
Disadvantages of staying in Nusa Penida’s Center
- Fewer luxury accommodation options than on the coasts
Our Hotel Recommendations for Nusa Penida's Center
From the bungalows at The Mesare Eco Resort, you get a wonderful view straight into the jungle. Book early and travel outside peak season and you can snag a really great deal here too.
