In a nutshell
- Nusa Penida is a little island paradise east of Bali. For us, it’s a must on any Bali trip.
- Famous for white beaches, steep cliffs and crystal-clear water, it’s packed with spots you’ll want to see. We’ll show you the best beaches and sights you shouldn’t miss.
- You can do a day trip to Nusa Penida, but we’d stay 2-3 nights. It’s the only way to enjoy the island without the tourist crowds.
- Our favorite hotel is the Alana Hotel: you stay directly on a small beach in the northeast.
Things to Do in Nusa Penida on a Map
Nusa Penida is just east of Bali, and it only takes 20-30 minutes by speedboat to get there. That’s why it should definitely be on your Bali itinerary.
Most of the island’s highlights are on the west coast, but you’ll also find a few gems in the south and east.
The Best Places to Visit in Nusa Penida
Nusa Penida is all about stunning beaches. Most of our favorite spots are therefore beaches. But we’ve also got a few other cool highlights you shouldn’t miss.
Kelingking Beach
What do you need to know? Heads up, this is probably the most famous photo spot in Nusa Penida. It’s those crazy cliffs behind it. They look like a giant T-Rex head. Pretty wild, right? But the beach and that insane turquoise water are worth a look too. You can actually hike down to the beach, but fair warning: the path is steep, rough, and in some spots not secured at all. Depending on how fit you are, it’ll take you about 30 minutes to an hour to get down there.
Is it worth it? Yep, at least for that iconic Insta shot. But be ready for lots of other tourists snapping pics too. If you want to escape the crowds, make your way all the way down to the beach. Hardly anyone does, and it’s way quieter down there.
Our tip: if you’re planning the hike, go early in the morning. It’s cooler, less packed, and trust us, you’ll be grateful for the shade on the way back up.
Please note: Don’t swim here. The currents are super dangerous, even if it looks tempting.
Broken Beach
What do you need to know? Broken Beach is actually a small bay. What makes it special are the rocks surrounding it. There’s a huge natural arch in the cliffs where the ocean flows into the bay, creating a dramatic scene. The rock bridge makes for an incredible photo spot.
Is it worth it? Broken Beach is, unfortunately, quite touristy. Even though there are loads of great spots to snap a photo, you’ll often have to wait for your turn. On top of that, the final part of the road is a rough, bumpy track. But once you get there, the view is so stunning it’s worth every bump.
Our tip: The road to Broken Beach is in bad shape. It’s unpaved and full of potholes. If you’re not comfortable riding your scooter down it, it’s better to park further up and walk the rest of the way. It’s about a 10-minute walk from where the main road ends.
Angel's Billabong
What do you need to know? Angel’s Billabong is located right next to Broken Beach. You’ll find natural rock pools here, and if the tide is low and the waves are calm, you might be able to take a dip. But be careful. The currents are strong and can easily sweep you out to sea.
Is it worth it? The water here is a stunning shade of blue and makes for amazing photos. But just like Broken Beach, it tends to get crowded.
Our tip: Dolphin Beach is less than a five-minute walk from both spots and it’s much quieter. The sunsets from the cliffs are absolutely beautiful, and if you’re lucky, you might even spot dolphins in the evening.
Crystal Bay
What do you need to know? Crystal Bay is one of the few bays on the west coast where you can swim safely. Don’t forget your snorkel! There are plenty of colorful fish to spot right near the shore. The best part: you can drive straight to the beach without having to hike down any stairs.
Is it worth it? The beach is great for snorkeling. But it’s no longer a hidden gem in Bali and tends to get pretty crowded.
Our tip: At high tide, the sunbathing area on the beach is very small. When there are a lot of people, it gets really crowded. Better come at low tide.
Diamond Beach
What do you need to know? If we had to picture a dream beach, Diamond Beach would be right up there. It’s got everything you could wish for: soft white sand, turquoise water, and steep cliffs rising behind it. With palm trees lining the shore and rocks scattered in the water, it honestly looks like a slice of paradise. No wonder it’s one of the most stunning places to visit in Bali.
Is it worth it? Absolutely. The view from the top is breathtaking, and the beach itself is absolutely stunning. Just keep in mind that swimming isn’t allowed because of strong currents.
Our tip: It takes about 30 minutes to hike down to the beach. Be sure to check the tide times. At high tide, the beach almost disappears. Also, the path can get a bit tricky in places with uneven steps and no railings, so you’ll need to be fairly sure-footed.
Atuh Beach
What do you need to know? Right next to Diamond Beach is Atuh Beach. Here, you can actually swim. You’ll find a few warungs (local Indonesian eateries) and some sun loungers to relax on. There are two paths down to the beach, each taking around 10-15 minutes. They’re easier than the trails to Diamond and Kelingking Beach, but still a bit of a workout.
Is it worth it? Yes! You can snorkel here too, but be careful of the waves. The seabed is quite rocky, so watch your step to avoid cutting yourself.
Our tip: Atuh Beach is best visited at high tide. At low tide, the rocks are exposed and it’s tricky to get into the water. Either way, it’s a good idea to bring water shoes.
Tembeling Beach & Forest
What do you need to know? Tembeling Beach & Forest offers the best of both worlds: natural rock pools and a quiet, hidden beach. On the way down, you’ll pass several crystal-clear pools carved into the rocks. The last one even offers a beautiful view over the beach and the ocean. Just keep in mind that the beach itself isn’t great for swimming due to the waves.
Is it worth it? Definitely, especially for the pools. They’re great for a refreshing swim. But don’t underestimate the way there. The last mile is just a narrow, rough trail. If you’re confident on a scooter, it’s doable. Otherwise, there’s a (rather expensive) scooter taxi service for about 100,000 to 300,000 IDR ($7-20 per person, one way). Or you can hike the last stretch.
Our tip: Come in the morning when it’s still quiet. You might have the whole place to yourself. By midday, the beach gets more sun. And look out for a small path to the right just before the pool. It leads to a hidden bay that’s usually almost empty.
Activities in Nusa Penida
By now, you’ve probably had your fill of beaches. So here are two awesome activities you can do on Nusa Penida.
Snorkeling and Diving in Nusa Penida
Snorkeling is a must-do while you’re on Nusa Penida. It’s easily one of the best activities in Bali.
The marine life around the island is absolutely incredible. Nusa Penida is surrounded by vibrant coral reefs, especially along the north and west coasts. You’ll spot loads of colorful fish, and if you’re lucky, manta rays and sea turtles too.
We even went snorkeling right off the beach at Crystal Bay and saw some amazing fish like surgeonfish.
If you want to swim with manta rays, your best bet is Manta Point. You don’t even need diving experience. You can see them while snorkeling. Just keep in mind it can get pretty busy here, and please don’t chase after the mantas.
We highly recommend joining a tour that takes you to several snorkeling spots, including Manta Point:
Book the snorkeling tour in Nusa Penida
Excursion to Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan
Just off the coast of Nusa Penida, you’ll find two smaller islands: Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan. They’re only a 10-15 minute boat ride away, but things are way more laid-back here than on Nusa Penida.
The two islands are connected by a small bridge, which you can even cross by scooter. So it’s super easy to get from one island’s highlights to the other.
You can easily see the main spots in a day and still have time to relax on the beach. If you feel like soaking up the chilled island vibes for longer, you can also stay overnight. We’d recommend the Water Blow Huts, a lovely little spot to spend the night.
You can buy your boat ticket from one of the small counters at the harbor on Nusa Penida (check it out on Google Maps). We grabbed ours five minutes before departure for 50,000 IDR (around $4) per person, one way.
Please note: you can’t take your scooter on the boat. But no worries, it’s easy to rent a scooter or bike once you arrive on Nusa Lembongan.
Getting to Nusa Penida
You can only reach Nusa Penida by boat. The most popular route is between Sanur on Bali and Nusa Penida. We took this route ourselves. It offers the most frequent boat departures. Other connections to Nusa Penida include Kusamba and Serangan (both on Bali), as well as Nusa Lembongan and the Gili Islands.
We’ve put together an overview of the main ports and their ferry connections to Nusa Penida.
| Depature | Habor | Travel time | Tickets | Boats depart |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sanur | Check it out on Google Maps | 30 minutes | Tickets on 12Go Asia | about every 30 minutes until 5 PM |
| Kusamba | Check it out on Google Maps | 20 minutes | Tickets on 12Go Asia | about every 30 minutes until 5 PM |
| Serangan | Check it out on Google Maps | 45 minutes - 1 hour | Tickets on 12Go Asia | at 8 AM, 8:30 AM, and 10:30 AM |
| Nusa Lembongan | Check it out on Google Maps | 15 minutes | get your ticket at the counter | about every 30 to 60 minutes until 4 PM |
| Gili-Islands | Gili Trawangan (check it out on Google Maps) Gili Air (check it out on Google Maps) | 2-4 hours | Tickets on 12Go Asia | about every 30 minutes until 1:30 PM |
If you book your ticket online, keep in mind you’ll need to pick it up at the ferry terminal. So allow an extra 10-15 minutes for that.
A quick heads-up: luggage travels on the roof of the boat, so if there’s rain, make sure your bags are well packed and protected.
Caution: boats won’t sail if the swell is too strong. Because of that, don’t plan Nusa Penida as your last stop on a Bali trip. Otherwise you might risk missing your return flight. Having a three to four day buffer before your flight is usually enough to be safe.
Should You Do a Day Trip to Nusa Penida or Stay Longer?
If you have the time, stay a little longer in Nusa Penida. It’s so worth it! The island is stunning and there’s plenty to see, so you can easily spend two or three days here. That’s exactly why we made it a proper stop on our Bali round trip.
One thing we noticed: in the early mornings and late afternoons, the island gets wonderfully quiet once all the day-trippers head back to Bali. That’s when Nusa Penida shows its real, peaceful side.
If you’re short on time though, you can still see the island’s highlights in a day. In that case, a day trip to Nusa Penida is your best bet.
Where to Stay in Nusa Penida Island
You can roughly split the island into three areas when it comes to choosing a hotel: the west, the east, and the center.
If it’s your first time in Nusa Penida or you don’t have much time, the west is the best place to stay. Most of the island’s top sights and the main harbor are here.
Our hotel tip in the west: Pramana Natura – one of our absolute favorite boutique hotels in Bali. You can choose between a villa or a suite, and the view over the ocean is incredible.
The east side is a great option if you want to spend a few relaxed days on the beach. It’s also much quieter than the west.
Our hotel tip in the east: Alana Penida Hotel – amazing value for money! It’s right on the beach and only opened in late 2023. Definitely one of the prettiest places to stay in Bali.
If you prefer to be surrounded by nature and stay right in the middle of the jungle, head for the center of the island.
Our hotel tip in the center: The Mesare Eco Resort – you’ll stay in your own private bungalow with beautiful jungle views.
Getting Around Nusa Penida
We definitely recommend renting a scooter to explore Nusa Penida. It gives you the most freedom and flexibility. Just ask at your hotel or guesthouse. They’ll usually be happy to help you arrange one.
If you’d rather sit back and relax, you can also hire a private driver to take you around the main sights. But honestly, we’d only suggest this if you have just one day to spend on the island. Most spots can get pretty crowded already, and it’s not nearly as fun to explore with a big group.
Road conditions on Nusa Penida
Let’s be honest, the road conditions on Nusa Penida aren’t great. There’s no sugarcoating it.
Most roads are only wide enough for one car, and you’ll come across potholes everywhere. The main roads are usually okay, but as soon as you get close to one of the sights, the road often turns into gravel or uneven stone slabs.
It definitely helps if you’ve ridden a scooter before coming to Nusa Penida. If you have a bit of experience, you should be fine on most roads.
When we were there, we didn’t have a ton of scooter experience either. And honestly, when the road got too rough, we just parked the scooter and walked the rest of the way. It’s usually no more than a 10-minute walk to the viewpoint or beach.
Withdrawing Money in Nusa Penida
Good news first: there are ATMs on Nusa Penida. But – and here comes the catch – there are only three of them. One is near the harbor, one up north, and one in the center of the island.
It’s not uncommon for a machine to run out of cash. So to be on the safe side, we’d recommend withdrawing enough money while you’re still in Bali. Better safe than sorry!
Frequently Asked Questions about Nusa Penida
How long should you stay on Nusa Penida?
It’s best to plan at least 2 days.
If you stay overnight, you’ll get to experience the island without the day tourists. Plus, you’ll have enough time to go to all the places to visit in Nusa Penida. Given the road conditions on Nusa Penida, you should definitely allow a bit of extra time for getting around.
That said, you could still see the main highlights on a day trip from Bali to Nusa Penida.
Where’s the best place to stay in Nusa Penida?
We recommend staying either on the west or east side of the island.
In the west, you’ll be close to most of the main attractions. That’s perfect for first-time visitors.
The east is a bit quieter. It’s a great spot for a beach holiday and ideal if you plan to stay a little longer.
The center of Nusa Penida is mostly jungle. It’s perfect if you’ve always wanted to spend a night surrounded by nature.
How expensive is Nusa Penida?
You can roughly compare the prices on Nusa Penida to those on Bali.
Is Nusa Penida very touristy?
We visited in spring 2024 and found it quite touristy, especially compared to places like Lovina and other places to visit in Bali, such as waterfalls or rice terraces.
However, most tourists only come to Nusa Penida for a day trip. So if you stay overnight, the island is almost empty for about 15 hours – until the next wave of day-trippers arrives.
How long is the boat ride from Bali to Nusa Penida?
It usually takes around 20 to 30 minutes to get from Bali to Nusa Penida by boat.
These were our tips and the best things to do in Nusa Penida
What are your favorit places to visit in Nusa Penida? Do you have another tip for us? Let us know in the comments.