6.4 KThe beautiful and exotic island of Nusa Penida is located just 25 kilometers from Bali, Indonesia’s most popular tourist destination.
Nusa Penida is a much smaller island than Bali, but it has some of the most stunning scenery in the entire province of Bali (of which it is a part).
We’ve visited Penida over a dozen times over the years, but it never gets boring. This island is definitely one of the The most beautiful places to visit in Indonesia.
The island can be visited as a day trip from Bali (returning same day), but I think it is better to stay and spend at least a few days sightseeing. There are lots of good photo spots, hiking and other things to do in Nusa Penida!
This travel blog will explain what to do in Nusa Penida, how to get there, where to stay, the best transportation options and tour packages, and some of the best sights to see. Additionally, I’ve included a map of Nusa Penida that will make planning your trip even easier!
Where to stay in Nusa Penida
Nusa Penida Day Tour Programs
First, if you’re on a tight schedule or want to skip the extra steps involved in arranging your own trip to Nusa Penida, GetYourGuide has pre-arranged day trips to PenidaComplete with hotel transfer, speedboat tickets, island tour, and same-day return to Bali.
These tours visit some of Nusa Penida’s best sights, including Kelingking Beach, Broken Bay, and more. We’ve used GetYourGuide on a lot of tours and day activities around the world, and it’s great! Highly recommended.
Where is Nusa Penida located?
Penida has two small adjacent islands located right next to it, Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan. Together, these islands are known as the Nusa Islands, but Nusa Penida has become the most popular of the three islands due to its stunning cliff views and picturesque beaches.
How to get to Nusa Penida
The only way to get from Bali to Nusa Penida is by speedboat or ferry, and the speedboat ride takes about 45 minutes or so. There is no airport in Nusa Penida, so the closest place to fly is Bali’s international airport (DPS). You can Shop for trips to Bali In SkyScanner.
There are a group of speedboat companies in Bali that operate a trip to Peneda daily, all departing from there Sanur Beach at different times. If you’re staying in Ubud, Canggu, Seminyak, Kuta, or anywhere else in southern Bali, you can also drive to Sanur and take a boat.
It’s more economical than booking a tour package, but it’s also a bit more complicated.
The other option is Book a day tour to Nusa Penida With a tour company based in Bali. This can be a good option if you have a tight schedule or want to skip the hassle.
Visiting Nusa Penida Island – tourist fees
From 2023, there is a new entrance fee for tourists arriving by boat to Nusa Penida, intended to pay for better infrastructure on the island.
You pay this amount in cash when you first get off the boat in Peneda, and the fee is 25,000 rupees for adults and 15,000 rupees for children. It gives you access to the three islands of Nusa: Penida, Lembongan and Ceningan.
This ticket also gives you entry to all the main attractions and beaches in Nusa Penida, so you don’t have to pay a second fee in Kelingking Beach Anymore, for example.
Overall, this is a positive change, because in the past you had to spend your wallet and pay a small entrance fee to every tourist place in Nusa Penida. That was a bit stressful. Nowadays, you only have to pay once at the port, and you’re done.
Transportation: How to get around Nusa Penida
Although Nusa Penida is a much smaller island than Bali (about 4% of Bali’s land mass), it’s still not exactly small. You can expect to spend hours wandering around if you want to see the best sights in every corner of the island.
Just like in Bali, you have two main transportation options to explore Nusa Penida: rent a motorbike (self-drive), or hire a car and private driver.
Many of the roads in Nusa Penida are still very bumpy and narrow, so I don’t think motorbikes are a good idea here, although a lot of people use them without any problems. Remember to wear a helmet, honk your horn before hills and blind turns, and be prepared to pull over to let cars pass.
When I visit Nusa Penida, I always rent a car with a driver (you can Book here) Because it’s safer and more comfortable, and the prices are a bit higher than what you would pay in Bali for a full day of driving.
It’s also easy to rent scooters from your accommodation (or other places) in Peneda, and you can expect to pay around 75,000 rupees (about $5 USD) per day with a full tank of gas.
For short taxi trips (such as hotel pick-up to/from the pier) you can usually arrange these on the spot or with your hotel, although it is not cost-effective.
Unfortunately, the ride-booking apps Grab and Go-Jek are not yet available in Nusa Penida (Bali only), but perhaps that will change eventually.
What to do in Nusa Penida
• Kelingking Beach
Kelingking Cliff is the most iconic view in Nusa Penida, and perhaps one of the most iconic views anywhere in Bali.
This is a stunning T-Rex shaped rock that juts out above the ocean, with perfect turquoise water splashing around it. The first time you look at the edge of the cliff and see this view, it is truly amazing!
After you’re done enjoying the scenery at Kelingking Cliff, there is also a way down to the beach below.
Getting down to the beach is a big exercise, a bit scary, and takes at least two hours round trip, but you’ll be rewarded with one of the best white sand beaches in Nusa Penida Bali.
• Balwang Cliff viewpoint
Everyone goes to Kelingking Cliff, but there’s another place nearby that has amazing views, called Paluang Cliff. It is only 5 minutes drive from Kelingking.
Balwang may not be as famous as Kelingking, but that’s part of the appeal. It’s a great alternative place that gives you views of the Kelingking T-rex from the other side, without the crowds.
There are hammocks and photo platforms at Baluang Cliff, as well as a Balinese temple housing a bizarre car shrine called the “Car Temple” in Nusa Penida.
• Broken Beach
For most visitors to Nusa Penida, one of the first stops will be Broken Beach. It is a cool, circular cove formed in the rocks, complete with the remains of an arch.
This area is also one of the popular hangouts for manta rays, so you’ll likely see some manta rays swimming in the nearby sea.
The bottom is filled with turquoise water from the incoming waves, and there is a small beach with white sand. You can’t actually go down to the beach, you can only enjoy the view from the top, but what a view!
There are some ancient local legends associated with this place which say that it was created either by the footsteps of a giant or by an angry wizard.
It’s definitely a unique type of formation that I don’t think I’ve seen anywhere else in the world.
• Crystal Bay
One popular spot on the western side of Penida is Crystal Bay. This is a good hangout or tanning spot and has plenty of food and drink huts for refreshments. Snorkelling equipment can be rented here, or you can sit back and relax while eating some chicken.
The great thing about Crystal Bay is that it is one of the best spots to watch the sunset in Penida. Last July, I returned here with a friend and we sipped bintang with our toes in the sand as the sun set over the rocks on the coast.
• Bana Cliff Point
The great thing about Banah Cliff Point is that it actually has six different viewpoints along the cliffs, and at each viewpoint you can walk right up to the edge I stood on the edge of the cliff looking at the waves crashing violently against the rocks.
From these cliffs, you can usually see schools of small manta rays and speedboats floating on the ocean below. You can also see Builder’s Rock, a donut-shaped rock jutting out of the ocean. Great stuff!
• Templing Cave and Beach
Tembeling Beach and Forest is a hidden spot tucked away in the cliffs on the west coast of Nusa Penida, with a natural pool and small waterfall to enjoy.
My favorite feature of this beach is the magnificent sea cave that opens up to a view of the massive cliffs on the coast, but this place has also become famous for its Tembeling Natural Pool, which you can swim in and relax.
This beach is a little tricky to get to, but it is one of our favorite spots in Bali!
• Atoh Beach
This is one of the most beautiful beaches on the southern tip of Penida Island. Unlike Soihan Beach, Atoh is no secret, as there are sunbeds, beanbags and a couple of cute food and drink shacks here.
Probably the highlight of Atoh Beach is the large elephant-shaped rock in the ocean (locals say it looks like a dagger), and the great diversity of marine life that can at low tide you can see rocks stuck in the water.
• Nusa Penida Tree House (Tree House)
Ever dreamed of waking up in a wooden treehouse to the sound of the ocean? Here’s where you can do it.
You’ll fall asleep to the sound of geckos chirping in the trees, and wake up to a stunning sunrise over the Raja Lima Islands, with dolphins and manta rays swimming and jumping in the distance.
• Diamond Beach
Diamond Beach, named after the pointed diamond-shaped rock on the beach, is another incredible “cliff beach” on the southeast coast of Nusa Penida Island.
It has been accessible since late 2018, when a path to the beach was dug into the side of the cliffs. I did see some wildlife on occasion, from lizards to dolphins and manta rays.
This place has also become popular thanks to its scenic swing, where you can take pictures while swinging between two palm trees above the beach.
• Teletubbies Hill
In the middle of Peneda Island there are these big round hills named after the background scene from the children’s show Teletubbies.
They kind of look like chocolate hills Bohol PhilippinesUsing a drone here gives you some unique views.
If you come here during or after the rainy season (roughly December to April), the hills are perfectly green.
Between April and May, the hills become more yellow, but are still easy to see. However, during the summer, the hills will turn brown, so it will not look as beautiful.
• Sweihan Beach
Soihan is one of the best hidden beaches in Peneda.
The trip to the beach takes about 30 minutes, which is exhausting but worthwhile. There’s even a gorgeous pointed rock that looks like a Christmas tree.
This beach is a hidden gem that is not yet included in most Nusa Penida tour itineraries, but you can get there using a motorbike or rental car. Be careful because the road is very bumpy.
• Al-Suwaihan Tree House
In 2018, local residents built some tree houses on top of the Sweihan slope. There are now four of these treehouses, and you can spend the night in them!
Don’t expect luxury, but there is an outdoor shower/bathroom and a small dining hut for ordering meals, and the beds look comfortable.
Best of all, you have an amazing view of the ocean and cliffs, and it’s also just a short distance from Soihan Beach!
• Goa Giri Putri Temple
This is a Hindu temple inside a large limestone cave located on the eastern side of Peneda. To reach it, you have to climb more than a hundred steps to the top of the hill.
After crawling through a small opening in the side of the mountain, it opens from the inside into a huge cave about 300 meters long, with high rock ceilings!
Hindu ceremonies are still held here, but it is also open to tourists. Exploring this cave is definitely an interesting experience.
• Nyanyad Beach
Located at the southern tip of Nusa Penida, this mostly unknown beach has a small temple and giant hills on either side of the beach.
The road to Nyanyad Beach is difficult to find, but worth the effort. Google Maps will try to direct you to a wrong path that leads to a lighthouse.
Once you reach the Nyanyad parking area, the drive to the beach takes just 15 minutes, with concrete steps all the way, and the beach has perfect white sand!
This spot is another hidden gem that is not included in most Nusa Penida tour itineraries, although you can get there using a motorbike or rental car.
• Peguyangan Waterfall
If you want to experience an obscure and remote Nusa Penida hike with steep trails to get your adrenaline going, this is the one for you.
Biguyangan is a small waterfall and natural pool located at the bottom of some cliffs on the island of Nusa Penida, and you can reach it by descending hundreds of steps on a bright blue staircase.
It’s not for the faint of heart, but the ocean and cliff views here are incredible, which is why I would rate it as one of the best hikes in Nusa Penida.
There is also a stylish little hotel with stunning views at the top of the slopes called Go down the waterfallWith stunning views of the entire area.
Best photo spot of Nusa Penida
It’s hard to choose the best place to take photos in Nusa Penida, but I’d say it’s probably a contradiction Kelingking Beach And Diamond Beach. They are both amazing.
There have to be two other great photo spots in Nusa Penida Al Suwaihan Beach And the Tree house in Nusa Penida. This is amazing, and Sweihan remains underrated.
The best beaches of Nusa Penida
If white sand is the main thing you’re looking for in Bali, you’ll want to check out our complete Nusa Penida beach guide, which has a list of the best white sand. Penida Island beaches.
Obviously there are famous beaches like Pinky, DiamondAnd Ibut there are also quite a few others that are not as well known.
List of hikes in Nusa Penida
Perhaps the most famous excursion in Nusa Penida is the famous excursion Pinky Cliffwhere you can descend a steep staircase to reach a pristine white sand beach below.
Another good hike in Nusa Penida is Tembeling Beach and ForestWhich has a beautiful mix of jungle and beach views, as well as a sea cave and natural swimming pool.
If you really want to do an off-the-radar hike in Nusa Penida, sign it up Batu Siha Beach. This is something new I explored in 2019, and it remains unchanged except for the locals. The road is intense and exhausting, but there is a white sand beach at the bottom.
Hiking trails in Nusa Penida tend to be quite short and intense, because you’re usually climbing steep slopes to reach a secluded beach, temple or waterfall below.
Unlike Bali, Penida does not have any mountains or volcanoes to hike. This also means that waterfalls are rare on the island, although there are some interesting ones e.g Peguyangan Waterfall.
Map of Nusa Penida island
Here is a map of Nusa Penida Island that you can use to plan your trip. You can click on the icons to get more information about each point of interest, but keep in mind that some locations on this map may be approximate.
For more detailed information on how to get to each of the locations on the Nusa Penida map, you can check out the individual travel guides for each location.
More things to do in Nusa Penida
The above scenes are just a few examples What to do in Nusa Penida. There are many beaches, temples, and viewpoints that you can see around the island.
If you’re looking for more ideas, don’t forget to check out my full list of 35+ amazing things to do on Nusa Penida!
Best place for sunset in Nusa Penida
There are a lot of great sunset spots in Nusa Penida.
The island has a long west-facing coastline, and anywhere on the western side is a good place to watch the sunset.
Two of my favorites are Crystal Baywhich has a comfortable beach, and Amok sunset, a beautiful restaurant overlooking Nusa Ceningan. The views are in Kelingking Beach or Abyss Trench He can also be very cute.
Sunset time in Nusa Penida Bali can be from 6:00 PM to 6:45 PM, depending on the day and month. You can check it out here.
For a good sunrise spot, check out Tree house in Nusa Penidaon the southeast side of the island.
Water sports in Nusa Penida
The main water sports in Nusa Penida are snorkeling and diving, which are exceptional! The section below talks about these activities in more detail.
Unlike Bali, Nusa Penida is not known for its surfing or good waves. However, two other good water sports in Nusa Penida are water skiing and boat rentals.
A boat rental can be great for snorkelling, fishing, or just relaxing while sightseeing around the island’s coast. You can book this with Pulau Private ChartersAnd they have cruise options to suit all needs.
I was eager to try out a jet ski tour around Nusa Penida, because it seemed like a great way to see the epic coastline from a new perspective. The only company currently offering this is Jet Ski Safari Bali WepisanaAnd it’s not cheap!
Diving and snorkeling in Nusa Penida
The coral reefs surrounding Nusa Penida are great for diving and snorkelling, and you can also swim with manta rays, ocean sunfish (‘mola mola’) and all sorts of other colorful fish.
In fact, Nusa Penida is one of the best places in the world to swim with manta rays and the giant Mola Mola fish. The latter can only be seen by diving, but manta rays are easy to spot while snorkeling near the surface. Take a look at our handy underwater photography guide for Diving in Nusa Penida and Lembonganincluding seasonal tips and best diving spots.
For snorkeling, some of the best spots in Nusa Penida include Manta Bay, Crystal Bay, Gamat Bay, and Tuyapakih Wall. It is possible to visit all of these sites in a day trip. There is, too Underwater Buddha statueBut unfortunately they don’t seem to allow access anymore.
Nusa Penida snorkelling tours can be arranged on the spot at Toyapakih Boat Harbour, or can also be booked online as day tours departing from Bali, with hotel pick-up and speedboat transfer.
What should I bring?
If you’re making your Nusa Penida packing list, here are some ideas on goodies to bring.
Most of the items listed below can probably be found on the island of Nusa Penida in a pinch, but things you buy on the street won’t be guaranteed to be of good quality (personally, I’m not about to use a junk knockoff bag from a street vendor to protect your expensive camera gear).
It’s best to buy vetted products online!
- Water bag: Essential for keeping your electronic devices safe on boats. Everything stayed dry, even when I took the bag swimming a few times!
- Waterproof phone case: Same as above, but these are for your phone only. Great if you don’t have other electronic devices and just need a little something to protect your phone.
- Diving equipment: Many of the areas around Nusa Penida Island have beautiful coral reefs and fish, and you won’t want to miss them. Snorkels and masks can be rented on the boat as well, but if you plan to do multiple tours, it is more economical to bring your own equipment.
- Water shoes: We got some discounts while walking to the beach from the boats.
Nusa Penida Restaurants
The wave of tourism is bringing lots of new restaurants and cafes to Nusa Penida, so it now has a host of great options!
Here are some recommendations for our restaurant:
- Pineda Secret Café: Another lovely beachfront cafe in North Nusa Penida serving Western and Indonesian cuisine.
- Pineda espresso: The best smoothie bowls on the island, and at very reasonable prices. Nice for a hot day.
- nice place: One of the first indoor cafes on the island with air conditioning! Great breakfast here.
- the cold: Ocean view pool with no minimum spend! Nice atmosphere with bar and hammocks.
- Amok sunset: Luxurious cliffside restaurant and bar with pool and stunning sunset views over Nusa Ceningan.
- Ninja Machine Shop: Mother’s cooking. Simply delicious. It’s a local warung in the southern part of the island, so it’s within easy reach of many of the main sights.
Nusa Penida Massage & Spa
Nusa Penida doesn’t have a lot of massage places compared to Bali, but I’m sure this will change over time as more tourists arrive. A foot massage is the perfect way to relax after a full day of hiking or touring.
Must be one of the best massage places in Nusa Penida Tejas Spa WarriorWhich enjoys ocean views and is part of Udiwana Arnakkale Resort. You don’t need to be a guest of the resort to have a massage there, it is open to the public.
For budget spa and massage places in Nusa Penida, you can check this out Small papaya, Spa championAnd Deepalia massage.
Other tips for Nusa Penida
- credit cards: Almost all restaurants, hotels and other fees in Peneda are cash only. The best thing you can do is bring plenty of cash with you from Bali. I also like to book my larger purchases online (like hotels and drivers), that way I can pay for them with a credit card and save my precious money for those little roadside treats and fresh coconuts!
- ATM: Penida still has very few ATM options. It seems to be the most reliable BRI Bank kiosk in SambalanHowever, it only allows you to withdraw 1 million rupees per attempt.
- Cell service: Phone reception is strong with Telkomsel in most major areas of Penida, although you may lose service in some places while driving due to the island’s mountainous terrain.
- Wifi: The WiFi situation in Penida was very bad compared to Bali, but it has improved greatly in the last few years, so most hotels already have good WiFi that It can be used for internet browsing, video streaming and sending emails.
- Shops: There are plenty of mini markets, especially around North Beach, where you can buy cheap snacks, drinks, toiletries, sunscreen, and other things. Sari yoga mart And Good Mart They are two good options. However, their selection is much smaller than what you’ll find shopping in Bali.
- language: The locals in Nusa Penida speak Balinese with a distinct dialect, and although many of them also understand Indonesian, they do not learn English (unlike Bali). This means that most Nusa Penedian residents only know what little English they have been able to learn from tourists, so be patient and be prepared to explain things by pointing or showing pictures.
- Mosquitoes: There is some dengue fever in Nusa Penida, but it appears to be less common than in Bali, perhaps due to the drier climate in Penida. You won’t need bug spray to visit the beaches or any of the popular tourist sites, but we saw mosquitoes in Tembeling Forest and Goa Jiri Putri, as well as near some hotels in Nusa Penida. Fortunately there is no malaria in Peneda or Bali, so you don’t have to worry about antimalarial drugs or anything like that. The entire province of Bali has been certified malaria free according to This Lancet study From 2018.
Is Nusa Penida safe?
Yes, Nusa Penida is very safe!
We live in Bali on and off. Violent crime is not unheard of in Pineda, and petty crimes are also rare. Just take normal precautions. It’s a close-knit community and the locals are very kind and hospitable.
Balinese people are religious people, so please do not disrespect the temples or local culture. And be careful if you climb any of the steep cliffs like Kelingking Beach!
Wildlife in Nusa Penida
Just like Bali, Nusa Penida is filled with amazing wildlife, and if you’re lucky you might see some during your visit.
Animals that live in Peneda include bats, spiders, monitor lizards and monkeys (Balinese macaques). You can see monkeys at Kelingking Cliff and other places on the island. In the Giri Putri CaveThere are also two species of endangered purple-orange crabs that live nowhere else on Earth except on the island of Nusa Penida.
Nusa Penida is a bird sanctuary that is home to many endangered bird species, including Bali’s beautiful starlings. Not many of them are left in the wild, so sightings are rare, however It is hoped that their numbers will improve.
Snakes in Nusa Penida include pythons, vipers, spitting cobras and sea snakes. The only one I’ve seen here in person is the Island Viper (Trimeresurus insularis).
In the main tourist areas of Nusa Penida, you are unlikely to see a snake at all. If you do, handle it with extreme caution! Poisonous snakes in Bali It can be very dangerous and there is no antivenom available in Pineda.
One time I almost stepped on a very venomous snake on the island while hiking Nusa Penida. My foot landed inches from the snake, which was coiled halfway up, but fortunately, its head was turned away from me and it didn’t see how close my foot was landing.
The triangular head and bright red tail on its green body were a giveaway. This was in a less traveled part of the island with a lot of foliage.
If you go snorkeling or diving in Nusa Penida, you can get up close and personal with cute manta rays, giant ocean sunfish (“Mola Mola”), and all kinds of other colorful fish and coral. We also saw sea turtles and dolphins in the waters around Pineda.
The best time to visit
Nusa Penida has a drier and sunnier climate than mainland Bali, so any month is great to visit.
The best time to visit Nusa Penida Island really depends on what you are looking for.
The rainy season in Bali extends from November to April. The weather is less crowded during this time, and rain often falls at night, but daytime weather can be hot and humid at 90-95°F (32-35°C).
From May to August, temperatures are cooler, breezy and sunny. This is peak season so it’s a little more crowded.
Peneda Island is stunning at any time of the year, but I think the best months for photography are from March to May (just after the rainy season ends), as this is when the island is covered in green foliage.
However, if you are just looking for nice weather, May to August are the most comfortable months of the year.
Is Nusa Penida worth it?
If you’ve continued reading so far and are still not sure whether you should visit Penida, the answer is yes, Nusa Penida is definitely worth it!
This island has some of the best scenery anywhere in Bali province, and some of the best views anywhere in Indonesia. It has great photo spots, cliffs, caves, beaches, hiking, water sports and more.
There are also a lot of great hotels and restaurants, and getting around the island is easier. Overall, it is worth traveling the short distance from Bali to Nusa Penida to see all the things this island has to offer.
How long to stay
Don’t be a daily traveler. There are a lot of good things to do on Nusa Penida Island. You need to spend at least two days to see the best sights, even if you don’t dive.
I would try to spend 3 or 4 days in the Noosa Islands if possible, but you can easily fill a week, especially if you plan on snorkeling or diving.
Nusa Penida itinerary
Here’s a sample 4-day itinerary to Nusa Penida:
- Day 1: West Nusa Penida. Visit Kelingking Beach, Abyss Trench, Pererenan Cliff, Bana Cliff PointAnd Tembeling Beach.
- Day 2: East Nusa Penida. Visit Diamond Beach, Atoh Beach, Tree house tree house, Titaby’s HillAnd Goa Giri Putri Cave Temple.
- Day 3: Diving + West Peneda. Take a half-day snorkelling tour and then continue the land tour with a visit to Angel’s Billabong, Broken beachAnd Smoke Beach.
- Day 4: South Nusa Penida. Visit Al Suwaihan BeachSicartagi Cliff (or Nayanyad Beach), View of Manta PointAnd Crystal Bay.
You can take a look at my full blog post on this topic The ultimate 4-day Nusa Penida itinerary For more information and detailed pictures!
Nusa Penida hotels
Nusa Lembongan and Siningan
While you’re busy exploring Nusa Penida, don’t forget that there are also two other beautiful islands next to it – Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan, respectively.
The islands of Lembongan and Ceningan are connected to each other by a colorful yellow bridge, and although they don’t have the epic cliffs and dramatic landscape of Penida, they are still worth a visit for their Good hotelsCoastal cafes and a relaxing atmosphere.
It’s easy to get between the islands of Nusa with a short and cheap boat ride. Some people even stay in Lembongan while touring Penida.
Where we stayed
We stayed in Villa Sarin in the North Coast of Nusa PenidaI paid 240,000 rupees ($15 USD) for a private double room with cold air conditioning, hot shower, and good WiFi.
We were happy.