Summary
Bali day trippers to the blue paradise island of Nusa Penida usually only visit the top Instagram hotspots like Kelingking Beach and Diamond Beach, but there are so many other amazing things to add to your itinerary.
From hidden beaches to massive cliffs, sea caves, and coral gardens, this island off the coast of Bali has every kind of exotic scenery imaginable.
This 4-day Nusa Penida itinerary will guide you through some of the unmissable highlights of the island, along with some hidden gems that most day tours miss out on.
✈ Where To Start
This entire Nusa Penida itinerary takes place on Penida Island in the province of Bali, but first, you have to get there!
Fly to Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) in Bali, which is served by various budget-friendly airlines with good ratings. For example, AirAsia often has flights from Singapore (SIN) or Kuala Lumpur (KUL) to Bali for 1 million Rupiah ($70 USD) or less. You can shop for flights to Bali at Skyscanner.
Next, take a morning speedboat from Sanur beach to Sampalan harbor in Nusa Penida. The journey takes about 45 minutes or so.
If you hired a driver, he’ll be waiting to pick you up at the harbor. Otherwise, you can rent a scooter easily on the spot, and then the adventure begins!
Where To Stay In Nusa Penida
• Day 1: West Penida
○ Kelingking Beach
Start the day off at this epic cliff spot, known for being one of the most photogenic and popular views anywhere in Bali. If you’re up for a real challenge, hike down to the beach and back up, but bring plenty of water!
○ Paluang Cliff
Just a short distance from the famous Kelingking cliff is this alternate viewpoint with a lot less crowd. It’s very easy to visit and only adds a few minutes to your itinerary!
○ Pererenan Cliff
This is another cliff spot that most tours overlook. If you’re interested, there’s a steep trail down to the bottom, where you can relax in a nice natural pool.
○ Banah Cliff Point
This is a hidden gem; a very short hike offers a great payoff. Follow the stairs down to the west edge of the cliffs, and you’ll get an amazing view of the doughnut-shaped Banah rock and the white cliffs.
○ Tembeling Beach
Conclude the day with a trek down to Tembeling Beach. You can complete the entire hike on foot or hire a motorcycle taxi to take you down and back up. There’s a refreshing natural pool at the bottom, and a sea cave that opens up to a view of the enormous cliffs above.
Where To Stay In Penida: MAUA Hotel (Luxury) or Unicorn Bungalow (Midrange)
• Day 2: East Penida
○ Diamond Beach
Day 2 focuses on incredible beaches. Enjoy the views of Diamond Beach from the overlook, and then walk the stairs down to the white sand. I believe this is one of the most spectacular beaches in the world.
○ Atuh Beach
Just a 2-minute walk from Diamond Beach is Atuh Beach. While it may not be as ‘Instafamous’, it’s still a great place to unwind on the sand and enjoy some food and drinks.
○ Rumah Pohon Treehouse
This group of three wooden tree houses is located right next to Diamond Beach, just a 5-minute drive away. It’s an epic location, and you can even stay the night in one of the tree houses if you desire!
○ Teletubbies Hill
This is a lovely pull-off spot you can hit on the drive north from the Diamond Beach area. The cone-shaped ‘Teletubby’ hills are best seen shortly after the rainy season, when they’re a bright green color.
○ Pura Goa Giri Putri Cave Temple
This Hindu temple is situated inside a large cave. You’ll need to crawl through a tiny opening in the rock to access it, but the inside is much larger than you might expect. It’s fascinating, presenting a nice change of pace from the other attractions on this itinerary.
• Day 3: Snorkeling + West Penida
○ Snorkeling Tour
Wake up early for a 2-3 hour snorkeling tour on the west side of the island. Shared tours cost about 150k IDR per person, which can be arranged with Nusa Penida Explorer (☎ +62 818-0533-3747). You’ll see rainbow corals, clownfish, and perhaps even some manta rays and turtles if you’re fortunate!
○ Angel’s Billabong
Back on the road again! This is a multicolored tidal pool that you can swim and soak in when the tide is low. However, be cautious during high tide, as it can be risky when the waves are significant.
○ Broken Beach
This is another natural wonder: a horseshoe-shaped bay carved out of the coastline. Sometimes, you can even see manta rays swimming around here on the ocean’s surface.
○ Smoke Beach
This site is an ocean ‘blowhole’, where waves rush in and shoot up through a hole in the rocks. It’s exciting to watch, and on larger wave days, you can see some massive water geysers here. Just maintain your distance and protect your electronics from the splash!
• Day 4: South Penida
○ Suwehan Beach
This exotic beach will remind you of the towering cliffs and sharp rocks at Diamond Beach. However, this one experiences much less foot traffic and is still off the beaten path for most day tours coming to Penida. Places like this are why Penida is famously called the ‘blue paradise island’ of Bali.
○ Sekartaji Cliff Spot
This location is virtually unknown to tourists, yet it’s easily accessible for parking. The views from the cliffs are fantastic. There’s even a narrow and somewhat precarious path down to the rock’s edge, so proceed very carefully!
○ Manta Point
Many tourists are aware of Manta Point as a diving spot to encounter manta rays. However, there’s also a scenic viewpoint here where you can watch the boats come and go peacefully. This spot remains quiet, making it a rewarding addition to your Nusa Penida itinerary.
○ Crystal Bay
This beach offers a perfect sunset view, easy access, numerous sunbeds, and is lined with food and drink stalls. It’s the ideal place to relax after a whirlwind tour of Penida Island!
More Nusa Penida Travel Tips
This Nusa Penida itinerary is designed to help you plan your own unforgettable trip. It truly is the blue paradise island of Bali.
When Is The Best Time To Visit?
The best time to visit Penida depends on your preferences:
☁ Bali’s rainy season runs from November to April. While the day may be hot and humid at 90-95 F (32-35 C), this is a less crowded time, and rain generally falls at night.
☀ From May to August, temperatures are notably cooler, and the weather is more breezy and sunny. This is considered the nicest weather; however, it’s also the high season, resulting in increased crowds.
The sights on this Nusa Penida itinerary are spectacular any time of year, but ideally, the best months for photography are March to May (just after the rainy season), when the island is lush with green foliage.
Nusa Penida Private Driver
If you want to explore Nusa Penida comfortably and safely with a driver in a van, my top recommendation would be GetYourGuide.
They offer a full day of driving and sightseeing in Penida for up to 8 hours, accommodating 1-5 passengers. This package includes the van, driver, and petrol.
We have used GetYourGuide for numerous tours and activities around the world, and they have always delivered excellent service! Highly recommended.
Nusa Penida Hotels
Where We Stayed
We opted for Saren Villa on the north coast of Nusa Penida, paying 240k Rupiah ($15 USD) for a private double room featuring cold A/C, hot shower, and reliable WiFi.
This is one of the most economical options in Penida, conveniently located near the best restaurants! We were thoroughly satisfied.
However, prices may fluctuate, so keep an eye out for a good deal!
