Ultimate Nusa Penida Island Travel Guide: Tips for Your Bali Adventure

The beautiful, exotic Nusa Penida island lies just 25 kilometers from Bali, the most famous tourist destination in Indonesia.

Nusa Penida is a much smaller island than Bali, but it has some of the most amazing scenery in the entire Bali province, of which it is a part.

Having visited Penida more than a dozen times over the years, it never gets old. This island is definitely one of the most beautiful places to visit in Indonesia.

The island can be visited on a day trip from Bali (same day return), but it’s better to stay and spend at least a few days sightseeing. There are numerous photo spots, hikes, and activities to enjoy in Nusa Penida!

This travel guide will explain what to do in Nusa Penida, how to get there, where to stay, the best transport options, tour packages, and some of the top sights to see. A handy Nusa Penida island map for trip planning is also included!

Where To Stay In Nusa Penida

Nusa Penida Day Tour Packages

If you’re on a tight schedule or wish to avoid the hassle of arranging everything on your own, GetYourGuide offers prearranged day trips to Penida, including hotel transfers, fast boat tickets, an island tour, and same-day return trips to Bali.

These tours cover some of the top sights in Nusa Penida, such as Kelingking Beach and Broken Bay. GetYourGuide is a reliable option for numerous day tours and activities worldwide, making it highly recommended.

Where Is Nusa Penida?

Nusa Penida is a small island situated southeast of Bali, Indonesia, at a distance of about 25 kilometers (15 miles).

Nearby, Penida has two smaller neighboring islands: Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan, collectively known as the Nusa islands. However, Nusa Penida has gained fame for its stunning coastal cliffs and breathtaking beaches.

How To Get To Nusa Penida

The ultimate way to reach Nusa Penida from Bali is by speedboat or ferry, with the speedboat journey taking approximately 45 minutes. There are no airport facilities on Nusa Penida, making the international airport in Bali (DPS) your gateway. You can shop for flights to Bali at Skyscanner.

Multiple speedboat companies operate daily trips to Penida from Sanur Beach at various times. If you’re staying in Ubud, Canggu, Seminyak, Kuta, or other areas in southern Bali, you can drive over to Sanur and catch a boat. Some boat companies even include shuttle services from these locations in their pricing.

If you prefer a hassle-free experience, consider booking a day tour to Nusa Penida with a Bali-based operator.

Visiting Nusa Penida Island – Tourist Fee

As of 2023, there is now an entrance fee for tourists arriving by boat at Nusa Penida, aimed at improving infrastructure on the island.

The fee is 25k Rupiah for adults and 15k for children, payable in cash upon disembarkation. This ticket provides access to all three Nusa islands: Penida, Lembongan, and Ceningan.

The ticket also grants entry to major attractions and beaches, eliminating the necessity of paying an additional fee at places like Kelingking Beach.

This change is overall positive, as it previously required carrying cash to pay small entrance fees at every tourist spot on Nusa Penida.

Transport: How To Get Around On Nusa Penida

Despite Nusa Penida being significantly smaller than Bali (with about 4 percent of Bali’s land mass), it’s still not small enough to explore quickly. Expect to spend hours driving around to see the best sights.

Your primary transport options for exploring Nusa Penida are motorbike rentals (self-drive) or hiring a car with a private driver.

Many roads in Nusa Penida remain rough and narrow; therefore, renting a car with a driver is generally safer and more comfortable. Prices are comparable to those in Bali for a full day of driving. Alternatively, scooters can easily be rented from accommodations in Penida for about 75k Rupiah (~$5 USD) per day.

Short taxi trips (like hotel transfers) can often be arranged on the spot or through your hotel, though they aren’t very cost-effective.

What To Do In Nusa Penida

• Kelingking Beach

Kelingking Cliff offers perhaps the most iconic view in Nusa Penida, featuring an incredible ‘T-Rex’ shaped rock soaring above the ocean, surrounded by stunning turquoise water. The view from the cliff is nothing short of breathtaking.

For those adventurous enough, there’s a path leading down to the beach, which involves a challenging hike but rewards you with one of the best beaches in Nusa Penida.

• Paluang Cliff Viewpoint

Paluang Cliff, a nearby viewpoint, offers stunning scenery without the heavy foot traffic of Kelingking. This spot provides unique perspectives of the Kelingking T-Rex from the opposite side.

The Paluang Cliff features swings, photo platforms, and a Balinese temple with a quirky car shrine known as the ‘car temple’.

• Broken Beach

One of the initial stops for most visitors to Nusa Penida is Broken Beach, an intriguing circular cove sculpted into the rocks with a picturesque arch. It’s a popular hangout for manta rays, enhancing the experience of viewing the turquoise waters below.

While you can’t access the beach directly, the overhead view is remarkable, and local legends speak of its creation by either a giant’s footsteps or an angry sorcerer.

• Crystal Bay

Located on the west side of Penida, Crystal Bay is a fantastic spot for relaxation or sunbathing, featuring numerous food and drink shacks. The beach is renowned for breathtaking sunsets, making it a perfect spot to unwind with a drink as the sun sets.

• Banah Cliff Point

Banah Cliff Point boasts multiple viewpoints along the cliffs, each allowing you to walk right to the cliff’s edge and marvel at the crashing waves below. Tiny manta rays and speedboats can often be spotted from these vantage points.

• Tembeling Cave & Beach

Tembeling beach and forest is a hidden gem tucked away in the cliffs on Nusa Penida’s west coast, featuring a natural pool and small waterfall. It’s a great spot for those looking to enjoy natural beauty away from the crowds.

• Atuh Beach

Atuh Beach, one of the most beautiful spots on the southern end of Penida, is equipped with sunbeds, beanbags, and food stalls, making it a great place to spend the day. The elephant-shaped rock nearby adds to the beach’s charm.

• Nusa Penida Treehouse (Rumah Pohon)

For an extraordinary experience, spend a night in a rustic treehouse while surrounded by nature. Even if the amenities are basic, the views and sound of the ocean will provide an unforgettable experience.

• Diamond Beach

Diamond Beach, located on the southeastern coast, is famous for its beautiful scenery and a striking diamond-shaped rock. The beach has become more accessible recently, and the scenic swings are a hit with visitors.

• Teletubbies Hill

Teletubbies Hill features large, rounded hills reminiscent of the hills from the children’s show. The views are spectacular, and the vibrant greenery post-rainy season makes for stunning photographs.

• Suwehan Beach

For those seeking a secluded beach, Suwehan offers pristine white sand and turquoise waves, making the arduous hike well worth the effort. You’ll be rewarded with stunning views and an uncrowded atmosphere.

• Suwehan Tree House

Newly built treehouses offer an opportunity to stay near Suwehan Beach, featuring basic accommodations with spectacular views of the cliffs and ocean.

• Goa Giri Putri Temple

Located in a limestone cave on the eastern side of the island, this Hindu temple invites exploration and spiritual experiences, providing a unique adventure for visitors.

• Nyanyad Beach

Nyanyad Beach is an off-the-beaten-path location featuring pristine sand and towering hills. The road to reach it is complicated, but the secluded ambiance makes it worthwhile.

• Peguyangan Waterfall

For those looking for a thrill, Peguyangan Waterfall is accessed via an adventurous hike down bright blue steps leading to a natural swimming pool—a rewarding experience for the brave.

Best Nusa Penida Photo Spot

The best photo spots in Nusa Penida include Kelingking Beach and Diamond Beach, both stunning in their own right. Unique spots like Suwehan Beach and the Nusa Penida treehouse also provide fantastic photographic opportunities.

Nusa Penida Hike List

The renowned Kelingking Cliff hike offers remarkable views, while the Tembeling Beach and Forest hike mixes jungle and beach aesthetics with a sea cave.

For an off-the-grid hike, consider Batu Siha Beach, where you’ll experience rugged landscapes and a pristine beach at the hike’s conclusion.

Nusa Penida Island Map

A map is available for helping plan your Nusa Penida trip, providing icons leading to points of interest, though some locations may be approximate.

Is Nusa Penida Safe?

Nusa Penida is generally considered very safe for travelers. Violent crime is rare, and locals are known for their kindness and hospitality.

Nusa Penida Wildlife

The wildlife on Nusa Penida includes bats, spiders, monitor lizards, and monkeys. It’s vital to exercise caution when encountering snakes, as some species can be venomous.

Best Time To Visit

Due to its drier climate, Nusa Penida can be visited year-round. The rainy season from November to April experiences less tourist traffic, while the sunny months attract larger crowds.

Is Nusa Penida Worth It?

Absolutely! Nusa Penida showcases breathtaking scenery, incredible natural features, and ample activities that make the trip from Bali worthwhile.

How Long To Stay

To make the most of your visit, it’s recommended to spend at least 2-4 days in Nusa Penida, allowing ample time to explore its attractions.

Nusa Penida Itinerary

Below is a sample 4-day itinerary for Nusa Penida:

• Day 1: West Nusa Penida: Kelingking Beach, Paluang Cliff, Pererenan Cliff, Banah Cliff Point, Tembeling Beach.
• Day 2: East Nusa Penida: Diamond Beach, Atuh Beach, Rumah Pohon Treehouse, Teletubbies Hill, Goa Giri Putri Cave Temple.
• Day 3: Snorkeling + West Penida: Enjoy a half-day snorkeling tour followed by a visit to Angel’s Billabong, Broken Beach, and Smoke Beach.
• Day 4: South Nusa Penida: Suwehan Beach, Sekartaji Cliff, Manta Point Overlook, and Crystal Bay.

Nusa Penida Hotels

Akusara Jungle

Villa Ume Tenang

MAUA Hotel

Unicorn Bungalow

Nusa Lembongan & Ceningan

While exploring Nusa Penida, consider visiting the nearby Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan islands. Though they lack the dramatic cliffs of Penida, they offer beautiful hotels, seaside cafes, and a relaxed atmosphere.

Where We Stayed

Our stay at Saren Villa on the north coast of Nusa Penida cost 240k Rupiah ($15 USD) for a private double room, complete with cold A/C, hot shower, and reliable WiFi. It is an affordable option near some of the best restaurants!