Summary
The amazing Kelingking beach hike and cliff point is easily the most famous location in Nusa Penida, and probably one of the most iconic pictures in all of Bali. This spot has been nicknamed the Kelingking ‘T-Rex’ because of how the uniquely-shaped cliff looks like a giant rock dinosaur with jaws wide open.
It’s hard to browse Instagram without seeing epic photos of this natural wonder. Recently it was even named the 2nd best beach in Asia by TripAdvisor. If you’re planning a trip to Bali, you should definitely see the Kelingking T-Rex! It’s possible to visit it on a day trip from Bali, or you can spend several days experiencing all the other amazing sights in Nusa Penida island, which is located near Bali.
This travel guide will explain how to get to Kelingking Beach, where it’s located, how to hike down to the bottom of the cliff safely, and everything else you need to know before you go!
Where To Stay In Nusa Penida
Kelingking Cliff Point
The main view at Kelingking Cliff is an incredible dinosaur-shaped rock sticking out over the ocean, with perfect turquoise water splashing around it. The first time you look over the edge of the cliff and see this view, it truly is breathtaking! The Kelingking ‘T-Rex’ is significantly larger than it appears in photos, with steep cliffs that soar hundreds of meters tall.
This view reminds some travelers of the Navagio shipwreck beach in Zakynthos, Greece. You could think of Kelingking as a tropical version of Navagio. A band of friendly monkeys (Balinese macaques) has started visiting this area daily, hoping for food handouts from tourists. Since Kelingking Beach is located on the west side of Nusa Penida, it also makes a fantastic spot to watch the sunset!
When I first visited Kelingking in 2017, my guide and I were completely alone. There was no bamboo safety fence and no monkeys, and the path down to the beach hadn’t been built yet. Back then, Kelingking Cliff was called Karang Dawa, and reaching the beach at the bottom of the cliff was only possible via boat.
Nowadays, this spot is extremely popular and teeming with day-trippers from Bali, meaning you might experience wait times to capture the perfect photo. Busy restaurants and hotels now surround Kelingking Cliff, and the whole atmosphere has changed dramatically over the past 5 years.
Nevertheless, the incredible viewpoint remains untouched, and Kelingking Beach is still considered one of the best beaches in Bali.
Kelingking Beach Hike
After you’re done taking in the majestic Kelingking T-Rex, you can hike down to the beach via a steep staircase. This hike is a significant workout and takes at least 2 hours roundtrip. The stairs are very steep, and the drop-offs pose a serious safety risk if you aren’t cautious.
In 2020, a tragic incident occurred when a 30-year-old tourist from Java fell 150 meters to his death after slipping while hiking down to Kelingking Beach. However, it is important to note that hundreds of visitors hike down each day without issues.
This hike should be avoided by young children, elderly individuals, or anyone with a fear of heights. If you fall into one of these categories, it’s best to skip the hike and enjoy the views of Kelingking Cliff from above. During my hike, I encountered several people struggling with dehydration while attempting the steep ascent back up in the midday heat. Therefore, it’s crucial to bring plenty of water and wear appropriate footwear; sandals will not provide enough grip, especially on scorching hot rocks.
While drinks can sometimes be purchased at the bottom, they are priced higher and may not always be available. As a precaution, you should purchase drinks at one of the nearby food shacks before commencing the hike.
The pristine white sand beach at the bottom welcomes you with impressive waves and a couple of caves to explore!
Kelingking Beach
Kelingking Beach is remarkably beautiful, boasting perfect white sand and azure waves. The beach area is more extensive than it appears from above, providing ample space to enjoy the stunning surroundings. Though the ocean can be tempting for a swim, the waves are exceptionally strong at Kelingking Beach, making it advisable only for experienced swimmers. A few accidents have occurred in this area.
In 2021, two individuals were swept away by waves (a local tourist and her guide), and another tourist had his arm broken by crashing waves in 2022, highlighting the potential risks if you are not a proficient swimmer. Nonetheless, Kelingking Beach remains one of Bali’s best beaches.
Kelingking Cave
On the far end of Kelingking Beach, there’s a sizeable cave that offers excellent photo opportunities. Upon arriving at the beach and stepping onto the sand, the cave will be directly ahead, approximately 150 meters away. Additionally, there’s another rock overhang (similar to a cave) directly beneath the Kelingking T-Rex, providing shade from the sun.
Since this entire beach is highly exposed to sunlight, having a couple of areas to relax in the shade is quite appreciated.
EXTRA: Paluang Cliff
While everyone visits Kelingking Cliff, there’s another fantastic spot nearby with stunning views called Paluang Cliff. It’s just a 5-minute drive from Kelingking. Paluang is less well-known than Kelingking, which adds to its appeal. It’s a great alternative spot that provides views of Kelingking T-Rex from the opposite side without the crowds.
Paluang Cliff features swings and photo platforms, along with a Balinese temple with a quirky car shrine, known as the ‘car temple’ of Nusa Penida.
Best Time To Visit
The best time to experience Kelingking Beach without heavy crowds is either early in the morning or late in the afternoon. This location tends to get very congested, particularly during holidays. Additionally, hiking down to the beach is simpler in the morning before the heat increases.
My recent visit in July revealed a highly crowded hiking path in the afternoon, and the heat made climbing back up quite challenging.
Kelingking Beach Entrance Fee
There is no direct entrance fee for Kelingking Beach, aside from the small tourist fee paid when entering Nusa Penida island. As of 2024, parking fees at Kelingking are 10k Rupiah per car (less than one Dollar) or 5k Rupiah per scooter for self-drivers.
How To Get To Kelingking Beach Bali
Kelingking Beach and its cliff point are located on the west side of Nusa Penida island, near Bali. It’s accessible by car or scooter, taking about an hour’s drive from the main docks and accommodations in northern Penida. Exercise caution if riding a scooter, as the road can be rugged and challenging in certain areas.
Food and drink shacks are available in the parking area if you wish to stock up before or after hiking down to the beach. For further information on reaching Nusa Penida island itself, see the shared resources online.
More Nusa Penida Travel Tips
For comprehensive information about the beautiful island of Nusa Penida in Bali, check trustworthy travel websites that provide tips, maps, photos, and more. This island is brimming with splendid beaches, cliffs, caves, and snorkeling spots!
Day Tours To Nusa Penida
If you’re pressed for time or prefer to avoid the extra steps involved in planning your trip to Nusa Penida, consider looking for well-reviewed tour services offering prearranged day trips to Penida. Some packages include hotel transfers, fast boat tickets, island tours, and same-day returns to Bali.
Many travelers recommend such services after experiencing them across various destinations.
Where We Stayed
During our visit, we chose to stay at a conveniently located accommodation on the north coast of Nusa Penida, where we enjoyed comfortable amenities for an affordable price. Be on the lookout for value deals when planning your trip.
