We can easily say Nusa Penida is one of the most stunning places we’ve ever visited. This island is a true paradise, with its breathtaking beaches, dramatic cliffs, and gorgeous viewpoints. While many people opt for a day trip from Bali, we strongly suggest staying at least one night to fully experience all that Nusa Penida has to offer. By spending a bit more time here, you’ll not only get to enjoy the sights without the crowds but also catch the island’s magical sunrise and sunset moments. Ready to explore the most beautiful places on Nusa Penida?
Table of contents
- How to get to Nusa Penida
- How to get around in Nusa Penida
- Most beautiful places on Nusa Penida
- Where to stay on Nusa Penida
How to get to Nusa Penida
Getting from Bali to Nusa Penida is very straightforward. A fast boat ride from Sanur takes about 30 minutes, while it’s around 45 minutes from Serangan. If you’re traveling from Nusa Lembongan, the trip is just 15 minutes.
Good to know
Upon arrival on Nusa Penida, you’ll need to pay a small fee of 25,000 IDR (around € 1,50).
How to get around in Nusa Penida
We’ve rented scooters countless times, but Nusa Penida was the first place where we didn’t feel confident enough to do so. The roads were in such poor condition, full of broken patches and endless potholes, and the traffic could get quite chaotic. For our safety, we opted for a private driver, which we arranged through our accommodation at Sentulan Garden.
We paid 800,000 IDR (around € 47) for the first day. We arrived around noon and jumped right into exploring after dropping off our bags at the hotel. That day, we visited four places and stayed out until after sunset. On the second day, we started at sunrise, visiting two more spots before heading to the port for a snorkeling tour. This day cost us 400,000 IDR (around € 23,50), which included the drop-off at the port as well. While it wasn’t the cheapest option, it was by far the safest and most comfortable for us!
You can also hire a private car with a driver on Nusa Penida through GetYourGuide and maybe score a better deal. Another option is to take a day trip to Nusa Penida from Bali, but as mentioned, we highly recommend spending at least one night on the island. A day trip is only advisable if you’re short on time.
Good to know
The ridesharing apps Grab and Gojek are currently not available on Nusa Penida.
Most beautiful places on Nusa Penida
1. Kelingking Beach
One of the most beautiful places on Nusa Penida is undoubtedly Kelingking Beach. This famous viewpoint is all over social media, and for good reason. You can either enjoy the breathtaking view from the top or brave the hike down to the beach. Just be aware that the descent is quite treacherous and can take up to an hour. You will be pretty exhausted after the steep climb up, too.
Since we visited for sunset, we skipped the hike down to avoid the risk of getting stuck in the dark. If you’re there just to admire the view, we highly recommend arriving at (or a little before) sunset. While it won’t be completely deserted, it’s definitely less crowded than during the day, and the sunset is absolutely magical. For those keen on reaching the beach, sunrise is a better choice. It’s cooler for the climb back up and gives you plenty of time to enjoy the beach.
Good to know
There’s currently a sightseeing elevator project underway at Kelingking Beach, featuring a glass elevator and viewing platforms. If you want to experience Kelingking Beach in all its splendor, now’s the perfect time to visit!
2. Diamond Beach and Atuh Beach
Diamond Beach might just be the most beautiful beach in all of Nusa Penida, looking like it’s straight out of a postcard. With its white sand, turquoise waters, palm trees, and dramatic cliffs, it’s… a paradise. You can choose to enjoy the view from the viewpoint or make the 20-minute trek down to the beach. On the opposite side of Diamond Beach is Atuh Beach, the best spot if you want to sunbathe and swim. Both beaches are accessible with a single entrance fee of 35,000 IDR (about € 2).
3. Thousand Islands Viewpoint
The Thousand Islands Viewpoint provides stunning panoramic views of the surrounding small islands, also known as the “thousand islands”. There’s something truly magical about the sight of dramatic cliffs plunging into turquoise waters, with lush vegetation clinging to the edges. The entrance fee for this viewpoint is 25,000 IDR (around € 1,50). While you’re there, you can buy drinks and fresh coconuts from local stalls, but keep an eye out for cheeky monkeys! They’re notorious for trying to snatch your refreshments.
Good to know
You’ll also find the famous Rumah Pohon Tree House at this spot, offering a view over the thousand islands. However, be prepared to pay a steep 75,000 IDR (almost € 4,50) to access the treehouse. We found this fee a bit pricey and felt more like a tourist trap than a must-see attraction, so we decided to skip it. But if you’re looking for the perfect Instagram shot, the treehouse might be worth a visit!
4. Swim with manta rays at Manta Point
The highlight of our Nusa Penida trip was definitely our swim with manta rays. These majestic creatures made for a truly magical experience, and swimming alongside them was pure joy. If you can only do one thing on Nusa Penida, make it this – it’s a memory you’ll treasure forever.
We booked our tour with Nusa Penida Explorer, which cost 450,000 IDR (just over € 26) per person. This included snorkeling gear, water, and photos and videos captured by our guide with a GoPro. The tour lasted about 3 hours and featured 3 snorkeling spots, with a group of around 25 people.
If you prefer a more private experience, you might want to check out this full day private snorkeling tour with manta rays.
Pro tip
Whatever tour you book, make sure you visit Manta Point and not Manta Bay! At Manta Point you are more likely to spot manta rays!
5. Broken Beach
Broken Beach is one of the most unique spots on Nusa Penida, famous for its stunning rock formation. This natural wonder features a circular cove with a massive natural arch where the ocean flows in and out, creating a breathtaking view. The sight of white waves crashing against electric blue water and black rocks is truly unforgettable. While you can’t actually go down to the beach, the view from above is absolutely incredible. For the best experience, try to visit at sunrise to enjoy the magical sky and serene atmosphere!
6. Angel’s Billabong
Just a few minutes from Broken Beach, you’ll find Angel’s Billabong, a breathtaking natural rock formation with its own infinity pool. This unique spot features crystal-clear water that forms a serene natural swimming area. The best time to visit is during low tide, which lets you take a refreshing dip in the pool. However, even if you visit at other times, the natural pool is still an incredible sight and worth a visit!
Where to stay on Nusa Penida
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