Nusa Penida is the third-largest island in the Nusa Islands group southwest of Bali. For its stunning scenery and tranquil beaches, Nusa Penida is a popular tourist destination. 

With trails, beaches, and viewpoints to explore, it's the destination where your one-of-a-kind adventure begins. Here is everything you need to know about Nusa Penida to help plan your trip to this incredible destination.  

Photo by: alikainwanderlust

Getting to Nusa Penida from Bali 

To get to Nusa Penida from Bali you will need to take a fast boat from Sanur Beach Harbour to Banjar Nyuh Harbour. It’s best to book your boat tickets in advance, especially during peak season. For the best price, book your fast boat tickets on 12go.Asia. 

The morning is the best time to take the fast boat because the ocean is calmer. Nusa Penida is approximately 45 minutes by fast boat from Sanur. 

Wear shorts and thongs when taking the fast boat to and from Nusa Penida. Because there is no dock, you will have to walk in the ocean to board the boat. 

From Nusa Lembongan to Nusa Penida 

To get from Nusa Lembongan to Toya Pakeh Harbour in Nusa Penida, take a boat from the harbour next to the Yellow Bridge. 

One way ticket per person costs 50,000 IDR. 

Getting around Nusa Penida 

I wouldn't recommend renting a scooter (if you are not confident riding one) on Nusa Penida because of the steep, narrow, and winding roads. 

Nusa Penida is a large island, and getting to each location may take longer than expected due to weather and traffic conditions. 

There is a taxi service in Nusa Penida, but you may have difficulty communicating with the locals because they do not appear to speak English as well as those on the mainland.

Hotels in Nusa Penida generally offer pick-up and drop-off services at an additional cost.  

Photo by: alikainwanderlust

Hiring a driver is the best way to see Nusa Penida! If you decide to hire a driver, then you should connect with Tony. Tony is the best tour guide/driver! 

You can reach him via WhatsApp (+62 812 3856 1253). Tony speaks excellent English, is funny, and has a wonderful personality! 

Recommend length of time on Nusa Penida 

I would plan at least 3 days on Nusa Penida to give you plenty of time for sightseeing and snorkelling. Many people take day trips to Nusa Penida from Bali or Nusa Lembongan, but I highly recommend staying for a few days if you have the time! 

Accommodation on Nusa Penida 

Reynten Hill is located on top of a hill overlooking the ocean. Although getting there by car is challenging, the view is amazing! On a clear day, you will have a view of Bali and Mt Agung (the famous volcano)! 

Photo by: alikainwanderlust

The staff at Reynten Hill do not speak English, which can be difficult at times, but they are extremely friendly and accommodating. 

Apart from the view, one of the best aspects of Reynten Hill was the infinity pool! It was always the ideal temperature for a swim! 

Breakfast is included in the price of your stay, and there is a restaurant serving lunch and dinner. Reynten Hill has 5 sea-view villas, each with a spacious bath, an outdoor shower, and a balcony from which to enjoy the ocean views and watch the sunrise in the mornings! 

Kelingking Beach is also known as T-Rex Bay due to the shape of the coastline resembling a T-Rex. Because of its unique coastline and clear deep blue ocean below, the best view is from the top of T-Rex Bay. You might be lucky enough to see some Manta Rays here. 

Photo by: alikainwanderlust

If you are feeling adventurous you can take the challenging steep staircase and make your way down the cliffside. It’s very steep, rocky and sketchy in some areas so take care and wear comfortable walking shoes.  

There is a flimsy wooden railing on both sides of the staircase, but there are some places where you will need to scramble over rocks to get down. 

The hike down to the beach is not suitable for those who are afraid of heights, as there are several points where you are looking straight down to the beach below from great heights, with little to hold on to. 

Another reason to arrive early is to avoid hiking back to the top of the cliff during the hottest part of the day. You'll still be sweating profusely at any time of day; it just won't be as bad. 

When you arrive at Kelingking Beach, you will most likely have the beach to yourself, especially if you arrive early. Although the ocean appears to be inviting, this beach is not suitable for swimming due to the strong current. 

Don't leave your belongings on the beach unattended because there are monkeys around. 

Broken Beach 

Broken Beach is a beautiful sandy beach surrounded by dramatic cliffs and an archway that allows the waves to flow in and out from the ocean. 

Many people will be taking photos in front of the archway, and for good reason: it makes for great photos! 

Photo by: alikainwanderlust

Unfortunately, you cannot swim at Broken Beach as there is no access to the beach. A walkway above the beach circles the archway. It’s only a short 10-minute walk. 

Take caution when walking along the cliffs because there are no railings. When taking photos, avoid getting too close to the edge. 

Angel’s Billabong 

You won't have to walk far to get from one to the other because Broken Beach and Angel's Billabong are right next to each other. 

Photo by: alikainwanderlust

At high tide, Angel's Billabong is a great place to watch the waves crash against the natural tide pool. At low tide, you can soak in the natural tide pool. 

Tembeling Beach, Forest and Natural Pools 

You can walk 2.5 kilometres down a steep hill and back, or you can hire a taxi scooter for 50,000 IDR ($3.34) to take you to the natural pools.  

The first natural pool is approximately four meters deep so cliff jumping is safe here, though you will have to scramble your way up some rocks to do so. The second natural pool on Tembeling Beach is perfect for relaxing and taking photos.

Photo by: alikainwanderlust

Walking through the small cave on the right just before the second natural pool will lead you to a secluded hidden beach! 

Crystal Bay Beach 

Crystal Bay Beach is the best beach for snorkelling, swimming and watching the sunset. You can access the beach from the parking area so there is no walking to get to this beach. 

Photo by: alikainwanderlust

There are numerous places to buy food and drinks along the beach, making it an ideal place to spend the day. Renting sunbeds and umbrellas for the day costs 50,000 IDR. 

Crystal Bay Beach is a great spot for snorkelling and there are places along the beach where you can rent snorkelling equipment from. 

Rumah Pohon Treehouse and Thousand Islands Viewpoint  

Rumah Pohon Treehouse is another popular spot on Nusa Penida so I recommend getting her early.  

Rumah Pohon Treehouse is situated on a hill with panoramic views of Diamond Beach. When you reach the bottom of the stairs, you will notice three treehouses. The farthest treehouse is the most popular for photos. 

Photo by: alikainwanderlust

You can book a stay at this treehouse, but I wouldn't recommend it because 1. it would be annoying to have people taking photos at your door all the time 2. There are so many stairs to and from the treehouse that going anywhere would be a chore 3. It's quite pricey, and you’re really only paying for the view because the treehouse itself is quite basic. It looks like a homemade treehouse and not one of those nice ones you see on Instagram. 

If you want to get a photo at Rumah Pohon Treehouse you will have to pay 50,000 IDR per person.  

If you don't want to pay for a photo on the treehouse stairs, there is a beautiful viewpoint just below the treehouse called Thousand Islands Viewpoint. You can also take pictures with Diamond Beach in the background here! 

Photo by: alikainwanderlust

Diamond Beach 

Diamond Beach is the most beautiful beach on Nusa Penida and a popular tourist destination. I suggest visiting early in the morning. 

On the staircase down to the beach, you will get a dramatic view of the massive rocks in the water and the turquoise blue water below.  

Photo by: alikainwanderlust

The trek down to Diamond Beach is steep and at some points, there's no rope to hang onto so take care. Allow around one hour to get to and from the beach. Diamond Beach is not an ideal beach for swimming due to the strong waves. 

Some monkeys hang around Diamond Beach. Be cautious of any loose items you may have, such as sunglasses or a phone, as they have a reputation for stealing. 

From the parking lot, Diamond Beach is on the right, Atuh Beach is on the left and straight ahead is a temple with stunning views.  

Atuh Beach 

Atuh Beach is located opposite Diamond Beach. To get to Atuh Beach it’s a steep way down so plan to spend a couple of hours here to make it worth it. It takes around 10 - 15 minutes to walk down to the beach. 

Photo by: alikainwanderlust

Along the beach, there are a few local food restaurants where you can get a cheap lunch and/or a cold drink. 

I don’t recommend visiting at low tide as the ocean recedes quite far out leaving only exposed rocks. 

Snorkel with the Manta Rays 

Snorkelling is one of the best ways to experience Nusa Penida. There are some incredible snorkel spots where you will see many tropical fish, colourful coral, and even Manta Rays!  

Nusa Penida is an idyllic island of white-sand beaches and crystal-clear coral reefs, perfect for snorkelling. It's a wonderful place to explore, so if you're planning a trip to Bali, be sure not to miss it!