13+ Best Things To Do In Nusa Penida, Indonesia (+ Tips, Where To Stay, & More)

Nusa Penida in Indonesia, is the perfect island if you love nature and incredible scenery. It’s located just off Bali’s southern coast. From the iconic Kelingking beach, to swimming with manta rays and delicious cuisine, this island has it all.

But it certainly doesn’t come without its challenges, like unreliable ferries, overcrowding, and rough and steep roads.

But despite all that, we can’t help but love many things about this island.

This guide will share the best things to do here, plus where to stay, how to get around, and other helpful tips along the way.

So let’s get into our Top Things To Do In Nusa Penida.

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Helpful Map Of Nusa Penida

Use this interactive map below to find all the best things to do in Nusa Penida.

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Kelingking Beach

This is the most iconic Nusa Penida destination. Known for a beautiful outstretched piece of land that resembles a T-Rex.

It’s simply one of the most dazzling sights we’ve ever seen. From the top you can take stunning pictures. And there is one platform with no railing. But, obviously, be extremely careful.

You can also go down to Kelingking Beach. It’s a steep 1 km hike down to the beach (0.6 miles). But the hardest part is the climb back up, especially with the heat. It has shade in the morning, but will be hottest in the afternoon sun. Either way make sure you bring plenty of water.

But when we were filming this, they were working on a massive elevator to take people to the bottom.

Personally, we think the elevator is a bad idea. Totally ruining the natural scenery, and in our opinion, it’s mostly just about the view from the top. So there’s no need to take so many people down to a beach you can’t even really swim at due to dangerous waves and strong currents. But I guess they’re going for it anyways.

Oh and there are also mischievous monkeys up here. So don’t even think of putting your stuff down, the monkeys WILL grab it, and you may never see your stuff again.

You can find little shops selling snacks and drinks, but as previously mentioned, the monkeys might try to grab it from you anyways.

Diamond Beach

Another beach that rivals the beauty of Kelingking is Diamond Beach. Located on the south-east of the island, with tall white cliffs set against stunning blue water. And there is a diamond shape rock that juts out from the beach.

First, you will encounter a large parking lot, if you have a motorbike, you can drive right up to the entrance. It’s a short walk to your first look of the beach. But we’d suggest climbing along the edge up to Togglo Viewpoint.

And at least when we visited, it’s much quieter and less crowded up at Togglo Viewpoint. There is nice shelter too, so you can escape the hot sun. Because we do suggest visiting this beach in the middle of the day because the sun just makes the blue water pop. And you might be able to spot manta rays swimming down in the bay.

And don’t forget to walk to the other side of the viewpoint down to Atuh Beach. You can see the rocky outstretch with just amazing views down to the ocean.

Since last time we came, there is now a zipline, and they’re building a classic Bali gate. Maybe next time we come there will be a roller coaster too!

If you want to go down to the beach, there is a steep staircase you can take. It’s kinda become a platform for influencers to snap that perfect photo, so it can kinda be annoying to use the “stairs as, well stairs” without photobombing someone’s photo.

It’s not really a great swimming beach because of the reef, unpredictable waves and current. So you can just take in the beautiful views and head back up when you’re ready. Ohh and of course, there is a swing down here you can pay for.

If you are looking to enjoy more of a beach day, on the other side you can also walk down to Atuh Beach. Here you can find beach chairs and umbrellas, and vendors selling food and drinks.

Snorkel Or Dive With Manta Rays

Nusa Penida is home to a large population of reef manta rays. So one of the best things to do here is snorkel or scuba dive at Manta Point to swim amongst these graceful giants.

But it’s often a rough ride over to this side of the island. The tour we booked even provides sea-sickness pills. So if you often get sea-sick, then definitely take them up on this offer, or consider booking a tour that visits manta bay instead. It’s a much shorter boat ride.

And we can confirm when we visited in October, the sea was rough out to Manta Point. But the reason we wanted to visit manta point is that you get to see the biggest cliffs along Nusa Penida’s West coast.

Once you reach manta point, you will likely notice a TON of other boat tours here. Both for snorkel tours and diving tours. So it can get a little hectic. But just remember your boats name and what it looks like. Guides will usually call out that name to keep the group together or if they spot a manta.

But you can also find mantas just by noticing the commotion of other swimmers. I will say it’s kind of a better dive spot, since the water is pretty deep and you won’t really be able to get too close to them unless you are a good free diver. But still a cool experience nonetheless.

While we certainly enjoyed our time here, it was sooo overcrowded with so many different tours. So if you can afford a private tour to this area, we’d highly suggest it. Being able to visit here just before all the tour groups come here, would be a game changer and much more enjoyable experience.

Oh and one tidbit, we always bring our own snorkels. Because on many of these tours, they are not properly cleaned or dried. So you might end up with a snorkel absolutely covered in mold. Here is a simple snorkel I have used and liked for several years!

Also, many snorkel tours will also visit other reefs on your way back. We stopped at Gamut Bay which was debatably cooler, being much closer to the colorful reef and seeing all the unique fish.

Tembeling Beach and Forest

This hidden gem is a must visit, for the most enchanting experience in Nusa Penida. It’s located on the west side of the island, but it’s not as easy of a task to get down to the beach here.

At the top of the hill, you will pass a shelter with locals offering motorbike rides down to the bottom. The cost is anywhere from 50k-150k roundtrip, so use your best negotiation skills here to try to get the lowest price!

But if you are a good motorbike driver, you can get down here on your own. But it’s definitely a scary adventure, so you might consider taking the ride for an additional cost. The road is super narrow, steep, bumpy, and wet. So this is where the adventure really begins!

The drive is about 4kms, but will take you about 10-20 minutes. You can drive all the way down to a temple, where it’s about a 5 minute walk down the stairs from there. There is a suggested 10,000 rupiah donation to hike to the bottom.

Deep within the rock walls you encounter the first swimming hole in the forest. You will quickly feel the power, and understand why this is a sacred place for locals. It’s really magical as you walk through. And there’s some vendors down in here if you want a drink or snack.

Continue down the path to the beach. It’s not really a great swimming beach, but great for photos.

But the coolest part is the clear fresh water swimming hole looking out onto the ocean. It’s kind of like natures infinity pool.

And don’t forget to walk under the rock tunnel to the right to check out the other beach. Again, just incredible cliffs towering above you. And of course, it has another swing. Because it wouldn’t be an Indonesia tourist attraction without one!

Crystal Bay

If you’re looking for a good beach to swim, then Crystal Bay is the perfect spot. They have beach chairs and umbrellas for rent. Plus many different vendors where you can pick up snacks or maybe a Bintang or fresh coconut to enjoy on the beach.

What makes this beach especially pretty is the giant rock island right in the middle, surrounded by beautiful lush cliffs along the bay.

Crystal Bay is also a great spot for snorkeling. You can rent gear right from the beach or bring your own and swim out to the reef.

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The Chill Penida

This is one of our favorite little spots to “chill” on Nusa Penida! No really, it’s so chill, they have an infinity pool looking out onto the ocean that is open to the public. Plus brilliant views of Mount Agung to the left. And they play chill music, and have some tasty cocktails. Plus a decent beer selection too.

They have killer western food that is just packed with flavor. We’ve tried quite a variety of things here and have loved every single thing. I even got a vegan burger, and was blown away. But I’d say the tacos are one of my favorites on the menu.

Also, every Friday & Saturday night, they have a live DJ. But personally we love the relaxing day vibe here.

And watching the colorful sailboats that leave right from the shoreline here to head out fishing is cool too. But I believe they go out at high tide, so it can kind of be hit or miss depending on the tide schedule.

Suwehan Beach

This beach is probably our favorite beach of them all, but especially because you actually get some peace and solitude here. Well, as long as the monkeys leave you alone.

Suwehan Beach located in the southeast part of the island, and probably the hardest thing to get to in this guide.

But I promise, it will be worth it. The last section is a very steep and windy road down to the parking area.

The hike starts right beside a temple. There are steep concrete stairs through the jungle and along the cliffside to the bottom. Don’t rely on the railing here though, as many of them seemed to have fallen since the last time we visited.

And once you near the beach, the stairs must have been washed a way during a storm. So there is now a ladder down to the beach, which seems pretty sketchy. So take your time.

Then, you have the beach nearly to yourself, or maybe just a few other people to share it with.

It’s important to note that you need to visit during low tide, because during high tide the water comes all the way up to the cliffs. And it gets sun in the morning and shade in the afternoon.

Father Field Bistro

This is probably one of our all-time favorite restaurants, ever, like, anywhere! We stayed just up the street on our first visit to Nusa Penida, and visited multiple times. And we always talk about how good the food was here and compare any pesto we get at other restaurants to this one.

First off, their cocktails are beautifully crafted with super fresh ingredients, and they are pretty affordable too. Like 80k (≈$4.80 usd) for some really unique and delicious cocktails.

One of our favorites is starting with a caprese salad. And much of the menu is actually vegan. I don’t know how the chef does it, but they make a really delicious vegan mozzarella cheese.

And the dish you can’t come here and not get is the vegan pesto gnocchi. The gnocchi is hand made, and dressed in the most delicious basil pesto. I hope I’m not getting your hopes up too high, but now after getting this dish multiple times, it always delivers.

We tried their chicken satay this time too and, definitely some of the best peanut sauce we’ve had. So I really don’t think you can go wrong with anything on this menu.

And they provide free cucumber water and garlic bread. Which might not sound like a big deal, but you usually have to pay for water at every restaurants in Indonesia, since they don’t have drinkable tap water.

This chef is so talented and knows what she is doing. You can just tell they pay so much attention to detail here. And the staff is so friendly too!

Angel’s Billabong & Broken Beach

This is another iconic stop in Nusa Penida.

They can both be accessed from the parking area.

Angel’s Billabong is a tantalizing shelf in the volcanic rock, that gives off the illusion of an infinity pool. You are not allowed to swim here anymore, because people have died. It may look calm and inviting, but just one big wave can turn it into a deadly scene.

So now it’s just a nice view to take in from above, and admire the oceans power.

And just around the corner you’ll discover broken beach. A beautiful archway opens up to a lagoon in the rocks. And keep an eye out for turtles, I spotted one from above. You can also walk along the archway to make it a loop hike.

You can also see The Octopus Queen that sits on the cliff of Penida Swing Park. It’s meant to symbolize the ocean’s depths, mystery, and the power of nature.

But the fact that the didn’t name it Medusa Penida is really a crime!

Banah Cliff Point

For beautiful, less visited cliff views, this is a perfect spot. It’s moreso known for sunset, but we decided to visit in the morning, and had the place all to ourselves. If you come at sunset, a local will charge you 10k (≈$.60 usd) or you just need to buy something for 10k at their shop.

It used to be a long rough road leading here, but there is a newly paved road making it much easier to get here.

There is a small lot where you can park a bike. Then, walk along the grassy field to a stunning viewpoint at the cliff. And if you visit in the morning you can see all the boats venturing out to Manta Point.

And don’t miss the other viewpoint, just a short walk to the other cliffside. Personally we thought this side was a bit more scenic with a beautiful arch rock, and other rocks jutting out.

Again, beware of monkeys here. Don’t set your belongings down or they might grab them!

Secret Penida

This awesome bakery and restaurant was never going to remain a secret for long.

Their cafe and bakery is a great place to fuel up in the morning, with specialty coffee, freshly made breads, baked goods, and more. We even got a loaf of sourdough to take away to make peanut butter and jellys for some of our long adventure days. So good!

And the oceanfront restaurant is such a great spot. And whether you go with Indonesian classics like mie goreng or beef rendang. Or try some of their western food, this place is the whole package. And the fact that they have their own bakery really elevates all the cuisine to the next level. Like sandwiches, pizza, and burgers, all taste delicious.

We even visited one night for pizza, and half way through eating our pizza, they were like, oh yeah, it’s buy one get one pizza tonight. So we got a whole pizza for take out to eat another day for the price of one! Amazing!

And the views here are awesome. On a clear day you can see Mount Agung as the waves crash ashore. They also have a public pool too, so you can come for lunch, have a nice pool day and enjoy tasty drinks and food.

So definitely add this spot where it’s breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

Teletubbies Hill

Another pit stop you can add on your way to the south side of the island is the Teletubbie Hills. It offers a unique contrast to the island’s dramatic cliffs and rugged coastlines. You just see rolling hills covered in green grasses. In wet/rainy season the grass is super vibrant and lush. Not much to do here besides admire the hills, but it is certainly a little less popular than some of the other attractions on this list.

Goa Giri Putri Temple

A famous hindu temple to visit on Nusa Penida is the Goa Giri Putri Temple. The entrance is hidden through a narrow crack in the limestone cliff, leading into a massive underground cave where locals and visitors come to pray. It’s an active place of worship, so modest clothing and a sarong are required (rentals are available at the entrance). There is a suggested 50k rupiah donation per person.

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Where To Stay In Nusa Penida

There’s tons of great places to stay in Nusa Penida, so you are in luck! But finding which part of the island to stay in Nusa Penida can be somewhat complicated due to it’s size. And many of the best activities around the island are spread out. So here’s how I’d break up the different areas.

There is the north, which is close to the ports, access to great restaurants, and awesome views of Mount Agung. To the west there’s easier access to the famous kelingking beach and beautiful cliff views. The south, which is near Diamond Beach and beautiful cliff views. And the east has less going on, but access to the Goa Giri Putri Temple. Lastly, you have the middle of the island, which is kinda where you will find more locals living, and not a ton of accommodation for tourists.

Personally we like to stay on the North side of the island, so we can enjoy incredible views of Mount Agung. And there’s plenty of great restaurants to choose from.

Two accommodations that we have really liked in the north are Gara Gara Sea View, or a cheaper option is Petak Cottage. Both of these places offer amazing views of Mount Agung from their infinity pools. Gara Gara sea view had an on-site restaurant and a little less walk-able to other restaurants. But Petak Cottage had no on-site restaurant, but within walking distance to tons of excellent restaurants.

If you are looking for good accommodation that include diving packages, check out Scuba Junkie Penida or Noosa Dive Resort.

For excellent places in the south, of course there is the famous Rumah Pohon Treehouse. But it’s a bit more rustic and can get bust with tourists during the day. If you are looking for something a bit more upscale but still with epic views, The Raja Lima Hotel is an excellent choice. And for an affordable spot that also has those amazing views, Aloka Penida is a quiet and peaceful spot. But you may want to rent a bike to get to some of the popular spots around here.

Use this interactive map to find your perfect accommodation in Nusa Penida.

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Tips for Visiting Nusa Penida

Before you go exploring, there are a few key things to know that can make your trip to Nusa Penida a lot smoother. Here are some helpful tips to make the most of your visit.

Getting To The Island:

Getting to Nusa Penida is your first challenge. Fastboats and ferries are the main mode of transportation from either Bali or Lombok.

Choose a bigger boat ferry if you can, as they will handle rougher seas much better, especially if you are coming from Lombok.

You can book these in advance on 12goAsia for as low as $8 per person. We personally went with The Angkal Fastboat from Bali and appreciated that they had us all put on a life jacket. I don’t know if you’ve seen some of those viral videos of boats capsizing, but having a life jacket on for these journeys could be a life saver!

BUT, I’d say the bigger the boat, the better your ride. Ekajaya has the biggest boats, that will likely get you to your destination safer. So if you are okay with a longer boat ride and a little more expensive ticket, then this option will likely be smoother overall.

Also make sure you are choosing the right harbor to your accommodation. We booked our fast boat and when we landed, kinda noticed we maybe should have landed at a harbor much closer to our accommodation. There’s Banjar Nyuh Harbour, Buyuk Harbour, Sampalan/Mentigi, and Kutampi. And some companies just have their own piers too.

While this goes against my general recommendations, booking your ticket in advance is not always the best option. For example, we booked a ferry with a company who just never showed up to their ticket booth at the ferry port when we were supposed to check in. A random guy with a different company told us, “oh, yah, this company is probably not leaving today”. But we got no communication from the company about a cancellation. But later to found out they needed to work on their boats, and that this was the company that capsized a couple months earlier. Long story short, we ended up scrambling to find another ferry last minute, and thankfully a local guide helped us get new tickets. In this case, booking ahead definitely didn’t pay off.

Taxis/Rideshare:

Currently the ride share app Grab or GoJek is not available on Nusa Penida. There will be taxis waiting on the dock when you arrive, but it’s best to book a taxi in advance to avoid overpaying. So we suggest setting up a taxi with your hotel beforehand, to avoid the stress of negotiating with taxis when you arrive.

And if you need a taxi later in your trip, be sure to grab your driver’s phone number so you can easily arrange other rides around the island.

Avoiding Crowds:

If you want to avoid the crowds, sunrise is your best option. The middle of the day is ultimately the busiest time because day tours come over from Bali. But sunsets can be equally busy, especially for west coast destinations.

Getting Around Nusa Penida:

Nusa Penida is a pretty large island and can take about a hour to get from on side of the island to the other. So tours are typically divided into West Coast and East Coast.

The best way to see much of the island is to book a day tour or to rent a motorbike. But we only suggest driving a motorbike here if you have experience driving one. These roads are narrow, rough, and steep. And that means you are gonna want a bike with at least 125cc so it has enough power to handle the roads.

Or you can always book a private driver where you can build your own itinerary. We personally enjoy getting a private driver so we aren’t pressured to move from one place to the next super fast. But group tours can definitely save you some money and provide and quick and easy way to get around to all the best spots.

Best Time To Visit Nusa Penida

The dry season (May to October) is the best time to visit Nusa Penida, offering sunny days, calmer seas, and ideal conditions for snorkeling and diving. July and August are the busiest months, so expect more crowds and higher prices. If you’re looking for a balance of good weather and fewer tourists, consider visiting during the shoulder months on either side of peak season.

The rainy season (November to April) can still be enjoyable, but keep in mind that rough seas may cause ferry delays or cancellations, and some activities might be limited during heavy rain.

How Long Do You Need In Nusa Penida

You might be wondering how long to stay on Nusa Penida. And while there are day trips from Bali or Lombok, I think staying on the island opens a great opportunity to explore the depths of this beautiful island. At very minimum, you need 2 full days here, but staying up to 3 or 4 days can let you go at a more leisure pace and get to relax at some of these top destinations.

Ideal Itinerary For Nusa Penida:

• Day 1: Snorkel Tour to Manta Point + West Coast Tour: Kelingking Beach, Angel’s Billabong, Broken Beach and Father Field Bistro
• Day 2: Diamond Beach, Atuh Beach, Suwehan Beach, The Chill Penida (Optional: Teletubbies Hill or Goa Giri Putrip Temple)
• Day 3: Crystal Bay, Banah Cliff, Tembling Beach & Forest, Secret Penida

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