Fancy an island-hopping adventure from Bali? Tick off all the best things to do in Nusa Penida island.
I love Bali’s buzzing beach clubs. But sometimes, I need a little escape from the bustle. That’s when I island-hop to Bali’s ‘little sister’ island, Nusa Penida.
Nusa Penida is Bali’s eastern island with relatively untouched landscapes. You’ll drive for miles without seeing a building or any sign of civilisation. And then suddenly, you’ll arrive at a jaw-dropping view flocked by hundreds of tourists! I’ve island-hopped to Nusa Penida more than five times now, so here I’m sharing my top things to do in Nusa Penida that you won’t want to miss.
Good-to-know before you go to Nusa Penida
Where is Nusa Penida?
Nusa Penida is located off the southeast coast of Bali, accessible by boat from Sanur Harbour or Padang Bai. It’s still a part of Bali province, and is renowned for its dramatic cliffs, pristine beaches, and stunning natural landscapes. It’s perfect for adventure seekers and nature lovers looking for a weekend trip away from mainland Bali.
How to get to Nusa Penida from Bali
You can reach Nusa Penida via a fast ferry or speedboat, which depart daily from Sanur and Padang Bai. Travel times typically range from 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the conditions that day. Most boats leave in the morning when the seas are calmer, and I would recommended departing from Sanur, because the new harbour is clean, convenient, and has a pier meaning you don’t get your feet wet.
Is Nusa Penida worth visiting?
If you love awe-inspiring natural landscapes, hidden beaches, vibrant marine life and breathtaking cultural sights, Nusa Penida is definitely worth visiting. It’s a relatively untouched island that looks like something out of Jurassic Park. It’s one of my absolute favourite places to explore over a long weekend.
Top 11 things to do in Nusa Penida
1. Hike down to Kelingking Beach (if you dare!)
Yep, you’ve seen it on everyone’s Instagram feed: the T Rex-shaped cliff that stands tall and proud on the western coast of the island. Kelingking Beach (“kelingking” meaning “little finger”) is a Nusa Penida icon, and it was voted TripAdvisor’s 9th Best Beach in The World. It’s known not only for its spectacular rock formation, but also its beautiful white sandy beach… that is, if you dare to hike down the almost vertical, barely-there stairs!
Those who are brave enough will surely be rewarded. As you step onto the pristine beach, you’re instantly transported to paradise, with powder-white sands and wild crashing waves. It’s well worth the adrenaline rush, and a much-needed respite from the crowds of tourists at the top!
Local tip: Prepare for a sea of tourists as this incredibly popular spot. You can find quieter corners to take in the view, but generally, this is the busiest viewpoint in all of Nusa Penida.
Good to Know: There is currently an ‘elevator’ under construction that will transport visitors down to the beach. This means the view here is no longer ‘natural’, as there is a large crane and heavy construction underway.
2. Cruise around the island on a luxury yacht
If you don’t have time in your itinerary to stay on Nusa Penida, you can tick off all of the island’s best bits with Bluuu. This luxury boat operator has been running award-winning tours to Nusa Penida for almost a decade, and they’ve perfected the balance of adventure, comfort, and five-star service.
I hopped aboard for a premium shared experience, and in just one day, we swam with manta rays, snorkelled with turtles, visited Nusa Penida’s most famous landmarks, and ended the day with a sunset toast. It really was one of the best days out I’ve had in Bali.
But beyond the magical day trip, Bluuu is also helping to protect marine life with its reef restoration program, which every guest can take part in – I even planted a few coral fragments myself! Add in their incredible hospitality, sleek boats, and expertise in boat safety, and you’ve got the best Nusa Penida boat tour in Bali.
Local tip: Bluuu’s boats are sleek and spacious, so even the shared tours feel private and exclusive.
Good to know: The awesome team is all about safety, and they run pre-boarding briefings so you feel fully taken care of.
3. Go scuba diving with Manta Rays
With 296 reefs and 576 species of fish, snorkelling and diving in Nusa Penida’s waters is a must when visiting this magical island. You’ll have the chance to get up close with a range of marine life, from sea turtles and dolphins, to dugongs, and the most famous of them all, Manta Rays. The largest families of Manta Rays can be found at Manta Point, but you’ll also want to explore Crystal Bay with its colourful reefs, and Gamat Bay which is best for underwater caves. Other popular snorkelling and diving spots include Penida Bay, Toyapakeh, Batu Meling, Batu Abah, Malibu Point and Batu Lumbung.
Local tip: Manta Point can get very choppy, so try to visit on a day with small swell, low winds, and if necessary, bring sea-sickness tablets!
Good to Know: The currents in Nusa Penida are notoriously strong, so stay close to your guide, and only scuba dive here if you are experienced.
4. Scale the cliffside stairway to Diamond Beach
Another Insta-famous spot in Nusa Penida is Diamond Beach, aptly named thanks to its diamond-shaped rock formations. It’s most famous for the epic views, which are best enjoyed from the majestic clifftops. Or otherwise, you can choose to hike down the stairs that lead to the pristine white sand (these stairs are much safer compared to Kelingking Beach!). It’s also where you can find soaring swings that make for great photo-ops against a panoramic backdrop of glittering ocean and diamond-shaped rocks.
Local tip: Diamond Beach is located right next to Atuh Beach (below), so you can easily visit both of these beaches in one day.
Good to Know: There are stairs down to the beach, but they can be quite high and uneven in places, so only descend if you have the fitness levels to get back up!
5. Explore the stunning Atuh Beach
As soon as you spot Atuh Beach, you’ll know why it’s one of Nusa Penida’s most photographed beaches. With its sweeping views of the ocean and the iconic arch-like rock formation in the distance, it’s a photographer’s dream.
You can easily access the beach for a closer look, and when I was last here, I came during the daytime to swim in ocean and hang on the sun-beds drinking coconuts. But I heard it’s also incredible at sunset when the golden rays shine straight through the arch.
Local tip: You’ll want to visit at high tide if you’re hoping to swim. Rent a sun-bed on the beach to make a day of it.
Good to know: Atuh Beach is just a short walk from Diamond Beach (above).
7. Swim in the natural pools of Peguyangan
If you’re afraid of heights, this one isn’t for you! I had to stop on multiple occasions when hiking down the cliffside staircase, but trust me when I say it’s worth it in the end!
At this famous Nusa Penida destination, a bright blue staircase hangs precariously on the side of the cliffs, with huge gaps that mean you can see the waves crashing hundreds of feet below you! But what’s waiting at the end is a hidden gem that instantly calms your racing heart rate.
You’ll be greeted by the Peguyangan ‘waterfall’ (it’s called a waterfall but it’s more like a stream), which is a secret oasis with water trickling down the rocks and into a natural pool. You can dip and swim in the pools, and watch the crashing waves over the edge. It really is stunning… All before a scary climb back up!
Local tip: When you first get to the bottom of the stairs, you’ll think you’ve arrived at a dead end. But scale your way past the temple and over the rocks, and you’ll find these natural pools.
Good to Know: The stairs down are extremely rickety and not for the faint hearted.
7. Take in the beauty of Angel’s Billabong
You’ve probably seen this natural infinity pool on Instagram. Angel’s Billabong is an oasis-like pool framed by dramatic rocks, with a backdrop of endless ocean beyond. It really is stunning, but these days it can get extremely busy. You’ll also want to visit at low tide only, because when the tide is high here, wild waves crash up and over the rocks, turning this dreamy spot into a very dangerous cave with strong currents.
Local tip: Swimming is not permitted here, as high tides bring unpredictable and dangerous waves.
Good to know: The views from above are worth the trip alone, but as a bonus, Broken Beach is another must-see that’s just 100 metres away.
8. Crawl inside a cave to the underground temple, Pura Goa Giri Putri
When I first arrived at the entrance to Pura Goa Giri Putri, I almost turned around to leave, because I thought I’d come to the end of the path. But before I could walk away, a smiling local pointed to a small hole in the rocks… That was the entrance to the temple!
Pura Goa Giri Putri is a sacred, underground temple, and to find it, you need to squeeze down the narrow entrance (which looks more like a hole in the ground!), before you’re transported to another world. Once you’re inside, it suddenly opens up into an enormous towering cave. It’s unbelievable.
Goa Giri Putri, which translates to “the Goddess of the cave and hill”, is home to six pura (AKA “temples”), one located outside and the rest inside the cave. This cultural destination is visited by local Balinese for daily prayers, but it’s open for visitors too. You can simply walk through the cave, or take part in a purification ritual, which lasts for approximately two hours and uses holy water from the cave’s natural springs.
Local tip: Legend has it that only those with pure intentions can fit through the temple entrance!
Good to know: Be sure to cover up and dress appropriately before you enter this space for prayer, and follow the guidance from the temple priests.
9. Build-your-own breakfast by the beach at Secret Penida
Nusa Penida is wild and natural, but it’s also home to some delicious cafes and restaurants that could easily fit into Canggu. My favourite cafe to start the day is Secret Penida – it serves awesome coffee and yummy build-your-own breakfasts, and it sits right by the beach. Then for lunch or tapas, I usually make my way to the island-chic Coco Penida, which is the sister venue of Secret Penida.
Local tip: While I often come here for breakfast, sunsets here are also breathtaking.
Good to know: For a laid-back date night, head to Coco Penida for live music every weekend.
10. Sunset session and dinner at Penida Colada
As the sun sets, I make a beeline to the beachfront Penida Colada for a sundowner by the sea. it’s the perfect setting for a cocktail, live music, and a selection of starters and mains from their delectable dinner menu.
Local tip: From Monday to Wednesday, you can unwind with easy acoustic sounds, while Thursday to Sunday ramps up a bit!
Good to know: This place is owned and operated by Nusa Penida locals, so they’ll happily share their island tips!
11. Island hop to Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan
If you’re staying on Nusa Penida for more than a few days, you’ll want to save some time for a day trip to the neighbouring islands of Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan. You can catch a small boat for a short 20-minute sail to Nusa Lembongan, where cute cafes, boho beach clubs, beachfront spas and even more island adventures await.
Local tip: Hire a scooter and cross the yellow bridge (AKA The Bridge of Love) to Nusa Ceningan for a full-day island itinerary.
Good to know: The boat from Nusa Penida to Lembongan leaves every hours, s0 you can easily plan your excursion.
Did I miss any? Send me a DM on Instagram or email me on louise@thehoneycombers.com to share your favourites!
FAQs on Nusa Penida
How long should I stay in Nusa Penida?
Due to its size, you’ll want to spend at least two or three nights on Nusa Penida, ticking off all the must-do activities and best places to visit. Bring your camera (and a sense of adventure!), because a trip to Nusa Penida is an otherworldly experience that’s definitely worthy of your Bali bucket list.
How do I get around Nusa Penida?
The best way to get around Nusa Penida island is by car or scooter. Like on mainland Bali, you can hire a scooter or a local driver for a day. You can even ask your hotel if they offer transport services. There’s no traffic on Nusa Penida, but some of the roads can be extremely bumpy and dangerous to ride on. So, only rent a scooter if you have a licence and have ridden before. Keep in mind that there’s no online taxis like Grab and GoJek.
How much is the fast boat ticket from Bali to Nusa Penida?
Prices from Bali to Nusa Penida vary depending on the boat operator and where you’re departing from. From Sanur Harbour, the fast-boat tickets start from IDR 120,000 one-way. Note that there’s a Nusa Penida port fee of IDR 25,000, which is paid upon arrival.
What are the top attractions in Nusa Penida?
The must-visit places in Nusa Penida include Kelingking Beach, Angel’s Billabong, Broken Beach, and Atuh Beach. These iconic attractions offer breathtaking ocean views, vibrant marine life, and excellent photo opportunities.
When is the best time to visit Nusa Penida?
The dry season (April to October) is ideal for visiting Nusa Penida, with clear skies, calm seas for the boat trip from Bali, as well as snorkelling and diving, and optimal conditions for exploring its natural landscapes.
Where can I stay on Nusa Penida?
Nusa Penida offers a range of accommodation, from budget-friendly guesthouses, to oceanfront hotels and upscale resorts. Many options provide easy access to beaches and top attractions.
What activities can I do on Nusa Penida?
Popular activities on Nusa Penida include snorkelling, diving, hiking, and exploring hidden beaches and waterfalls. The island is perfect for adventure tourism and outdoor exploration.
Is Nusa Penida safe for tourists?
Yes, Nusa Penida is safe for travellers. However, exercise caution on steep cliff roads, and be aware of strong tides and rugged terrains. Following local safety guidelines will help ensure a secure and enjoyable trip to Nusa Penida.
Do I need a guide to explore Nusa Penida?
While you can explore independently, hiring a local guide or joining a tour is recommended to navigate the island’s challenging roads and to gain local insights into the history and culture of Nusa Penida.
What travel tips should I know for Nusa Penida?
Essential tips include packing sunscreen, swimwear, and cash, as ATMs and card readers can be limited. Wear comfortable shoes for hiking, and respect local customs to make the most of your island adventure.
Love this list of things to do in Nusa Penida? Check out all of the awesome attractions and activities in Bali too!