Fancy an island-hopping adventure from Bali? Tick off all the best things to do in Nusa Penida – from exploring underground temples and hidden beaches, to spotting Manta Rays in the deep!
While we love Bali’s beautiful beaches, awesome island adventures and diverse wining and dining destinations, sometimes we need a little escape from the daily hustle and bustle. Lucky for us, Bali is fringed by three ‘little sister’ islands, namely Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Ceningan, and the largest: Nusa Penida.
Just a hop, skip and a 45-minute boat ride away from Bali’s main harbour in Sanur, you’ll find yourself in Nusa Penida, a relatively untouched island that looks like something out of Jurassic Park. With its awe-inspiring natural landscapes, hidden beaches, vibrant marine life and breathtaking cultural sights, Nusa Penida is a must-visit destination, and one of our absolute favourite places to explore over a long weekend.
Due to its size, you’ll want to spend at least two nights on the islands, ticking off all the best places to visit in Nusa Penida. 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.
TOP 11 THINGS TO DO IN NUSA PENIDA
Tours, attractions and best places to visit
1. Set sail on a comfortable tour and see it all!
With so many things to see and do on Nusa Penida, exploring it all ain’t easy. So we say, leave it to the experts to tailor a tour specifically for you, one that let’s you see it all in the most comfortable way possible. If sailing Nusa Penida on a private yacht floats your boat, a tour with Day Trip Bali is our top pick. Not only a stylish way to cruise Nusa Penida’s coastline, it’s the most comfortable option to explore the island, both by sea and on land. Simply choose which vessel is right for you (from smaller standard boats to larger premium yachts), then let the pro team personally curate an itinerary that suits you – from snorkelling and swimming with the majestic Manta Rays, to heading inland to visit Nusa Penida’s most scenic viewpoints. And the best bit is, every boat is fully decked out with luxe, family-friendly amenities to guarantee utmost comfort. All you have to do is sit back, relax and let the adventure begin…
2. Visit Kelingking Beach… and hike down 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, known not only for its spectacular rock formation but also its white sandy beach… that is, if you dare to hike down the almost vertical, barely-there stairs! But, 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!
3. Go diving with Manta Rays!
With 296 reefs and 576 species of fish, snorkelling or diving in Nusa Penida’s waters is a must-do 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.
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, best enjoyed from the majestic clifftops, or on the stairs that lead down to the pristine white sand (these stairs are much safer compared to Kelingking!)). 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. Top tip: before you leave, head over to Atuh Beach (below) – it’s just footsteps away!
5. Explore the stunning Atuh Beach
Just a short walk from Diamond Beach (or a 30-minute scooter ride around) is one of the island’s most beautiful beaches, Atuh Beach. With its sweeping views of the ocean and the iconic arch-like rock formation in the distance, it’s a photographer’s dream. You’ll want to visit at high tide if you’re hoping to swim, or rent a sun-bed on the sand to make a day of it.
6. Brave the rickety stairway to the Peguyangan natural pools
If you’re afraid of heights, this one isn’t for you! But trust us when we say, it’s worth it. 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 Peguyangan ‘waterfall’, a secret oasis with water trickling down the rocks and into a natural pool where you can take a dip and watch the breathtaking waves over the edge… All before a scary climb back up!
7. Awe at Angel’s Billabong, Nusa Penida’s natural infinity pool
Picture this: a natural infinity pool framed by colourful rocks, and an endless backdrop of turquoise ocean out yonder… Angel’s Billabong is as beautiful as you can imagine. However, you’ll 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 crazy currents. Swimming is not permitted for this reason, but the views from above are worth the trip, and as a bonus, Broken Beach is just 100 metres away (another must-see!).
8. Visit Pura Goa Giri Putri –a sacred, underground temple in a cave
Hidden away in the largest cave in Nusa Penida is Pura Goa Giri Putri, a sacred, underground temple. Squeeze down into the secret narrow entrance (which looks more like a hole in the ground!), and you’re transported to another world. 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 frequently flocked by local Balinese in traditional clothing for daily prayers. The good news is, it’s open for visitors too, either to simply walk through the cave, or to take part in a purification ritual, which lasts for approximately two hours and uses holy water from the cave’s natural springs. Just be sure to cover up and dress appropriately before you enter this space for prayer, and follow the guidance from the temple priests.
9. Eat at Nusa Penida’s best restaurants and bars
Don’t be fooled by its untouched landscapes – Nusa Penida is also home to delicious cafes and restaurants that would fit just right in Canggu. We start every day at Secret Penida for its awesome coffee and yummy breakfasts, then for lunch or light tapas, we make our way to the beach shack chic Coco Penida. As the sun sets, we make a beeline to the beachfront Penida Colada for a sundowner by the sea, complete with a cocktail in hand and live music, before grazing on the delectable dinner menu.
10. Island hop to Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan
If you’re staying in 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 (which leaves every hour) for a short 10-minute sail to Nusa Lembongan, where cute cafes, boho beach clubs, beachfront spas and even more island adventures await. And while you’re at it, hire a scooter and cross the yellow bridge (AKA The Bridge of Love) to Nusa Ceningan for a full-day island itinerary.
11. Scooter around the island
With no traffic and breathtaking views, Nusa Penida is an awesome place to hire a scooter and explore the island. Like in mainland Bali, you can hire a scooter for a day, with prices ranging from IDR 80,000 to IDR 200,000, depending on the type of scooter. Just be weary that 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!
