Away from Bali's bustling streets and crowded resorts lies an oasis that promises pure serenity and untouched landscapes - Nusa Penida. As the largest island among the Nusa Islands trio, Penida offers intrepid explorers a chance to escape into a world where time seems to stand still.
From jaw-dropping viewpoints overlooking coastlines to crystal-clear waters teeming with vibrant marine life, this untamed gem has something for every nature enthusiast. Nusa Penida Island's west or east coasts are doable for a day trip from Bali. The popular choice for the tour is the West Coast since the harbor is in the west. Although fewer people visit the East, it's just as lovely and worth visiting. If you want to explore the entire island, doing a 3-day trip to Nusa Penida is worth it to witness the beauty of this island.
In this article, we will share everything you need to know about the east and west coast of Nusa Penida to help you decide which part of Nusa Penida you should visit first. Here's our guide on which beaches, caves, temples, and cliff points you should stay in Nusa Penida.
🌴How to get from Bali to Nusa Penida
Getting from Bali to Nusa Penida may seem daunting initially, but with some planning and insider tips, you'll find it more accessible. One popular option is to take a public ferry from Bali to Nusa Penida. These ferries depart daily from Sanur Harbor and have fixed departure times. However, the schedules can sometimes be unreliable due to weather conditions or other unforeseen circumstances.
If you're looking for a more convenient and hassle-free experience, private speedboat transfers are available from various locations in Bali. These speedboats allow for a smoother journey and offer flexible departure times. Plus, they often provide hotel pick-up services, relieving the stress of finding transportation to the harbor.
Reaching Nusa Penida will undoubtedly reward you with stunning landscapes and untouched beauty that will make your journey worthwhile.
>>> Visit our guide to learn how to get from Bali to Nusa Penida.
🌴West Coast Nusa Penida Day Trip
The West Coast is full of undiscovered gems, and one of the best parts of visiting is finding such places. Angel's Billabong is one of these; you can witness the power of nature to create beautiful views. The waves smashing against the rugged volcanic rocks showcase the crystal clear waters around Nusa Penida. Explore and swim around natural pools and beaches on the West Coast of Nusa Penida. Here's our list of places you can visit on your Nusa Penida trip on the west coast.
Kelingking beach
If you visit one place in Nusa Penida, make it Kelingking Beach. This is one of the most famous beaches in Nusa Penida and never fails to amaze tourists with white sand and a landform resembling a dinosaur's head. The walk down to the beach is worth it for the scenery, but you should be ready for it. This descent takes about 45 minutes and is extremely steep.
Broken Bay
Most tourists to Penida will make Broken Bay one of their first stops. This natural rock formation of a circular cove with an arch is impressive. You might expect to see manta rays in the water nearby, as this is a common hangout site for these graceful mantas.
Angel’s Billabong & Broken Beach
Photo credit from @ mellis.traveltrips
Angel's Billabong & Broken Beach is a 45-minute drive from KelingKing Beach—a 150-meter walk from the depending on the waves. Enjoy the views; the natural infinity pool is the perfect way to cool down during your trip. Nusa Penida is full of spectacular-shaped locations.
Read more about Broken Beach Nusa Penida here.
Pura Paluang
Photo Credit @ aitimer
Paluang Cliff is only a 5-minute drive from the well-known Kelingking Cliff and offers another stunning view and temple visit. When you look at the same natural beauty from a different angle, you see a diverse blend of spirituality and creativity.
Crystal Bay Nusa Penida
Photo Credit from @axx98
It's one of the few beaches with palm trees where you can swim and unwind. Crystal Bay Nusa Penida is a well-known spot on the west side of Penida. You can hang out or get some sun here, and there are lots of food and drink stands nearby. You can rent snorkeling gear here or eat chicken satay and relax.
If you opt to stay more than one day in Nusa Penida, Crystal Bay is one of the best places in Penida to watch the sun go down. Make sure to get some coconuts or Bintangs while watching the sun go down over the rocks on the west coast.
>>> Here's our complete guide for Crystal Bay Nusa Penida.
Pandan Beach
Photo Credit from theotouaty17
Pandan Beach is another gem in Nusa Penida with fewer people, and it is accessible by a 30-minute walk from the hill from Crystal Bay. You can find a small warung (local store) for some drinks while enjoying the entire beach of Pandan.
Puyung Beach & Peguyangan Waterfall
Photo Credit @vinaarysthadewi
A 150-meter-tall set of iron blue stairs leading down to a tiny cascade offers breathtaking views and tests your fear of heights. If you genuinely desire quiet time away from tourists, continue walking from Pandan, and you'll find a third beach over the next hill. This beach has beautiful white sand and no visitors!
Puyung Beach is a hidden gem accessible by taking 700 steps down a cliff to a temple. Peguyangan Waterfall is on the southeast coast of Nusa Penida, at the base of some pretty epic cliffs. It is one of the lesser-known activities in Nusa Penida for day trips, but still a popular destination. Known for its iconic blue staircase, it descends a cliffside path to a sacred water temple.
Before entering the temple, you should wear a sarong, which you can buy from the parking vendors. Going down to Peguyangan Waterfall, various viewpoints offer lovely photo opportunities.
Manta Bay, Snorkeling with Manta Rays
Photo Credit from laurenfreeman10
Bali is one of the best islands in Indonesia for swimming with manta rays, and excellent snorkeling and diving spots for Manta Rays surround the west coast of Nusa Penida. Manta rays may appear intimidating, but they lack stingers and are harmless. If you want to do this activity, we suggest extending your stay on the island because the entire snorkeling tour is already half a day.
Smoke Beach
Photo Credit from photo credit reenykosman
Another beautiful viewpoint in Nusa Penida that you shouldn't miss. Smoke Beach is only a 20-minute drive away from Kelingking Beach.
Korawa Beach Overlook
Photo Credit from auremls
Overlooking Korowa Beach shows the other side of crystal blue water and white sands of the west Nusa Penida. There are some blogs and creators who need clarification on this place with Diamond Beach, which is a different location that's on the East Coast.
Lumangan Beach
Photo Credit from acananusapenidatour
This is not famous for tourists; Lumangan Beach is another hidden beach with a huge cave to enter the beach. You can drive there from Broken Beach or Korawa Beach, which is mostly empty. Near Broken Bay, you'll find another secret beach on the west coast of Nusa Penida, likely with the fewest visitors. Bulian Beach is only a five-minute drive away from Lumangan Beach.
Bulian Beach
Broken Bay Beach
Near Broken Bay, you'll find another secret beach on the west coast of Nusa Penida, likely with the fewest visitors. Bulian Beach is only a five-minute drive away from Lumangan Beach.
Tembeling Forest & Beach
Photo Credit from athul_kelatt
Visiting the Tembeling Natural Pool, enjoy walking around the forest and beach. Most tours on the West Coast don't include Tembeling, but this place is uniquely beautiful on Nusa Penida. If you booked your customizable tour, we suggest including this and modifying your west Nusa Penida tour.
🌴East Coast Nusa Penida Day Trip
While most visitors go to the popular spots on the island's west coast, you should visit the east coast of Nusa Penida. Picture pristine white sand beaches fringed by jagged cliffs, crystal-clear turquoise waters teeming with marine life, and towering palm trees swaying in the gentle sea breeze. Here's our list of the places you can visit in your East Coast Nusa Penida tour.
Diamond Beach
Photo Credit from verte.mar
Diamond Beach is another breathtaking "cliff beach" on the southeast coast of Nusa Penida, named for the diamond-shaped rock found there.
Atuh Beach or Raja Lima
Photo Credit from mayliwi
These are two beautiful beaches right next to each other. You must go down a very steep set of stairs to get to those beaches. This is one of the most beautiful beaches on the south end of Penida Island. Atuh Beach is not a secret like Suwehan Beach. It has chairs, beanbags, and excellent food and drink stands. Locals say the big elephant-shaped rock in the ocean looks like a stiletto. The best thing about Atuh Beach is seeing sea life stuck in the rocks at low tide.
Goa Giri Putri Temple
Photo Credit from @skyfrost
Nusa Penida is home to the stunning Goa Giri Putri Temple, perched on a clifftop 150 meters above sea level. Wearing a sarong and sash is mandatory at Bali's other sacred temples: another temple on dry land. We're in a cave! The Hindu cave temple of Goa Giri Putri can be found halfway up a mountain on the island of Penida's eastern side. When you crawl through the narrow opening in the mountainside, you'll find yourself inside a massive cave 300 meters long with high rock ceilings.
Sebele Beach
Photo Credit from lifetimexplorer
Sebele Beach is just a short walk from Atuh Beach, one of the hidden beaches on the east coast of Nusa Penida. Only a few tourists visit the beach, so you should bring snacks and drinks if you wish to stay on this beach and enjoy the whole beach to yourself.
Raja Lima Viewpoint
Photo Credit from saragih_erick
The viewpoint of the Raja Lima (Five Kings) lookout point is named after the five large islands in the ocean below. This is one of the famous spots on the East Coast to see the Rumah Pohon or the Nusa Penida Treehouse accommodation.
Nusa Penida Treehouse (Rumah Pohon)
Photo Credit from olkynovapradonnick
It is one of the most iconic spots on the East Coast Nusa Penida tour. You can book a night to stay in this tree house and experience the sounds of the waves from this viewpoint. The accommodation is fundamental, with just a room and bed, but you wake up with one of the best views on the island.
Pura Batu Mas Kuning
In 2018, this new temple was constructed on the eastern coast of Penida. It is accessible to visitors for viewing and photography; like other temples in Bali, visitors should wear a sarong before entering the temple.
🌴What to pack for the Nusa Penida Tour?
When packing for a Nusa Penida tour, it's essential to consider the weather and activities you chose for your time. Here's our recommended list to pack for your Nusa Penida
Dry bag
Comfortable clothes and rubber shoes
Towel
Raincoat
Swimwear
Mosquito repellant
Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses
Camera
A new set of dry clothes
Cash (Limited ATMs around the island)
Snacks and drinks of your choice
🌴Price of a Nusa Penida tour
The tour price depends on which part of the island you want to visit based on your budget and preferred comfort. The starting price of Nusa Penida tours is IDR 500,000 or $ 30 USD for shared vans, and the cost can go up to IDR 800,000 or $60 USD for private chartered tours.
The Nusa Penida tour is doable for A day trip and typically starts from 8 AM until 4 PM. But it is also advisable to spend at least one night in Nusa Penida if you would like to experience the beauty of both the west and east coasts on a Nusa Penida tour. Since the islands' roads are narrow and depending on the number of tourists visiting the islands, sometimes going around takes time for cars due to the traffic and limited parking space. Here's our recommended tour you can choose from
🌴FAQs for Nusa Penida Tours
Is it worth it to go to Nusa Penida?
Yes! This trip is worth doing while you're in Bali. You'll have to book a tour, and the boat will take you to the island to explore the different beaches. They're all beautiful and unique in their ways.
Can you do a day trip from Bali to Nusa Penida?
Absolutely! From Bali, a visit to Nusa Penida can be made in just one day. From Sanur, you can take a speedboat in the morning to Nusa Penida for the day and return before sunset.
Is there Grab or Gejek around Nusa Penida?
No, Grab or Gojek service is unavailable in the islands; you can arrange a car or scooter from your accommodation to drive you around Nusa Penida.
How to get around Nusa Penida?
You can get around the island of Nusa Penida by scooter/bike or car. Renting a scooter is cheaper and costs around 85,000 IDR or $ 5 USD per day. It's not advisable to drive around Nusa Penida, especially if you are a newbie driver, because the roads are in extremely poor condition compared to Nusa Lembongan and Cenigan.
If you think we missed any additional information, send us a message, and we would be happy to update this article.
>>>> First time in Bali, read our guide to currency in Bali, Indonesia. Ready for your Bali Trip? Book your private car service before arriving in Bali.
🥥🌴🍍🌸Beauty Guide Bali Tips🥥🌴🍍🌸
Check out the cheapest flight to Bali today! Visit Wayaway.com
Book your accommodations in advance to get the latest hotel deals, visit Booking.com & Agoda.com
Arrange your Airport transfers to your hotel via Klook.com and avoid the stress of negotiating.
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Get Travel Insurance with Safetywing.com and worry less if any accidents happen.
Book your tours and activities before departure with Get Your Guide, Viator, Klook.
Get your ferry tickets to Nusa Penida or other islands in Indonesia via 12go.com
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