If you have plans to travel to Bali in the upcoming future, add Nusa Penida to your bucket list right now. Trust me – I’m doing you a favor!
Nusa Penida is an island that lies about an hour by speedboat from Sanur Beach, Bali. It’s yet to be totally and completely overrun by tourists, and is a dream destination for outdoor enthusiasts, beach bums and adventure seekers.
I’m legitimately so excited about this place that I’m taking every opportunity I can to convince people to go! I think it’s just part of the infectious nature of Indonesia in general – it truly is a country that leaves you wanting more and the island of Nusa Penida is no exception.
And for more tips for your next trip to Bali, check out my 20 Travel Tips for Indonesia where I outline need-to-know information for a smooth and happy adventure to wonderful Indonesia 🙂
Top 10 Absolutely Beautiful Things to Do in Nusa Penida!
Kelingking Beach.
No entrance or parking fee.
Map.
Probably the most iconic place to visit on the island, Kelingking Beach may be one of the most beautiful sights I’ve ever seen! From above, the ridge famously nicknamed “T-Rex Beach” definitely lives up to the reputation.
After enjoying your first stunning glimpse of the view, begin a steep and challenging hike to the beach below. Bamboo poles tied together and the rock face of the cliff are all you have for support and stability. It’s an epic hike to say the least.
At the bottom, enjoy taking in the crashing waves, feeling the salt spray on your face and watching the monkeys play amongst the trees. Sadly the waves are too large and dangerous to permit swimming, so take caution!
Derek Hills View and Saren Cliff Point.
No entrance or parking fee.
Map.
I’d actually never heard any mention of Saren Cliff Point until passing a road sign near Tembeling Forest. Intrigued, we made our way there to see what it was all about, and I’m happy we did! We were pleasantly surprised with more unobstructed views of turquoise waters and lush green cliffs that we had all to ourselves. Trust me, the view never gets old!
From the vantage point we were at, we could even see 10-20 large manta rays swimming in the waters below!
Tembeling Beach and Forest.
No entrance or parking fee.
Map.
Tembeling is a tranquil tropical forest that leads to the ocean. After trekking through the trees, the forest clears and opens into a rocky beach. Surrounded by greenery, mischievous monkeys and the sounds of crashing waves, Tembeling is a calming experience you’ll most likely have to yourself.
Broken Beach.
No entrance or parking fee.
Map.
Known by locals as Pasih Uug, Broken Beach is a favorite in Nusa Penida. Stop by to see the famous archway leading out into the ocean. Pose for a couple of pictures and even walk over the archway for better views of the coast.
The roads become extremely bumpy on the way to Broken Beach, but if you’re headed to Angel’s Billabong, you should definitely stop by for a quick visit!
Angel’s Billabong.
No entrance or parking fee.
Map.
Angel’s Billabong is another of Nusa Penida’s most popular stops. Come to swim in the shallow and emerald green natural pool and take fabulous insta pics. But be very careful of the large crashing waves – there have been a few tourists who have been dragged into the ocean and who have sadly passed away.
I didn’t have time to personally visit Broken Beach or Angel’s Billabong (such a bummer!!), but you can read about Backcountry Cow’s experience here!
Atuh Beach.
Paid 15,000 rupiah ($1.15) total for parking and entrance.
Map.
Atuh Beach proved to be VERY difficult to reach by scooter, but was worth the intense fear of wiping out. When you arrive you’ll need to park your scooter and pay 15,000 rupiah to cover your entrance fee and parking.
You’ll walk along a ridge and enjoy sky-high views of the ocean before heading down a steep stone path to the empty beach below. Once on the beach, sit back and enjoy a $1.50 coconut, a lunch of fried rice and a nice lie in the sun.
Be sure to come in the morning before the tide is too low! We arrived around 10 am and by the time we left at 2 pm the water was completely withdrawn from the beach leaving only rocks and no ability to swim.
Peguyana Waterfall.
Paid 5,000 rupiah ($0.40) entrance fee.
Map.
The path to Peguyangan Waterfall is known as the “Blue Stairway to Heaven”. Step down the bright blue staircases set against the mountainside to get to the waterfall and temple below.
At the bottom, take a dip in the natural seaside pool of clean spring water and enjoy watching the waves. But be careful, the waves can be massive! Ladies – remember to respect the local culture and avoid the temple if you’re menstruating.
Goa Giri Putri.
Paid 5,000 rupiah ($0.40) for parking and sarong rental.
Donated 20,000 rupiah ($1.50) to temple.
Map.
Goa Giri Putri is a popular temple situated near the coast. Pull up and park your scooter at a small convenient store across from the entrance. You’ll need to rent a hip scarf and a sarong from the shop or you can bring your own to enter. We paid 5,000 rupiah each for the sarong and then donated 20,000 rupiah to the temple directly.
This temple really is something special! To enter, you must crawl through a very small hole that opens into a wide underground cavern. Carved shrines, colorful offerings and holy men await you below!
Snorkel or Scuba at Manta Point, Crystal Bay or Toyapakeh.
Manta Point. Crystal Bay. Toyapakeh.
Diving and snorkeling in Nusa Penida is a true treat! Visit Crystal Bay, Manta Point or Toyapakeh for beautiful underwater scenery. There are so many dive shops scattered around the island that it should be fairly easy to find a tour that works best for you!
The blog Wonderful Bali offers great insight into snorkeling and diving on the island.
Seganing Falls.
No entrance or parking fee.
Map.
Seganing Falls is known for its steep and questionable trails. The hike through the epic landscape may be more interesting than the falls themselves, but Seganing is a must for any hiking or adrenaline junkie.
Many of these locations had locals at the entrance collecting very small entrance fees or parking fees. Don’t be alarmed if someone approaches you requesting money. It’s a very small sum and is worth it to see these spectacular sights!
Nusa Penida is currently one of the best kept secrets of Bali but I have a feeling it won’t be for long! Come before the crowds do and enjoy this island for everything it offers.
Have you been to Nusa Penida? What was your favorite thing to do? Share below!
I’m headed to Nusa Penida soon and this is coming just in time!
Did you rent a car or booked a driver? 😛 any tips is appreciated!
Hi Nam! I actually rented a scooter that I drove all over the island! The hostel I stayed at had many available to rent and the speed boat offices at the port had some available as well. I found renting a scooter was the cheapest and easiest way to get around the island and see the things I wanted to see and on my schedule. The roads can be really difficult to drive though (they get broken up and hilly), so if you’re worried about driving on rocky terrain then hiring a driver may be a good idea!! I’m actually publishing an ultimate guide to Nusa Penida later tonight that you might find helpful! I hope this helps 🙂
Wow such gorgeous pics Brittany! Looks like you had an awesome trip, I wish I had l could have stayed longer on Nusa Penida to see some of the spots you visited!
Thank you so much!! And thank you for sharing such a great post about the spots in Nusa Penida I didn’t have a chance to see either – I would have loved the chance to take a swim in Angel’s Billabong as well but there’s just not enough time in this world :p