Nusa Penida is a stunning island close to Bali in Indonesia. It has dramatic landscapes, rugged cliffs, astonishing views and crystal-clear turquoise waters. From breathtaking viewpoints like Kelingking Beach and Diamond Beach to pristine beaches such as Crystal Bay and Atuh Beach, the island is a paradise for sightseeing and photography. It even has some epic natural formations like Angel’s Billabong. Diving and snorkeling lovers can immerse themselves in the vibrant underwater world, encountering magnificent Giant Manta Rays, tropical fish and colourful coral reefs. The peaceful coastal roads provide serene escapes if you’re looking for some chill vibes. Nusa Penida is an island of natural wonders and untamed beauty and offers an unforgettable experience for every traveller.
Not to mention – it houses some of the most photogenic sights in Bali.
Get a local SIM card. While getting around we relied heavily on Google Maps for directions. We recommend Airalo eSIM, so you’ll have data transfer as soon as you land.
Note! Your mobile phone has to be eSIM compatible to use this option.
How to get to Nusa Penida
Generally, below are your options of how to get to the Nusa Islands. There are two main ways to get to Nusa Penida depending on your budget and how many logistics you want to manage. Here are the both options with the cheapest first:
- Book a fast boat: Sanur (Bali) to Nusa Penida – This option is great as you go direct from Sanur (Bali) to Penida. However you do need to organize your own transportation to the harbour in Bali.
- Book a fast boat with hotel pick-up: Sanur (Bali) to Nusa Penida – This option includes a fast boat from Sanur (Bali) to Nusa Penida but also includes pick-up from your accommodation in Bali in a van. This option from Get Your Guide is a bit more expensive but takes all the hassle out of the transit from your bed in Bali to Nusa Penida.
The Best Nusa Penida Day Trips from Bali
In this blog post, I’m going to detail the two most popular Nusa Penida day trips from Bali. The first option is the Manta Ray Snorkel Tour. It’s honestly the most amazing experience to swim with gentle Giant Manta Rays. The tour takes you from Bali to Penida to snorkel with mantas but also to snorkel at other locations where you will find beautiful corals and even spot turtles.
The second tour is the BEST of Nusa Penida Day Tour, which basically takes you to all of the most iconic viewpoints and beaches on Nusa Penida in one day.
27 Epic Things to do on Nusa Penida
Nusa Penida is honestly such an adventurous and fun island. We’d recommend to stay at least three days to soak it all in. You will NOT regret it!
1) Atuh Beach
Atuh Beach is the crown jewel of Nusa Penida Island (along with Diamond and Kelingking Beach). Thanks to the brand-new road it’s easily accessible. It takes an hour to get to Atuh Beach from Toya Pakeh Harbour. It offers a stunning white sand beach surrounded by the huge cliffs and remarkable rock formations. An arch sits directly out from the shore while several islets string off in the distance.
Atuh Beach is usually visited along with the neighbouring Diamond Beach and nearby Rumah Pohon Treehouse.
Come here to enjoy an epic sunrise from an astonishing viewpoint.
Read the full blog post: Beautiful Atuh Beach on Nusa Penida.
2) Diamond Beach Viewpoint
The Diamond Beach Viewpoint is located on top of the cliff, from which you can descend to the famous beach below. The viewpoint overlooks a beautiful bay, nowadays already Instagram-famous for the dramatic landscape you can observe from it. Even if you don’t fancy descending all the way down to the Diamond Beach, we’d still recommend to climb few of the famous cliff stairs – they’re simply unlike anything you’ve seen before.
3) Diamond Beach
Diamond Beach has become even more popular than Atuh Beach nowadays, thanks to the iconic staircase, carved into the cliff, that leads to the Beach. The crystal-clear turquoise water, dramatic cliffs, and stunning rock formations make Atuh and Diamond Beaches a photographer’s paradise. Both are undoubtedly among the top sites in Nusa Penida. The Diamond Beach got its name from the diamond-like rock structures scattered around, but there’s one rock that really stands out.
Read the full blog post: Diamond Beach on Nusa Penida.
4) Kelingking ‘T-Rex’ Beach Cliff Viewpoint
A secret spot, that’s quickly becoming known due to being recently marked on Google Maps. Instead of hiking down the stairs and enjoying the view with the crowds, head to the right along the cliffs. There is a worn path along the cliff, but no railings, so careful. You’ll find many epic spots to observe the fantastic scenery. The Kelingking Beach is seen here from a unique angle.
This is also an awesome spot for sunset and it doesn’t involve any hiking (if you’re just here for the chill and joy).
5) Kelingking Beach
The Instagram famous coastal cliffscape, which truly does look like a T-Rex (and once it has been seen it cannot be unseen), doesn’t disappoint. We’ll always remember the first time we saw the Kelingking Beach from the viewpoint. It is exactly as seen on thousands of pictures you see online.
You can take a short trek “down the spine of the T-Rex”, the stairs to descend are well maintained. And the views are different from moment to moment.
We’d mark the Kelingking Beach experience number one on entire Nusa Penida. It’s just breathtaking. It makes you feel small, watching crystal clear water slowly form into enormous waves, crashing onto fine white sandy beach. The hike all the way to the beach is quite a thing, but if you respond to wander… nothing beats it.
If you’re not visiting the Kelingking Beach on your own we’d recommend joining the Ultimate Nusa Penida Day Trip Tour from Bali or you can rent a car on Nusa Penida with private driver.
Read the full blog post: Kelingking Beach on Nusa Penida.
6) Snorkeling with the Manta Rays
Snorkeling with Manta Rays is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and one of the best wildlife encounters we’ve had in our lives. The Manta Rays are majestic and friendly animals with a wingspan of 5m. The gentle giants cruise around you while you snorkel amongst them.
It’s easy to join pne of the tours when already on Nusa Penida, but if you prefer to have the best possible service, we’d recommend booking in advance.
Read the full blog post and find all the links and necessary information: Snorkeling with Manta Rays on Nusa Penida.
7) Guyangan Waterfall & Blue Stairs Hike
Guyangan Waterfall is a mix of everything. It’s famous for the characteristic blue stairs leading to it – and those stairs are a real workout. The coastal cliff views are spectacular and a trademark of the island. Add some tradition and culture of the sacred temple, which is a pilgrimage site, and you have this epic blend in one spot.
Read the full blog post: Guyangan Waterfall & Blue Stairs Hike.
8) Seganing Waterfalls
It’s hardly a waterfall, especially in the dry season. One of the less visited spots on Nusa Penida, imbedded in stunning cliffside scenery, will offer views like no other.
Downside of this site – very hard to reach the starting point of the trek to the waterfalls, even harder to get to the waterfalls themselves. The steepness of the site exceeds everything else on Nusa Penida, so avoid if you don’t like heights.
But if you’re a real adventure seeker you’ll find more information on the full blog post: Seganing Waterfalls.
9) Crystal Bay
Crystal Bay and its beach are probably the most popular site on Nusa Penida. The Bay faces directly west, so it’s the best beach to enjoy sunset from. It’s also the jump-off spot for snorkel tours. The ocean wildlife here is incredible (go for a casual swim and you might run into a turtle, no kidding). You can actually snorkel and swim in relaxing conditions, unlike on other Nusa Penida’s beaches. You can even turn it into a whole-day experience since you’ll find many sunbeds and small restaurants on-site.
Read the full blog post for more information: Crystal Bay on Nusa Penida.
10) Snorkeling at Toya Pakeh
Even though Toya Pakeh is the largest harbour on Nusa Penida, the underwater world is just stunning. Snorkeling at Toya Pakeh is an adventure that shouldn’t be missed. Swimming and snorkeling area are limited to certain areas due to lots of boat and ferry traffic. But the water is clear and as you dip beneath the surface, you’re greeted by a kaleidoscope of colourful coral reefs abundant with tropical fish, including angelfish, parrotfish, and clownfish.
This snorkel spot has a strong current (hence the clean water), so it can only be accessed by boat (too much swimming to get there). Hiring a local fisherman for this adventure should cost you maximum Rp 300,000 for the whole experience (with some bargain, of course).
11) Angel’s Billabong
Angel’s Billabong is one of the magical spots you can’t help but marvel at. A crystal-clear tide pool cascades into the ocean on the east coast of Nusa Penida. Out in that ocean, Manta Rays cruise the coast at leisure. Angel’s Billabong is also one of the spots visited on the Ultimate Nusa Penida Day Trip Tour from Bali.
The Billabong is a remarkable formation. The crystal-clear water allows you to see the patterns and textures beneath the surface. In some areas, the water is deep enough for a little dip! It is a highly photographed spot on Nusa Penida because of how unique the landscape is.
More information and tips to visit: Angel’s Billabong on Nusa Penida.
12) Broken Beach
Broken Beach is a beautiful little cove on Nusa Penida Island. The highlight and the reason it’s called “Broken Beach” is the archway that wraps above the bay, allowing water to flow in and out from the ocean. It’s a very easy spot to visit and right next to another famous attraction, Angel’s Billabong.
To this day there is no way down into the cove, but certain boat tours cruise into the cove when the tide and swell are appropriate.
Read the full blog post: Broken Beach on Nusa Penida.
13) Manta Ray Viewpoint
As you finish up at Angel’s Billabong it is common to walk around the corner to Broken Beach. The walk only takes 5 minutes but halfway through the journey is an archway made of trees. When you reach this archway don’t go through immediately! Head up the hill towards the coast on your right and look down into the ocean. This is where the Giant Manta Rays hang out.
We sat on the cliffs watching the Mantas cruise around and surface time and time again. It was a pretty awesome discovery and we have aptly named the cliff, ‘Manta Ray Viewpoint’.
14) Rumah Pohon Treehouse
Rumah Pohon Treehouse is one of the most iconic locations on Nusa Penida Island. After being discovered it quickly became Insta-famous.
The Treehouse was actually a simple rustic accommodation on Airbnb, but it became famous as a photo spot. You used to be able to book the Treehouse and stay there. Nowadays visitors are allowed and the sole photography business brings more money to the locals running it than Airbnb-ing ever did.
Just a little stroll further is the Thousand Islands Viewpoint that leaves you awestruck. The view is incredible, you can even see a small empty beach sitting at the bottom of the cliff. It’s paradise.
Read the full blog post: Rumah Pohon Treehouse & Thousand Island Viewpoint on Nusa Penida.
15) Thousand Island Viewpoint (Pulau Seribu)
The Thousand Island Viewpoint offers a breathtaking panorama that leaves visitors in awe. It’s just a little stroll further from Rumah Pohon Treehouse (and the waiting line for the pictures). the viewpoint is perched atop a cliff, providing an expansive vista of the turquoise waters dotted with numerous small islands resembling a thousand islands, hence the name. From this vantage point, you can marvel at the stunning contrast between the deep blue ocean, the lush greenery, and the rocky formations.
More information about Thousand Island Viewpoint can be found under the full Treehouse blog post.
16) Banah Cliffs
The view down the coast and cliffs at Banah is striking, so this is another epic viewpoint on Nusa Penida. The drop is insane and the magnificence it creates…
Banah Cliff Point on Nusa Penida is a hidden gem that showcases the unspoiled beauty of nature. It’s nestled along the rugged south-western coastline of the island.
The cliff offers awe-inspiring views of the turquoise waters and dramatic rock formations. If you’re seeking an off-the-beaten-path experience, Banah Cliff Viewpoint should be at the top of your list.
The highlight at Banah Cliffs is the arch out in the ocean. A small rock arch sits out in the turquoise crystal-clear water.
17) Tembeling Beach, Natural Pool & Forest
Tembeling Forest, Pools and Beach are secret gems worth exploring. They’re tucked away at the end of a thrilling scooter journey through the woods. The whole site is adventurous, not crowded, a scene straight from a jungle film.
On the way through the Forest, you’ll go inside a canyon and then move down the winding stairs leading to the Tembeling Natural Pools.
Following the trail further you reach Tembeling Beach. Although it’s not the best beach on Nusa Penida, it’s worth a visit. The beach is flanked by towering cliffs and has a small stretch of sand. While the sea here can be a bit rough, the natural pools offer a safer option for swimming. Be sure to keep an eye on the currents and stay safe.
You’ll love this spot if you’re looking for an adventure without the usual touristy crowds. View full blog post: Tembeling Forest, Natural Pools & Beach on Nusa Penida.
18) Abangan Hills Viewpoint
When driving down to Suwehan Beach (coming in next), you can spot a small hill on the left. Atop the hill is a nice viewpoint with some trees (not obstructing the views too much). The viewpoint overlooks many beautiful rice fields.
19) Suwehan Beach
Suwehan Beach is the epitome of Nusa Penida’s beaches. It’s still one of the wild beaches, but it’s becoming more popular – the road leading to it is new and there’s a brand-new staircase leading down to the beach. The hike down is less than 20 minutes.
Suwehan Beach is close to Atuh and Diamond Beach, so stop by when exploring those locations.
More information about the Suwehan Beach, access to it and when to visit on the full blog post: Suwehan Beach on Nusa Penida.
20) Chill at Amok Beach Sunset Bar and Restaurant
Great way to enjoy Nusa Penida is from the infinity pool atop a cliff, overlooking the vast ocean. You can enjoy afternoon at Amok Beach Club and observe a spectacular sunset from a classy cabana. They also offer treetop nests with gorgeous views over Mount Agung on Bali. It’s the ideal place to kick back and soak up the sun!
21) Saren Cliff Viewpoint
Another astonishing viewpoint over southern cliffs of Nusa Penida – with absolutely no tourists. We’ve visited thrice and were always alone. You could visit it at the same time as Tembeling Forest, Pools & Beach, since it’s almost the same road leading to it.
The drive there is pretty bumpy, but that is nothing new on Nusa Penida. The towering cliffs take your breath away. The highlight is sitting on the edge of cliffs in the middle of nowhere enjoying the grandeur of Nusa Penida.
Read the full blog post: Saren Cliff Viewpoint on Nusa Penida.
22) Gamat Bay Snorkeling
Jumping off the boat you’ll realise the water is much colder at Gamat Bay than in other snorkeling points around Nusa Penida. There are numerous fresh-water springs on the sea bottom here where the icy-cold water comes from and mixes with the (otherwise) warm sea water. Because the water is fresh the clarity is much better as well.
The coral structures and rock formations beneath the surface are astonishing. The depth ranges from a few meters (closer to shore) all the way down to a perfect free-diving depth of 5-20 meters.
Read the full blog post: Snorkeling with Manta Rays on Nusa Penida.
23) Puncak Mundi (Highest Point on Nusa Penida)
The highest point on Nusa Penida is Puncak Mundi. It’s a beautiful hilly area with series of traditional temples. The height is 521 meters above sea level.
The road leading to Puncak Mundi is incredibly scenic, but also very, very steep.
It’s amazing to visit during prayer or mass ceremony when all the candles are lit and gifts are offered, but ceremonies are held only every 210 days.
In clear weather you can see all the way to Mount Agung on Bali. The windmills nearby serve as a powerhouse.
24) The Chill Beach Club
No minimum spending, no entrance fee, unlimited pool use and chilling after a full day of adventures? The Chill Beach Club is the right answer. You’ll love the relaxed vibe in their beach club, the privacy, quiet music and fantastic food and drinks. Their premises are facing east, so you’ll have beautiful views over neighbouring island Lombok and its highest peaking volcano Mount Rinjani.
25) Pura Goa Giri Putri Cave & Temple
Pura Goa Giri Putri Cave is an important cultural and spiritual site. It is renowned for its sacred atmosphere and intriguing architecture. As the name suggests it’s an actual cave in which the local Hindu people have arranged a temple centuries ago. Pretty unique!
To enter the cave, you must climb through a narrow opening that resembles the mouth of a mythical creature. Inside, you will be mesmerized by the vastness of the cavern and the intricate Hindu shrines and offerings adorning the walls.
The cave is considered a place of prayer and meditation, attracting both local devotees and curious travellers seeking a spiritual experience. Exploring Pura Goa Giri Putri Cave offers a glimpse into the island’s rich cultural heritage and provides an opportunity for quiet contemplation amidst its mystical ambiance.
Read the full blog post: Pura Goa Giri Putri Cave & Temple on Nusa Penida.
26) Teletubbies Hill Viewpoint
Honestly, the name is a bit of a down-turner and you really can’t expect what you’ll get here. We still visited, just out of curiosity. And were pleasantly surprised!
Nusa Penida is a small island, but incredibly diverse. We always talk about cliffs and dramatic landscape and rocks, but Teletubbies Hills are entirely the opposite. The unobstructed viewpoint reveals endless rolling hills and rice fields throughout the island, which, due to its diversity, turns out to be really large.
You’ll love this spot even more if you’re flying a drone. It will reveal various contours, canyons and valleys in this area.
27) Pandan Beach (Hike from Crystal Bay)
If popular Crystal Bay has been on your list already and you’re feeling a bit adventurous, there is a path at the end of Crystal Bay that leads up and over the hill. On the other side of the hill is the beautiful Pandan Bay. Arriving here in the afternoon it’s safe to assume you’ll be the only person there.
Find more information about Pandan Bay in this blog post: Crystal Bay on Nusa Penida.
MORE NUSA ISLANDS BLOG POSTS
There are loads of adventurous things to do on Nusa Penida, but we also wrote detailed guides for all of the epic things you can do on Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan. You can explore more of our guides by clicking one of the links below.
