Nusa Penida Island: Every Detail For Your Epic Adventure
Few tourists venture to the small island of Nusa Penida, off the southeastern coast of Bali. Here, you’ll find epic adventures to feed your wanderlust.
Below, we’ve detailed everything you need to know about a Nusa Penida trip.
Follow our suggestions and start planning your next journey to this secret oasis.
How To Get To Nusa Penida
To begin your Nusa Penida trip, you’ll need to take a fast boat from the port town of Sanur inBali.
Sanur, Bali To Nusa Penida By Fastboat
Getting to Sanur is quite simple and will take approximately 20 minutes from Denpasar.
The best way to get to Sanur from anywhere in Bali is by taking a Grab taxi. If you haven’t downloaded theGrab App, I highly recommend it.
When ordering a Grab, use the destination “Idola Express Sanur”.
Pro-tip:Be aware that many hagglers hangout on this stretch of the road waiting for tourists.
I recommend buying fast boat tickets directly from the ticket counters, which you can find along the waterfront.
The fast boat company that we used several times and recommend is calledIdola Express.
The ticket counter and tent is a five-minute walk after turning left from the main road.
Nusa Penida Fast Boat Prices
Fast boat prices from Sanur to Nusa Penida hover around350,000 IDR roundtrip.
If you are Indonesian, fast boat prices are significantly cheaper. It will take about 40 minutes to reach Nusa Penida island from mainland Bali.
Transportation On Nusa Penida
Upon arrival in Nusa Penida, you’ll want to find transportation to get around the island.
Unfortunately, the Grab app doesn’t work here (yet), so travelers have two choices: rent a motorbike or hire a driver.
Rent A Motorbike
During our first Nusa Penida trip, we rented a motorbike.
Motorbikes cost approximately70,000 IDR per day.
We found our motorbike rental after arriving at Buyuk Harbor. We asked around for about five minutes and found someone renting bikes.
Pro-tip:Be sure to get helmets with your motorbike rental. The roads on Nusa Penida can be wild.
Is It Safe To Rent A Motorbike On Nusa Penida Island?
Many travelers urge others NOT to rent a motorbike while visiting Nusa Penida due to road conditions, however, we partially disagree.
If you are comfortable riding a motorbike, driving yourself around the island is by far the best way to explore.
But, it is worth noting that Nusa Penida isNOTthe place to learn how to drive a motorbike.
Roads on the west side of Nusa Penida are unmaintained with a lot of potholes. Getting to several of the popular places on the island(for example Angel’s Billabong, Broken Beach, Kelingking Beach)will be quite the adventure.
Hire A Driver
The alternative to renting a motorbike during your Nusa Penida trip is hiring a driver.
Depending on where you are going and for how long, drivers will cost approximately400,000 to 800,000 IDR per day.
我们雇佣了一个司机,而我妈妈去拜访;我们的维ay trip included Broken Beach, Kelingking Beach, and Angel’s Billabong. From Buyuk Harbor, drivers wanted a minimum of 600,000 IDR for this route.
If you decide to hire a driver, keep in mind that the roads are still unmaintained. There are many places that cars cannot go to because of the steep descents. Hiking in and out of these places will be necessary.
Where To Stay In Nusa Penida
There are several options when searching for places to stay in Nusa Penida: Airbnbs, resorts, or hostels. Below, we have listed a few of our favorite suggestions.
Airbnb
Airbnb is always our go-to accommodation option.
99% of the time, Airbnbs offer the best bang for your buck. We rented two different Airbnbs while in Nusa Penida and thoroughly enjoyed both of our stays.
Beach Front Cottage Nusa Penida– $69/night
This Airbnb is located on the east side of the island approximately 15 minutes from where the fast boats dock.
Staying on the east side of the island is much easier than staying on the west side of the island because there are far more amenities on that side of the island.
Family Bungalow Nusa Penida– $71/night
I wouldn’t necessarily recommend staying on the west side of the island, however, if you’re keen on the idea, this is the Airbnb you’ll want to book.
These bungalows were very clean, cute, and comfortable.
Note:If you haven’t signed up for Airbnb yet, use our code to get$40 off your first stay!
Resorts
In most places around the world, fancy resorts cost an arm and a leg. This isn’t the case for your Nusa Penida trip. Nice resorts in Nusa Penida are reasonably priced and very much worth the small increase in price.
Ocean Terrace Suite and Spa Luxury– $80/night
Ocean Terrace Luxury Resort is located on the east side of the island (recommended). This resort is top of the line for Nusa Penida. The rooms are clean, the restaurant is excellent, and the pool is an awesome touch.
Road Beach Premier– $106/night
Another great resort is Road Beach Premier, an oceanfront villa near Buyuk Harbor. Like Ocean Terrace, Road Beach Premier has all the luxuries of a fine resort. 24-hour concierge, motorbike rental, and car hire are just a few of the amenities offered at this gorgeous property.
Hostels
Another accommodation alternative for your Nusa Penida trip is to stay in a hostel.
Here is the best hostel option on the island of Nusa Penida:
The Packer Box– private double room ($54/night), bed in 8-bed dorm ($27)
The Packer Box is a popular hostel on Nusa Penida, located on the east side of the island. This hostel includes breakfast, free bikes, and a shared kitchen. Staff at this hostel are helpful and friendly.
What To Do In Nusa Penida
Nusa Penida has popular attractions spread out over the entire island. Whether you focus on the east side of Nusa Penida, the west side of Nusa Penida, or both, you’re sure to find something that wows you.
Very few islands in this vicinity have such a high concentration of epic adventures. Be sure to add these impressive places to your Nusa Penida trip:
Things To Do On The East Side Of Nusa Penida
In my opinion, there is a drastic difference between the east side of Nusa Penida and the west side.
The east side is much more developed and easier to navigate. And there are far fewer tourists on the east side of the island.
There are 3 major attractions to visit while exploring the east side of Nusa Penida. Add these 3 stops to your Nusa Penida itinerary:
1. Atuh Beach
Atuh Beach is a quiet hideaway with epic views.
Situated hundreds of feet below the surrounding cliffs, getting to and from Atuh Beach will get your heart racing.
In this hidden paradise, you’ll find a perfectly quiet beach with lots of waterfront restaurants.
After the strenuous hike down to the beach, treat yourself to a cold beer while watching the waves splash against the unique rock formations.
Be prepared for the trek back out from the beach; these cliffs are no joke.
Bring some water for when you reach the top. The hot Balinese sun will cause dehydration very quickly.
2. Thousand Islands Viewpoint + Treehouse
A viewpoint worth a thousand words, Thousand Islands Viewpoint is a quick drive down the road from Atuh Beach.
In my opinion, this is one of the best views in all of Nusa Penida and Bali. The jutting islands and the turquoise waters make you realize why you came to Bali in the first place.
A bonus to visiting Thousand Islands Viewpoint is the unique treehouse accommodation, which is located along the same path.
You can find and rent these treehouses on Airbnb(however, I’ve heard it’s an underwhelming experience).
If you do plan on visiting these treehouses, continue up the path past the treehouses for an even better view. Be sure to respect guests’ privacy and stay within the limits of the path.
3. Diamond Beach
Rivaling Thousand Islands for the best viewpoint in Nusa Penida, Diamond Beach is a spectacle to be seen.
Picture the most pristine beach, a sugary white sand coastline, and limestone karst surrounding you on all sides.
Prepare for many stairs on the walk down to the beach but a rewarding view upon arrival.
Things To Do On The West Side Of Nusa Penida
Let’s venture to the west side of Nusa Penida island for a tour of the most popular attractions.
The west side of the island sees 99% of travelers coming to Nusa Penida. The most famous seascapes can be found here including beaches to natural pools and everything in between.
岛的西侧是没有维护的情况ed to the east side. Getting around this side of the island, whether by motorbike or car, will be a very bumpy ride.
Pro-tip:If you’re prone to motion sickness, I recommend taking medicine before venturing out for the day.
Here are our favorite west side stops to add to your Nusa Penida trip:
4. Peguyangan Waterfall
A lesser-known destination on the island, Peguyangan Waterfall is the perfect place to soak and enjoy the views. The natural infinity pools sit on the edge of the cliff overlooking the magnificent ocean below.
Note:As with any attraction on Nusa Penida, expect a steep 15-minute descent to reach the pools. Take caution as the trek down can be very slippery and narrow in places, especially when there are other visitors present.
A sarong is required to enter since there is a temple onsite; bring your own or rent one at the pay station before you begin your trek down.
Parking and an entrance fee will be collected upon arrival. Entrance prices in Nusa Penida are quite reasonable, but just remember to bring cash!
5. Tembeling Natural Pool + Beach
Our favorite stop on the west side of Nusa Penida is Tembeling Natural Pool and hidden beach.
We have explored Tembeling Beach twice; during both of our visits we were the only people here, so we highly recommend visiting.
There are a few things you should know before you venture to Tembeling Beach:
First, the road to get here is one of the most treacherous roads we have ever been on.As experienced motorbike drivers, we didn’t think any road would be “too dangerous” for us. The road to Tembeling Natural Pool proved us wrong.
Pro-tip:If you aren’t comfortable on a motorbike, I recommend parking your bike where the pavement meets the gravel road. Walking 30 minutes down to the beach is a much better alternative than getting hurt.
Second, if you decide to make the long journey down to this secret oasis, be sure to bring your swimsuit, water, and snacks.We made an entire day out of exploring this hidden gem.
6. Teletubbies Hill
A unique stop to add to your Nusa Penida trip is Teletubbies Hill. If you’re passing through the area, this might be a good place to stop and enjoy the scenery.
Although this place has beautiful hills and a cool breeze, I would not recommend going out of your way for Teletubbies Hill. There isn’t much to do here except take pictures and stroll around.
Teletubbies Hill is located in the middle of the island. Getting here requires traversing rough terrain.
A perk to visiting Teletubbies Hill is there is no entrance fee, which is a rarity in Nusa Penida.
7. Kelingking Viewpoint, Beach, + Cave
The ever-popular Kelingking viewpoint, beach, and secret cave delivers on multiple levels.. literally!
There’s a reason tourists swarm to this place; it is unlike anything I have ever seen before.
The water is the most brilliant sea-green and the rock formations look like they’ve been imported from the Nā Pali Coast.
Note:Get here early in the morning. Avoiding the crowds will make this place much more special.
Kelingking Viewpoint
On our first visit to Kelingking viewpoint, we arrived at approximately 8am. This proved to be the right time because there were very few other tourists.
On our second visit, we came during the day. Catching a nice view of the “sea dinosaur” was nearly impossible.
Kelingking Beach + Cave
Gear up for a crazy hike down to Kelingking Beach.
Before you decide to descend, be sure that you are wearing appropriate footwear and that you are completely comfortable with heights.
The climb down deters many visitors from reaching the beach, but if you can make it, I promise it’s worth it.
On our first trip to Kelingking, we spent hours at the beach in complete desolation.
Note:The waves at Kelingking Beach are notoriously treacherous. I wouldn’t recommend swimming at this Nusa Penida Beach.
Kelingking beach and cave were a special treat for us. For such a popular location, we were able to relax in solitude. If the crowds are too much for you at the viewpoint, consider climbing down to the beach below.
For more information about Kelingking Beach, check out our detailed post:Kelingking Beach, Nusa Penida.
8. Angel’s Billabong
With a name like Angel’s Billabong, this spot is destined to be awesome.
Angel’s Billabong is a short stroll from Broken Beach (see description below); a beautiful infinity pool along the impressive cliffside.
Due to popularity, Angel’s Billabong is strictly regulated. What used to be a popular swimming spot is now primarily a place for viewing. This is due to safety risks and strong currents.
Be wary of the drop-offs at the cliff’s edge. Many tourists approach the edge without concern; unfortunately, a fall could be deadly. Please respect the boundaries and keep yourself safe.
For more Bali posts, check out:
7 Truly Hidden Gems in Bali
6 Things to Know Before Visiting Tukad Cepung Waterfall in Ubud
9. Crystal Bay
Crystal Bay is one of the best beaches on Nusa Penida.
Want to snorkel? Sunbathe? Add this beach to your Nusa Penida itinerary!
With plenty of cute restaurants, calm waters, and incredible views, Crystal Bay is the perfect place to spend your day.
Understand that this beach is quite popular among tourists, so you’ll be joined by plenty of other people. Expect to pay for beach chairs and parking.
Note:The best way to avoid crowds is to take the secret trail up the hill on the left side of the beach to discover another incredible hidden beach. This beach is much quieter and just as beautiful.
10. Manta Point
Whether you have your PADI certificate or not, Manta Point is an amazing place to spot manta rays.
You can view Manta Point from above on the cliffs or explore the waters below. This is a very secluded spot on Nusa Penida, so be prepared for a very bumpy ride.
Something that I must address in this post is the amount of trash at Manta Point.
Although the views are spectacular, the garbage in the ocean is devastating. Please, PLEASE take care of your own trash. Pack out what you pack in. These beautiful creatures deserve a cleaner environment and it all starts with us.
11. Broken Beach
Broken Beach is one of the craziest views you will see in Nusa Penida. The photo below is a completely unedited picture taken from above by our drone.
Believe it or not, this is really what it looks like! Incredible, right?
Since Broken Beach is a popular place among tourists, expect MANY other people, especially during the day.
If you plan to come in the afternoon, bring plenty of water. The sun becomes very hot and there aren’t many places for shade.
Our favorite part about Broken Beach was the walk along the cliff’s edge. As you can see in the photo, there’s a trail that wraps around. Follow this trail for a short walk with epic views.
12. Banah Cliffs
End your Nusa Penida trip at Banah Cliff Point for an awesome sunset.
挑战去Banah悬崖点difficult but you’ll be rewarded with a sweeping view of the ocean and small islets.
Be aware of the steep drop off; getting too close to the edge is NOT advised.
Check Out Our Nusa Penida Video On Youtube!
For an inside peek into exploring Nusa Penida, be sure to watch our travel video on Youtube.
The Wrap-Up: Nusa Penida Trip
我推荐这个岛在体面的人physical condition; getting to and from different locations in Nusa Penida can be quite demanding.
This island is chalked full of adventures for thrill-seekers and it’s an awesome way to get off the beaten path. The views, cliffs, beaches, and hidden infinity pools will wow you.
We hope you enjoy your visit to Nusa Penida as much as we did.
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