What to do in Nusa Penida? The complete guide to discovering Bali’s most spectacular island
The must-see beaches in Nusa Penida
Kelingking Beach: the island’s most famous spot
It’s impossible to talk about Nusa Penida without mentioning Kelingking Beach. This T-Rex-shaped cliff has become the emblem of the island and, above all, the most Instagrammable spot on the whole island.
The view from the top is incredible. The turquoise water contrasts with the steep cliffs: you quickly understand why this place makes phone memory cards explode
It is possible to go down to the beach, but the path is very steep, sometimes slippery, with some rather impressive sections. The descent can take between 30 and 45 minutes.
We don’t necessarily recommend going down because the descent is dangerous and not secured, but if you do want to go down, make sure you are in good physical condition and wearing good hiking shoes. Swimming at the beach is prohibited because of the many accidents caused by the current.
But the beach is still very beautiful to admire
Our local expert tip:
Leave early in the morning, ideally before 8:30 am. Not only is it less hot, but you also avoid the long lines for the photo at the viewpoint.
The other best time to come is at the end of the day, to be able to admire the sunset
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Diamond Beach: the postcard of Nusa Penida
Diamond Beach is often considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Indonesia.
Stairs carved into the cliff, dazzling white sand, sharp rocks in the middle of the ocean… the setting looks almost unreal.
Be careful though, the waves can be very strong and swimming is not recommended
Expert tip:
The beach quickly fills up with people, especially in high season, so go very early in the morning to avoid the crowds and the queue for photos
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Broken Beach and Angel’s Billabong
These two spots are usually visited together.
Be aware that these are two very Instagram-famous spots, so if you really want to go, favor very early morning or end-of-day hours.
- Broken Beach
It is a natural arch carved into the rock by the ocean. The place is very photogenic, especially seen from the sky.
- Angel’s Billabong
A natural pool with crystal-clear water.
For some time now, swimming has been prohibited there because of accidents that have happened there
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Crystal Bay: the best sunset
Crystal Bay is one of the few places on the island where you can truly enjoy a sunset with your feet in the sand.
It’s the most pleasant beach for swimming, with incredible snorkeling right from the beach. This beach is ideal for families with young children because, being a bay, there are few waves and little current.
The atmosphere is more relaxed than at Kelingking or Diamond Beach, with sun loungers, barbecues and grilled fish.
It’s also a good spot for:
- swimming
- incredible snorkeling
- having a drink at the end of the day.
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Pandan Beach
A beautiful beach that extends from Crystal Bay, located at the end of the beach. You have to take a path through the forest, with a few stairs, but after 15 minutes of walking you arrive at a deserted beach.
But be careful: this one is quieter, but there is more reef and more current, so swimming is a bit less easy
Tembeling Beach and Forest
A magnificent natural pool by the beach, surrounded by a wild and spectacular setting
The road down is quite impressive: very steep, in the middle of the jungle, to the point that it is generally mandatory to take a motorbike taxi from the top to reach the beach safely.
But once at the bottom, the place is absolutely magnificent and the effort is more than rewarded
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Suwehan Beach
Suwehan Beach is one of the wildest and most unspoiled beaches of Nusa Penida. Less well known than its sisters, it appeals to travelers looking for a quieter atmosphere off the beaten path.
The beach is nestled at the foot of huge limestone cliffs, with white sand and spectacular turquoise water. A large rock standing in front of the sea adds even more charm to the landscape.
But be careful: getting there takes some effort.
To reach the beach, you have to go down a long, rather steep staircase, and the climb back up in the tropical heat can quickly become sporty. Allow about 30 minutes for the descent
Good to know:
Swimming can be dangerous depending on sea conditions. The currents in Nusa Penida are sometimes very strong even when the water looks calm.
Our local expert tip:
Bring water and comfortable shoes, and avoid the hottest hours of the day. You can easily buy fresh fruit and water on the way from locals or before going down.
Atuh Beach: calmer and perfect for relaxing
Located right next to Diamond Beach, Atuh Beach has a more peaceful atmosphere.
Travelers who stay several nights on Penida often prefer to come here at the end of the morning to take their time. It’s a good alternative to the ultra-crowded spots.
You’ll find a few simple warungs where you can drink a coconut facing the sea. And honestly, sometimes luxury in Bali is just that.
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Explore Teletubbies Hill
Teletubbies Hill offers a totally different setting. Here, no turquoise ocean or steep cliffs: instead, a succession of green, rounded hills that recall the setting of the famous Teletubbies cartoon
The place is particularly beautiful during or just after the rainy season, when the hills turn an intense green. With the morning light and light mists, the atmosphere can almost make you feel like you’re in another country.
Our expert tip:
Don’t just stop for photos; wander among these rounded hills to be truly alone
Guyangan Waterfall
A small waterfall offering a spectacular view of the ocean.
Warning:
We strongly advise against this waterfall that you see a lot on Instagram, because the steps have been damaged by the rainy seasons and have not been maintained, which makes the descent dangerous. The descent is dangerous. Allow about 40 minutes for the descent.
Rumah Pohon
This is the famous Instagram spot you see everywhere in Nusa Penida, with the little cabin perched facing the ocean. But beware: it is only a paid photo spot with a view of Diamond Beach.
In high season, there are often several hours of queuing to get the famous photo. It’s better to come very early in the morning… or simply enjoy the panorama without necessarily going through the Instagram stop.
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Snorkeling in Nusa Penida
Snorkeling is one of the best activities on the island.
The best-known spots are:
- Manta Point: you can swim with manta rays in their natural environment, as it is a ray cleaning spot
- Crystal Bay
- Gamat Bay
- Wall Point
Diving in Nusa Penida
Diving in Nusa Penida can be impressive and is not always ideal for beginners. The currents are often strong, the water cooler than in Bali, and visibility can sometimes be reduced because of sea movements.
But for divers who already have a bit of experience, it’s a true playground. Encounters with manta rays often remain an unforgettable moment. Watching them move in their natural environment is simply magical.
And for the luckiest, between July and October, it is sometimes possible to spot the famous Mola Mola, also called sunfish. This giant and fascinating fish, which can measure several meters, attracts divers from all over the world during the season.
For travelers who want to try diving, introductory dives are also possible in Nusa Penida. You simply need to be motivated and comfortable in the water, as conditions can be more challenging than elsewhere. Generally, two dives are scheduled to maximize the chances of seeing the manta rays.
Swimming with manta rays
It’s often travelers’ dream.
Watching a manta glide underwater feels a bit like observing a living spaceship. They are huge, elegant and fascinating.
Important:
Mantas are wild animals. Their presence can never be guaranteed 100%.
Our field feedback:
Very cheap excursions often attract huge crowds to the same spots, and they have fixed schedules that can make you feel rushed at each spot.
Our clients generally prefer small-group outings, which are more pleasant and more respectful.
Private cruise
We also offer private cruises, ideal for discovering Nusa Penida at your own pace 🌊
The advantage of a private outing is being able to adapt the itinerary to the day’s sea conditions, but also to really take your time at each spot — particularly with the manta rays — in order to fully enjoy the experience, without stress or rush.
Schedules can also be adjusted to avoid the busiest periods and discover certain places in a much calmer and more pleasant atmosphere.
It is an option particularly appreciated by families or groups of friends who want a more comfortable, flexible and exclusive experience.
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Visit the Goa Putri temple
In Balinese history, Nusa Penida was long perceived as a mysterious and sometimes even “cursed” island. The Balinese once associated the island with spirits, black magic and invisible forces
For centuries, Nusa Penida remained isolated and hard to reach, which reinforced this mystical reputation
The Goa Putri temple is one of the most fascinating spiritual places in Nusa Penida. Unlike temples perched on cliffs or facing the ocean, this one hides inside a huge natural cave, which gives it a very special atmosphere.
From the entrance, the experience is different: to enter the cave, you have to go through a rather narrow rock opening before discovering a vast underground space filled with altars, incense and offerings.
The atmosphere is calm, mysterious and deeply spiritual. You often hear prayers echoing in the cave while light filters slightly through the natural openings. Even travelers who mainly visit Penida for its landscapes often leave surprised by this place.
If you are lucky, you may even attend a Hindu ceremony, wearing a mandatory sarong.
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