Nusa Penida

Blog post by Nikolina

Before we share our own story and experiences of exploring Nusa Penida, here are the must-see locations that should be on every traveler’s list for Nusa Penida. Whether you’re drawn to dramatic cliffs, crystal-clear waters, or stunning beaches, Nusa Penida offers some of Bali’s most iconic and unforgettable spots. Here’s a guide to the island’s top destinations, each with its own unique beauty and charm:

Must-See Locations in Nusa Penida

 

• Kelingking Beach: Famous for its striking “T-Rex” cliff formation, Kelingking Beach offers a dramatic and picturesque view of the coastline. However, swimming here is prohibited due to strong currents, a safety measure put in place after several tragic incidents. Make sure to enjoy the view from the cliffs and stay safe onshore.

Kelingking Beach on Google Maps

• Angel’s Billabong: A natural infinity pool carved by waves, Angel’s Billabong is a stunning formation where the water changes color depending on the tide. The pool’s beauty is mesmerizing, but be cautious, as the tides can be unpredictable. Always check conditions before wading in.

Angel’s Billabong on Google Maps

• Broken Beach: Located near Angel’s Billabong, Broken Beach is a unique rock formation that creates a natural arch over the ocean. It’s a striking sight and offers plenty of photo opportunities, with its clear blue waters and dramatic cliffs.

Broken Beach on Google Maps

• Diamond Beach: With its pristine white sands and crystal-clear turquoise waters, Diamond Beach is one of the most photogenic spots on the island. While the scenery is perfect for photos, swimming is also prohibited due to strong currents.

Diamond Beach on Google Maps

• Atuh Beach: A tranquil and secluded beach that offers calmer waters than some of the other locations on Nusa Penida. Although it’s ideal for relaxing and enjoying the natural surroundings, swimming here may not always be advisable depending on the conditions.

Atuh Beach on Google Maps

• Thousand Island Viewpoint: This viewpoint offers one of the most iconic views of Nusa Penida’s rugged coastline. The breathtaking panorama is a perfect spot for photos, showcasing a vast expanse of turquoise waters and dramatic rock formations.

Thousand Island Viewpoint on Google Maps

 

Since the first three locations and the next three are all quite close to each other, it’s best to combine them in one trip to make the most of your time on the island.

Tips for Planning Your Trip to Nusa Penida

1. Plan Ahead: We initially wanted to go snorkeling but struggled to find a provider that wasn’t fully booked, even on a weekday during the low season. I can’t imagine how crowded it gets during peak season!

2. Invest in Comfort: Sometimes it’s worth spending a bit more. We opted for a speedboat instead of the local ferry. We booked through BookAWay and chose a ferry that left at 7 a.m. and returned at 5 p.m. This allowed us to maximize our day on the island.

3. Rent a 125cc Motorbike: The roads on Nusa Penida can be quite steep, so having a bike with a bit more power is really helpful. The surcharge for a better bike is minimal, with cheaper models starting around CHF 5 per day. Trust me, your back will thank you; you can really feel the potholes on lower-end models. After a day on a basic motorbike, I was pretty shaken up—just a heads-up!

4. Stay Overnight: Consider spending at least one night in Nusa Penida. This allows you to fully enjoy your trip and explore the island at a relaxed pace without the pressure of rushing back to Bali.

5. Skip Manta Point: While the view from Manta Point is breathtaking and you can spot manta rays from 150 meters above, the road conditions are poor. In hindsight, I would have preferred to spend more time at other locations like Angel‘s Billabong or Broken Beach.

6. Allow for Buffer Time: Road conditions can be unpredictable, so give yourself plenty of buffer time between locations to ensure you don’t feel rushed.

By following these tips, you’ll be well-prepared for an unforgettable adventure on Nusa Penida!

Our Nusa Penida Experience: A Last-Minute Adventure

At first, I wasn’t really excited about going to Nusa Penida. I think everyone has had the feeling that certain travel destinations aren’t as enticing anymore. You see a place so often on social media that it almost feels like you’ve already experienced it. And the desire to visit it in person fades. I have to admit, sometimes I’m a little hesitant about visiting places where crowds gather to get the perfect photo without truly experiencing the place. That was exactly how I felt about Nusa Penida! We spent over a week in Bali, and honestly, we didn’t really feel the urge to visit the island. So, we went to Komodo and then returned to Bali. But just before we booked our flight from Bali to Seoul, I suddenly said to Josip: “Oh, it would be such a shame if we were in Bali and didn’t see Nusa Penida!” So, we decided to take a last-minute day trip there.

We found great last-minute tickets through Bookaway and booked a round-trip with the speedboat (book here). The official ferries would have been cheaper, but they are slower and often delayed. We wanted to make the most of our day, so we decided to spend a little extra, which definitely paid off for us! This way, we could leave at 7 a.m. and return at 5 p.m., giving us more flexibility. A small warning: departure times vary greatly depending on the provider. Some boats only leave at 9 a.m. and return at 3:30 p.m., so make sure to check the departure times carefully.

We would have absolutely loved to go on a snorkelling tour to see the manta rays, but sadly we couldn’t find a a local provider. They kindly offered to take us on a private boat, but it was too expensive for us. So, we decided to save this experience for another time! However, I can tell you now, a manta ray tour is 100% worth it! There’s a 50% chance of spotting a manta ray at Manta Point, which is pretty good! These lovely creatures keep coming back to this spot because it’s their cleaning station, so there’s a good chance you’ll see one! If you’ve never had the chance to see a manta ray, you’re in for a treat! They’re truly fascinating creatures. I was lucky enough to spot one while diving in the Galapagos Islands and it was an unforgettable moment. Even though snorkelling is a different experience, I would definitely plan our trip to Nusa Penida better – and the snorkelling tour would be an absolute must!
 
Instead, we got a motorbike for just CHF 10 and had a lovely time exploring the island. I would highly recommend taking a motorbike with at least 125cc, as the roads are quite steep in places and a little more power can be really helpful. The surcharge is very low (cheaper models start at around CHF 5 per day). Your back will also thank you, as you can really feel the potholes on cheaper models. After a day on a simple motorbike, I was pretty shaken up (maybe I am also just not used to it)– so just a little warning!
 
We explored the island by motorbike, enjoying the fantastic views that kept opening up in front of us. Our first route took us from Sanur Harbour to Manta Point. Even if we couldn’t snorkel with the mantas, we wanted to see them from above. Halfway there, however, the tarmac road turned into a bumpy gravel road, making the journey a bit of a struggle. But we persevered and finally reached Manta Point. An impressive 150 metre drop-off awaited us – and indeed, from up here we could see the rays in the water, along with many others swimming after them.

Josip‘s reaction when he spotted the Manta Rays from above

Suddenly we felt the first drops of rain and quickly made our way back. The rain got heavier and the gravel path turned into a mud bath. Luckily we didn’t get stuck anywhere, but we were soaked to the skin and there was no café or restaurant in sight to offer shelter. So we carried on. Half an hour later the sun came out and slowly dried our clothes. Shortly afterwards we arrived at Diamond Beach – or at least the top of the cliff – and treated ourselves to a cool coconut. 
 
Access to the beaches here is only possible via steep, man-made steps. There is an entrance fee for the descent and swimming is forbidden due to strong currents. This was introduced after a number of tourists drowned, but a few people still ventured into the water. For us, the risk was too great and as we saw no particular reason to descend the many steps without swimming, we decided against it. Time was also of the essence – we didn’t want to miss Kelingking.

An hour later, we arrived and oh my goodness, what a view! We were really lucky not to miss it! The beach looked absolutely gorgeous and so inviting, and there weren’t many people around. Instead there was a real crowd at the top, which was to be expected. I can totally see how this place is going to get even more popular in the future, especially once the big glass lift is built to make it easier to get down and back up again! If you still want to enjoy the beach for yourself, now would be the perfect time to book your ticket to Bali and Nusa Penida! Be sure to plan enough time for the descent and ascent. I would also recommend booking at least one overnight stay on Nusa Penida. Please note, however, that swimming is also prohibited here at Kelingking Beach due to the strong currents and the tragic incidents.

After Kelingking Beach we made our way back to Sanur and just managed to catch the ferry back to Bali – be smarter than us and plan some buffer time. We had to wait about 15 minutes at the petrol station for our turn. Luckily we made it in time and arrived safely in Bali. Hungry, we headed to Cuca Restaurant, probably one of the fanciest restaurant in Bali – you can soon read the blog post about it here.
 

If you follow the tips and visit the must-see locations I’ve shared, you’re sure to have an unforgettable experience on Nusa Penida. Whether you’re exploring the island’s stunning beaches, hiking to breathtaking viewpoints, or simply soaking in the natural beauty, there’s no doubt you’ll fall in love with this island. Trust me, the memories you’ll create here will make it all worth it—just be sure to plan ahead, stay safe, and enjoy every moment of your adventure! If you have been already to Nusa Penida we would love to hear about your highlight in the comments 🙂

Happy travels and much love,

N & J

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