Nusa Penida Travel Guide – Best Things To See and Do

Nusa Penida island, a short hop away from mainland Bali, can still just about be considered a “hidden gem” .On one hand it’s a blessing. It provides a slice of (almost) unspoilt wilderness with lush forests, beautiful beaches and gorgeous vistas. On the other, its limited infrastructure can throw up logistical challenges. However its sheer amount of Instagrammable beauty spots means it’s not going to stay hidden for much longer.

So, while Nusa Penida might only get a fraction of visitors that flock to Bali’s beaches and rice fields, major development is not far away. Use my handy Nusa Penida travel guide to plan your visit before the masses come.

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Nusa Penida Travel Guide

Getting to Nusa Penida

Nusa Penida is pretty easy to reach by daily boats from Bali. Sanur has the most options with multiple companies operating speed boats to both Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan. It’s also easier to get to as it’s a short hop from Denpasar, Kuta and Canggu. Even if you are staying in Ubud, Sanur is still probably your best bet. Alternatively, Padang Bai also has some less frequent departures.

From Sanur:

Regular speed boats operate between Sanur and Nusa Penida. Trips take around 40 minutes in good weather but timings can vary.  Head to the end of Jalan Hang Tuah to find offices of travel companies selling tickets for the boats. There will plenty other travellers around so you’ll know you’re in the right place. All boats depart directly from the beach so be prepared to wade up to your boat with your bags. Sanur is also a good place to stock up on snacks and essentials as shops on Nusa Penida are not as plentiful as on Bali.

From Padang Bai

For a slower and cheaper option, the public car ferry from Padang Bai to Sampalan on Nusa Penida is a valid alternative. However, these can sometimes prove unreliable so I recommend doing some research if you absolutely must head to Penida from here.

From Nusa Lembongan

Visiting Nusa Penida from Lembongan is easy. There are regular boats running between the two islands throughout the day (07:30 – 18:00) which makes visiting Penida as a day trip a much more attractive proposition than if you are coming from Bali.

Prices:

Ticket prices differ based on the company, time of departure and what part of Nusa Penida you are heading to. We paid 200k IDR for a one way ticket from Sanur to Toyah Pakeh harbour on Nusa Penida. It’s likely to be your best bet with regular services throughout the day. The area around the harbour is developed so you can easily find accommodation, food and scooters to rent.

For latest prices, timetables and booking options, check out this handy guide from Travelfish

Nusa Penida Day Trip

Nusa Penida can be visited as part of a day trip from mainland Bali or neighbouring Nusa Lembongan  but I would recommend lingering for at least a couple of days. There is just too much to see and do and the island’s lack of development means that any day trip will end up feeling rushed. If you are short on time however, it is possible to tick off a few sights in a day. I would avoid a package tour from Bali as these can be overprices. Use this Nusa Penida travel guide to make your own way to the island and have an adventure!

Getting Around Nusa Penida

By far the best way to get around the island is by hiring a scooter.  You can easily get one from your accommodation or just by walking around. These cost from as little as 60-70k IDR per day. Fuel won’t set you back much either but do make sure you fill up before exploring the island as finding gas isn’t easy away from main villages.

Bear in mind that you need to be a reasonably confident rider. The infrastructure is still limited with only parts of the island offering paved roads. The deeper you go into the hills, the worse their condition gets. Some are very rough and you do need to keep your wits about you. Avoid riding in the dark (I am talking from experience!)

It’s possible to rent cars but I wouldn’t recommend it. They are harder to find and unless you are getting a 4WD, you might as well not bother. Popular sights also attract traffic jams as tour jeeps try and navigate narrow unpaved roads.

Things To Do on Nusa Penida

Kelingking Beach viewpoint

Even if you haven’t been to Nusa Penida, chances are you may have seen photos of Kelingking Beach on Instagram. It’s easily the most photographed place on the island because, well just look at it! The T-Rex shaped rock formation, towering cliffs, pristine white sands far below, the ocean stretching as far as the eye can see…It takes a while to just take it all in. Even if you don’t decide to head down to the beach (see below), you can hang out in this area. I recall there being a small café at the top. Allow up to an hour each way from Toyah Pakeh harbour area to get here. This is a great spot to watch the sunset – just be prepared to ride back in the dark!

Hiking down to Kelingking Beach

If you are feeling particularly adventurous, you can hike down to Kelingking Beach itself. You are strongly warned against doing so by a sign at the top due to a slightly perilous path. Think uneven rock-hewn steps, sheer drops, broken fences, that sort of thing. It’s not too bad but do be extra vigilant when navigating the path, especially since it’s not really designed for the amount of people that choose to head down it! Once at the beach you can enjoy stunning views, a beautiful beach and even a cold drink from enterprising locals who lug their wares down daily. I wouldn’t recommend going for a swim as the waves are a lot stronger than they first look. Once again, talking from experience – a painful one.

Angel’s Billabong

You could easily fill a whole post of “Top Instagrammable Locations” with just Nusa Penida photos. Angel’s Billabong would easily make the list. The beautiful tide pool meets the ocean while limestone cliffs frame the crystal clear water. The tide can be unpredictable and the waves ferocious, meaning that visitors descend into the water at their own risk. There have been a number of incidents, a few of them fatal. As long as you take precautions, Angel’s Billabong is one of the best things to see on Nusa Penida.

Broken Beach

Just a short walk from Angel’s Billabong is yet another breathtaking spot. This incredible cove was formed by erosion in the rock over thousands of years which formed the natural arch bridge you see today.  There are a couple of manmade photo spots but I recommend walking around the whole area as the views are spectacular.

Giri Putri Cave

Nusa Penida isn’t just about gorgeous beaches and stunning viewpoints. The Giri Putri Cave temple is a fascinating and surreal place on the east side of the island. Cheeky macaques will keep you company as you head up the steps before the smell of incense greets your arrival at the entrance. Speak to the friendly monks who will point out a tiny crawlspace in the rock which will lead you to a huge network of cave chambers beyond. It’s like entering another world – one of stalagmites, stalactites and bats flying above you. It’s also a very spiritual place with Hindu shrines dotted around and rituals taking place regularly. Take time to explore one of the most unique Nusa Penida attractions and you might get lucky to even witness a ceremony.

Explore Nusa Penida by scooter

Getting around Nusa Penida is definitely part of the experience. As mentioned, there is limited tourism infrastructure so don’t expect paved roads (or, at times, roads full stop) everywhere you go. However, riding through the island’s interior and along its coast is one of the best things to do on Nusa Penida. The winding drive along the east coast to Giri Putri Cave temple is also pretty cool as it’s not as developed as the more touristy northern side.

Swim with the Manta Rays

Now we didn’t get to do this because of the weather but seeing manta rays is one of the coolest things to do on Nusa Penida. Swimming with these majestic creatures is possible on various snorkelling trips on the island. You can also dive with them if you have the necessary credentials. Check out this awesome post by a fellow blogger, Wander with Jo, to see exactly why this is one of the must-see attractions on Nusa Penida. Getting to hang out with them depends on the weather conditions each day so check ahead!

Where To Stay On Nusa Penida

New accommodation options are always springing up on Nusa Penida as the island continues to develop. We stayed at Gus Mank Stay, which has cosy bungalows with terraces overlooking a beautiful garden. Prices include a breakfast and the hosts can help organise transport and tours. It’s around a 15 minute ride to the Toyah Pakeh harbour.

Where To Eat on Nusa Penida

Just like with accommodation, new places are popping up on Nusa Penida all the time so it’s definitely worth checking out what’s around once you are there. I found the below to be good options during my visit:

Warung Lonto – cheap tasty Indonesian food and refreshing fruit juices. Pretty awesome mural of The Hulk. Location. Map

Warung Tu Pande –small place south of the harbour on the way to Kelingking Beach and other popular sights. Nice local food. Try the Lalapan Ayam (spicy chicken and rice dish). Map

Papila’s – a proper coffee place on Nusa Penida! Loads of options and a full food menu too! Just round the corner from Gus Mank Stay. Map 

Cocoleaf Resto – really cool place with great atmosphere, friendly staff and an extensive menu. Great choice of Indonesian and Western food! Map

Nusa Penida Top Tips

#1 Rent a bike – it’s by far the best way to get around Nusa Penida. If you are a complete novice, you may want to ride with someone more experienced. Roads are VERY basic in places – think potholes and loose rocks.

#2 Avoid booking an expensive tour from Bali by arranging your own itinerary. Transport and accommodation are both cheap and easy to book. It’ll also make for an awesome adventure

#3 Try and arrive to the top sights on Nusa Penida early in the morning or towards the evening. Angel’s Billabong and Broken Beach can get very busy, not to mention hot in the midday sun.

#4 Bring plenty of water and snacks. It makes sense to stock up on essentials on Bali as there are limited options on Nusa Penida. When exploring the island, don’t expect a shop at every corner. These are rare, especially when traversing more remote parts. Be prepared!

#5 Monitor the weather – the journey to Nusa Penida can be rough and boats have sunk in the past. Also you would be very limited with what you can do on Nusa Penida. Roads could wash away in heavy rains and make the island impassable. Check the forecast and delay your trip if need be.

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Nusa Penida Essential Info

What: Nusa Penida’s mix of beautiful vistas and lack of major development makes for a perfect place to get away from Bali’s hustle and bustle. Ride the island’s winding roads, find hidden beaches and watch the sunset from stunning viewpoints.

Where: The island lies around 25 kilometres off the east coast of Bali, Indonesia.

Getting There: Boats depart for Nusa Penida from Bali and Nusa Lembongan daily. See Getting To Nusa Penida above.

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For more things to see and do in Indonesia, check out these posts:

How to Hike Kawah Ijen Volcano to See the Incredible Blue Flames

The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Mount Bromo

Hiking Indonesia’s Most Active Volcano: Mount Merapi

7 Top Things To Do Around Banyuwangi, Indonesia

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