Discover Nusa Penida: A Slice of Paradise Off the Bali Coast
Hello, adventurous souls! Are you ready to uncover one of Indonesia’s best-kept secrets?
Just a hop, skip, and a speedboat away from Bali lies the stunningly rugged and remarkably untouched island of Nusa Penida. Forget the tourist trails of its more famous neighbor; Nusa Penida offers a blend of breathtaking landscapes, thrilling activities, and tranquil spots that will have your Instagram feed buzzing with envy.
This Nusa Penida Travel Guide will cover all the must see spots, plus some other extra gems 😉
Getting There: The Adventure Begins at Surabaya Pier
Our journey kicked off from the Surabaya Pier in Bali, where we boarded a speedboat that whisked us away to the shores of Nusa Penida. The ride is as swift as it is scenic, with sprays of sea mist and views of the vast ocean that prepare you for the island magic you’re about to experience.
We booked our speedboat transfer through GetYourGuide. We use this platform whenever we are looking for a private driver, water transfer or guided tour when we are traveling. You will always find the best prices here and each experience is rated by other travelers so you know you are getting the highest quality trip ➡️ Speedboat Transfer to Nusa Penida! 🚤
Where to Stay: From Shoestring to Luxury
Nusa Penida caters to every traveler:
- Budget Travelers: For those watching their wallets, Ratu Cottage at Desa Wisata offers cozy accommodations surrounded by lush gardens, providing a serene base without breaking the bank.
- Mid-range Explorers: Blue Harbor Beachfront Villas strikes a perfect balance with comfortable, stylish rooms and stunning sea views.
- Luxury Seekers: Indulge in the plush settings of MAUA Nusa Penida which offers top-tier amenities and sweeping vistas of the island.
Eat Like a Local: Dining Across Budgets
Fuel your island adventures across these culinary gems:
- Budget Bites: Check out Warung Pondok, where delicious, wallet-friendly Indonesian dishes await. Warungs are small, family owned restaurants in Indonesia. These are where you will get the most authentic local foods and always at the best prices!
- Mid-range Meals: Penida Colada is a popular spot that combines great food with an even better atmosphere, and right on the beach. Don’t miss their coconut fish curry!
- Splurge-Worthy: For a dinner to remember, head to Cactus Beach Club and savor their gourmet offerings while chilling all day by their pool or looking out over the ocean.
Exploring the Heart of Nusa Penida
The main town buzzes with a quaint charm, offering all essential amenities all along the northwest coast near the pier. Whether you’re after a quick snack, need to rent a motorbike, or pick up some souvenirs, the town center serves as your go-to hub.
How to Get Around Nusa Penida
There is definitely a lack on transport on this island and the roads are in pretty terrible condition, especially the closer you get to the main landmarks.
There are essentially only two ways to get around the island.
One, hire a local driver (your hotel can help you hook this up). Usually you will hire a driver for the day and they will take you around to any landmark you want to see, or they can suggest spots for you.
Don’t forget to negotiate on price! We were quoted wildly different prices when asking around so always offer them a price you think is fair.
The second, more economical route, is to rent our own scooter. Because of the poor road conditions, this is much easier to navigate than a car. However, it can be dangerous and you need to make sure you are comfortable on a scooter before renting one here. We have seen a lot of tourists get into accidents so make sure you are confident and extremely safe (helmets always!).
Want to travel but have no money? Check out our posts on budget travel:
‘How to Travel the World for Free’
‘How to Find Budget Accommodation and Lodging Anywhere in the World’
‘Things to do for Free While Traveling’
‘How to Maintain Your Food Budget While Traveling’
Iconic Landmarks You Can’t Miss
Prepare your cameras and lace up your sneakers, these spots deserve a top place on your itinerary!
Warning: The roads to every main attraction are in extremely poor condition. Much of the road has been washed out and there are section where you will be driving over massive holes and bumps. If you are not comfortable on a scooter, this is definitely the place to hire a local driver.
Kelingking Beach – Famous for its T-Rex shaped cliffside, this spot offers dramatic ocean views and a thrilling descent to a pristine beach.
I’d say this was the most gorgeous, breathtaking view we saw in the Bali area and definitely a stop you cannot miss!
There is no hike to the main viewpoint, but if you want to get down to the beach, it is a very steep, very sketchy climb down some precarious stairs.
Luckily, you do not have to climb here in order to get the best view!
Angel’s Billabong and Broken Beach – Nature’s architecture at its finest, featuring a natural infinity pool and a picturesque sea arch.
Again, there is not much of a hike involved to see these two landmarks. Just a quick, flat walk from the parking lot.
We highly recommend getting here before 9 am. This was by far the busiest spot we saw on the island and the viewpoint areas are small so it’s best to have it to yourself.
Crystal Bay – Perfect for sunset lovers and snorkelers eager to explore vibrant coral reefs.
Locals say this is the best sunset spot on the island and we do agree!
The beach is lined with local food vendors and beach chairs so you can enjoy the beach all day and into the evening.
Snorkeling is also popular here and you can rent snorkel gear at the beach. Just be careful as the water can get very rough!
Gamat Bay – This bay has a similar vibe to Crystal Bay and is located nearby, although it is much harder to access.
The long, washed out road in and the hike down onto the beach makes this much less accessible, but the wild beauty here is worth the trek.
Snorkeling is also popular here. It’s best to bring your own equipment and fins are definitely necessary as the currents are very strong.
Diamond Beach and Atuh Beach – Each offers unique landscapes from serene bays to rugged cliffs.
These two beaches are both located on the east side of the island. They are both accessed from the same parking lot.
You can get some beautiful views of both beaches from the top, so there is no need to climb down if you don’t want to.
But if you are looking to get on the sand or swim, you will need to take a long, steep climb down to these beaches.
Thousand Islands Viewpoint and The Treehouse – For a panoramic treat, these viewpoints offer jaw-dropping scenery.
The Tree House (or Rumah Pohon) on Nusa Penida has become one of the most popular attractions and one of the most popular places to stay! You might recognize this lookout from one of many Instagram posts.
If you want to book a night here, you need to book way in advance because it books up fast 👉 Book The Treehouse!
Teletubbies Hill – Rolling green hills that evoke the playful whimsy of their namesake.
I’m not going to lie, I headed here because I thought this was the actual filming location for the Teletubbies TV show. Only to realize that, obviously, that was filmed in England 🙈
The name comes from it’s similarity to the Teletubbies Hills. It’s quite an amazing sight as you drive through this area. The landscape completely changes into rolling, green hills and feels absolutely surreal.
Snorkeling Day Trips: Manta Rays and More!
No visit to Nusa Penida is complete without exploring its underwater wonders. Book a snorkeling trip that covers Manta Bay, Crystal Bay, Gamat Bay and sometimes Sental Point. Swim alongside majestic manta rays, navigate through colorful coral gardens, and maybe even snap a selfie with some friendly sea turtles!
We booked our snorkel tour through GetYourGuide. This tour is incredibly affordable and was definitely a highlight of our trip ➡️ Snorkel Trip in Nusa Penida 🤿
Nusa Penida Awaits
From its rugged cliffs to serene beaches, from delightful eateries to cozy stays, Nusa Penida offers a blend of adventure and tranquility that’s hard to match.
Pack your bags, grab your camera, and set your sights on this incredible Indonesian gem. Nusa Penida is not just a destination; it’s a backdrop for unforgettable memories.
So, when are you going to start your adventure to Nusa Penida? The island is ready to charm you with its enchanting landscapes and warm smiles!
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