I first discovered Nusa Penida in May 2015 while traveling in Bali, and since then I’ve returned more than 30 times. With each visit, I’ve made it a point to uncover a new corner of the island, gradually shaping a clear picture of its very best highlights. Today, I can confidently share my list of the 15 must-see places in Nusa Penida. From breathtaking beaches and sacred cave temples to towering cliffs and world-class dive sites, the island truly has it all. To experience its beauty fully, I highly recommend staying a few nights rather than rushing through on a day trip.
Some places in Nusa Penida have evolved with the growing number of visitors. Narrow, sometimes risky paths have been replaced by concrete steps, while locals have built car parks and small warungs to welcome travelers. Yet, the island’s raw beauty and breathtaking views remain untouched, offering the same sense of wonder as ever.
The ranking of sites below is somewhat subjective. I begin with the most iconic landmarks of Nusa Penida and end with the wildest, most authentic spots — my personal favorites.
Kelingking Beach
Any list of the 15 most beautiful places to visit in Nusa Penida has to begin with Kelingking Beach. This is by far the island’s most iconic spot — so much so that travel giants like TripAdvisor and Booking often use its photo to represent Bali itself.
Kelingking is a dramatic limestone headland jutting into the ocean, its shape resembling the spine of a dinosaur bending down to drink — which earned it the nickname T-Rex Bay on Google Maps. The view from the top is breathtaking, but if you have the stamina and the time, you absolutely must hike down to the beach. Wear sturdy shoes, and once at the bottom, be cautious of the powerful waves and strong currents.
The effort is more than worth it — Kelingking Beach is an unforgettable experience.
Broken Beach & Angel’s Billabong
Number 2 and 3 on the list of Nusa Penida’s most beautiful sights are equally spectacular — and unsurprisingly, among the most popular stops on day tours from Bali. To enjoy them at their best, try to arrive before 11 a.m. or after 3 p.m., when the crowds are thinner.
Broken Beach
Broken Beach was formed when part of the cliff collapsed, creating a perfectly circular bay. Over time, the sea carved a dramatic arch through the thinnest section of rock, connecting the bay to the ocean. The result is a breathtaking natural formation: a turquoise lagoon encircled by cliffs, with a stone bridge arching over the waves.
The small beach inside the circle is not accessible, but the views from above are unforgettable. If you’re lucky, you might even spot manta rays gliding gracefully in the waters below.
Angel’s Billabong
Angel’s Billabong is a stunning natural infinity pool carved into the cliffs of Nusa Penida. During low tide, the pool reveals itself, filled with crystal-clear water where visitors can enjoy a refreshing swim. However, it is extremely dangerous to enter the water at high tide, as powerful waves can sweep swimmers out into the open ocean — with little chance of returning.
Crystal Bay
Crystal Bay is without a doubt one of the top five attractions in Nusa Penida. This beautiful spot combines a wide sandy beach that’s easy to reach by road with a striking rock formation rising dramatically from the middle of the bay. Facing west, the beach offers some of the island’s most spectacular sunsets.
The bay is also one of Nusa Penida’s best-known scuba diving sites, especially famous during the Mola Mola (sunfish) season. If you’re not a diver, you can still enjoy the clear waters by renting a mask, snorkel, and fins on the beach. Just be cautious: do not swim beyond the line of anchored boats, as currents outside the bay can be extremely strong.
Atuh Beach and Diamond Beach
Along with Crystal Bay, Atuh Beach and Diamond Beach rank among the most stunning beaches on Nusa Penida — and they’re now much easier to reach. The drive takes about an hour from the port of Toyapakeh.
If you follow the right path, you’ll find Atuh Beach on one side and Diamond Beach on the other. Diamond Beach is especially famous for its dramatic staircase carved directly into the cliff — an unmissable spot for photography and social media lovers.
Atuh Beach, by contrast, is more tranquil and inviting for a swim. At high tide, the water is calm, with gentle waves and limited currents, making it a delightful spot to relax and enjoy the ocean.
Adiwana Warnakali dive resort
After listing the top 5 places to see in Nusa Penida Island, I cannot resist including two additional spots that I particularly like. And not only because I created them! Adiwana Warnakali is a resort featuring a diving center, a restaurant and a hotel with its spa. With the same characteristics: an incredible view of the sunset on one side and the Agung volcano on the other.
Amok sunset
Amok Sunset is a bamboo-built bar and restaurant perched on a promontory with sweeping views of the sea. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy lunch or dinner, spend a lazy afternoon by the 2 pools, or simply watch the sun melt into the horizon. Amok is a favorite for both its setting and its atmosphere.
Gamat Bay
Before heading to Amok Sunset for a drink, it’s worth making a short detour to Gamat Bay. Often described as the little sister of Crystal Bay, Gamat is wilder, quieter, and far less crowded. Its waters are like a natural aquarium, teeming with marine life, though the currents can be strong.
If you plan to snorkel here, make sure to bring your own fins and stay close to shore. Otherwise, simply relax on the beach and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. For divers, Gamat Bay is also a fantastic dive site, known for its vibrant corals and rich underwater life.
Goa Giri Putri
For number 9 on the list, we switch categories from beaches and bays to spirituality, with the remarkable Goa Giri Putri Temple. This is not just one temple, but a succession of shrines hidden inside a vast limestone cave.
Balinese Hindus come here to follow a purification ritual that can last several hours, stopping at each shrine along the way. Visitors can choose to move faster, but it’s highly recommended to experience at least the final double ceremony before exiting. This unique ritual blends both Hindu and Buddhist traditions, making Goa Giri Putri a truly unforgettable cultural and spiritual encounter.
Toyapakeh Harbour
Toyapakeh is the main arrival port for most speedboats coming from Bali. It is also one of Nusa Penida’s most renowned dive sites.
After a dive or while waiting for a boat, I love stopping at Warung Restu, a small eatery right on the beach, for breakfast or a fresh fruit juice. Toyapakeh is also the island’s only Muslim village, which adds a unique cultural flavor and makes it feel even more special within predominantly Hindu Bali.
Temeling
With Temeling, we enter the final part of this list — four sites that I especially love for their beauty and their relative tranquility compared to Nusa Penida’s more famous attractions.
Temeling offers a mix of lush primary forest, a natural freshwater pool, and two secluded seaside spots that feel wonderfully romantic. The walk through the untouched jungle is an adventure in itself, leading to hidden corners where you can swim, relax, and enjoy the peace of deserted beaches.
It’s the perfect setting for a half-day escape, combining nature, adventure, and serenity all in one.
Guyangan Waterfall
Guyangan Waterfall, also known as Peguyangan, is most famous for its striking blue staircase that clings to the cliffside as it winds down toward the ocean. The descent offers jaw-dropping views of Nusa Penida’s dramatic coastline — an experience in itself.
At the bottom, after passing through a small temple, you’ll find a series of natural rock pools perched right on the edge of the cliff. Here, you can cool off from the dizzying hike down while safely enjoying the waves crashing below. It’s a thrilling mix of spirituality, scenery, and adrenaline — an experience not to be missed.
Suwehan Beach
Suwehan Beach is one of Nusa Penida’s most beautiful and still relatively untouched beaches, spared from the classic day-tour crowds. Thanks to a brand-new staircase, it’s now much easier to access — you can descend in less than twenty minutes.
Located close to Atuh Beach, it’s a great idea to combine both into the same itinerary. Just plan your visit carefully: Suwehan faces east, so the morning light is magical, and it’s best to go at low tide. At high tide, the beach all but disappears beneath the waves.
Seganing Waterfall
Seganing Waterfall, on the southwest coast of Nusa Penida, is as much about the adventure of getting there as it is about the destination itself. The path down the cliffside is steep, uneven, and only partially secured — guaranteed to give you a little thrill (and perhaps a fright).
Don’t expect a dramatic cascade plunging from the cliff top; the waterfall is modest and trickles gently into the sea. What truly makes Seganing worth the effort are the breathtaking coastal views along the way and the raw, untamed atmosphere of this hidden corner of the island.
Nusa Lembongan
The term Nusa Penida often refers not only to the main island but also to its two smaller sisters: Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan. These two are linked by the famous Yellow Bridge, which collapsed a few years ago but has since been rebuilt — hopefully more solid this time!
Both islands are tiny and can be explored in just a couple of hours by scooter, yet they’re well worth the detour. Each has its own charm, from laid-back beaches to cliffside viewpoints. Take a ride and see for yourself!
Any questions ?
Beyond this list of must-see places in Nusa Penida, you’ll also find plenty of useful resources on this website — from things to do on the island to practical tips, including the best ways to get here.
If you don’t find the answer you’re looking for, feel free to leave a comment below. I’ll be more than happy to help and answer your questions!
Thanks for all the great information regarding the islands. I have a question regarding Nusa Penida, if a reliable car and driver is hired for our stay are the attractions you’ve mentioned safely accessed. I have this vision of driving on an incredibly steep, narrow dangerous track in order to get to some of the wonderful sites you’ve mentioned. We would love to visit and experience the landscape and seascape and a quieter side of Bali but I don’t wish to put us in any dangerous situations. We would be looking at possibly a 4 night stay, are there many restaurants or warungs on the island that you can walk to from accomodation. Any further information would be greatly appreciated.. Thanks
Hello Linda,
The car drivers are very professional and know very well the roads. Most of the hotels or resorts have there own restaurants and will be happy to organize a tour with a local car driver. Nusa Penida is indeed pretty wild, which is part of its charm but if you follow some basic ground rules it will be very safe !
Blaise
Hi love all your information , my hubby and I are staying on Cennigan and want to go to Penida for a day trip, we are thinking of hiring scooters and taking snorkel gear with us. You mentioned you have a PDF version of Penida map would you be able to send it yo me please. And any other information you like to share.
Thanks
Hello,
I sent you the Nusa Penida map by email !
Blaise
Hello,
Can you email me the PDF map of Nusa Penida too please?
Do you also have a map for Nusa Lembognan and Nusa Cennigan?
In addition, do you have information on boat transfer from yellow bridge over the Nusa Penida, times/price/do I have to book?
Thank you
Hello Justine,
I sent you the map of Nusa Penida by mail. Unfortunately I don’t have the map of Nusa Lembongan and Ceningan.
There are many boats from Yellow bridge to Penida. The price should be around 50k one way per person and I don’t think you need to book.
If you need assistance for a tour in Penida you can contact Roy on my behalf. I sent you his Whatsapp.
Enjoy your stay in Bali!
Blaise
Is it Possible to hire a car or jeep without a driver on Nusa Penida.
I do drive ariund Java and Bali for over 25 years so I like to do that also on Penida.
Hello Peter,
I guess it is possible to rent a car without driver in Nusa Penida but I don’t know personally where do ask. If someone knows an address it would be nice to answer the comment with the contact.
Please nevertheless keep in mind that Nusa Penida roads are pretty narrow which means you often need to get your left wheels out of the concrete road, sometimes very close to the edge of some cliff, when you cross another car or a truck. I am a good driver but I i would be scared to drive myself a car in Nusa Penida …
Blaise
Great info. Thank you! But the top 3 sites are quite crowded again, tourism has bounced back hard. You might mention that at least the top two sites have a minimum entry fee of 5000.
Hi William,
You are very right, the most iconic destinations of Nusa Penida are now super busy between 11 am and 3 pm with tourists coming for day trips. But there are many other destinations less crowded. My favorite is Tembeling. Blaise
Thank you for these information. May I know if I hire a car/van with a driver, can all these 15 sites be reached without much walking? Thank you.
Hello Stanley,
All of these sites can be reached by car/van with a driver without much walking except :
– Guyangan, Seganing, Suwehan, Gamat Bay : you will have to walk down a narrow path or a staircase to get to the beach and there is not much to see if you don’t
– Kelingking Beach and Atuh Beach : ou will have to walk down a narrow path or a staircase to get to the beach but the view is still amazing from the top of the cliff
Enjoy your stay in Nusa Penida !
Blaise
thanks for this info admin
You are welcome !
Hi Blaise,
Thanks for the tips!
Could I also please have the map PDF via email?
Much appreciated thank you!
Hello Marika,
I sent you the map by email.
Blaise
Thanks for all the great info!
Could you please mail your PDF map ?
Thank you so much 🙂
Hello Didier,
I sent you the map by email.
Blaise
Hi
Can you please share a detailed map of Nusa Penida.
Can you just good homestays / Heritage Hotels right on the beach
Share details of Car Driver and their rates
Do you get vegetarian food here
Regds
Hemant Talathi
Mumbai, India
Mobile No : +91 9922401955
mail id : htalathi@gmail.com
Hello Hemant Talathi,
I sent you by email Nusa Penida ma and Roy’s contact details.
He can help you prepare your trip, establish your program, propose a reliable driver in Bali and Nusa Penida and help you book your boat tickets or hotels.
For homestay on the beach you can try Blue Harbor or other options here : https://nusapenida.org/hotel-where-to-stay-nusa-penida/
Enjoy your trip to Nusa Penida !
Blaise
Hi Blaise, great site, thanks ! I am also interested to have the pdf map, considering spending a long weekend there with my children.
Thank you
G.
Hello,
I sent you the map by email. Enjoy your vacation in Nusa Penida !
Blaise
Good afternoon,
We will be coming to Bali for a few days prior to a cruise at the end of January 2025.
We want to stay on Nusa Penida for least 1 night.
My partner is a diver and I snorkel.
Recommendations for reputable Dive Operators and where to stay would be appreciated.
Please email me your pdf map.
Please email me Roy’s contact information.
Many thanks from Canada!
Valerie
Hello Valerie
My recommandation is to go diving and snorkeling with Dune Penida. You can be on the same boat and go diving (you) and snorkeling (your partner) on the same dive sites.
Here are some recommandations for hotels in Nusa penida https://nusapenida.org/hotel-where-to-stay-nusa-penida/
I sent you Roy’s contact details by email, together with Nusa Penida map.
Roy can help you prepare your trip, establish your program and offer you a reliable driver in Bali and Nusa Penida, book your diving and snorkeling with Dune Penida, or even help you book your boat tickets or hotels. He speaks English.
Enjoy your trip to Bali !
Blaise
Thanks for all the great info!
Could you please mail your PDF map ?
Thank you ^^
Hello,
I sent you the map by email.
Enjoy your trip to Nusa Penida !
Blaise
Hi blaise thank you so much for informations
Please send me the map
God bless you
Thanks for the tips. Can you sent me the pdf map?? 🙂
Can you please send me the map?
Thankyou
Hi 🙂 Thanks for all the good information. We will be going to Nusa Penida for one night only, so we will have this Thursday afternoon/evening and Friday until around 16:00.
Which places would you prefer to see in that amount of time? Our hotel is on the north/east corner of the Island. And we are considering hiring a driver instead of driving scooters because of the rainy season. And may we also have the map, please? Thanks a lot. Marlene
Hi,
If you stay in the north east of Bali I would recommend you to visit Goa Giri Putri temple (https://nusapenida.org/goa-giri-putri/) on the way to your hotel and then the next morning go to Diamond Beach and Atuh Beach (https://nusapenida.org/atuh-beach-diamond-beach/).
I sent you Roy’s contact details. He will help you find a reliable driver in Nusa Penida if you need one.
And I also sent you Nusa Penida map.
Enjoy your stay in Nusa Penida !
Blaise
Hello Blaise
Thank you for the information.
Just wondering whether you have any insights on taking a toddler to any of these places and whether it would be accessible or safe for them around any of these sites.
I wouldn’t mind exploring on foot, even though I know we can’t do the whole island. Can you recommend any places from the port?
Also would appreciate a PDF map if possible.
Thank you.
Hello Lucie,
The safest place to bring a toddler to the beach is definitely Crystal Bay. You can choose an accommodation in the village of Penida and go walking to Crystal Bay beach from there. But be aware that since January 11 Crystal Bay road is closed. I guess it will be repaired in the next weeks.
Alternatively you can stay in Toyapakeh where there is also a small beach from where the snorkeling and diving boats are leaving.
You can also visit with a car with driver the other attractions such as Kelingking Beach, Diamond Beach but I would not recommend to bring the toddler to the beach, and also Broken Beach but you need to be super careful as there is no fence to prevent people to fall from the very high cliffs.
I also sent you the pdf map.
Enjoy your stay in Nusa Penida !
Blaise
Hi Blaise
best straightforward commentary I have read – thank you!
Would love copy of the pdf map – its popular
Also a phone number for a reliable safe driver would be a big help.
I don’t dive but swim well – what do you suggest for best snorkelling experience – are there boat trips for snorkelers that you can recommend.
Thanks again
Robyne
Hello Robyne,
I sent you by email the map and Roy’s contact details.
Roy will help you prepare your trip and find you a reliable driver in Bali and in Nusa Penida. He can also propose the different options for snorkeling with private or shared boat or for discovery dive if you want to try!
Enjoy your stay in Bali!
Blaise
Hi Blaise,
Thanks for writing up such a helpful informative guide. Do you mind sharing the contact details of this “Roy”? I’m assuming that was your local driver and guide throughout your time in Nusa Penida.
Cheers
Hello Tara,
I sent you by email the contact details of my friend Roy. He will help you prepare your trip and find you a reliable driver in Bali and in Nusa Penida. He can also propose the different options for snorkeling with private or shared boat or for discovery dive if you want to try!
Enjoy your stay in Bali!
Blaise
Hi Blaise,
What a well informed blog. That you so much. We are currently in Penida on the northern side. We both have our motorbike licences.
Do you know whether most the spots are accessible by riding a motorbike?
I would also be grateful for a copy of your map if you don’t mind please.
Cheers,
B
Hello Belinda,
Almost all of the sites are accessible by motorbike. The road conditions vary a lot — some are in very good condition, while others can be quite bad, so do be careful when riding.
I’ve just sent you the map.
Enjoy your stay in Nusa Penida!
Blaise
Thanks for the helpful informative site! Please share the map of Nusa Penida and Roy’s #. Are there other islands in Bali you also recommend visiting? Any interesting places to see Gamelan music while in Bali?
Hi Zach,
Glad you found the site helpful! 😊
I sent you the map of Nusa Penida and Roy’s WhatsApp. He’s not a driver himself, but he can help you arrange reliable local drivers for transfers, tours, or even diving.
If you have time to explore beyond Nusa Penida, I’d recommend visiting:
Gili Islands (Trawangan, Air, and Meno) – amazing for snorkeling, diving, or just relaxing.
Menjangan Island (Northwest Bali) – great for pristine diving and snorkeling spots.
For Gamelan music, you could check out:
Ubud Palace – nightly cultural shows with Gamelan and traditional dance.
Sukawati area temples – often have authentic Gamelan performances during ceremonies.
Banjar community halls – if you’re lucky, you can join a practice session; locals are often very welcoming.
Enjoy your time in Bali and Nusa Penida!
Best regards,
Blaise
Hi Blaise and thanks for this site.
I am planning on spending a week on Nusa Penida as I am a slow traveler.
I come here hoping to be close to Manta Rays, both diving and snorkeling. Probably on both sites Manta Bay and Manta Point.
Your PDF map could be very helpful for me.
I would also like to know if Gojek app (or other similar) works on Nusa Penida, as I travel alone and light, but dont like driving a scooter myself.
Thank you for all this attention.
See you in NP soon (from the 8th).
Catherine
Hi Catherine,
I’m glad you found the site helpful! Spending a full week in Nusa Penida sounds perfect, especially if you want to enjoy the manta rays at both Manta Bay (OK for snorkeling) and Manta Point (best for diving but also snorkeling).
Regarding transportation, Gojek and Grab don’t operate on Nusa Penida. Since you don’t like driving a scooter, the easiest option is to arrange a driver with a car for day trips. For this, you can contact Roy on WhatsApp. He isn’t a driver himself, but he can book a reliable local driver for you, or even help you with transfers (port pick-up, boat tickets, etc.).
And if you choose a hotel within 5 kilometers of Dune Penida Dive Center, the pick-up and drop-off between your hotel and the dive center is offered free of charge if you dive or snorkel with Dune.
I sent you the map and Roy’s contact by e-mail.
Enjoy your stay and your manta encounters !
See you in Nusa Penida,
Blaise