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 Narrow, sometimes risky paths have been replaced by concrete steps, while locals have built car parks and small warungs to welcome travelers.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!