I first discovered Nusa Penida Island while traveling in Bali in May 2015, and since then I’ve returned over 30 times. With each visit, I aim to explore a new place and have formed a solid opinion about the top 15 must-see sites on Nusa Penida Island. The island has it all, from stunning beaches and cave temples, to vertiginous cliffs and incredible scuba diving spots. To fully appreciate the beauty of Nusa Penida, I highly recommend spending a few nights on the island!
Some places have changed a bit with the increased arrival of tourists. Concrete steps replaced the small paths, which were sometimes pretty dangerous. Local people built car parks and small warungs. But the beauty of the island and the amazing views will continue to take your breath away. And as tourism will only restart gradually after this covid-19 coronavirus crisis, you should not be too bothered by other tourists for several months. If you visit the island, you will almost see the Nusa Penida island that I discovered in 2015!
The ranking order of the sites is a bit arbitrary but I started with the most iconic sites in Nusa Penida. And I finished with the wildest and the most authentic sites. The ones I prefer …
Kelingking Beach
This list of the 15 most beautiful sites to see in Nusa Penida Island must necessarily start with Kelingking Beach. This is the most famous place in Nusa Penida Island. And all the tourism giants like Tripadvisor or Booking use now a Kelingking Beach photo to illustrate Bali.
Kelingking is a spectacular rocky outcrop into the sea. The rock looks a bit like the backbone of a dinosaur that comes to drink in the sea. On Google Map the bay has been called T-Rex Bay. The view is exceptional but if you have the courage and the time, you MUST go down to the beach. Get good shoes and once down to the beach, watch out for waves and currents. Believe me, Kelingking Beach is worth it !
Broken Beach & Angel’s Billabong
Number 2 & 3 of the most beautiful sites to see in Nusa Penida Island are also spectacular. And therefore also very popular within the day tours to Nusa Penida organized from Bali. To be sure to truly enjoy the experience, it is better to arrive before 11 a.m. or after 3 p.m.
Broken Beach
A collapse of part of the cliff created Broken Beach. The collapsed part has a circular shape. And the sea dug an arch in the narrowest part of this circle. The whole therefore looks like a circular bay with an arch which overhangs the sea. Look at the photos, you will understand ! The (very) small beach is not accessible. But you may see manta rays from the cliff.
Angel’s Billabong
Angel’s Billabong is a natural pool embedded in the cliff. It is filled with clear water during high tide. And the natural pool appears at low tide. The water is very clear and it is quite fun to go for a swim at low tide. But you have to be very careful not to swim there at high tide because a wave could drag you outside. With little chance of coming back.
Crystal bay
Crystal Bay Beach is clearly one of the top 5 attractions in Nusa Penida Island. The beach could be very crowded before the coronavirus crisis but this should not be a problem any more for the coming months. Crystal Bay combines the attractions of a sandy beach easily accessible by road and a spectacular rock planted in the middle of the bay. The beach faces west and the sunsets are often spectacular. Crystal bay is also a renowned site for scuba diving. If you are not a scuba diver, you can still get a mask, snorkel and fins on site. But be careful not to exceed the limit of the boats anchored in the bay, the currents can be violent.
Atuh Beach and Diamond Beach
Atuh Beach is, along with Crystal Bay, one of the most beautiful beaches in Nusa Penida Island, now very easily accessible. It takes about an hour from the port of Toyapakeh to reach it. If you take the right route you will have Atuh Beach on one side and Diamond Beach on the other. This second beach is best known thanks to the stairs cut into the cliff. A must for social networks addicts. Atuh Beach is especially pleasant for swimming at high tide, because there are not too many waves or currents.
Adiwana Warnakali dive resort
After this top 5 places to see in Nusa Penida Island, I cannot resist including two places 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 is a sunset bar and restaurant built of bamboo at the top of a promontory overlooking the sea. It is a privileged place for lunch, dinner, spending the afternoon by the pool or enjoying the sunset. It is the number 1 restaurant in Nusa Penida Island on Tripadvisor. The pictures speak for themselves …
Gamat Bay
Before having a drink at Amok sunset, it may be worth a detour to Gamat Bay. This beach is the little sister of Crystal Bay, but more wild. Its bay is a real aquarium, but the currents can be strong, and there will probably not be many people watching you. You really need to bring your own fins if you want to snorkel at Gamat Bay. Or stay where you are. It is also a very nice dive site.
Goa Giri Putri
We completely change category for this n° 9 of the places to see in Nusa Penida Island with the temple of Goa Giri Putri. It is a temple, or rather a succession of temples, built in a cave. The Balinese Hindus come to follow a purification course which lasts a few hours because it includes a stop at each temple built in the cave. You can go faster but at least try to participate in the double ceremony of the last temple before the exit, half Hindu, half Buddhist.
Toyapakeh Harbour
Toyapakeh is the arrival port on Nusa Penida for most speedboats from Bali. It is also a very famous scuba diving site, especially for drift dives. I like having a breakfast or a fruit juice at Warung Restu, by the beach. It is the only Muslim village on the island, which gives it a doubly exotic aspect.
Temeling
With Temeling we are now entering into the last part of our ranking of sites to see in Nusa Penida Island. I really like these 4 last places because they are very beautiful and much less visited in Nusa Penida.
Temeling is a primary forest, a natural swimming pool and two very romantic places by the sea. The scenery is guaranteed and the variety of atmospheres, between the walk in the virgin forest and two small deserted beaches, should seduce you. A very nice half-day ride.
Guyangan Waterfall
Guyangan Waterfall or Peuyangan is best known for its blue staircase which descends along the cliff. From there you will have a breathtaking view of the cliffs of Nusa Penida Island. To reward you, at the bottom of the stairs and after going through a small temple, you will find small natural baths on the cliff side. You can refresh yourself after a descent that could be described as dizzying. Above all, you can safely face the waves that break on the edge of the cliff. Guaranteed sensations!
Suwehan Beach
Suwehan Beach is one of those very beautiful beaches of Nusa Penida Island which is still quite wild because apart from the classic tours. However, it is now rather easy to access with the brand new staircase which allows you to descend in less than twenty minutes. It is quite close to Atuh Beach and it might be a good idea to combine the visit of the two beaches in the same itinerary. Please note that you have to choose a time for your visit: rather in the morning because the beach faces east. And rather at low tide because otherwise there will not really be a beach …
Seganing Waterfall
Seganing Waterfall is one of the sites on the southwest coast of Nusa Penida Island where you can admire magnificent landscapes. And make yourself a little fright by going down the cliff side following a more or less well traced path. And more or less well protected … But do not expect to see a waterfall fall from the top of the cliff, or you may be disappointed …
Nusa Lembongan
Nusa Penida designates the archipelago of the three islands : Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan. These last two are connected by a yellow bridge that collapsed a few years ago but was rebuilt identically (hopefully more solid …). These two islands are very small and you will have gone around in two hours on a scooter but it can still be worth going for a ride. I’ll let you judge !
Any question ?
Beyond the places to see in Nusa Penida Island you will also find information on this website on what to do in Nusa Penida ? And lots of other practical information, including how to get to Nusa Penida ?
But if you can’t find the answer to your questions, feel free to add a comment on this page. I would be happy to try to answer you !
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