Adiwana Warnakali PADI 5 star dive resort

Best Hotels in Nusa Penida: Where to Stay (2026)

By Blaise Jaeger — Nusa Penida hotel owner & long-time resident · Updated July 2026

When I first visited Nusa Penida back in 2015, there were only two hotels to choose from. It was a simple decision to make: Ring Sameton on the north coast, owned by Indonesians, or Namaste Bungalows, located near Crystal Bay and run by French expats. It’s interesting to note that the nationalities of the owners have significantly influenced the island’s tourism industry. Namaste Bungalows, in particular, has attracted a sizable French tourist market, which has in turn fueled further investment from French investors. This has led to the emergence of a “French Corner” around Crystal Bay and Gamat Bay. Today, with over 450 hotels in Nusa Penida listed on Booking.com, I’ve narrowed down my top picks for the best hotels in Nusa Penida — but first, let me help you choose the right area.

Where to stay in Nusa Penida: which area?

After ten years on the island, my first piece of advice isn’t a hotel — it’s an area. Where you sleep changes your whole trip, because Nusa Penida is bigger and slower to cross than it looks on a map, and getting around takes time.

  • Divers → around Toyapakeh. If you’re here to dive, this is the smart base. Our dive centre Dune Penida offers free pick-up within about 5 km of Toyapakeh, and Maua, Namaste Bungalows and Adiwana Warnakali all sit inside that radius.
  • First trip, couples & families → Toyapakeh, Gamat Bay or Crystal Bay. The west-coast “French Corner” puts you close to the best snorkelling, the finest sunsets and easy boat access, with plenty of restaurants nearby.
  • Small budget → the north coast. This is where you’ll find the biggest cluster of guesthouses and backpacker spots, at the lowest prices.

Insider tip — avoid the centre of the island. On the map it looks central and convenient, so people assume they’ll be close to everything. In reality you end up far from the coast, with long scooter rides to every beach and viewpoint. Stay near the coast you want to explore.

The first 5-star hotel in Nusa Penida

Villa with private pool and living room at Maua, the first 5-star hotel in Nusa Penida
Maua — Nusa Penida’s first 5-star hotel, set above Gamat Bay

Maua Nusa Penida is the first 5-star hotel on the island, and it opened relatively recently. It has 25 air-conditioned villas with a dressing room, a private garden and a private pool, each with a beautiful view of Gamat Bay. The hotel also has a restaurant, a bar, a large swimming pool and a spa. You can also book one of the classic hotel rooms with an awesome valley view.

Hotel ranked first on Tripadvisor

Full transparency: I own Adiwana Warnakali, and I’m a partner in the Dune Penida dive centre based there — so I’m obviously not neutral about this one. Here’s my honest take anyway.

Sea-view boutique rooms at Adiwana Warnakali dive resort, Nusa Penida
Adiwana Warnakali — top-rated boutique dive resort, facing the sea and Mount Agung

The 4-star boutique hotel Adiwana Warnakali is the champion in all categories for Nusa Penida hotels on Tripadvisor: best Tripadvisor ranking, best traveler ranking, best value for money. Its 15 air-conditioned rooms all share the same breathtaking view of the sea, Mount Agung, and the island of Nusa Lembongan. It offers all the services of a comfortable hotel, including a restaurant, room service, a swimming pool and a spa, and it is home to the PADI 5-star Dune Penida diving centre.

Pool deck and restaurant overlooking the sea at Adiwana Warnakali, Nusa Penida
Adiwana Warnakali — pool, deck and restaurant with an ocean view

New: Adiwana Warnakali private-pool villas

Private-pool villa with ocean view at Adiwana Warnakali, Nusa Penida
New Adiwana Warnakali private-pool villa overlooking the ocean

We’re adding brand-new private-pool villas at Adiwana Warnakali. Each villa is fully private — no shared spaces — with its own pool overlooking the ocean, en-suite bedrooms, a living room and a kitchen, designed for couples, families or groups who want space, comfort and privacy.

There will be two 2-bedroom villas and one 1-bedroom villa, the 1-bedroom opening later in 2026. As the new resort is still being finished, we’re offering introductory opening rates: around 4,000,000 IDR/night for a 2-bedroom villa and 3,000,000 IDR/night for a 1-bedroom villa (room only). For now, booking is handled directly through Roy — message him for availability and current rates.

Try the glamping!

Autentik Nusa Penida has developed a unique “glamping” concept. This eco-lodge offers guests 8 luxury safari tents nestled in the heart of unspoiled nature, with breathtaking views of the coconut groves, the majestic Agung volcano and the ocean. For nature lovers, it’s a return to the sources of sorts — while keeping the comfort of a chic lodge. A refreshing and unforgettable experience.

Luxury safari glamping tent among coconut groves at Autentik Nusa Penida
Autentik — glamping with volcano and ocean views

Joglos facing the sun

Tanah Damai — “Land of Peace” in Indonesian — is aptly named. Set in the heart of the jungle, in strict harmony with nature, this hand-built, human-sized hotel offers 4 small, unoverlooked traditional wooden houses. It also features a magnificent villa with three air-conditioned bedrooms, perfect for a family or group of friends, and a 200 m² deluxe suite overlooking the sea, ideal for a honeymoon or a romantic getaway.

Everything has been designed to preserve intimacy and quiet. Nestled in lush greenery made for contemplation, you’ll enjoy the infinity pool overhanging the jungle and the ocean — offering a breathtaking view and outstanding, memorable sunsets.

The restaurant favours homemade meals and quality food, whether for colourful breakfasts or delicious dinners. Vegan options are also available to suit everybody’s taste.

Traditional wooden houses and infinity pool over the jungle at Tanah Damai, Nusa Penida
Tanah Damai — an infinity pool over the jungle, famous for its sunsets

The charm of the first bungalows on Nusa Penida

Namaste Bungalows is the first French-run hotel in Nusa Penida. It’s also an oasis of tranquillity, located just minutes from Crystal Bay and the welcoming Sakti Village. It has 10 bungalows arranged around a reception, a restaurant and a swimming pool overlooking the valley, Crystal Bay and Gamat Bay.

Bungalows and pool overlooking the Crystal Bay valley at Namaste Bungalows, Nusa Penida
Namaste Bungalows — near Crystal Bay, the island’s first French-run stay

FAQ — where to stay in Nusa Penida

Where should I stay in Nusa Penida?

Stay near the coast that matches your plans. Base yourself around Toyapakeh for diving and easy access, Crystal Bay or Gamat Bay for a first visit, couples and families, and the north coast if you’re on a budget. Avoid the centre of the island — it feels central but leaves you far from everything.

Does Nusa Penida have 5-star hotels?

Yes. Maua Nusa Penida is the island’s first 5-star hotel, with private-pool villas above Gamat Bay. Adiwana Warnakali is the top-rated boutique resort on Tripadvisor, and new private-pool villas are opening there in 2026.

Which area is best for divers?

Stay around Toyapakeh. Our dive centre Dune Penida offers free pick-up within about 5 km of Toyapakeh, and Maua, Namaste Bungalows and Adiwana Warnakali all sit inside that radius, so you reach the boats quickly each morning.

Is it better to stay overnight or visit Nusa Penida on a day trip?

Stay at least 2–3 nights. Day-trippers only see a fraction of the island in a rushed loop; staying lets you reach the beaches and dive sites before the crowds arrive from Bali and enjoy the sunsets. See how to get to Nusa Penida from Bali.

How much does accommodation cost in Nusa Penida?

Prices range from budget guesthouses and backpacker bungalows on the north coast to boutique resorts and 5-star villas. As a benchmark, the new Adiwana Warnakali private-pool villas start at introductory opening rates of around 3,000,000–4,000,000 IDR/night.

Any questions?

Before leaving, take a moment to complete your travel planning. If Nusa Penida is part of a broader journey, you may find it useful to plan your trip to Bali before heading to the island. For a full overview, don’t miss our complete travel guide for Nusa Penida, which brings together everything you need to know in one place. You’ll also find helpful practical information about Nusa Penida, covering transport, getting around, and essential tips. And beyond where to sleep, you’ll find plenty of ideas in our guide to the best things to do in Nusa Penida, plus 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!

About the author — Blaise Jaeger

Blaise discovered Nusa Penida in 2015, opened the island’s first PADI dive centre in 2017 and owns the Adiwana Warnakali boutique resort, where he is also a partner in the Dune Penida dive centre. A PADI Master Scuba Diver with more than 700 logged dives, he has lived on and around the island for years — the hotel picks and area advice on this page come from that first-hand experience, not from a booking database.

Book your Nusa Penida hotel on Booking.com

12 thoughts on “Best Hotels in Nusa Penida: Where to Stay (2026)”

  1. Hi,
    Me and my family are planning to stay in nusa penida for a couple of days so we need a taxi from the portal to the hotel and vice versa. Can you please share details of the your contact who can provide the taxi.
    Thanks in advance.

    1. Hi Aman,

      If it’s only for the pick-up and drop-off at the port, most hotels in Nusa Penida can arrange that service for you directly, so it’s best to check with your accommodation first.

      If you’d like, you can also reach out to Roy. He isn’t a driver himself, but he can help you find a reliable local driver for your transfers. I sent you Roy’s contact by email.

      Safe travels and enjoy your time in Nusa Penida!

      Best regards,
      Blaise

  2. Blaise

    Buenas tardes, te agradezco el haber despejado mis dudas sobre como y donde llegar a Nusa Penida, me gustaría si pudieras darme la información de algún chofer que me lleve a distintas partes por el día y un valor aproximado, estaré allí el 12 y 13 de junio

    1. Buenas tardes,
      Me alegra saber que esta información te fue útil. Para moverse por Nusa Penida, te recomiendo contactar con Roy, quien puede ayudarte a organizar un conductor para recorrer la isla. Te envié su número de contacto por correo electrónico.

      El precio promedio de una excursión en coche de un día completo a Nusa Penida es de alrededor de 700.000 IDR, dependiendo de la ruta y la distancia.

      ¡Buen viaje el 12 y 13 de junio!

      Blaise

  3. Hi, thank you for the info!
    We are visiting Nusa Penida and I would like contact details for a local driver. Could you give any recommendations?
    Thanx

    1. Hi Simoné!
      You can contact Roy. I sent you by email his contact details. He can help you find a reliable private driver with a car in Nusa Penida and even assist with any other trip arrangements you may need. Have a great time exploring Nusa Penida! 😊🚗🏝️

      Blaise

  4. Hello Blaise,

    This is truly a wonderful coverage of travel to Nusa Penida. I want to travel both Nusa Penida and the Gili Islands but could not find the appropriate resource. Today, your blog gave me the perfect answer.

    Thanks!

    1. Thank you so much for your feed back. It takes some time to update this Nusa Penida site. It’s good to know some readers appreciate its content !
      Blaise

  5. great coverage of Nusa Penida.

    if we are staying overnight in Nusa Penida, are there Snorkeling trips in the morning to the Blue Lagoon from Nusa Penida?

    1. Hello,
      The snorkeling trips from Nusa Penida usually go to Manta Point, Crystal Bay, Gamat Bay, Toyapakeh.
      I don’ think there is any snorkeling trip going to Blue Lagoon from Penida.
      Blaise

      1. Susan jane Harrison

        Hi Hozi I am heading towards nusa penia I am taking my own bicycle. I have cycled over the two main volcanos in Bali and prefer the coastal roads but they are very busy and I do like winding my way through the small villages. However sometimes the gradients are too steep and as in git git road I got stuck. Can you offer any advice please

        1. HiSusan !

          That’s great to hear you’re bringing your bicycle to Nusa Penida — it’s a beautiful island to explore!

          I’d recommend taking the coastal road rather than the inner road. The coastal route is generally not very crowded, especially compared to the main roads in Bali, and it offers stunning views along the way.

          The inner road cuts through the middle of the island and climbs up to around 400 meters in elevation. It’s very steep in some sections and not ideal for cycling unless you’re prepared for serious climbs.

          Sticking to the coast will allow you to enjoy the scenery, pass through small villages, and avoid the toughest gradients. Just be aware that even along the coast, some parts can still be rough or hilly, so good brakes and gears are essential.

          Enjoy your ride and stay safe!

          Blaise

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