Nusa Penida Island in Indonesia holds a special place in my heart after my first visit in May 2015. As I traveled through Bali and Indonesia, I couldn’t help but be drawn back to this stunning destination. My visits became more frequent, and before I knew it, I had spent 16 days exploring the island.
But what exactly was it about Nusa Penida that kept me coming back? Perhaps it was the unique blend of stunning landscapes, world-class scuba diving spots, and the friendly locals that seduced me. Or maybe it was a touch of dark magic that I couldn’t resist.
Fast forward to 2020, and I had visited Nusa Penida 30 times, each time discovering something new to love about the island. On this website, I share my adventures and discoveries, along with practical information such as updated boat schedules, particularly the Sanur-Nusa Penida time tables. Here, you’ll find ideas for on what to do or what to see in Nusa Penida, as well as information on hotels in Bali or where to stay in Nusa Penida.
Don’t miss the chance to fall in love with Nusa Penida like I have. With its beauty, adventure, and charming culture, this Indonesian island is a true gem waiting to be discovered.
Nusa Penida : a paradise for scuba divers
Nestled in the Bali province of Indonesia, Nusa Penida is a breathtaking island with a population of approximately 45,000 residents and a sprawling 200 km2 area. In 2010, the 20,057 hectares surrounding Nusa Penida, Nusa Ceningan, and Nusa Lembongan were declared a protected maritime zone, showcasing the rich biodiversity of this region. The seabed is home to 296 species of coral and 576 species of reef fish, making it a prime destination for scuba diving, snorkeling, and free diving enthusiasts.
Manta Point is a must-visit for scuba divers, who flock from all over the world to catch a glimpse of the majestic manta rays that reside here throughout the year. The oceanic sunfish, also known as the Mola Mola, is another highlight that can be spotted from July to October. But there are many other great diving spots.
The Adiwana Warnakali dive resort offers a range of scuba diving experiences, including discovery scuba dives, PADI certifications, and fun dives in safe conditions.
Whether you’re an experienced diver or a beginner, Nusa Penida is sure to captivate you with its stunning landscapes and world-class scuba diving spots. Check out the article about scuba diving in Bali to learn more and plan your underwater adventure today!
Nusa Penida : amazing landscapes
Nusa Penida Island remains relatively untouched, offering incredible vistas, particularly from the West Coast’s cliffs. With so many must-see places and activities, choosing can be difficult. To make things easier, take a look at my top 15 sites to visit. The South Coast boasts a towering 150-meter cliff that drops into the sea, providing breathtaking backdrops for photos at Broken Beach and Angel Billabong, Tembeling, Guyangan Waterfall or Seganing Waterfall. Thrills are guaranteed for those brave enough to hike down to the beach.
The North Coast is primarily dedicated to seaweed cultivation, but also boasts stunning views of the Agung volcano. The island’s center is hilly, with a famous landmark named Teletubbies Hill after the popular children’s cartoon.
Nusa Penida also offers a variety of beautiful beaches, from the easily accessible Crystal Bay to the more challenging Kelingking Beach, Atuh & Diamond Beach, Gamat Bay and Suwehan Beach.
The West Coast provides an unforgettable sunset experience, best enjoyed at Amok sunset bar and restaurant, with a drink by the pool. Visit the following page for more ideas on things to do.
Nusa Penida : a spiritual island
Nusa Penida is a rich destination for those interested in Balinese culture, history and spirituality. The island boasts of many temples, some of which hold great significance for the Hindu community in Bali. These temples offer an insightful glimpse into the Balinese way of life and the rituals they perform.
One of the most important temples is the Goa Giri Putri temple. This temple is considered a must-visit for all Hindus in Bali and is located in a huge cave that can be entered through a narrow gut. The purification ritual here involves a dozen stations in the cave and can take up to two and a half hours to complete. But, you can also go through the process faster! The Ped Temple is another notable temple that holds the spirit of a powerful demon and is considered even more important.
Nusa Penida is also home to many religious events and ceremonies that take place in a more intimate setting compared to other parts of Bali. This makes the island an ideal destination for those interested in experiencing the Balinese way of life.
Check out the following pages if you want to know more about the culture and history of Nusa Penida and about the main celebrations and events in Bali.
An Island on the Rise as a Tourist Destination
Nusa Penida has become a popular tourist destination in recent years. In 2012, the Klungkung province launched a major development plan, including improved roads, electricity, and water networks to support the growth of tourism on the island. This was further supported by the Indonesian government’s $20 billion program to develop tourism, which designated the island as a strategic district (Kawasan Strategi Pariwisata Nasional).
The investments made in the island’s infrastructure have paid off. Water and electricity are now widely available and the road network almost entirely renewed. The opening of the first hotel with a swimming pool, Namaste Bungalows, in 2013, marked the start of a rapid growth in tourism.There are now over 40 fast boats connecting Bali to Nusa Penida every day, with a journey time of just 40 minutes from Sanur and 20 minutes from Kusamba. Arrival options include Sampalan or Toyapakeh.
The Regent of Klungkung recently confirmed that his local government would nominate Nusa Penida to join the list of 195 UNESCO-protected Geoparks in the world. Just like the Mont Batur Geopark in Bali or the Beaujolais Geopark in France!
Essential Information for Your Trip
This website brings together practical information and insider tips on how to get to the island, get around, and experience the local culture and history. From scooter rides and boat trips to hiking adventures, we have something for everyone. We also provide information on scooter rentals, driver services, fast boat tickets, and more. So, why wait? Plan your dream Nusa Penida trip today !
Find the best price for your return flight to Bali
Traveling to Bali is now easy. Here are the top four reliable airlines for your trip to Bali: Singapore Airlines, Emirates, Air France, and Qatar Airways. You can check for the best fares on a price comparison website. The best comparison website is undoubtedly Skyscanner. If you are flexible with your dates, you can enter the departure airport and arrival airport (DPS) and leave the dates open. A calendar will display with the most favorable dates. The price of a return flight to Bali can vary between 800 euros and 2000 euros depending on the dates, even within the same week or day. Therefore, it is worthwhile to invest some time in finding the best option.
How many nights is it worth staying in Nusa Penida for?
It is recommended to spend at least three nights in Nusa Penida for a first-time visit. This way, you can fully immerse yourself in the island’s offerings and avoid the crowds and rush of a day tour. On the first two days, you can explore the island through one of the land tours suggested on this website. And on the third day, you can relax and take part in activities like beach day, snorkeling or diving, or swimming.
Staying for just a day tour from Bali is not enough to fully experience what Nusa Penida has to offer. It is likely that you will visit the same spots as many other tourists and also face traffic congestions. A minimum of one night stay is necessary to truly experience the island’s magic. With a range of accommodations available, from basic to luxury hotels, you are sure to find a place to suit your needs.
A site for information, exchanges and sharing
The main objective of this site is to introduce the island of Nusa Penida to the public and help people plan their travels. It also serves as a place of information exchange for those who are already familiar with the island.
The menu below gives you access to the following information:
Practical information
- How to get to Nusa Penida
- How to get around in Nusa Penida
- Tour options
- An introduction to the culture and history of Nusa Penida
- Celebrations and ceremonies in Bali
- How to get to Bali
- Where to stay in Nusa Penida
The top 15 sites to see in Nusa Penida islands
- Kelingking Beach
- Broken Beach and Angel Billabong
- Crystal Bay
- Atuh Beach and Diamond Beach
- Gamat Bay
- Adiwana Warnakali dive resort
- Amok sunset bar and restaurant
- Goa Giri Putri temple
- Peguyangan Waterfall
- Seganing Waterfall
- Suwehan Beach
- Temeling
- Toyapakeh harbour
- Nusa Lembongan
What to do in Nusa Penida :
- Scuba diving
- Adventure
- Beach
Map of Nusa Penida
A map of the island is available to you on this page. Just click on ‘map’ just below the main photo. Or, if you shoot me a message, I’m happy to send you a pdf version of the map (with high resolution!). I’m also happy to answer any other questions you might have!