Get around Nusa Penida : Your 2026 Transport Guide

Planning a trip to Indonesia and Bali? This guide brings together all the practical information you need to get around Nusa Penida. The island covers nearly 200 km²—about twice the size of Paris—yet has no public transportation, so choosing the right way to move around is essential.

Road conditions on Nusa Penida continue to improve, and many main routes are now paved, making travel easier than in the past. However, some areas still require navigating rough or unpaved roads. Renting a scooter or motorbike remains a popular option, but it is not suitable for everyone. There are no taxis, Grab, or Gojek on the island, so travelers who prefer a more comfortable or secure option often choose to hire a car with a driver to explore the island at a relaxed pace.

Exploring Nusa Penida: Hiking Trails and Adventures

Due to its vast size, it’s impossible to explore the entire island of Nusa Penida on foot unless you’re an avid hiker with ample time on your hands. Nevertheless, there are still plenty of beautiful hikes to enjoy.

I have personally explored the trail from Crystal Bay to Broken Beach, which offers stunning views. Another excellent hike can be found in the primary forest of Temeling, which involves a pleasant two-kilometer (one-way) walk after parking your scooter or getting dropped off by your driver before a long descent.

For a more leisurely stroll, consider walking from your hotel in Sakti to Crystal Bay, Gamat Bay, and Amok Sunset Bar. Additionally, you’ll likely encounter many schoolchildren on their way to or from school as you explore the island.

Tips for Scooter Rental and Driving on Nusa Penida

For adventure enthusiasts, a scooter is a great way to explore Nusa Penida at your own pace. You can effortlessly navigate the island’s various sights and pause at any viewpoint to take photos or soak in the scenery.

Rent a scooter in Nusa Penida

I recommend renting from Bikago. They have been operating since 2014, offering high-quality scooter rentals with impeccable service in Bali. They have 8 branches in Bali. But Bikago opened a new shop in 2024 at the Toyapakeh port, right where the fast boats from Sanur arrive. Enjoy a brand new fleet of well-maintained rental scooters and motorcycles with Bikago. With competitive pricing, online booking confirmation, and comprehensive insurance options, Bikago offers exceptional services to visitors exploring the scenic roads of Nusa Penida. All scooters come with sanitized helmets and a first aid kit.

Is it safe to drive a scooter in Nusa Penida ?

Although helmets are not mandatory in Nusa Penida, it’s safer to wear one. The rental company may not provide helmets unless specifically requested, so it’s essential to ask for one. It’s also recommended to wear sturdy shoes and at least a T-shirt. I’ve noticed many tourists driving their scooters without helmets, shirts, or proper footwear, which may be comfortable, until an accident occurs, especially on roads with gravel.

A driving license is usually not required to rent a scooter in Nusa Penida; however, it’s worth noting that your insurance may not cover you if you don’t have an international driving permit. So I strongly advise having one. You can get one valid up to 3 years in less than 8 minutes online.

Motorbike in Nusa Penida ?

Scooters are typically 125 cc, but some roads on Nusa Penida are incredibly steep, making it challenging to navigate with a scooter. In such cases, a full-size motocross bike may be the best option if you have experience riding one. However, the rental cost will be higher. N-Max (150 cc and bigger wheels making it more stable) may also be a good compromise.

Don’t Let the Rain Ruin Your Bali and Nusa Penida Experience

If you plan to visit Nusa Penida island or Bali during the rainy season, I highly suggest purchasing a poncho for just a few euros. They come in various colors and provide excellent protection from the rain. When you see the locals stopping to don their own ponchos, it’s time to follow suit, as you could easily become drenched within seconds.

While Nusa Penida typically receives less rainfall than other parts of Bali, with less than 1000mm annually, it’s always wise to have a raincoat on hand when riding your motorbike.

Or check the weather forecast !

Safe Driving Tips for navigating Nusa Penida roads

Nusa Penida Island’s road network has undergone significant refurbishment, including the island’s encircling road. This road runs along the entire north coast from Toyapakeh to Suana, travels up to Atuh Beach and Tanglad, crosses the whole island, and eventually leads to a fork towards the recently renovated Crystal Bay Beach. Some new crossroads have also been constructed.

Driving around the island on these newly constructed roads is a pleasant experience. However, it’s crucial to adhere to the following three rules:

1. Drive on the left-hand side of the road in Indonesia and Bali. Be mindful of fast-moving cars and trucks and keep your left-hand side when encountering them. Avoid driving on narrow paths near cliffs and stick to designated roads. One unfortunate incident has led to a fatality.
2. Slow down before turns or descents as most accidents occur due to hard braking in such situations with gravel on the road.
3. Don’t drive too fast as you may come across a large truck, a child, or an animal at any time. Personally, I do not swerve for toads, which are frequently encountered in the evening or at night, or hens. However, I make an effort to avoid dogs and … pigs. It’s also essential to note that new roads may transition abruptly to old ones. I had my only significant accident while driving to Atuh Beach due to this sudden transition.

And again, I highly recommend wearing a helmet, proper shoes, and at least a T-shirt when driving a scooter.

On Nusa Penida dirt roads

While some of the newly refurbished roads on Nusa Penida island are of high quality, the majority of the other roads are average at best. And even poor in some cases. This is especially true for the crossroads that lead from the main road to the sea. However, the worst of these, the road leading to Broken Beach and Angel’s Billabong, has seen significant improvement.

To test your driving skills on the island, it is advisable to begin with the destinations accessible by good roads, such as Crystal Bay, Goa Giri Putri, Atuh Beach, and Kelingking Beach. If you do not feel entirely comfortable, it is recommended to hire a driver for more exotic locations such as Suwehan Beach.

Driving at night in Nusa Penida?

Complete darkness sets in approximately 45 minutes after sunset, typically around 7 p.m. However, driving at night in Bali or Nusa Penida can sometimes be more comfortable than during the day, particularly on well-maintained roads. Fewer cars and trucks are on the road, and their headlights provide ample visibility. However, it is essential to exercise caution and drive at a slower pace, especially on poorly maintained roads.

Map of Nusa Penida and its road network

Namaste Bungalows hotel has produced a map of Nusa Penida island, which accurately reflects the quality of the road network. However, it should be noted that the map has anticipated road renovations south of Tanglad to Suwehan Beach and Tabuanan that have not yet been completed. For a high-resolution PDF version of the map, please leave a comment below or send an email.

In addition, Google Maps is an excellent resource for navigating Nusa Penida island. The distances and travel times provided by Google are generally accurate, taking into account the road conditions. However, it is essential to verify the correct spelling of each location before typing it into the search bar. For example, to reach Temeling, it must be typed as “Tembeling.”

Mapsme, unfortunately, is not recommended as it has limited knowledge of the roads on Nusa Penida, and tourists have been lost in remote areas following its directions. For your convenience, you can also access my Google map of Nusa Penida, which includes the top 15 sites to see on the island.

Nusa Penida Taxi and Transport

If you are traveling with multiple suitcases, the most convenient option is to arrange a transfer from the port to your hotel. There are no proper taxi or grab on Nusa Penida, but you will certainly find drivers at the port who can transport you and your luggage to your hotel. Be aware, nevertheless, that the prices may be higher if you take a last-minute transport. It’s not uncommon for drivers to charge IDR 300,000 or more for a trip to a location such as the tree house near Sekartaji. It’s also important to note that drivers on the island have an agreement to charge lump sum prices, which makes it challenging to negotiate. Generally, the average trip costs about 200,000 rupiahs.

If you would like to book a transport in advance, please send me a message and I will provide you with a contact to arrange a safe and affordable driver for a pick-up or a tour of Nusa Penida. Alternatively, you can book with Klook a private tour in Nusa Penida but it may be more expensive.

Rent a car in Nusa Penida ?

It is not possible to rent and drive a car by yourself on Nusa Penida island. And there are no taxi, grab or gojek on Nusa Penida. To explore the island, the best option is to rent a car with a driver for half- or full-day trips. In some cases, the driver may also act as a guide. This option is particularly useful if you are traveling with a group of people and wish to visit the island’s most remote locations. However, it is important to note that prices are higher than those in Bali. Typically, drivers will charge around 700,000 rupiahs for the west tour, which includes Broken Beach and Kelingking Beach. And 700,000 to 800,000 rupiahs for the East tour, which includes Atuh Beach. Six passengers can typically fit in one car, making it a relatively cost-effective option for larger groups.

Boat trips in Nusa Penida

There are numerous options available for boat excursions. Among them, the most popular is the snorkeling tour, which allows you to witness the majestic Manta rays. If you prefer a more immersive experience, scuba diving is an excellent opportunity to explore the coastline and its seabed. Additionally, public and private boats run between Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan, and Nusa Ceningan islands. They charge approximately 60,000 rupees per way.

By bike

I hardly saw any on the island. It should be noted that the area is quite hilly, with peaks exceeding 500 meters above sea level. However, if you have your own bike and feel like it, this may be a unique way to get around in Nusa Penida!

Where to stay in Nusa Penida ?

When I first came to Nusa Penida in 2015 there were only 2 hotels on the island. There are now 450 listed on Booking.com. Read the selection of my favorite places to stay in Nusa Penida. They are all located between Toyapakeh and Crystal Bay because it is more authentic and less busy than the north coast. And from there, you can reach pretty much any attraction in Nusa Penida in less than 1 hour.

Adiwana Warnakali dive resort

Adiwana Warnakali Dive Resort is a boutique cliffside retreat perched above the turquoise waters of Nusa Penida, offering stunning ocean views and direct access to some of Bali’s best dive sites. Renowned for its intimate atmosphere and top-notch dive center, the resort combines luxury and adventure with beautifully designed suites and an infinity pool overlooking Mount Agung. Adiwana Warnakali is partnering with Dune Penida 5 star Padi dive center which provides personalized dive experiences, including trips to iconic spots like Manta Point and Crystal Bay for beginners or certified divers.

Adiwana Warnakali is the perfect base for exploring the island’s marine wonders while relaxing in style. You can get a 10 % discount if you book on their website with the code: “AWK”

Conclusion

Getting around Nusa Penida takes a bit of anticipation, but with the right information, it’s easy to plan a smooth and enjoyable stay. Whether you choose to rent a scooter, hire a car with a driver, or rely on organized transfers, the best option depends on your itinerary, your comfort level, and the areas you want to explore. Understanding road conditions and distances in advance will help you save time and avoid unnecessary fatigue.

To prepare your stay in detail, don’t hesitate to consult our page dedicated to practical information about Nusa Penida, as well as the complete travel guide of Nusa Penida, which brings together everything you need to know to plan your trip, from transport and accommodation to the island’s main highlights.

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