Tembeling, also spelled Temeling, is a hidden gem on the south-west coast of Nusa Penida that still offers a pristine wilderness experience. This breathtaking site combines an old-growth forest, a natural pool and two quiet hidden beaches, making it a dream for nature lovers and romantics alike.
The road up to the entrance is in excellent condition, with only a few hundred metres of rough terrain. From the top you have several options: scooter riders can take the steep path down with care, or have a local Balinese drive them down for a small fee (around 20,000 IDR). If you’d rather walk, the 2-kilometre trail through the forest is beautiful — just remember you’ll have to hike back up. If you arrive by car, walking or a scooter ride down are the only options.
Tembeling remains largely untouched by tourism, which makes it one of the most peaceful and unforgettable spots on Nusa Penida.
The primary forest of Tembeling
An old-growth forest — also called a primary, virgin or primeval forest — is one that has reached great age without significant disturbance. That’s exactly what you’ll find at Tembeling. The path down to the beach runs along a deep ravine, but the trees grow from the bottom of the ravine far higher than the path, so you feel completely swallowed by the forest.
I had the bad idea of flying my drone here in February 2019. In less than a minute it hit a branch and fell forty metres down. I climbed all the way to the bottom of the ravine to recover it — and, miracle of the primary forest, it flew again the next day after I changed the propellers. A few scratches on my legs were the price to pay, but there’s plenty of Aloe Vera in the forest, which helps healing. A handy tip, by the way, for any minor scrape you might pick up in Nusa Penida — ask a local and they’ll show you the plant.
At the end of the road you’ll reach a small temple, Mujaning Temeling, which is already a lovely viewpoint over the sea. From there, a staircase built in 2017 leads down to a large natural pool set against the cliff. My friend Matthias, who went recently, counted 222 steps from the temple to the natural pool, then 67 more steps from the pool down to the sea.
Tembeling natural pool
This was once a men-only pool. The women had their own smaller pool by the sea, but it disappeared and was replaced by public toilets. In 2017 the men’s pool was completely filled in with soil, and when I asked what happened I got two different answers: some said a natural landslide filled it, others that it was deliberately closed after the fatal accident of a reckless diver who jumped from the cliff. One of the many facts-or-legends you’ll hear in Nusa Penida and Bali!
The first theory seems right, because the pool was later excavated again. It’s no longer reserved for men — the teenagers of Batu Madeg village reclaimed it during the covid years, and today it’s mixed and open to everyone. Kids use it as a natural playground and have a great time. Higher up, there’s still a hidden natural pool with holy water used for ceremonies.
A second pool was built closer to the beach, fed by spring water. On my last visit, the kids were crushing limestone with a harder stone and using the powder as a natural face mask — I’m not sure it works as well as clay, but it was great fun to watch. There’s also a small stand selling drinks and snacks.
The two beaches
You then reach Tembeling Beach. It wasn’t really possible to swim here when I first came in 2016, but the beach has since been cleared of stones. The natural pools are still the best place for a dip — the beach itself isn’t really practical for swimming. The last time I went it was Nyepi Laut, the day that honours and appeases Dewa Baruna, ruler of the oceans, so going into the sea wasn’t allowed at all.
The view is breathtaking, and you can add your own pebble to the little cairns built up over time by all the visitors.
There’s also a second beach on the other side of the rock, reached by passing through a cave — it’s just as beautiful over there.
How to get to Tembeling
The road is straightforward and almost entirely new from Toyapakeh Harbour. On Google Maps, type “New Tembeling Beach and Forest” — don’t forget the “new”, otherwise Google may send you to the nearest point to the beach with no access. From Toyapakeh, head toward Sakti, then turn left (the road on the right goes to Crystal Bay). At the next intersection turn right and follow the “Temeling” signs until you reach a large Temeling sign with a Bale Bale. It’s about a 40-minute drive from Toyapakeh or Crystal Bay, and you’ll pass some impressive limestone quarries on the way.
At the big Temeling sign with the Bale Bale, local drivers will offer to take you down by scooter. If you came with a driver, you’ll need to hike down or take one of these scooter rides. If you came on your own scooter, the way down is steep and impressive but easier than it looks — park where you see the “Parkir” sign, as the last section to the temple is too steep to ride back up comfortably. Parking is free.
There are many ways to combine Tembeling with other sights. See our ideas for tours around Nusa Penida, including Kelingking Beach and Broken Beach and Angel’s Billabong.
You’ll also find more practical information, including how to drive and get around Nusa Penida.
How do you get from Bali to Tembeling?
Everything about reaching Nusa Penida from Bali — which port to choose, how to pick the best fast boat, plus timetables and prices — is in our guide on how to get to Nusa Penida from Bali.
Banah Cliffs
If you follow the same road that brought you to Tembeling, you’ll reach Banah Cliffs after about 15 minutes and 4 kilometres of dirt road. It’s a spectacular viewpoint over Batu Bolong — the rock arch that inspired the Adiwana Warnakali dive resort logo — on one side, with Kelingking on the other. It’s easy to combine with Tembeling on the same half-day.
Tembeling FAQ
Where is Tembeling on Nusa Penida?
Tembeling is on the south-west coast of Nusa Penida, about a 40-minute drive from Toyapakeh or Crystal Bay. On Google Maps, search for “New Tembeling Beach and Forest” so you’re routed to the proper access point.
How many steps are there at Tembeling?
There are about 222 steps from the temple down to the natural pool, then 67 more from the pool down to the sea. Bring water and decent shoes for the climb back up.
Can you swim in the Tembeling natural pool?
Yes. The large cliff-side natural pool is now mixed and open to everyone, and there’s a second spring-fed pool near the beach where you can also take a dip. The beach itself, however, isn’t really practical for swimming — the pools are the place to cool off.
Is there an entrance or parking fee at Tembeling?
Parking is free. If you’d rather not ride or walk down the steep track, local drivers will take you down by scooter for a small fee (around 20,000 IDR).
How do you get down to Tembeling — on foot or by scooter?
Three options: ride your own scooter down (about 2 km of steep descent), have a local rider take you down, or walk the forest trail. If you arrive by car, only walking or a scooter ride down are possible — and remember you’ll have to come back up.
Is Tembeling the same as Temeling?
Yes — “Tembeling” and “Temeling” are two spellings of the same place, sometimes written “Tembeling Beach and Forest”. You’ll see both on signs and maps.
Additional resources
Nusa Penida Travel Guide
Plan your trip to Nusa Penida with our local expert guide: beaches, diving sites, hotels, transport tips, itineraries and seasonal advice.
Where to stay in Nusa Penida
How to choose where to stay in Nusa Penida among the 500 listed hotels. 5 stars, boutique hotel, glamping or charming bungalows?
Top 15 to see in Nusa Penida
After more than 10 years exploring Nusa Penida, I’ve updated my list of the 15 most incredible places to see on the island — from stunning beaches to dramatic cliffs.