Introduction
Just a short boat ride away from Bali lies a wild, dramatic, and often under-appreciated gem: Nusa Penida. Towering cliffs, secret beaches, vibrant corals, and fewer crowds than Bali’s main hotspots make this island feel like nature’s own theatre. Whether you crave epic photo views, underwater adventures, or peaceful escapes off the beaten path, Nusa Penida has something to steal your breath.
In this guide, we’ll dive deep into everything you need to plan your trip: how to get there, where to stay, top things to do, safety tips, food options, and more. By the end, you’ll have a solid plan for 2-5 days (or more), depending on how much you like exploring.
Where Is Nusa Penida & Why Visit
Nusa Penida is one of three islands — with Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan — located off Bali’s southeast coast. It’s about 25 kilometers from Bali. The island is rugged, less developed, and its cliffs and beaches are more dramatic. Because it’s less crowded (though getting more popular), you’ll often feel more immersed in nature. The World Travel Guy
Reasons to visit:
- Unique cliff panoramas (like Kelingking, Broken Beach)
- Secret beaches where fewer tourists tread
- Excellent snorkeling / diving (manta rays, coral reefs, etc.)
- Rustic charm, fewer “resort-style” places, more raw landscapes
- Variety: hiking, viewpoint chasing, beach chilling, cave temples
Getting to Nusa Penida
Since there’s no airport on Penida, your entry is by sea:
- Speedboats or ferries from Bali are the way. Most depart from Sanur. The ride takes ~45 minutes depending on conditions. The World Travel Guy
- Some speedboat services include hotel pickup/shuttle if you’re staying in Kuta, Ubud, Seminyak, etc. Helps avoid hassles of getting to the boat dock. The World Travel Guy
- It’s possible to book a day-tour or private driver + transfers + boat ticket as a package. It’s more expensive but easier. The World Travel Guy
Entry & Tourist Fee
To reduce multiple small fees and simplify access, since 2023 there’s a tourist entry fee when you land by boat in Penida:
- Approx 25,000 Rupiah for adults, 15,000 Rupiah for children. The World Travel Guy
- This fee covers access to the three Nusa islands (Penida, Lembongan, Ceningan), and many major attractions (so you don’t need to pay separately at every beach / lookout as used to be the case). The World Travel Guy
Where to Stay
If you’re planning more than just a quick visit, stay at least 2-3 nights (ideally more). Penida has a range of accommodations, from rustic bungalows to boutique resorts.
Some good options:
- Jungle resorts for nature immersion
- Cliffside villas with views
- Treehouses (basic but with views)
- Guesthouses close to beaches if you prefer walking access
Staying near the north or west coast gives easy access to many iconic spots, but if you stay in the east or south, you’ll get quieter vibes. The World Travel Guy
Getting Around on the Island
Moving around Penida can be an adventure in its own right:
- Renting a scooter is popular (cheapest option), but roads are often rough, narrow, winding, and sometimes steep. If you choose this, always wear a helmet and drive carefully. The World Travel Guy
- Hiring a car with a private driver is safer, more comfortable, especially for cliff-lookouts, steep hikes, or if traveling with a group or family. Slightly more expensive, but worth it. The World Travel Guy
- Basic taxis or local rides are possible for short distances (hotel ↔ dock etc.), but not always reliable. The ride-hail apps common in Bali often do not operate well or fully in Penida. The World Travel Guy
Top Sights & Things To Do
Nusa Penida’s appeal is in its variety. From dramatic cliff views to hidden beaches and underwater wonders:
| Type | Recommendation | What makes it special |
|---|---|---|
| Iconic Cliff Views | Kelingking Beach — the famous T-Rex shaped cliff overlooking turquoise waters. The view is unforgettable. The World Travel Guy | Hike down if you can for beach time; the descent is steep and requires good fitness. |
| Broken Beach — natural rock arch, dramatic coastline scenery. The World Travel Guy | Great photo spot; doesn’t have direct beach access. | |
| Paluang Cliff — quieter viewpoint, lovely views of cliffs and sea, swings for photos. The World Travel Guy | ||
| Beaches | Crystal Bay — for hanging out, snorkeling, nice sunset views. Relaxed vibe. The World Travel Guy | Good balance between scenery and amenities (shops, food stalls). |
| Atuh Beach — southern beach, dramatic cliffs, good landscape and ocean views. The World Travel Guy | ||
| Diamond Beach — increasingly popular, with swing photo spots and dramatic cliffs. The World Travel Guy | ||
| Suwehan Beach — more hidden, quieter, pristine feel if you are okay with tougher access. The World Travel Guy | ||
| Caves & Natural Pools | Tembeling Beach & Forest — forest walk, cave, natural pool near the coast. The World Travel Guy | |
| Goa Giri Putri Temple — cave temple inside limestone hill, cultural + natural interest. The World Travel Guy | ||
| Off-the-Beaten Path / Hiking | Hikes down cliffs (e.g. to beaches) are short but steep. If you like adventure, these hikes are rewarding. The World Travel Guy | |
| Underwater | Snorkeling and diving with manta rays, coral reefs, marine life. Spots like Manta Bay, Toyapakeh, Crystal Bay. The World Travel Guy |
Sample Itineraries
Here are some suggestions for how many days to spend and what you can do:
- 2-Day Stay:
Day 1: West side highlights – Kelingking Beach, Broken Beach, Paluang Cliff. Sunset at Crystal Bay.
Day 2: East/south side – Diamond Beach, Atuh Beach, possibly Goa Giri Putri, beach time. - 4-Day Stay (Ideal for slower pace + underwater stuff):
Day 1: West Nusa Penida (cliff viewpoints, photo spots).
Day 2: East coast (Diamond, Atuh, Rumah Pohon Treehouse).
Day 3: Snorkeling / diving day + relax.
Day 4: Hidden beaches, south coast, maybe reconnect with Bali via Lembongan / Ceningan.
When to Go & What Weather to Expect
- Best time: May to August gives more consistent dry weather, clearer seas, good for snorkeling and photos. The World Travel Guy
- Shoulder months (just after rainy season, e.g. March-May) can be excellent too — greener landscape, fewer tourists. The World Travel Guy
- Rainy season: roughly November to April. Rain can interfere, seas may be rough, some roads less safe. But sometimes still doable depending on weather. The World Travel Guy
What to Pack & Essentials
Some things you definitely don’t want to forget:
- Good walking/hiking shoes (for cliffs, uneven ground, stairs)
- Swimsuit + snorkeling gear (though you can rent it)
- Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses — the sun is strong
- Waterproof bag or dry-sack for camera/phone, especially for boat rides or caves
- Some cash on hand — many places are cash-only; ATMs are limited. The World Travel Guy
- Light rain jacket (if shoulder season)
- Basic medicines — for sunburn, motion sickness, maybe insect bites
Food & Restaurants
Eating on Penida is one of those things where you get a mix: local warung food and some nicer cafés/restaurants:
- Beachfront cafés and simple warungs offer Indonesian food, seafood, snacks. Good for budget meals. The World Travel Guy
- For nicer dinners or sunsets, cliff restaurants / places with views are worth splurging.
- Smoothie bowls, tropical fruit, fresh coconut water are everywhere — great for light refreshment.
- Be mindful: remote places may have limited food variety; bring snacks if going to hidden beaches.
Safety, Practical Tips & Local Culture
- Roads can be steep, narrow, and sometimes poorly maintained. Driving/riding requires care. For hikers, the paths down cliffs can be physically demanding.
- Respect local customs: temples, dress modestly when visiting shrine / cave temples, respect local people.
- Wildlife: there are snakes, monitor lizards, bats, sometimes sea snakes. In popular tourist areas risk is lower, but always watch where you step especially in foliage/rubble. The World Travel Guy
- Health: no malaria in Penida; mosquitoes can be present. Bring insect repellent. The World Travel Guy
Is Nusa Penida Worth It?
Absolutely. If your trip allows, it’s one of the best islands around Bali for dramatic scenery and variety. It’s less polished than Bali, but that’s part of its magic. You’ll leave with photos, memories, maybe a little muscle soreness (from hikes), but mostly satisfaction.
If you only have one day, you can still taste its magic, but you’ll miss out on a lot. Two to four days is much better.