Nusa Penida is a beautiful island that is well worth visiting. This is a great off-the-beaten path destination for those who love nature and photography.
One of the best things to do on Nusa Penida is visit Goa Giri Putri Cave Temple. This is a unique temple built into a cave, and many locals visit for rituals.
Angel’s Billabong and Broken Beach
Visiting Nusa Penida is a great way to see beautiful beaches and dramatic cliffs. It is also an excellent place to spot tropical fish and explore underwater shipwrecks. Whether you’re taking a day trip from Bali or staying on the island, there is plenty to do.
The most popular destinations in Nusa Penida are Angel’s Billabong, Kelingking beach, and Broken Beach. They are popular spots for locals and tourists alike. If you want to avoid the crowds, visit during the morning or afternoon. However, you should be aware that swimming in these waters is dangerous. The tide can change quickly, and it is very easy to get trapped under the sand.
If you have a fear of heights, you may want to skip the climb to the top of Angel’s Billabong. The cliffs are steep and the rocks are sharp, and it can be a little scary. But if you’re an adventurous traveler, the view is worth the risk.
Bring a camera or smartphone with enough storage space to capture all the breathtaking sights. It is also helpful to have a guide with you, especially if you don’t speak the language. Locals in Nusa Penida use a dialect that’s different from the Balinese spoken on the mainland. Most of them only understand a small amount of English.
Kelingking Beach
Kelingking Beach is famous for its incredible cliffs that resemble the head of a Tyrannosaurus Rex and its beautiful turquoise water. You can admire it from the top, or take a steep path down to the white-sand beach below (this is a major workout and scary, but it’s worth it).
Another cool spot on the coast is Broken Beach, which is actually a cool circular cove formed in the rocks, with a leftover arch at the bottom and lots of manta rays hanging out. Finally, Crystal Bay is a gorgeous gray-white arc of beach framed by karst outcrops.
To get here, you can either rent a scooter or join a Nusa Penida day tour from Bali. Most people opt for a day tour with accommodation included, since it’s the most convenient way to get there and see all the highlights.
A popular choice is the top-rated Nusa Penida Small Group Tour by Speed Boat, which you can book online or in person at Sanur Beach Harbour. This trip includes hotel pick-up and drop-off, fast ferry tickets to Nusa Penida and back to Bali, lunch, and a tour guide.
You’ll also pay a small entrance fee of around 25k per person when you get off the ferry. This ticket gets you in to all the main attractions and beaches on all three of the Nusa Islands, so you don’t have to keep whipping out your wallet every time you visit a new place.
Diamond Beach
If you’re in the mood for a beach that’s a little more adventurous than your average, Diamond Beach is the place to go. This gorgeous “cliff beach” features a staggering staircase that cuts into the side of a massive cliff, giving visitors some spectacular views of the ocean below. This is also the perfect spot to watch a sunset, as the cliffs create a stunning contrast against the orange and red hues of the sky.
While it’s possible to visit Diamond Beach on your own, many travelers choose to book a nusa penida tour that includes this attraction along with other sites in the area, such as Atuh Beach, Molenteng Beach, Rumah Pohon Treehouse, and Thousand Island Viewpoint. This type of tour will save you time and stress, as well as ensure that you’re visiting the best spots on the island!
Keep in mind that if you want to see the sunrise at Diamond Beach, you’ll need to arrive around 5:00 am. This is because the beach faces east, and it’s best to visit at this time for optimal photo opportunities. Visiting the beach later in the day may be nice, too, but it won’t give you the opportunity to see the bright blue water that makes this spot so memorable. The good news is that the beach does have a warung (small food stand) where you can purchase drinks and snacks, if needed.
Tembeling Beach
It’s a bit of an adventure to get to the Tembeling Natural Pool, but the journey is well worth it. It is one of the most beautiful places on Nusa Penida and offers a chance to escape the crowds, allowing you to connect with nature in the most tranquil way possible.
You will first have to walk past some gorgeous rock pools to reach this incredible spot. Once you reach the beach, it is completely secluded and feels like a hidden treasure. You can sit on the rocks or sand, or even on the little swing that overlooks the ocean, and relax and enjoy the stunning views.
The best part is that you will probably have it all to yourself because not many people visit the beach. If you do go there, make sure to arrive early in the morning to avoid the crowds.
The best way to explore Nusa Penida is by renting a scooter or motorbike for around 100,000 IDR per day (or around $40 USD). This will allow you to travel much faster, pass through narrow roads with ease, and avoid the potholes that plague car drivers on the island.
