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Nusa Penida

📍 Nusa Penida, IndonesiaView map ›

🗓 Best Time To Visit:April to October during the dry season

⏰ Open Hours:N/A

🏄 Things To Do:Diving, snorkeling, beach hopping, exploring caves and waterfalls, and wildlife spotting

💰 Budget:Approximately $30-$50 per day, including meals, transportation, and activities

👥 Traveller Types:Solo travellers, couples, families, nature lovers, and adventure seekers

🔖 Known For:Crystal clear waters, stunning beaches, unique wildlife, rich marine biodiversity, and beautiful landscapes

🚄 Distances:44 km from Ngurah Rai International Airport, 23 km from Padang Bai Harbour, 20 km from Sanur Beach

🍴 Popular Local Foods:Satay Lilit, Lawar, and Tum Bali

🎏 Unique Aspects:Home to the Bali Starling bird and Manta Rays, offering unique wildlife spotting opportunities

🏞 Must-Visit Spots:Kelingking Beach, Crystal Bay, Angel’s Billabong, and Atuh Beach

🚧 Travel Tips:Rent a motorbike for easy navigation, carry a hat and sunscreen, and ensure to have cash as not all places accept cards

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Nusa Penida: The Ultimate Guide to Bali’s Hidden Paradise

Nusa Penida is a hidden gem in Indonesia, often overlooked by tourists who flock to Bali and its neighboring islands. But if you are looking for a more authentic, adventurous, and breathtaking experience, Nusa Penida is the perfect destination for you.

Nusa Penida is the largest and most rugged of the three Nusa islands, located about 20 kilometers southeast of Bali. It is home to some of the most spectacular natural wonders in the region, such as towering cliffs, turquoise waters, white sand beaches, and unique rock formations. It also boasts a rich and diverse culture, with ancient temples, traditional villages, and friendly locals. And if you love wildlife, you will be amazed by the variety of animals that inhabit the island, from monkeys and birds to manta rays and turtles.

In this guide, we will show you everything you need to know to plan and enjoy your trip to Nusa Penida, including the best time to visit, how to get there, where to stay, what to do, and what to expect. Whether you want to relax on the beach, hike to a waterfall, snorkel with manta rays, or explore a cave temple, Nusa Penida has something for everyone. So, are you ready to discover Bali’s hidden paradise? Let’s get started!

How to get to Nusa Penida

The easiest and most common way to get to Nusa Penida is by ferry or speedboat from Bali. There are several operators that offer daily trips from various ports in Bali, such as Sanur, Padang Bai, and Serangan. The journey takes about 30 to 45 minutes, depending on the weather and the type of boat. The price ranges from 150,000 to 300,000 IDR (10 to 20 USD) per person, one way. You can book your tickets online, through your hotel, or at the port.

Alternatively, you can also get to Nusa Penida by helicopter, private boat, or from the other Nusa islands. Here are some details on each option:

By helicopter:

If you want to splurge on a scenic and luxurious ride, you can take a helicopter from Bali to Nusa Penida. The flight takes about 15 minutes and costs around 6,000,000 IDR (400 USD) per person, one way. You can book your flight through Air Bali, the only operator that offers this service. The helicopter can accommodate up to six passengers and departs from Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali. You will land at a helipad near Crystal Bay in Nusa Penida.

By private boat:

If you want to have more flexibility and privacy, you can hire a private boat from Bali to Nusa Penida. The boat can accommodate up to 10 passengers and costs around 1,500,000 to 2,000,000 IDR (100 to 135 USD) per boat, one way. You can book your boat through your hotel, a local agent, or online. The boat can depart from any port in Bali, depending on your preference and availability. You will arrive at a port in Nusa Penida, such as Toyapakeh or Sampalan.

By ferry or speedboat from Nusa Lembongan or Nusa Ceningan:

If you are already on one of the other Nusa islands, you can easily hop over to Nusa Penida by ferry or speedboat. The trip takes about 10 to 15 minutes and costs around 50,000 to 100,000 IDR (3 to 7 USD) per person, one way. You can buy your tickets at the port or through your hotel. The ferry or speedboat departs from the Yellow Bridge in Nusa Ceningan or from Jungut Batu or Mushroom Bay in Nusa Lembongan. You will arrive at a port in Nusa Penida, such as Toyapakeh or Sampalan.

Where to stay in Nusa Penida

Nusa Penida has a wide range of accommodation options, from luxury hotels to budget hostels. You can find something to suit your taste, budget, and location preference. Most of the accommodation is concentrated on the north and west coast of the island, near the main attractions and activities. However, you can also find some options on the east and south coast, if you want to escape the crowds and enjoy a more secluded and peaceful stay.

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Here are some of the best accommodation options on the island, categorized by price range:

Luxury hotels:

If you want to treat yourself to a lavish and comfortable stay, you can choose from some of the best luxury hotels on the island. These hotels offer spacious and elegant rooms, with amenities such as air conditioning, Wi-Fi, TV, minibar, and private balcony. They also have facilities such as swimming pool, spa, restaurant, bar, and gym. Some of the top luxury hotels on the island are:

Semabu Hills Hotel: This hotel is located on a hill overlooking the ocean, near the port of Toyapakeh. It has 16 rooms, with prices starting from 1,200,000 IDR (80 USD) per night. The hotel has a stunning infinity pool, a spa, a restaurant, and a bar. It also offers free shuttle service to the port and some attractions on the island.

La Roja Bungalows: This hotel is located near Crystal Bay, one of the best beaches on the island. It has 12 bungalows, with prices starting from 900,000 IDR (60 USD) per night. The hotel has a cozy and colorful design, with a pool, a restaurant, and a bar. It also offers free Wi-Fi, bike rental, and tour booking.

Coco Resort Penida: This hotel is located near Ped village, in the center of the island. It has 15 rooms, with prices starting from 800,000 IDR (55 USD) per night. The hotel has a tropical and rustic style, with a pool, a spa, a restaurant, and a bar. It also offers free Wi-Fi, yoga classes, and massage services.

Mid-range hotels:

If you want to have a balance between quality and affordability, you can choose from some of the best mid-range hotels on the island. These hotels offer cozy and clean rooms, with amenities such as air conditioning, Wi-Fi, TV, and private bathroom. They also have facilities such as swimming pool, restaurant, and garden. Some of the top mid-range hotels on the island are:

Penida Bambu Green: This hotel is located near Sampalan, the main town on the island. It has 10 rooms, with prices starting from 500,000 IDR (35 USD) per night. The hotel has a bamboo and green theme, with a pool, a restaurant, and a garden. It also offers free Wi-Fi, bike rental, and tour booking.

Sunrise Penida Hill: This hotel is located on a hill near Banjar Nyuh, on the west coast of the island. It has 8 rooms, with prices starting from 400,000 IDR (27 USD) per night. The hotel has a modern and minimalist design, with a pool, a restaurant, and a terrace. It also offers free Wi-Fi, shuttle service, and tour booking.

Singabu Bungalows: This hotel is located near Kutampi, on the north coast of the island. It has 7 bungalows, with prices starting from 300,000 IDR (20 USD) per night. The hotel has a traditional and natural style, with a pool, a restaurant, and a garden. It also offers free Wi-Fi, bike rental, and tour booking.

Budget hotels:

If you want to save some money and still have a comfortable and enjoyable stay, you can choose from some of the best budget hotels on the island. These hotels offer simple and basic rooms, with amenities such as fan, Wi-Fi, and shared bathroom. They also have facilities such as restaurant, garden, and terrace. Some of the top budget hotels on the island are:

Nuansa Penida Hostel: This hotel is located near Toyapakeh, on the west coast of the island. It has 12 rooms, with prices starting from 150,000 IDR (10 USD) per night. The hotel has a friendly and social atmosphere, with a restaurant, a garden, and a terrace. It also offers free Wi-Fi, bike rental, and tour booking.

Penida Breeze Beachside: This hotel is located near Crystal Bay, on the west coast of the island. It has 6 rooms, with prices starting from 100,000 IDR (7 USD) per night. The hotel has a beachside and breezy vibe, with a restaurant, a garden, and a terrace. It also offers free Wi-Fi, bike rental, and tour booking.

Nusa Garden Bungalow: This hotel is located near Sampalan, on the north coast of the island. It has 5 bungalows, with prices starting from 80,000 IDR (5 USD) per night. The hotel has a garden and rustic style, with a restaurant, a garden, and a terrace. It also offers free Wi-Fi, bike rental, and tour booking.

How to get around in Nusa Penida

Getting around Nusa Penida can be challenging, as the island is large and rugged, with many roads that are unpaved, steep, and narrow. However, there are several options to explore the island, depending on your budget, preference, and skill level. Here are some of the best ways to get around in Nusa Penida:

By scooter:

Renting a scooter is the most popular and cheapest way to get around in Nusa Penida. It gives you the freedom and flexibility to go wherever you want, whenever you want. However, it also requires a lot of caution and experience, as the roads are often bumpy, slippery, and crowded. You also need to have an international driving license and wear a helmet at all times. The price of renting a scooter ranges from 50,000 to 100,000 IDR (3 to 7 USD) per day, depending on the quality and condition of the scooter. You can rent a scooter from your hotel, a local shop, or online.

By car:

Renting a car is another option to get around in Nusa Penida. It is more comfortable and safer than a scooter, especially if you are traveling with a group or family. However, it is also more expensive and less flexible, as you need to pay for the fuel, parking, and tolls. You also need to have an international driving license and be confident in driving on rough and narrow roads. The price of renting a car ranges from 300,000 to 500,000 IDR (20 to 35 USD) per day, depending on the type and condition of the car. You can rent a car from your hotel, a local shop, or online.

By tour:

Joining a tour is another option to get around in Nusa Penida. It is the most easy and fun way to discover the island, as you don’t have to worry about anything, and just follow your guide and group. You can also meet new people and make new friends, who share your interest and passion for the island. However, it is also the least flexible and personal way to get around, as you need to stick to a predetermined itinerary and time, and share the car and the attractions with other tourists. You also need to pay for the tour, which may or may not include the ferry, the entrance fees, and the meals. The price of joining a tour ranges from 300,000 to 1,000,000 IDR (20 to 70 USD) per person, depending on the type of tour, the number of participants, and the inclusions.

Must-See Attractions in Nusa Penida

Nusa Penida is a beautiful island off the coast of Bali, Indonesia, that offers many attractions and activities for visitors. Some of the must-see attractions in Nusa Penida are:

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Kelingking Beach: This is the most iconic and photogenic spot on the island, with a stunning view of a white sand beach shaped like a T-rex head. You can also hike down to the beach and enjoy the crystal-clear water and the soft sand.

Angel’s Billabong: This is a natural infinity pool formed by a rock formation on the edge of the ocean. You can swim in the pool and admire the turquoise water and the waves crashing on the rocks.

Crystal Bay: This is the best sunset and snorkeling spot on the island, with a calm and clear bay surrounded by palm trees and hills. You can also snorkel with manta rays and other marine life in the bay.

Peguyangan Waterfall: This is an adventurous waterfall that requires a steep and challenging hike down a blue staircase on the cliffside. You can enjoy the view of the ocean and the island along the way, and reach a temple and a waterfall at the bottom.

Pura Goa Giri Putri: This is a cave temple that is one of the most sacred places on the island. You can enter the cave through a small opening and explore the spacious and decorated interior.

Nusa Penida is a hidden paradise that offers a unique and unforgettable experience for travelers who are looking for more than just the usual Bali attractions. From its stunning natural beauty, rich culture, diverse wildlife, and adventurous activities, Nusa Penida has something for everyone.

Whether you want to relax on the beach, hike to a waterfall, snorkel with manta rays, or explore a cave temple, Nusa Penida will not disappoint you. With this guide, you will have all the information and tips you need to plan and enjoy your trip to Nusa Penida.

So, what are you waiting for? Book your tickets, pack your bags, and get ready to discover Bali’s hidden paradise!

Nusa Penida Reviews

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Globetrotter’s Confessions
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I had watched so many vlogs on Nusa Penida that it did not feel like I was visiting it for the first time. Our Nusa Penida tour was booked via Klook ( we were so overwhelmed by their services in Krabi). It was called “private Nusa Penida day tour”. On the day of the tour, we were shared the driver details. We had a personal pick up from the hotel. The driver dropped us at Sanur Harbour around 7 in the morning. The ferry to Nusa Penida could easily accommodate around 200 people. Until then we had no idea what this private tour was and how would these 200 people travel together. We were clueless. A 45 mins ferry ride led us to Nusa Penida Islands. Upon reaching we saw a local person waiting for our arrival with a placard in hand. We were extremely delighted. He was Gede, who was arranged by our tour operator. Gede had our itinerary planned for the day. A day in Nusa Penida demands a comfortable footwear and a high spf sunscreen because you have to walk a lot in this island. Our first stop was the famous Kelingkling beach. It was a 90 mins drive from the harbour. The roads were pathetic. The hike down the beach was a difficult one and also quite time consuming. So we skipped it. Instead we tried to get the perfect shot with the beach and the famous fiord at the backdrop. Gede even climbed trees to take our photos. He then drove us to the Angels Billabong and the Broken Beach. Angels billabong is a natural pool. The sea water trapped in this pool is emerald green in colour and it looks beautiful. It is surrounded by cliffs and rocks on either sides. As we stood there staring at the vastness of the sea, the waves hit the rocks and splashed water. It was amazing. A stretched part of Angel’s Billabong is the Broken Beach. Obviously you can’t step into the beach. But you can sit at the cliff and stare at the far horizon. It is beautiful. We met Nasi and Mei again for our lunch. The lunch was organised by the tour operator. It was delicious. We were extremely hungry by then. So we finished our food in no time. Our last stop for the day was Crystal bay beach. We understood the significance of the name as soon as we stepped into the beach. The beach had small rock like structures that hit us really hard when the waves hit the shore. This beach is ideal for snorkelling. The beach was beautiful. We sat there until it was time for us to head back to the port. Gede got us to the port right on time. We could not but thank him for making our trip to Nusa Penida worthwhile.
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traveller monk
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Everybody in my life I met love travelling..but is it easy? What does a traveller means.. to live lavishly? Or to spend lot of money in some expensive tourist destination?.. What's the use when u don't get the lessons in travelling?.. So be it.. next time you travel, travel like a traveller not like a tourist.. this story will not be so fascinating for people but for a person like me who travelled to different country for the first time, it is. Travelling alone in a country for the first time is not easy. It's a bit scary. Unknown people different food and culture, rules and regulations and wat not.. I travelled to Bali this year in April. I was in Nusa islands. It's not that I was not enjoying my trip but the fact that I was afraid of talking to people made me more conservative. It was time for snorkeling at Ceningan island and when I reached there I saw a beautiful girl sitting on a chair. Little did I know that we will be spending next few hours as the most memorable hours in the trip. I don't know how to swim and that made my day. In a country where u don't know people and moreover afraid and conservative to talk.. there came a girl who did a very kind thing of holding my hand and dragging my fear away .. she helped me see thru the water and wat I saw was a beautiful Buddha temple that sank under the water.. Camila.. Camila is her name. A stranger in a different county who showed me that kindness still exist and it does not cost a penny. It was because of her kindness I cld enjoy the snorkelling session. It was her kindness to cheer me up by clicking pictures and telling me don't feel alone and conservative ..It wasmyturn to respond to the kindness. I requested her to have a lunch with me. And then we actually became friends. The girl from Chile is my first international Friend made in Indonesia. Kudos to the kindness which made believe that goodness still exist in this world.. That was the #ActofKindness which helped me enjoy few hours of my first international trip. And that's her picture. Camila.. A stranger who became a friend.. and we still are in contact.. Gracias Amigo !!! #actofkindness
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PeppyTravelGirl
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Nusa Penida My favourite of the three. Nusa Penidais all about those blues and greens. It's much larger than Lembongan and Ceningan, so you'll need a scooter to get around. It's also far less commercial than the other two, which means the roads are not at their absolute best in all places. Too often did we see travellers falling off their scooters, and a whole lot of folks ending up with bandages. Head down to the Yellow Bridge; that's the port from where you'll be taking a 40-minute ferry to go to Nusa Penida. Roundtrip ticket: IDR 200000 There are two ways to explore Penida - hire a scooter and get around at your own pace, or go with a tour operator. I was still recovering from a scooter accident from earlier, and was planning on taking a tour or a guided bike, but I bumped into a couple of girls from my hostel at the pier. We decided to take two scooters and hung out together for the day, and that was a lot more fun than any tour could've possible ever been! Also, a tour will set you back by IDR 500000, as it involves a driver and a car, so best opt for that if you're in a group of 4 or 5, so costs work out. Hiring two scooters cost us IDR 120000, which worked out to IDR 40000 each. You can hire these (AND a helmet, do not forget a helmet!) once you arrive at Penida, you'll see a row of shops.
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Priya Singh
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Exploring the unknowns of Nusa Penida Island. Although the island is not a part of Bali, it’s a place you must hit. A 45 minutes journey in the boat filled with a gorgeous view of the ocean and butterflies in your stomach as the boat moves like a dolphin. Upon reaching the island, we first visited the absolutely breathtaking Keling King Beach which showed our eyes exactly what they had been craving for. With an ocean rich in beautiful shades of blue color beneath a dinosaur shaped rock (well at least for me), the view had won my heart. As Bali’s sole source of income is tourism, for your picture perfect moment, you can pay Rs 25 and get on the wooden tower for the best shot! While this view was still winning over our minds, we next headed to a place I felt I could stay forever at. Yes, it seemed as if I was at the top of a hill with deep blue water all around and wind brushing my hair, it was the best combination of nature. Broken Beach and Angel Billabong are a must! While you would have to get down some stairs and manage to take good shots among the crowd, you can stop at some amazing shot locations, pay Rs 50 and take back a memory! Post lunch, we decided to relax ourselves at the Crystal Beach. You can swim, take pictures and sunbathe with some chilled beer.
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Samantha Mascarenhas
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We booked ourselves on a boat from Lembongan to Nusa penida the next morning on spot booking (we did not need to do advance booking) and waited till our speed boat arrived. On arriving at the port at Nusa Penida it was very easy to hire a bike (for some reason the bike rentals are very trusting :| ) Anyway riding a 2 wheeler motor bike to get to the tourist points by yourself is very tricky, the roads are so bad and there is no signage we had to use GPS!! ANYWAY back to those bad roads; we had a fall on one of the roads and we happened to be the 4th biker that had a fall on that same stretch, luckily we were not as badly injured as the others so we managed to proceed with caution and very slowly towards our destination as the roads just kept getting worse in condition!! :( Unless you are staying overnight on Nusa Penida ensure you make it back to the ferry port on time for the last boat (we made it just in time with 2 minutes to spare) - Best option hire a local biker to ride you or hire a car.
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Photo of Nusa Penida, Indonesia
Photo of Nusa Penida, Indonesia
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