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.
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:
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!
