Nusa Penida Island offers a mecca of pristine beaches, jaw-dropping cliffs, fun-fuelled adventures, and Instagrammable locations that will leave you gasping with excitement around every corner!
You have two options for a Nusa Penida Tour and they are either Do It Yourself or a Nusa Penida Tour with a travel company as a day trip from Bali.
Having visited Nusa Penida on several occasions, I have put together this complete guide on how you can join a tour with a reliable travel company and also how you can do a tour of the island on your own.
NUSA PENIDA TOUR – WITH A TRAVEL COMPANY
The majority of people who don’t have enough time to spend a few days in Nusa Penida will generally book a tour which is a full-day trip from Bali.
The Nusa Penida Tour is by far the best way to see the top highlights on a Nusa Penida day trip and it’s the most top-rated tour with great reviews and thousands of bookings.
With hassle-free pick-up from your hotel in Bali, return boat transfers from Bali to Nusa Penida, a hearty lunch, and an English-speaking guide.
The tour goes a little something like this:
- 6:00 am hotel pick-up in Bali
- 7:30 am check-in at Sanur Beach Port
- The fast boat departs Sanur at 8:30 am
- The boat arrives at 9:15 am on Nusa Penida Island
- A full day of activities
- Depart Nusa Penida around 4:00 pm
- Arrive back at your hotel in Bali at 6:00 pm
The 3 options to choose from are:
- West Nusa Penida
- East Nusa Penida
- South Nusa Penida
WEST NUSA PENIDA TOUR
The locations you will get to visit on a West Nusa Penida Day Trip are:
- Crystal Bay (snorkeling)
- Manta Bay (snorkeling)
- Gamat Bay (snorkeling)
- Keling King Beach
- Angels Billabong
- Broken Beach
Book Now → West Nusa Penida Tour
EAST NUSA PENIDA TOUR
The locations you will get to visit on an East Nusa Penida Day Trip are:
- Crystal Bay (snorkeling)
- Manta Bay (snorkeling)
- Gamat Bay (snorkeling)
- Teletubbies Hill
- Rumah Pohon Tree House
- Diamond Beach
- Atuh Beach
Book Now → East Penida Tour
SOUTH NUSA PENIDA TOUR
The locations you will get to visit on a South Nusa Penida Day Trip are:
- Keling King Beach
- Car Temple
- Tembeling Beach & Lagoons
- Banah Cliff Viewpoint
Book Now → South Penida Tour
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PENIDA TOUR – DO IT YOURSELF
For those of you that plan to spend a few days on Nusa Penida Island, I have put together the perfect 3 Day Nusa Penida Itinerary which includes all of the spots on the tours mentioned above, plus more!
DIY TOUR – DAY 1
Here is an overview for Day 1 of your DIY Penida Tour:
CRYSTAL BAY
Crystal Bay Nusa Penida is a palm tree haven and an awesome snorkeling location on the west coastline of Nusa Penida Island.
Crystal Bay is one of the best beaches to explore and the perfect spot to begin your DIY Tour!
The drive towards Crystal Bay is an experience in itself, passing through local villages and palm tree lined roads, eventually coming to a dead end on the beachfront.
There is a number of beach shack cafes, traditional temples, a coconut palm tree forest, and colorful umbrellas along the shoreline at Crystal Bay, all of which overlook a gorgeous beach cove and a nearby rock island.
Just offshore, there is a colorful reef system beneath the surface of Crystal Bay Nusa Penida, a very popular spot for snorkeling with all sorts of fish, turtles, and other sea critters.
Full Blog Post → Crystal Bay
ANGEL’S BILLABONG
Angel’s Billabong is one of Nusa Penida’s most popular attractions. This natural infinity pool is framed by rock cliffs and hangs out over the ocean and it’s a must-see location on your DIY Tour!
Angels Billabong can be found on the far most western tip of Nusa Penida’s coastline.
When you arrive at Angel’s Billabong there is a parking lot on the cliffs you will be asked to pay a parking fee of 10,000 IDR.
There are a number of viewpoints at Angel’s Billabong, my personal favorite was down in the infinity pool itself. The water is clear as crystal and the temperature of the water is just right.
Due to its popularity, the best time to visit Angel’s Billabong is early morning to avoid crowds.
Full Blog Post → Angel’s Billabong
BROKEN BEACH
Broken Beach is one of many awesome locations on the island and it is not to be missed on your DIY Tour!
Featuring a natural archway that stretches over turquoise waters, it’s easy to see how it got its name Broken Beach.
Although you can’t go swimming at Broken Beach, it is such an unreal setting in itself.
You can take a panoramic walk all the way around the cliffs and discover several different viewpoints offering incredible views of Broken Beach.
Broken Beach Nusa Penida has become a very popular spot for tourists and locals alike, so if you want to have this awesome location to yourself and avoid the crowds I recommend visiting in the early hours of the morning.
Full Blog Post → Broken Beach
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KELING KING BEACH
Kelingking Beach in Nusa Penida is one of the most amazing places I have ever been to and it’s the best location for sunset to finish off Day 1 of your DIY Tour.
Kelingking Beach has quickly become the biggest tourist attraction on the island thanks to Instagram and for a good reason, I mean just look at this view!
Keling King Beach, also known as Kelingking Secret Point, is located on the west coast of Nusa Penida Island.
The reason why Kelingking Beach is such a popular location is that the cliffs form the shape of a T-Rex.
The head of the T-Rex can be seen on the left of the bay and the body and tail wrap around to the right.
Access to the beach is possible but explore at your own risk. There are stairs and railings made out of timber that lead down the spine of Kelingking to the beach, though don’t completely rely on this and take your time when descending down to the shoreline.
Kelingking Beach also boasts multiple viewpoints around the edge of the cliffs, offering spectacular views up and down the coastline of Nusa Penida.
Full Blog Post → Keling King Beach
DIY TOUR – DAY 2
Here is an overview for Day 2 of your DIY Penida Tour:
ATUH BEACH
Atuh Beach is hands-down one of the most beautiful beaches on Nusa Penida Island, featuring a large cove with crystalline waters, golden sands, and a coconut palm forest.
Atuh Beach is located on the far most eastern point of Nusa Penida Island. From the main town of Toya Pakeh, it’s approximately a 45-minute drive to reach Atuh Beach.
Pantai Atuh Beach can be accessed from either the left-hand side or the right-hand side of the cliffs via the concrete steps that are cut into the side of the mountain.
The entrance fee you will have to pay to visit Atuh Beach is 10,000 IDR.
It’s the perfect spot to go for a swim to cool off and beach bum under one of many straw umbrellas that line the shoreline.
There is also a couple of small beach cafes selling fresh Indonesian cuisine, cold beers, and fresh coconuts.
You could easily spend a couple of hours down on Atuh Beach and not get bored.
Full Blog Post → Atuh Beach
DIAMOND BEACH
Diamond Beach Nusa Penida features a glistening white sand beach surrounded by verdant cliffs and turquoise water.
Diamond Beach Penida is located on the far most eastern point of Nusa Penida Island.
When you arrive at the car park you will have to pay a small entrance fee of 10,000 IDR before making your way down the stairs to the beach.
There are two beach areas at Diamond Beach, one has vivid green mossy rocks and tidal rock pools but unfortunately quite of bit of trash was washed up on the sand here.
The other area of Diamond Beach boasts glistening white sand, coconut palm trees, small caves, and calm waters which is the perfect spot for swimming.
A small warung resides down on Diamond Beach Bali where you can purchase cold refreshments and local dishes such as mie goreng and nasi goreng for as little as $3 to $5.
Full Blog Post → Diamond Beach
RUMAH POHON TREE HOUSE
Rumah Pohon Tree House can be found on the far eastern tip of the island and it’s one of the best places to visit in Nusa Penida!
At the jump-off point, there’s a small ticket office where you will have to pay 5,000 IDR for the entrance ticket to Rumah Pohon Tree House.
The hike down the ridge takes no more than five or ten minutes to the first viewpoint that overlooks the bay known as Thousand Islands (Pulau Seribu).
Once you are satisfied with marveling at Thousand Island viewpoint, continue the adventure further down the ridge and you will see the Nusa Penida Treehouse on your left-hand side.
If you want to get that perfect Instagram photo of the Nusa Penida Treehouse you can stand on the hill on the right-hand side of the track to capture the best angle.
Don’t end your adventure here, hike for another two minutes past the treehouse to yet another awesome viewpoint of the cliffs and beaches!
Full Blog Post → Rumah Pohon Treehouse
TELETUBBIES HILL
Bukit Teletubbies (Teletubbies Hill) is best known for its lush green rolling hills and incredible viewpoints that overlook the entire Nusa Penida Island.
The best way to explore Bukit Teletubbies (Teletubbies Hill) is on foot. Take a short hike to get a different perspective of this incredible landscape from nearby peaks.
When you arrive, you’ll see rolling fields of green and rounded peaks that give Bukit Teletubbies Hill its name.
On a clear day, you can see the neighboring island of Lombok and the almighty Mount Rinjani, the second-largest volcano in Indonesia.
In the valleys between Teletubbies Hill are terraced fields of food crops and random clusters of coconut palm trees.
I recommend flying a drone camera here to capture Bukit Teletubbies from above.
Full Blog Post → Teletubbies Hill
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GOA GIRI PUTRI CAVE
The Goa Giri Putri Cave is one of Nusa Penida’s most underrated tourist spots but not to be missed on your DIY tour around the island.
Pura Goa Giri Putri cave temple is located on the northeastern tip of Nusa Penida Island.
Take the winding staircase midway up the mountain and you’ll be greeted by a man that will bless you with some holy water to the forehead before heading into the cave.
The entrance fee is by donation, so something around 20,000 IDR will be acceptable.
Pura Goa Giri Putri cave is an impressive 300 meters long and 15 meters tall.
Follow the pathway to the end of Goa Giri Putri cave to a viewpoint of a small village in the lush green mountainside.
You can exit the cave here or head back the same way you came to the entrance.
Full Blog Post → Goa Giri Putri Cave
DIY TOUR – DAY 3
Here is an overview for Day 3 of your DIY Penida Tour:
- Manta Point Snorkeling
- Banah Cliff Viewpoint
- Tembeling Beach & Lagoons
- Peguyangan Blue Stairs & Waterfall
MANTA POINT SNORKELING
Snorkeling at Manta Point Nusa Penida is one of the most epic experiences to be had on the island.
The majority of the manta point snorkeling tours operate out of Toya Pakeh Bay on a daily basis and the best time to go is early in the morning around 7:00 am.
You can head down to one of the many tourist offices in Toya Pakeh to organize your snorkeling trip to Manta Point.
The cost of a snorkeling tour is around 200,000 IDR and I recommend booking the day before to secure your spot on the boat.
The tour includes all snorkeling equipment and it will stop at 3 different snorkeling sites – Manta Point, Toya Pakeh Wall, and Crystal Bay.
The tour starts between 7:00 am – 8:00 am and finishes around 12:00 pm.
These majestic creatures are absolutely incredible! They glide effortlessly through the ocean and are really friendly to swim with.
The manta rays at Manta Point can be quite intimidating to begin with due to their body size of up to 5 meters, though you will soon realize they are harmless, humble giants.
Snorkeling at Manta Point is the best way to begin the 3rd day of your DIY Tour!
Full Blog Post → Manta Point Snorkeling
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BANAH CLIFF VIEWPOINT
Banah Cliff Nusa is one of the best viewpoints along the southwest coastline of Nusa Penida Island.
Banah Cliff is not quite as popular as Kelingking Beach, though it’s equally as impressive in my opinion.
There are not just not one but two incredible viewpoints at Banah Cliff.
At the jump-off point to the right is the panoramic view and sunset point and to the left is the official Banah Cliff.
The panoramic viewpoint at Banah Cliff Nusa Penida faces west and offers extreme views of surrounding cliffs, perched high above the ocean.
On a clear day, you can actually see the tail of the T-Rex at Kelingking Beach.
Be very careful when taking photos at Banah Cliff as there is no safety barrier to protect you from falling hundreds of feet to the ground. Know your limits.
The other viewpoint at Banah Cliff faces east and offers an awesome viewpoint of an arched rock island just off the coastline. Again, please watch your step along these rocky cliffs.
Full Blog Post → Banah Cliff Viewpoint
TEMBELING BEACH & LAGOONS
Tembeling is one of my favorite spots to visit on Nusa Penida Island.
Featuring a number of cool things to see including pristine white sand beaches, tropical rainforests, natural lagoons, hidden caves, and cliff-jumping spots.
Tembeling Beach and Lagoons are located on the west coast of Nusa Penida Island.
See below for 5 awesome things that you can see and do at Tembeling Beach;
- Swim in the blue lagoon
- Cliff jumping at blue lagoon
- Secret Beach and Caves
- Jacuzzi pool
- Tembeling Beach
Full Blog Post → Tembeling Beach & Lagoons
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PEGUYANGAN WATERFALL
Last but not least on your 3-Day DIY Tour, the ultimate adventure awaits at Peguyangan Waterfall and the Instafamous Blue Stairs.
This location is off the beaten path and it takes a little longer to get to, though it is an experience not to be missed during your visit.
At the jump-off point for Peguyanngan Waterfall, you will have to pay a small parking fee of 5,000 IDR.
A sarong is also required to be worn as there is a sacred temple at the bottom of the cliffs right next to Peguyangan Waterfall.
If you don’t have a towel or sarong to wear, they can be rented from the parking attendant for an additional 10,000 IDR.
There are 750 blue stairs that are impressively constructed into the side of the cliff giving access to Peguyangan Waterfall.
It’s a good workout hiking down and then back up again that’s for sure!
There are several viewpoints that make for great photo opportunities as you make your way down to Peguyangan Waterfall.
After a 20-minute hike down the blue stairs, you’ll arrive at the sacred water temple that has 4 waterspouts.
The waterfall itself is not your common 50-meter meter waterfall, like those you will find in Bali, but rather a waterspout between a crack in a rock where crystal clear water flows out into tiered rock pools and into the ocean.
Full Blog Post → Peguyangan Waterfall
HOW TO GET TO NUSA PENIDA
BALI TO NUSA PENIDA
Ferries operate daily to Nusa Penida from Pemelisan Harbor in South East Bali. You can book the ferry online in advance to guarantee the lowest price.
The ferry ticket to the Nusa Penida also includes a hotel pick-up from your accommodation in Bali and dropped directly to the pier at Sanur Harbor.
The boat trip takes approximately 45 minutes to Nusa Penida Island.
Get your ticket → Ferry from Bali to Nusa Penida
NUSA LEMBONGAN TO NUSA PENIDA
You can also take a boat to Nusa Penida from Nusa Lembongan if you happen to be exploring this island first.
A boat from Nusa Lembongan to Nusa Penida will cost you around 50,000 IDR.
You can organize the boat via your accommodation on Nusa Lembongan or head to the main harbor on Lembongan Island and ask one of the boat companies down on the beachfront.
Related Article → Nusa Islands Guide
WHERE TO STAY IN NUSA PENIDA
Nusa Penida Island has hundreds of accommodations to choose from, so I have narrowed it down to the best places to stay suitable for budget backpackers, luxury travelers, and everyone in between.
See the list of accommodations below that I personally recommend.
LUXURY: MAUA NUSA PENIDA
MAUA is one of the only luxury properties in Nusa Penida which is located on the cliffs near Gamat Bay and boasts stunning ocean views.
Features include a swimming pool, a restaurant and bar, an outdoor terrace, free Wi-Fi, and breakfast is included for all guests.
Perfect for couples with a choice of staying in one of the suite villas or luxury villas.
MID RANGE: LA ROJA BUNGALOWS
La Roja Bungalows is the most Instagrammable accommodation in Nusa Penida making it the perfect place to stay for couples or friends.
These cute wooden bungalows sleep up to 2 people and feature spacious rooms, a private bathroom, air-conditioning, and free Wi-Fi.
There is also an outdoor swimming pool, a shared lounge, and a restaurant with breakfast included for all guests.
BUDGET: NUANSA PENIDA HOSTEL
This is the most popular hostel on the island to accommodate solo backpackers and all other travelers on a budget.
Each bungalow-style dormitory has an ensuite bathroom, private balcony, sofas, personalized wardrobes, and free Wi-Fi.
Nuansa Penida Hostel also has a swimming pool, a restaurant, a mini-mart, and rental scooters available.
For More Options, See My Complete Guide On Where To Stay In Nusa Penida
GETTING AROUND NUSA PENIDA ISLAND
Nusa Penida is quite a large island and it can take up to one hour to get from one side of the island to the other. The best means of transport on the island is on a scooter.
The roads on Nusa Penida Island are not very well maintained so please be aware of this and take it slow on the loose gravel roads.
Be sure to have travel insurance and wear a helmet as an extra precaution.
There are a number of scooter rental shops dotted along the beachfront at Toya Pakeh harbor that will be able to sort you out with some wheels when you arrive on the island.
Alternatively, most accommodations will help you to organize a scooter rental for the time you plan to spend on Nusa Penida Island.
You can expect to pay around 70,000 IDR per day for a Nusa Penida scooter rental with a full tank of gas.
Must Read → 15 Things To Do In Nusa Penida
NUSA PENIDA MAP
BEST TOURS IN BALI
WHAT TO PACK FOR BALI
When visiting Bali, here is a list of items I highly recommend bringing with you:
Must-Have Travel Essentials
Keep your cash and other valuables safe with this anti-theft hidden money wallet!
The GRAYL GeoPress is the best reusable bottle that allows you to purify water from anywhere!
FINAL THOUGHTS – NUSA PENIDA DAY TRIPS
Thanks for reading this article and if you have any questions, please leave me a comment below this post and I will get back to you as soon as I can.
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TRAVEL RESOURCES FOR YOUR NEXT TRIP
Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or it’s your first trip overseas, here are some useful travel resources to help you kick-start your next adventure!
THANKS FOR READING
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