NUSA PENIDA
A guide to the Island
Nusa Penida has become one of the most popular places to visit for these on a vacation in Bali. With its epic cliffs, beautiful beaches and manta-ray experience, it’s starting to become more of a must-do than Bali itself. Here we will let you know how you go and what to do in Nusa Penida.
How to get there
Nusa Penida is getting popular these days, and there are now three ways you can go there on your own:
- Speedboat from Sanur Beach ( Recommended ) There are many operators that do speedboat transfers from Sanur Beach to Nusa Penida and back like Maruti Express, Angel’s Billabong Fast Cruise and Mola-Mola Express, Semabu. It doesn’t matter which one you go with as long as the timing suits you. You can book the ticket online or you can go straight to Sanur and get your ticket there.
- Speedboat from Tanjong Benoa.
- Public Ferry from Padang Bai – by using this, you can bring your own motorcycle from Bali.
Accommodation
Nusa Penida is still a fairly undeveloped island and lacks infrastructure. For that reason, we would recommend to not stay too far from where the harbor is, Toyapakeh.
Toyapakeh is definitely the best area to stay in Nusa Penida because it is the most developed area on Nusa Penida. Restaurants, cafes, groceries, and pharmacies are all concentrated in that neighborhood. Most accommodations are located in Toyakpakeh or within close proximity to it.
What to do in Nusa Penida
Nusa Penida is the largest of the three Nusa Islands that are off of the southeast coast of Bali that are a short boat ride away. It draws in visitors with its breathtaking blue waters that are so many different shades you’ll lose count, its incredible underwater life from manta rays to loads of colourful fish and its out of this world viewpoints.
On Nusa Penida you’ll find secluded beaches and be able to gaze over the edge of cliffs, climb to waterfalls and explore the roads through the jungle. Palm trees and lush greenery line the roads and waves crash against the islands edges, leaving you in awe and with plenty of things to do in Nusa Penida.
There’s no doubt that Nusa Penida is beautiful or worth your visit. This stunning island is one place worth being on your itinerary and is an island that I highly suggest you make time for in your Bali itinerary.
1. Getting around Nusa Penida
The best way to get around is by scooter. The roads are terrible but they are improving. You will find long patches of paved road but a lot of your riding will be done on roads with so many potholes. Renting a bike costs you around 75,000 per day but hiring a private driver is also very affordable (especially if you’re in a group). If you need help to getting around and find the best day trip, you can contact this agency.
2. The Famous Treehouse
The Instagram-famous Treehouse In Nusa Penida is a must-see for anyone wanting to take some incredible photos. Located next to the Thousand Islands Viewpoint, the Treehouse is one of the best places to stay in Nusa Penida for anyone that appreciates magical sunrises/sunsets and dramatic landscapes.
3. Atuh Beach
Atuh Beach is a stunning white sand beach surrounded by the huge cliffs and remarkable rock formations. An arch sits directly out from the shore while several islets string off in the distance. You can explore the shore and the ocean before enjoying a fresh $2 coconut.
4. Diamond Beach
The beach is named after the diamond-like rock formation offshore. This is one of the most beautiful beach in Nusa Penida. With a stone stairway leading to the soft white sand beach and the sheer cliffs surrounding it, it is almost too perfect. As you step on the narrow strip of untouched sand, it is an unworldly feeling to be sandwiched between a sheer rock wall and the beautiful sea.
IDR 10K for Parking
5. Angel’s Billabong
Nusa Penida’s natural infinity pool, visiting Angel’s Billabong is one of the top things to do on Nusa Penida.Because Angel’s Billabong is a tidal pool, picking the proper time to visit it is essential. Visit during high tide and you won’t find much to see. However, if you visit during low tide, the magical infinity pool be will at its prime for viewing. The shallow pool of water allows visitors to easily see the intricate rock formations underneath the surface.
IDR 10K for Parking
6. The Famous Kelingking ‘T-Rex’ Beach
The Instagram famous coastal cliff, which truly does look like a T-rex didn’t disappoint. Watch the crystal clear water slowly form into a wave before crashing below us, in what seemed like slow motion.
You can took a short trek down the spine of the T-Rex and took in the epic drop-offs down each side. This is definitely one of the best thing you can do in Nusa Penida.
IDR 15K for Parking
7. Crystal Bay
If you want to go swimming in Nusa Penida, then Crystal Bay’s is the perfect place for you. Unlike many of the other beaches that suffer from aggressive waves and dangerous currents, Crystal Bay’s protected cove promises a peaceful swim.
IDR 20K+ for Food and Beverages
8. Go Diving!
There is some fantastic diving around Nusa Penida, the highlights are the incredible cleaning station at Manta Point and swimming with mola mola at Crystal Bay. This little neighbor to Bali has a lot more diving to offer than sunfish and manta rays. The water flowing around the island is an up-welling from the deep and is often cold water with temperatures in the low twenty degree Celsius range, even dropping to 16C! I will recommend diving here in a 5mm wetsuit (your dive center should provide one). Water temperatures are the lowest June to October and higher November to February. The price start from 750.000 rupiah up to 2.000.000 rupiah/person. You can find diving resort here.
IDR 750K+
+6281337353115
9.Tembeling Natural Pool
Tembeling Beach is a little hideaway bay at the end of a crazy motorbike ride down through the forest. Along the way, you will pass by the Tembeling natural pools. If you are looking for something a little off the beaten path and away from the tourist hot spots you may enjoy the adventure of Tembeling Beach, natural pools and forest. You can head down the spiral stairs towards the Tembeling Natural Pools. There are two but the first one is the biggest. Set nicely below the large cliff wall, the crystal clear water has a beautiful blue tone to it.
Free
10. Peguyangan Waterfall
Peguyangan Waterfall is one those place that get you excited and tired at the same time. The view is beautiful but at the same time you need to hike down about 30 minutes, leading you down to the pilgrimage site. The sacred temple is based on the water blessing. There are three pool and you can swim while the waves hit the reef and blow the water to you. These pools have the purest of water.
IDR 15K

