We’d actually never heard about Tembeling Beach and Forest before our host recommended it as one of the top things to do in Nusa Penida. Taking his advice, we traveled from the easy paved roads by the main pier up and over the entire island to find it… And let me tell you, it did not disappoint! While the drive there gets a little wild, it was worth it for one of the best hikes in Nusa Penida. Aside from the beautiful scenery, there’s natural pools, cliff jumping, uniquely stacked rocks, and a wavy beach to enjoy. We’re pretty sure after reading this Tembeling Beach will be at the top of your list!

The WILD Drive Down

Honestly, saying this path is “bumpy” would be a severe understatement. Once you turn off the main road you’ll be traveling down a small unpaved path that looks like it shouldn’t be more than a hiking trail. We almost got off and walked ourselves until we saw locals on motorbikes making the same trip. Watch out for the sudden drops and large sharp rocks as you cruise through the thick overgrown forest. Like everywhere on the island we were told that there are plans to have the path paved for bikes, but only time will tell!

One of the Best Hikes in Nusa Penida

Eventually we were forced to jump off our moped as the path ended abruptly. From there, we parked and walked till we came to a proper staircase for the hike down. For how bad the drive was it was surprising to see large concrete steps and a well manicured path after we parked our bike. As you descend down the steps, the dense forest will be on your left with a massive rock wall on your right. The hike to Nusa Penida natural pools shouldn’t take more than 15 minutes, but the walk back will be much harder up the steep path.

Cave Rocks & Ocean Views

Take a right when you get to the bottom of the Tembeling Beach and Forest hike. Here there’s a large boulder and cut out through to the other side of the mountain. Head through the opening and you’ll come to a beautiful view and hundreds of little rock statues! It was so surreal walking through the hundreds of stacked rocks with the green island cliffs towering over us. This will be a great place to grab a photo with the waves crashing behind you in the background. We tried (unsuccessfully) stacking our own rocks before heading back through the cave, and out to the Nusa Penida natural pools.

Nusa Penida Natural Pools

Before you get to the stacked rock beach we just described, there’s actually a small lagoon pool. You can swim around and even cliff jump here, but in our opinion worth skipping and heading straight to the beach. Once you arrive at Tembeling Beach you’ll find a small natural pool that overlooks the ocean. The water is chilled from the mountains and is an awesome way to cool down from the island heat. Just when we were leaving, 15 locals showed up ready for a beach day. They stripped down to their underwear and jumped right in! It was nice to see that the Nusa Penida Natural Pools are used by everyone on the island!

Tembeling Beach

Tembeling is a small beach to the left of the natural pool. The ocean is rough and the rocky coral doesn’t make it easy for swimming, but it’s certainly nice to look at! Just make sure to be careful of the tides if you jump in. You’ll also find women selling snacks by the pool and the perfect swing set to enjoy the views from. It was so refreshing to end one of the best hikes in Nusa Penida at this beach and natural pool. The only thing we hated was having to leave and hike back up!

Have any questions about Tembeling Beach and Forest or any other things to do in Nusa Penida?? Comment below and let us know!

Safe Travels,

Brigitte & Jake

___________________________

Explore More of Indonesia with Us

Nusa Islands:

What to Expect in Nusa Penida

Best Viewpoints, Hikes, and Beaches on Nusa Penida Island

Nusa Lembongan: Dream Beach to Mushroom Bay

Nusa Ceningan: What’s Over the Yellow Bridge?

Bali:

8 Experiences Not to Miss in Canggu Bali

20 Facts about Bali Every Traveler Should Know

Kecak Fire Dance at Uluwatu Temple

The Veggie Warung: Eating Healthy and Cheap in Bali

Uluwatu Beach Guide: Where to Swim and Surf

Gili Islands:

Get Familiar with Indonesia’s Gili Islands

Bali to Gili Islands Ferry Guide

Gili Trawangan: The Party Island

Gili Meno: An Underwater Paradise

Ferry Between the Gili Islands: Schedule & Route

Gili Air: The Best of the Gili Islands

____________________________

Where To Stay In Nusa Penida

Ultra Luxury (High End) – Semabu Hills Hotel Nusa Penida – High up in the hills of Nusa Penida and complete with infinity pool, this as luxury as it gets on the island! Incredible views along with all the modern amenities you’ll need, and an elegant breakfast.

Fun Vacation (Mid Range) – Daphila Cottage – Great hotel with a unique luxury bungalow design. Includes a pool, private balconies, and beautiful views of the mountainside.

Travel Couple (Longterm Travel) – Kuri Garden Cottage – This was our homestay for a couple days when we visited Nusa Penida! There’s 3 bungalows with a very family style atmosphere. Breakfast is included and they have a brand new pool for you to enjoy.

Hostel Life (Budget) – Nuansa Penida Hostel – Four, six, and eight bed hostel dorms as well as private rooms available. Brand new cottage style wooden rooms with a pool and on site restaurant as well.

For more places to stay in Nusa Penida you can explore the latest prices here!

***By booking through our website we receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. This allows us continue our travels and keep providing great content to our readers! You can also bookmark this link for all your future stays***