Nusa Penida Island is filled with some of the most beautiful views and beaches in all of Indonesia. The dramatic coastline is a mix of dense jungle, bumpy dirt roads, and massive cliffs overlooking the ocean. While this can make it difficult to get the all best beaches, you won’t regret a thing when you get there! So look no further for where to go and what to do in Nusa Penida…We’ve got you covered. Strap on your hiking boots, and get ready for days of adventure and fun with our Nusa Penida Travel Guide!

East Side Loop

The east side of Nusa Penida Island is slightly easier to travel to because of several newly paved roads. Honestly, in comparison with the terrain of the western region this will feel like a piece of cake! You’ll still find some sections of bumpy driving, but overall it makes for a smoother day. We recommend 5-6 hours if you want to hike down to all the Nusa Penida beaches and hit the different viewpoints.

Coastal Ride

If you’re staying just outside the main ferry port as we recommended, the drive on the way to Atuh Beach was definitely the most scenic on the entire island. You’ll see long stretches of coast, bright blue water, and the island of Bali in the distance. There are many restaurants and cafes along the ride as well, so you can stop in for a quick breakfast or lunch and take it all in.

Atuh & Diamond Beach

After exploring the entire island of Nusa Penida, Atuh Beach and Diamond Beach ended up being our favorites! The newly paved road we just mentioned means minimal time bumping around on the way to get there, and more time at the beach! What makes this area unique is that the beaches are actually two coves separated by a large cliffside. The parking area is at the top of the cliff, and to get to paradise you’ll need to make the steep climb down each.

Cost: 10,000 IDR (Access to Atuh & Diamond Beach)

Hike: 15 Minutes of Steep Steps

Atuh Beach

We chose Atuh Beach first because it looked like a bit easier of a hike. Like we said, it shares a parking lot with Diamond beach which is very convenient. The entire hike down to Atuh Beach is made of large concrete steps and a thick rope to help guide you. With each step, you’ll get closer and more excited to jump into that unreal blue water! Beach bars fill the tree line while colorful umbrellas and chairs line the sand. This is the perfect Nusa Penida beach to spend the afternoon and relax.

Diamond Beach

Cost: 10,000 IDR (Acssess to Atuh & Diamond Beach)

Hike: 10-15 Minutes of steep steps cut into the hillside

While it only takes 10-15 minutes to get to the bottom of Diamond Beach, this hike is certainly more intimidating. The part that scared us wasn’t the makeshift stairs or even the shaky railing on your lefthand side. Instead, it was the rock wall that hangs over the stairs you’re forced to walk under. With all the earthquakes, volcano eruptions, and natural disasters going on in Indonesia recently, we were unsurprisingly hesitant. Nevertheless, we knew what had to be done! After you’ve conquered the steep steps that are cut into the mountainside, you’ll find yourself at a stunning white sand beach. There are no restaurants or snack shops like neighboring Atuh, giving you a feeling of pure seclusion. Enjoy!

Thousand Islands Viewpoint

Who wouldn’t want to see one thousand islands?? This viewpoint features large sets of rocks below, giving off the appearance of the endless islets. This is one of the most beautiful scenes in all of Nusa Penida Island. Here you can stare at the view forever or make the trip to take a photo at the famous treehouse. Unfortunately, the country of Indonesia has over 17,500 islands and these don’t count towards that. You’ve still got a long way to go if you want to see all of them!

West Side Island Loop

The west side of Nusa Penida Island is probably what inspired you to make the trip in the first place. The famous T-Rex shaped beach has exploded on social media platforms like instagram, and taken the Bali tourism world by storm. While you should 100% make it a stop, there are more Nusa Penida beaches worth seeing than just this one. If you plan to visit all the places below in one day, make sure to to start as early as possible. Here’s the west side of our Nusa Penida Travel Guide!

Tembeling Beach and Forest

Cost: Donation

Hike: 15 Minutes to the beach (if your bike makes it down the path!)

Note: Not Accessible by Car

This was one of the best surprises of our visit, and it came recommended through the owner of our homestay. As you could’ve guessed, the motorbike ride was extremely bumpy… Then we had to hike an additional 15 minutes to the beach. Yet what was waiting for us at the bottom made it so special! Tembeling had a beautiful beach, natural pool, and crazy stacked rocks that you could only get to by going through a hole in the cliff. This was probably our favorite hike in Nusa Penida, so make sure you don’t miss it!

Kelingking Beach

Cost: 10,000 IDR

Hike: 20 minute intense hike to the beach cutting down the spine and side of the T-Rex

Have you really been to Nusa Penida Island if you don’t have a photo at the famous Kelingking beach (T-Rex) to show for it? While you will share the view with many others, it’s still worth the trip for the view! Only a small handful of visitors actually leave the viewpoint and make the steep climb down to the beach below. Please be aware that this is the hardest hike in Nusa Penida. Know you limits and wear proper shoes if you’re going to make the trek down!

Angel’s Billabong

This spot is actually made up of three different points. The amazing coastline, a natural infinity pool, and broken beach. We hiked all around Billabong, and as far as we saw there was nowhere that you could get down to the actual beach. Also, if you come here for the “natural” infinity pool you might be a little disappointed depending on the tides. If you don’t visit on a day when the water is coming in over the pool, it can be green colored and not safe for swimming!

Crystal Bay

Crystal Bay is one of the most beautiful coves on the entire island. Much more accessible than many of the other beaches, it’s the perfect spot to relax in the ocean and enjoy yourself. Crystal Bay is also one of the closest to the ferry port and an easy day trip from Bali.

Safe Travels,

Brigitte & Jake

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Explore More of Indonesia with Us

Nusa Islands:

What to Expect in Nusa Penida

Exploring Tembeling Beach and Forest in Nusa Penida

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

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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!

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