Ultimate Nusa Penida Guide – Bali's Wildest Island Escape
If Bali’s the dream, then Nusa Penida is its wild little sibling — rugged, raw, and absolutely breathtaking. Just a 30–45 minute fast boat ride from Bali’s east coast, this island might look small on the map, but don’t be fooled: it's packed with jaw-dropping views, hidden tide pools, white-sand beaches, and once-in-a-lifetime adventures.
We've been lucky enough to explore Nusa Penida multiple times over the past year, and trust us—this place never gets old. Whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned island hopper, here’s our no-fluff, all-fun guide to the best things to do in Nusa Penida, with pro tips to help you do it right.
🛥️ Getting There & Around
Catch a fast boat from Sanur Beach — we recommend Angel's Billabong Fast Cruise for reliability. Book ahead on Bookaway.com for the best prices.
Once you land, your best move is renting a scooter only if you’re confident on two wheels. The roads can get gnarly (potholes galore), but the freedom’s unbeatable. Keep it light—store your big bags at Sedna Airport and take just a small backpack.
Stay for at least three nights and base yourself in different areas:
- Night 1: Diamond Beach area
- Night 2: Near Kelingking Beach
- Night 3: Around Crystal Bay
That way, you’ll minimize long drives and maximize the good stuff.
🌊 Blue Stairs – Hidden Infinity Pool Gem
Tucked away on Nusa Penida’s rugged coastline, the Blue Stairs lead to one of the island’s most secret and magical tide pools. This off-the-beaten-path spot isn’t on many tourist maps, which means you might just get it all to yourself—especially if you visit outside peak hours. The descent takes about 20–25 minutes down a steep cliffside path, where metal stairs cling to the rock and offer jaw-dropping views of the ocean below. At the bottom, you’ll find a natural infinity pool filled with crystal-clear spring water, perched right at the ocean’s edge. It’s the perfect mix of adventure and tranquility. You’ll need to wear a sarong at the top—it’s considered a sacred area—and swim with care during high tide.
What's special about this place:
A wild, cliffside pool with ocean views and zero crowds—perfect for peaceful dips and unforgettable photos.
📍 Location:
Saren Cliff, southeast Nusa Penida. Search “Blue Stairs Nusa Penida” on Google Maps.
Local Tip:
Visit around midday for fewer people, and bring water shoes—the pool floor can be slippery and sharp.
🐉 Kelingking Beach – The Iconic Dino Cliff
Kelingking Beach is the postcard view of Nusa Penida—the iconic cliff shaped like a T-Rex's head jutting dramatically into turquoise waters. From the top, the view is nothing short of breathtaking, with panoramic cliffs and crashing waves below. Adventurous travelers can descend the steep and narrow stairway (more like a bamboo-and-dirt ladder at times) down to the beach itself. The hike takes around 45 minutes and is physically demanding, especially in the heat, but the reward is a stunning, secluded stretch of white sand. Be extremely cautious—waves here are powerful and often unsafe for swimming. Stick around for sunset when the golden light softens the cliffs and the crowds clear, making it the perfect moment to soak in the magic.
What's special about this place:
World-famous views, an epic cliff hike, and one of the most dramatic coastlines in Indonesia.
📍 Location:
Southwest Nusa Penida. Just search “Kelingking Beach” on Google Maps.
Local Tip:
Stay overnight nearby and return at sunrise for a peaceful experience and magical photo lighting.
🏝️ Diamond Beach & Atuh Beach – Double the Beauty
On the eastern edge of Nusa Penida, Diamond Beach and Atuh Beach sit side-by-side, offering two stunning beach experiences in one trip. Diamond Beach is named for its sparkling white sand and the unique diamond-shaped rock formation offshore. The trail down is relatively short and carved right into the cliffside, with ropes for support at trickier sections. It’s photogenic from every angle, but not always safe for swimming due to strong currents. Just around the corner, Atuh Beach is more sheltered and swimmable, making it ideal for a chill afternoon. It’s less steep to access, has warungs for snacks, and is framed by soaring cliffs and emerald-green hills. Do both in one go—adventure and relaxation in one perfect day.
What's special about this place:
Twin beaches with unique personalities—raw beauty at Diamond, serene swimming at Atuh, and sunrise views that are next-level.
📍 Location:
East Nusa Penida, near Pejukutan village.
Local Tip:
Go early morning or late afternoon to dodge the midday crowds and capture the softest light for photos.
🌿 Temeling Beach & Forest – Peaceful & Underrated
If you’re craving a break from the more touristy hotspots, Temeling Beach and Forest is your serene sanctuary. Hidden within a thick tropical forest, this peaceful spot offers a refreshing natural spring pool, a rocky beach, and towering cliffside views—all in one location. The spring pools, often used by locals for spiritual cleansing, are shaded by lush trees and perfect for a quiet dip. A short walk from the pool leads to the rugged shoreline where massive cliffs meet the sea. The beach isn’t ideal for swimming due to its powerful waves, but it's fantastic for relaxing and soaking in the raw, natural energy of the island. Temeling’s calm atmosphere makes it a favorite among those looking for off-grid beauty.
What's special about this place:
A forest trail, sacred spring pools, and a dramatic cliffside beach all in a quiet, untouristed setting.
📍 Location:
Southwest Nusa Penida – search “Temeling Natural Pool” on Google Maps.
Local Tip:
Hire a local scooter taxi at the top—it's steep and bumpy, and way easier than hiking the long trail down.
🐠 Snorkeling with Manta Rays – Bucket List Stuff
If there's one experience that will leave you speechless in Nusa Penida, it’s snorkeling with giant manta rays. These graceful creatures glide effortlessly through the water, and seeing them up close feels like something out of a nature documentary. The best spots for manta sightings include Manta Bay, Gamat Bay, and Crystal Bay—each offering vibrant coral, steep drop-offs, and swirls of tropical fish. While group tours are great for saving money, we recommend splitting a private boat with friends for flexibility and quieter moments. Time your visit around March–April or September–October for calmer seas and better visibility. Occasionally, jellyfish can appear after a strong swell, but most of the time the water is clear and magical.
What's special about this place:
Snorkeling with majestic manta rays in warm tropical waters—an unforgettable and soul-stirring underwater encounter.
📍 Location:
Tours depart from Toya Pakeh or Crystal Bay, with stops at various snorkel sites.
Local Tip:
Bring a GoPro with a red filter—these reefs are colorful and worth capturing in full glory.
💦Angel's Billabong & Broken Beach – Nature’s Drama Duo
This duo is a must-see combo, both located just a short walk apart on the island’s west side. Angel’s Billabong is a surreal natural infinity pool where clear water flows between jagged rocks before spilling into the open sea. Visit during low tide only—it’s dangerously unpredictable when the waves rise. The pool is slippery and uneven, so wear water shoes and watch your step. Right next door is Broken Beach, a collapsed cave forming a giant circular bay, with a natural stone arch framing the ocean. While you can’t go down to the beach, the viewpoint from the top is epic, especially at sunrise. If you’re lucky, you’ll spot manta rays cruising in the bay below.
What's special about this place:
Two geological wonders side-by-side—one for swimming (safely), one for gazing at the wild artistry of nature.
📍 Location:
Southwest Nusa Penida, near Banjar Sumpang.
Local Tip:
Arrive before 9 AM to beat both the heat and the tour bus crowd. Morning light is also great for photos.
🌴Crystal Bay – Chill, Snorkel, Sunset
Crystal Bay is where you hit pause on your adventure playlist and just breathe. It’s one of the few swimmable beaches on Nusa Penida, making it a hotspot for snorkelers, sunbathers, and sunset lovers. The water here really is crystal clear, and the coral life just off the beach is surprisingly rich. You can rent snorkel gear from beachside warungs or grab a drink and lounge under the palms. It does get busy, especially mid-afternoon, but there’s space to spread out if you don’t mind walking a bit. Stick around for sunset—it’s unforgettable, with the golden orb sinking directly into the ocean. Behind the beach, there’s a secret palm tree forest that's fun to explore if you’re feeling curious.
What's special about this place:
A rare combo of calm swimming water, reef snorkeling, and one of the island’s best sunset views.
📍 Location:
West coast Nusa Penida—accessible by road from Toya Pakeh or Ped.
Local Tip:
Arrive an hour before sunset and bring cash—most warungs don’t accept cards, and you’ll want that cold Bintang ready.
🏖️Cactus Beach Club – Cool Down in Style
Yes, Nusa Penida is known for rugged cliffs and wild hikes—but sometimes, you just need a comfy pool, a tasty smoothie, and a place to kick back. Cactus Beach Club is the island’s first and only beach club, and it’s a total vibe. With two diamond-shaped infinity pools, chic tropical decor, and a laid-back atmosphere, this is the perfect spot to unwind after a few intense adventure days. It’s free to enter, and the food and drink prices are surprisingly reasonable. The staff are lovely, and the poolside loungers offer front-row views of the ocean. Bonus: even the bathrooms are Insta-worthy (seriously). If you're in the mood for a slower day, this place is where you'll want to be.
What's special about this place:
Tropical luxury meets chill vibes—perfect for sipping cocktails between hikes and catching up on your tan.
📍 Location:
Located near Crystal Bay on the west coast of Nusa Penida.
Local Tip:
Visit mid-morning or on weekdays to avoid the mini rush from island day-trippers.
📸Thousand Island Viewpoint & Rumah Pohon Treehouse – The Dream Shot
Welcome to one of Nusa Penida’s most photogenic corners. The Thousand Island Viewpoint delivers sweeping views over jagged islets and sapphire-blue water. It’s also home to the famous Rumah Pohon Treehouse, where travelers queue up for that dreamy sunrise shot. You used to be able to stay overnight in the treehouse, but now it’s mostly used as a photo spot (for a small fee). Even if you skip the treehouse queue, the views from just above are free and just as magical. The landscape here is raw and cinematic—think steep cliffs, crashing waves, and distant rock spires. Arrive before sunrise for the best light and fewer people. Blue hour adds a soft glow that makes your photos look straight out of a fantasy film.
What's special about this place:
Unmatched sunrise views, iconic photo ops, and a dramatic cliffside that feels like the edge of the world.
📍 Location:
Near the village of Pejukutan, east Nusa Penida.
Local Tip:
Arrive 30 minutes before sunrise for prime photo light—and bring a tripod if you want those solo shots.
🌾Teletubbies Hills – Rolling Green & Drone Heaven
A lesser-known yet visually stunning stop, Teletubbies Hills is named for its perfectly rounded, grassy mounds that resemble the whimsical setting of the childhood show. These hills offer panoramic views of the island’s lush interior and are a dream for drone footage. While they don’t take long to explore, they’re a great pitstop when driving between the east and west sides of the island. The best time to visit is early morning or late afternoon when the sun creates long shadows across the hills, adding depth to your photos. It's usually quiet here, making it a great break from the more crowded coastal attractions.
What's special about this place:
Unique, rolling hills with panoramic views and cinematic drone potential—a peaceful contrast to Nusa Penida’s coastal drama.
📍 Location:
In the island’s center—search “Bukit Teletubbies” on Google Maps.
Local Tip:
Great to visit during hotel transfers—stop here if you’re driving from Diamond Beach to Kelingking.
From iconic cliffs to hidden tide pools, wild manta encounters to quiet forest springs, Nusa Penida is a wild mix of thrill and chill. It’s not just about checking off the big-ticket sights—it’s about soaking in those in-between moments, the secret beaches, the sunrise hikes, the unexpected palm forests.
Whether you're here for the epic adventures or the beach club cocktails (or both—we won’t judge), you’re guaranteed to leave with stories that stick.
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