A small island paradise not far from Bali, Nusa Penida has a lot to offer visitors. Whether you’re looking for a quiet getaway or to see the sights this is the place for you.
Start your trip with a visit to the famous Instagram tree houses on Diamond Beach. You can even sleep in one of the wooden structures here if you book far enough in advance.
Angel’s Billabong & Broken Beach
After seeing the cliffs at Kelingking Beach, make your way to Angel’s Billabong (or Pasih Uug) for an equally stunning view of the coastline. The rock pool is filled with gorgeous turquoise water that’s splashed around by waves crashing on the nearby cliffs. At sunset, the sun’s rays pass through the opening in the cliff and illuminate the whole area for a mesmerizing spectacle.
This is also a popular spot to watch manta rays floating in the sea below. It’s not safe to swim here, but it’s an amazing sight to see.
Another cool feature is the ruins of an old temple that have been swallowed by the sea, complete with a small white sand beach underneath. You can’t walk down to this one, but it’s a nice place to enjoy the scenery and take pictures of the cliffs.
Visiting this location at sunrise or sunset for the best lighting is a must. The rocks are also more colorful at these times and the water is a vibrant blue. It’s also important to note that the people who work at this site are very helpful and friendly and they have a small convenience store where you can buy snacks, drinks, toiletries, and sunscreen. They also speak some English, so don’t be afraid to ask them questions! They also speak Balinese, however, so be prepared to have a lot of hand gestures.
Kelingking Beach
The cliff beach at Kelingking is a must-see for visitors to Nusa Penida. The pristine sand and turquoise water are out of this world. It’s a bit of a workout to get down there, but the views are totally worth it. I have also seen a variety of wildlife here from monitor lizards to dolphins. The cliffs are also home to an incredible ‘T-Rex’ rock formation that sticks out of the water like a Tyrannosaurus Rex.
The easiest way to get here is by renting a scooter when you arrive at the port. This will save you money, and allow you to explore the island at your own pace. I have found that the best time to see Kelingking is in the morning before the sun gets too hot. The beaches are busiest between 10 a.m and 2 p.m, when the day trippers from Sanur arrive.
Note that there is a small entrance fee when you enter the island by boat. This helps support the infrastructure on the island. There are also some small convenience stores on the island, where you can purchase snacks, drinks, toiletries, etc. They don’t have as much selection as what you would find in Bali. Finally, bring snorkeling gear. There are some fantastic underwater life here, including beautiful corals. You can rent these on the island, but it’s cheaper to bring your own.
Tembeling Beach
Getting around Nusa Penida is best done by renting a scooter or motorbike. This will allow you to travel faster, pass through narrow roads easier, avoid potholes, and stop wherever you want without having to follow a set itinerary. This option is also cheaper than taking a tour. You should be able to rent a scooter for around 100,000 IDR per day or less.
Tembeling Beach is a beautiful, rugged beach that is framed by cliffs and features crystal clear water. It is a perfect place to relax, unwind, and enjoy the scenery, but it is also a great place to take a dip in the ocean or swim in the natural rock pool that’s located adjacent to the beach.
Unlike other beaches on the island, this beach is rarely visited by tourists so you can expect to have this pristine paradise all to yourself. It’s also a good idea to visit this beach during low tide so that you can actually get into the water and swim!
Another must-see spot on the island is Goa Giri Putri Cave Temple. This is a series of Balinese temples built into a large cave and many locals travel from Bali to come here to complete a purification ritual. The entrance is through a narrow opening in the cliff face so be sure to wear something comfortable!
Goa Giri Putri Cave Temple
Located on the east side of Nusa Penida, this temple in a cave is a unique and interesting destination. Visitors have to pay a small fee to park, rent sarongs and enter the temple itself (the entry is very tight and you need to crawl through).
The cavern inside houses 6 different temples. It is still used as a place of worship so it’s a good idea to wear a sarong (renting is available outside the temple).
Once you are through the claustrophobic entrance, you will find yourself in a more spacious area that features the main shrine and some other praying spots. One of them is dedicated to Chinese deities like Guan Yin and the God of the Earth and Sky.
Another highlight of the visit is a natural pool that offers a refreshing swim. This is a nice way to cool down after climbing the hundreds of steps to get to the temple!
The island is also home to a number of animals including bats, spiders, monitor lizards and monkeys (Balinese macaques). The wildlife here is not as abundant as on the neighboring islands but it’s worth checking out. Snakes are also common and include pythons, vipers, and spitting cobras. nusa penida tour