Unsurprisingly, there are some incredibly beautiful beaches in Nusa Penida. Most of them have powdery white sand, and turquoise waters and are backed by incredible limestone cliffs and luscious greenery. However, until less than a decade ago, this island was relatively undiscovered on the tourist trail, so plenty of these spots are hard to access and some remain hidden gems.
In this guide, we take a look at what we think are the best beaches, how to access them and what to expect. There will be a few famous spots you’ve heard of and a few gems you might not be familiar with.
How to Get to Nusa Penida’s Beaches
Before we get into Nusa Penida beaches, let’s cover how to get around so you so you can make the most of your visit. Trust us, you’ll want to make the most of your time here, and getting around easily is key to doing that.
1. Rent a Scooter
If you’re confident on a scooter, this is the most flexible and budget-friendly way to get around get around Nusa Penida. You’ll have the freedom to visit the beaches on your own schedule and discover some hidden spots along the way. Just be aware that the roads can be rough, so it’s best if you have some experience driving a scooter. You can book your scooter rental here.
2. Book a Tour
Many people book a tour of Nusa Penida. This is a great shout because everything is taken care of – transportation, routes and even pick up and drop off at your hotel/the port. You’ll get to visit the main beaches without worrying about the logistics.
3. Hire a Private Driver
For a bit more comfort and a tour guide, you can hire a private driver for Nusa Penida. This option lets you customise your day and you don’t have to deal with driving yourself. It’s a good choice if you’re travelling in a group.
The Best Beaches in Nusa Penida
1. Crystal Bay
First up is probably the most accessible, and one of the most popular beaches in Nusa Penida – Crystal Bay. Tucked away on the west coast of the island, this crescent-shaped bay is protected by the shape of the land and a couple of small uninhabited islands just off the coast, meaning the water here is incredibly calm and perfect for swimming.
The fact that it is so swimmable, and there is no hike to the beach is probably why it is so popular. You’ll find a huge stretch of beach, lined with sunloungers and umbrellas for shade (although there is plenty of space to lay out a towel if you prefer that). Honestly, we spent hours here and didn’t even realise how fast time was flying.
Also, there are multiple warungs and beach shacks to grab cold drinks and local food, so you could easily spend a whole beach day here.
If you love snorkelling, Crystal Bay is one of the few places in Nusa Penida where you can snorkel from the shore. After we did some incredible snorkelling in Amed in Bali, we were so excited to find equally great spots here. You’ll probably see a few boats in the water with snorkellers, just follow them to find the best and safest spots.
Top tips for visiting Crystal Bay:
- Bring your snorkelling gear – you can snorkel from the shore.
- If it’s open, try to explore the old coconut farm and giant palm trees at the rear of the beach.
- Walk 15-minutes along the trail at the southern end of the beach to get to Pandan Beach.
🤿 No time to visit Crystal Bay? This snorkelling tour starts in Nusa Penida and stops at Crystal Bay, Manta Point and Mangrove Point in Nusa Lembongan, it includes a local lunch in Nusa Lembongan too.
2. Kelingking Beach
You’ve probably seen Kelinking Beach before – it’s arguably the place that put the island on the map, so it wouldn’t be right to make this guide and not include it. Sometimes referred to as T-Rex Beach, Kelinking Beach is hands down one of the most impressive natural landscapes we’ve ever set our eyes on. The sweeping white cliffs that engulf the beach below create a scene that’s ominous yet beautiful.
From the viewpoint at the top of the cliff, this area of Nusa Penida is breathtaking, but to actually get to Kelingking Beach, you’ve got to take a pretty strenuous hike. The trail weaves down some steep stairs and across the ridge, followed by a scramble down some rocks to finish. It’s not too challenging on the way down, but the hike back up is tough, especially in the heat.
If you’re up for the hike, you’ll also need to be cautious about getting in the water. The undercurrent here is strong, and while getting in might be easy, getting out can be tricky. We remember watching people trying to stay on their feet, it was wild. If you do want to take a dip, spend a few minutes watching the waves and how others handle it before going in.
Top tips for visiting Kelingking Beach:
- Arrive early. This is one of Penida’s most popular beaches, so it gets incredibly busy. We arrived just after sunrise and there were already plenty of people around at the top of the cliff and some people on the beach! You could also visit at sunset as it quietens down then, and is a great place to watch sunset in Nusa Penida.
- If you’re hiking down to the beach, start super early to avoid the mid-day and early afternoon heat.
- There are monkeys around on the trail and at the viewpoint. They seemed to be more well-behaved here, but it’s still wise to keep hold of your belongings and don’t keep your sunglasses on the top of your head.
- If you’re hiking down, bring plenty of water. The climb back up is hot! It takes 45-60 minutes to get down and a little longer to get back up.
✅ Tick off Kelingking Beach and many of the other popular things to do in Nusa Penida on this highly-rated full-day east and west coast tour that picks up from Nusa Penida or Bali!
3. Diamond Beach
Next, we have another of the most famous beaches on the island, and probably one of the top things to do in Nusa Penida overall – the epic Diamond Beach. This place is known for its stairs that are carved directly into the cliff face, but more so for the incredible diamond-shaped rock formations that pierce the surface of the ocean and climb high into the sky. It actually took our breath away seeing this place in real life. Photos honestly don’t do it justice, it’s one of those places you just have to see to believe.
This beach is a little like Kelingking in the sense that it is one for the adventurous. It only takes 10 minutes to get down to the beach, but there are a couple of steep and slippery sections that you need to navigate using ropes (on the way back up you need to be able to pull your weight up with the ropes).
However, once you’ve made it down, the beach itself is undeniably beautiful. The long stretch of sand is wide and perfect for a stroll. Also, it’s a little more swimmable than Kelingking Beach, although not much! As with anywhere on Nusa Penida, the waves can be a bit unpredictable with strong undercurrents. On a calm day, you could definitely have a swim. But on other days, you might want to just go up to waist height to cool off.
Top tips for visiting Diamond Beach:
- Come early. It gets super busy here and plenty of people block the stairs while trying to take photos, but that shouldn’t happen if you’re there early.
- Wear trainers or grippy shoes for the climb down and back up, it can be slippery.
- Plan to visit Atuh Beach and Diamond Beach on the same day as there is one entry fee for both.
📸 Head to some of the most picturesque viewpoints and several beaches on this Nusa Penida Instagram tour. You’ll visit Diamond Beach, Atuh Beach, Kelingking Beach and Thousand Islands Viewpoint. Lunch, bottled water, entrance tickets and a return boat ticket from Bali (if needed) are all included.
4. Atuh Beach
Just over the cliff from Diamond Beach, you’ll find Atuh Beach, which is known for its own rock formation – an archway out in the middle of the ocean that you can see from the sand. We think it’s one of the best beaches in Nusa Penida because it’s the perfect escape from the chaos of Diamond Beach. Even though it’s so close to Diamond Beach and entry to both beaches is included in the ticket price, not many people venture down to Atuh Beach.
As with most beaches here, there is a hike down, but this one isn’t too strenuous. There is a relatively steep staircase of just 160 or so steps that take you all the way down – not ropes and no scrambling either.
The beach itself is a crescent shape, that is protected by the cliffs that line each side. The water can still get choppy here, with strong undercurrents too, but you’re more likely to be able to have a relaxing swim here than on many other Nusa Penida beaches. Also, there are a couple of places to grab refreshments and there are sunloungers and umbrellas to rent too.
Top tips for visiting Atuh Beach:
- Bring a towel – the chair rental and umbrellas are quite pricey here.
- Don’t visit at low tide. Check the tide times before coming here, at low tide the beach doesn’t look great and you won’t be able to swim.
- Visit Diamond Beach first, followed by Atuh Beach.
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5. Suwehan Beach
Suwehan Beach is strikingly similar to the incredibly popular Diamond Beach, but it’s much less visited, which is why it makes our list of best beaches in Nusa Penida. Backed by steep white cliffs, with strikingly blue waters and wonderful rock formations that burst out of the ocean – it’s a great spot to appreciate the landscapes and beaches of Nusa Penida without the huge crowds.
Getting down to Suwehan Beach is a bit of a workout with down some steep stairs, but it only takes 20 minutes and, thankfully, there are handrails to help you along.
Top tips for visiting Suwehan Beach:
- The beach disappears at high tide, so check tide times and avoid high tide or don’t come at all.
- The road down is rocky and sketchy in places, so take it slow.
- You don’t have to pay for parking and the entrance is free.
6. Tembeling Beach and Natural Pools
If Tembeling were just the beach, you probably wouldn’t consider it one of the best ones to visit, because the beach itself isn’t hugely impressive. It’s mainly rocky, with a few small stretches of sand, and the ocean tends to be too rough to swim. However, what makes it worth it is the two natural pools – one of which is right on the beach! The first pool, which is larger, deeper, and better for swimming isn’t a couple of minutes walk from the beach, but it’s tucked in a beautiful canyon and forest, surrounded by cliffs and trees. The beachfront pool is shallow and has a bench built into it, making it perfect for cooling off and relaxing.
Getting to Tembeling Beach is the main challenge. There are a few options. You can take a 30-40 minute hike from the road. You can ride your scooter to a smaller parking area that leaves a 5-10 minute walk down some steps to the beach. Or, you can get a scooter taxi with a local to that same parking area.
Even though we’re pretty confident on scooters, we played it safe and went for the local scooter taxi. It was the best decision ever because there are sheer drops on either side! The path down here is only wide enough for one scooter, and the road is super bumpy with drop offs, Tourists regularly crash their scooters here.
Top tips for visiting Tembeling Beach and Natural Pools:
- Negotiate on price for the scooter taxi. Some people pay as little as 75k IDR for a return trip, while others report paying 150k!
- Don’t risk driving the track unless you are an incredibly confident and experienced rider.
- There are no amenities at the beach, so buy water and any other refreshments from the small warung near the scooter taxi stand.
💦 On this full-day private tour that includes pick-up in Bali (if needed), you visit Tembeling Natural Pools and a few of the other best beaches in Nusa Penida, including Diamond Beach and Atuh Beach. You also make a stop at Thousand Islands Viewpoint.
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7. Pandan Beach
If you’re after a secluded beach with dreamy white sand and beautiful blue water, Pandan Beach is easily one of the best beaches in Nusa Penida for just that. You’d think a place this gorgeous would be packed, but it’s surprisingly quiet – probably because it’s only accessible by a little hidden coastal trail, starting at Crystal Bay. To be honest, Pandan is one of Nusa Penida’s best hidden gems and we really hope it stays a secret from the masses for a long time.
To find it, head to the southern end of Crystal Bay, where you’ll see a staircase and a sign for Pandan Beach. Follow the trail for about 15 minutes and boom, you’ll arrive in paradise. It’s got the same secluded vibe as Hidden Beach in Nusa Lembongan – instead of the busyness and crowds at Crystal Bay, you’ll find just a single drink shack, some loungers and umbrellas. Most of the time, you’ll have the beach almost entirely to yourself.
Top tips for visiting Pandan Beach:
- The trail is well-marked and easy to follow – you’ll be fine in sandals.
- Head back to Crystal Bay before sunset – you don’t want to be hiking through the trail after dark.
- Bring some snacks and water if you’re going to spend a few hours here (the drinks shack may not be open).
8. Broken Beach
Broken Beach is one of the most popular spots, and we’ve ranked it as one of the best beaches in Nusa Penida, even though you can’t get down to the beach or have a swim. But, hear us out because you should definitely visit. This place is incredibly unique, you’ll find yourself standing atop a cliff, looking down at a giant gaping hole. However, at the bottom of that hole are clear azure waters and a tiny little beach.
Also, there is a natural bridge that has been formed by years of ocean erosion. Honestly, it’s unlikely you’ll have ever seen anything like Broken Beach before.
As you might expect, this place gets incredibly busy. People on day trips from Bali flock here, and you’ll often find yourself waiting to get near the cliff’s edge or to get photos. We came here twice, once for sunset and once during the day. At sunset, there were only two other people there! So we definitely recommend it if you’re looking for sunset spots in Penida.
Top tips for visiting Broken Beach:
- Come early or late, the crowds here get pretty intense.
- There is no way to access to beach, this isn’t somewhere you’re going to swim and relax, it’s more of a sightseeing mission.
- Visit Angel’s Billabong at the same time as Broken Beach.
🚕 Hire a highly recommended private driver for the day and explore Nusa Penida at your own pace. Choose a prepared-for-you itinerary or create your own custom schedule, so you get to see all of the best beaches and things to do.
9. Gamat Bay
Gamat Bay is one of the best beaches in Nusa Penida for snorkelling. The reef here is beautiful and full of tropical fish – it’s one of the stops for most of the snorkelling tours in Nusa Penida. This is a beautiful beach, however, it is difficult to access if you don’t know where you’re going. Chances are, you’ll have the beach to yourself since most people will be snorkelling from boats. It feels like a rugged, deserted island.
Most people access Gamat Bay by boat, but if you’d rather go by land, here’s how. Head towards Crystal Bay and Gamat Bay. At a small fork in the road, take the right road marked by a green sign indicating Gamat Bay, 1 km away. Keep going until it becomes rough, then continue to until you see a sign for Pantai Gamat. Park your scooter and walk downhill on the path for 10 minutes. Look for a small path on the left, about 20 meters before the end, which will lead you to the beach in about 5 minutes.
Top tips for visiting Gamat Bay:
- The easiest way to access Gamat Bay is by boat on a snorkelling trip.
- The reefs here are teeming with colourful fish and it’s one of the best snorkelling spots on Nusa Penida.
- Finding Gamat Bay from land can be challenging, but it’s not impossible.
🚤 Visit Gamat Bay on this snorkelling tour from Bali. You’ll stop at three of the most famous snorkelling spots in Nusa Penida – Gamat Bay, Manta Bay and Crystal Bay. Transfers and a beachside lunch are included in the all-day tour.
Does Nusa Penida Have Nice Beaches?
Yes! The beaches in Nusa Penida are some of the most beautiful beaches we’ve ever seen. Powdery white sand, clear blue waters and jaw-dropping limestone cliffs – that’s pretty much the vibe here. The island stayed off the tourist map for ages, so some beaches are still a bit hidden and hard to reach, but that’s what makes Penida’s beaches so epic.
Is it Possible to Swim in Nusa Penida?
Yes! The best beaches in Nusa Penida for swimming are Crystal Bay and Pandan Beach. These crescent-shaped beaches are on the west coast and within walking distance of each other. Other beaches, like Atuh Beach and Diamond Beach, are swimmable on some days, but for guaranteed swimming head to Crystal Bay and Pandan Beach.
What is the Most Accessible Beach in Nusa Penida?
Crystal Bay is the most accessible beach in Nusa Penida. The parking area is right on the beach, there is no long sweaty hike, and there are plenty of amenities to keep you fuelled for a full day at the beach.
Which is better, Kelingking Beach or Diamond Beach?
This is a tough one because both are awesome but in different ways. Kelingking Beach is that famous T-Rex-shaped cliff, but getting down to the beach is a serious hike and the waves can be intense. Diamond Beach is a bit easier to access, with its short steep staircase carved into the cliff, and you’ll find stunning views here too, but the waves can be rough. Both Kelingking Beach and Diamond Beach can be seen from the top though, you don’t need to hike down to either of them. If you’re after jaw-dropping scenery and don’t mind a bit of a workout, both are definitely worth a visit – just don’t count on a swim at either.
Which Side of Nusa Penida is best?
It depends on what you’re after! The west side of Nusa Penida is great if you want easy-to-reach beaches where it’s possible to swim, like Crystal Bay and Pandan Beach. But if you’re up for a bit of adventure, the east side has epic spots like Diamond Beach and Atuh Beach, where the views are next-level amazing.
How Long Should You Spend in Nusa Penida?
Between 2 – 5 days is best for a visit to Nusa Penida. We spent a total of 5 days in Nusa Penida (3 full days) and were able to visit most of the beaches and things to do across the island. Nusa Penida gets incredibly busy during the day – people come for day trips from Bali – so the best time to experience the island is early morning and in the evening, so definitely spend at least one night here.
Nusa Penida Travel Essentials
Now you’ve planned which of the best beaches in Nusa Penida you’re going to visit, let’s make sure your trip is smooth and safe.
First things first, have you thought about how you’ll get to Nusa Penida?
⛴️ To get from other islands like Bali to Nusa Penida, you need to get a ferry. And it’s highly recommended to book your ferry tickets at least 2-3 days in advance. We used 12go.Asia to check the ferry times and book our tickets.
😴 Still need a place to stay? You can book your accommodation in Nusa Penida here. We stayed at Kamasan Cottage and it was by far one of our favourite accommodations in Bali. It’s worth a mention just for it’s location – close to the harbour but far enough out that it’s super peaceful and surrounded by nature. The host is extremely friendly, the rooms are very clean and breakfast on the balcony every morning (at any time we asked) was such a special touch. I’m trying to find fault, but I just can’t – every aspect of our stay was amazing.
✋ And don’t forget about travel insurance. It’s super important to be covered for any unexpected events. Grab your travel insurance here.
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