Just off the southeast coast of Bali, you’ll find the little island of Nusa Penida. Over recent years, it’s become an incredibly popular destination thanks to famous landmarks like Kelingking Beach and Diamond Beach. However, there are so many more things to do in Nusa Penida than just the beaches. Although much of the island is still undeveloped (which is a good thing), you’ll still find plenty to do.
You’d actually think that at just 200 square kilometres (78 square miles), there wouldn’t be a lot to see and do. However, we spent 5 days here and still didn’t manage to squeeze in everything we wanted to. So, in this complete travel guide, we’ve put all of the best things to do in Nusa Penida in one place, so you don’t have to spend endless hours planning and researching.
The Best Things to Do in Nusa Penida
1. Broken Beach
Although we said there are more things to do in Nusa Penida than visit the beaches, we’re going to start with a beach. That being said, Broken Beach isn’t somewhere where you can lay down a towel, soak up the sun and take a dip in the ocean. In fact, you can’t even get down to the sand of Broken Beach.
This incredible beach showcases the power and unpredictability of nature. The unique rock formations have been created by endless years of erosion, leaving a natural bridge and a vast hole in the ground that reveals Broken Beach below.
This is one of the most popular things to do in Nusa Penida, with day-trippers, tour guides and photographers prioritising stopping here. It is best to arrive super early, around sunrise or just after. If you do, you might also get a glimpse of some Manta Rays swimming beneath you which is awesome to witness. It’s also a beautiful sunset spot as all the day-trippers tend to leave by 4-5pm and it’s pretty quiet from then onwards.
Entry Cost: 5k IDR (combined with Angel’s Billabong)
🚕 We recommend renting a scooter or booking a driver for the day and planning your own itinerary to visit popular places like this early in the morning or late afternoon.
2. Angel’s Billabong
We’ve put Angel’s Billabong next on the list of the best things to do in Nusa Penida because it is right next to Broken Beach, so you should visit them at the same time or as part of a tour of the west coast. Angel’s Billabong is another natural phenomenon caused by the power of the ocean. Over time, the crashing waves that come tumbling over the cliff have formed a natural infinity pool. We thought this spot was incredibly unique, but you don’t need long here.
You can climb down to the pool, but you do so at your own risk. When the tide is low, you should be fine and the waves don’t break into the pool. However, at high tide, there are videos of people being swept into the rocks and seriously injured.
You should park at Broken Beach, and take the around 200m walk to Angel’s Billabong. Follow the path around Broken Beach (it’s a loop so you can go either way), you’ll see the path fork just after the last warung.
Entry Cost: 5k IDR (combined with Broken Beach)
3. Thousand Islands Viewpoint & Rumah Pohon Treehouse
This spot combines two iconic attractions in one! You’ve probably seen that famous little treehouse that everyone’s got in their Bali photos – that’s Rumah Pohon Treehouse. But there’s more to this place than just the treehouse. There’s a scenic trail with breathtaking cliff-top views at Thousand Islands Viewpoint. It’s a regular stop on the Nusa Penida Instagram tours, so if you’re on the hunt for those perfect photo spots, you’ll definitely want to check it out!
Although the viewpoint and treehouse are in the same area, you have to pay separately (75k IDR) to get a picture at the treehouse. Personally, we decided to skip it because the line was long and you only get about 2 minutes to take your shot. We ended up spending about an hour exploring Thousand Islands Viewpoint instead, and when we left most of the same people in the queue were still waiting!
Entry Cost: 25k IDR (includes a bottle of water)
Cost for a picture at Rumah Treehouse: 75k IDR
🎒 Tip: Diamond Beach is just a quick 5-10 drive from here, so it’s a good idea to visit both spots together. You can easily do this on the Nusa Penida Instagram tour or book a full-day tour (with pick up from Nusa Penida or Bali).
4. Kelingking Beach, the T-Rex
Kelingking Beach, also known as T-Rex Beach has become a hugely popular place – probably down to it being so Instagrammable from above. It’s also another one of the popular things to do in Nusa Penida, so we’d suggest getting up early for this one. We arrived not long after sunrise and there were already 20 or so people around at the top of the cliff.
Kelingking truly is surreal. The way the daunting cliffs plunge into turquoise waters and wrap around the beach below, it makes it look like a tiny dot of sand. The trail leading down to the beach hugs the cliffside – it’s amazing to see, but the trek is not for the faint-hearted. It takes around an hour to get down, with the last part of the route being a bit of a scramble.
If you’re up for the hike, we recommend doing it as early as possible (before the sun gets too hot). Spend some time enjoying the beach, but start your ascent back to the top before the sun comes up over the cliff – the climb is a killer in the midday heat!
Top Tip: The waves and undercurrent are dangerously strong at Kelingking Beach, so it’s not safe to swim. People have been swept away before, so don’t take any chances.
Entry Cost: Free (5k IDR for parking)
✅ Tick off Kelingking Beach and several other best things to do in Nusa Penida on this full-day east and west coast tour with a return boat to Bali.
5. Tembeling Beach, Forest and Natural Pools
Ok, now we’re going to move on to one of the lesser-known things to do in Nusa Penida, and probably one of our favourites. How does two pools filled with natural spring water on a quiet beach sound? Well, that’s what you get at Tembeling Forest. One pool is elevated from the beach, surrounded by rocks, cliffs and greenery – this is the first one you arrive at and is a better pool for swimming. The second is on the beach itself – it’s shallower and a better spot for relaxing and watching the waves crash in. It takes about 2 minutes to walk between the pools.
The beach itself isn’t ideal for swimming due to its strong waves, but it’s peaceful compared to other beaches in Nusa Penida, and there are two swings perfectly positioned to just sit and soak in the incredible surroundings.
Getting down to Tembeling Beach is a bit of an adventure. The single-track path winds through the forest, and then it’s a 10-minute descent down steep steps. If you’re on a scooter, we strongly advise against riding down. The path is narrow and steep, and has sheer drops on both sides. Locals will take you on the back of their scooter, they’ll be waiting at the entrance. Expect to negotiate prices ranging from 75k to 150k IDR for a round trip.
If you prefer to walk, it’ll take around 30-45 minutes each way, and trust us, it’s a serious workout on the way back up. We opted to go down with a local driver for 100k IDR, which was worth it. You just have to negotiate the price with them and only pay what you deem fair.
Entry Cost: 10k IDR
Scooter Taxi: 75k – 150k IDR (negotiate for the best price)
🎒 If you prefer to visit without any hassle, it’s worth booking a tour to Tembeling Beach and Forest.
6. Peguyangan Waterfall and the Blue Stairs
If you haven’t heard of this otherworldly spot in Nusa Penida, you’re not alone. Most people skip it in favour of Kelingking and Diamond Beach or don’t know about it at all. But if you’re up for an adrenaline rush, Peguyangan Waterfall is a whole experience that will push your nerves but reward you with some of the most breathtaking views in Penida.
The waterfall and its stunning infinity pools are tucked away at the bottom of a huge, sheer cliff. To reach them, you’ll have to conquer the famous blue stairs – 700(!) narrow, steep steps that cling precariously to the side of the cliff. Some sections are corroded, and in places, all you can see below is the ocean below!
But at the bottom, the payoff is incredible: infinity pools formed by spring water cascading over rocks and flowing straight into the sea, with uninterrupted views of the open ocean. There’s also a hidden temple here, Pura Segara Kidul & Guyangan, and locals regularly trek down for rituals and offerings. This is honestly such a unique place to visit.
If you’re scared of heights or not up for a serious leg workout, this might not be for you. The climb down takes about 20 minutes, and getting back up is easily twice as long. Bring plenty of water, as the sun is intense, and there’s almost no shade along the way.
Entry Cost: Entrance is free (parking costs 5k IDR and an additional 15k IDR to rent a sarong)
Top Tip: Check the tide times before coming and watch out for giant waves that sometimes crash over the edges of the pools.
7. Crystal Bay
Crystal Bay is the most swimmable beach on the island and it’s incredibly easy to access (no strenuous hikes or steps), so it has to be on our list of best things to do in Nusa Penida. Tucked away on the west side of the island, there isn’t much else in the area surrounding Crystal Bay, so it’s quite surprising that so many people come here, but once you’ve seen it, you’ll know why.
The waters are clear and calm, making them great for swimming and snorkelling (this is a popular spot to visit on a snorkelling tour). Also, there are plenty of warungs and beach bars lining the beach, making it an awesome place for lunch, dinner or just drinks.
If you’re wanting a bit of a chilled day and trying to find somewhere to spend it, then Crystal Bay is a great choice as there are plenty of sun loungers, umbrellas, and everything you need for a relaxing day at the beach.
Entry Cost: Free (parking costs 5k IDR)
💭 Did you know: If you’re planning to visit Nusa Penida from Bali, you can book a day trip with transfers which includes pick up from your accommodation in Bali, transfers and private transport and tour guide on Nusa Penida.
8. Snorkelling with Manta Rays Morning Tour
Did you know that Nusa Penida is home to a huge population of Manta Rays? Swimming with them in their natural habitat is one of the main reasons many people actually visit this island. There are a few spots around Penida where Manta Rays are often spotted, most notably Manta Point and Manta Bay. Manta Bay is the one you can see from the cliffs of Broken Beach. To visit Manta Point, you’ll have to take a snorkelling trip.
The chances of seeing Manta Rays are almost guaranteed – they are here year-round. However, in typical Lauren and Jack fashion, we didn’t see a single manta ray on our snorkelling trip (the weather conditions weren’t ideal), but we did love the snorkelling at Gamat Bay!
Heading out on a snorkelling or diving trip is definitely one of the things to do in Nusa Penida that you can’t miss. As well as Manta Rays, you’ll likely see turtles, plenty of tropical fish and maybe even sea snakes.
Tip: Book a private boat tour, for secluded snorkelling and beaches. It’s more of a splurge, but we found the chaos of big, busy boats and tons of people in the water ruined the experience. If we were to do this again, we would definitely opt for a private tour rather than a group one.
🤿 Book your private snorkelling trip with Manta Rays here (beachside lunch included).
🚤 If you’re coming from Bali, book this private snorkelling trip from Bali here.
9. Diamond Beach
Diamond Beach, like Kelingking Beach, has gained huge popularity because of how seriously picturesque it is. With steep white cliffs backing the beach, and huge diamond-shaped rock formations piercing out of the water, it’s hard to argue that this is one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.
What’s great about Diamond Beach is that the walk and climb down only takes around 10 minutes. It isn’t too bad at all, but there are a couple of tricky sections where you’ll need to use ropes to steady yourself. It’s worth it, though. Just be prepared to do a little bit of rock climbing on the way back up!
As with most of the beaches in this part of Nusa Penida, the water can be rough. We didn’t see any people swimming, but there were a few who braved the shallow waters and breaking waves for a bit of a cool-off before climbing back up.
If you’re craving a swim, head over to nearby Atuh Beach afterwards. The water’s calmer and you can grab a snack or drink for a more relaxed beach day vibe.
Tips for Visiting Diamond Beach:
- Get there early – it gets packed quickly, and you’ll want to avoid the crowd clogging up the stairs with photo shoots.
- Entry fee – 35k IDR + 5k parking (includes Diamond Beach and Atuh Beach)
- Wear good shoes – the path can be slippery, so stick to trainers or anything with a decent grip.
- Combine with Atuh Beach – you can hit both in one day since there’s a single entry fee for both beaches.
📸 Capture the best of Nusa Penida on this Instagram tour. Explore Diamond Beach, Atuh Beach, Kelingking Beach, Thousand Islands Viewpoint, and more. The tour includes lunch, drinks, entrance tickets and a return boat ride from Bali (if you need it).
10. Atuh Beach
In the same area as Diamond Beach, you’ll find Atuh Beach, one of the most accessible beaches on the island and more like a beach where you can sit, spend some time and have a swim. A huge bonus is entry here is included in the ticket to Diamond Beach, so you don’t have to shell out twice.
There are around 200 steep steps down, but unlike Diamond Beach, there are no sketchy areas and rope climbing. It takes around 10-15 minutes to make it to the shore and the hike back up is pretty tiring, but definitely worth it.
Most Nusa Penida beaches are empty, but Atuh Beach has some amenities which is another reason why it’s a good spot for a day at the beach. You’ll also find a few cosy beach huts along the sand, where you can grab cold drinks lounge chairs and umbrellas. However, renting sun loungers is pretty pricey at 100k IDR per person – we’d recommend trying to negotiate on this price.
Tips for Visiting Atuh Beach:
- Don’t visit at low tide – it isn’t swimmable and the beach becomes very rocky and not very pretty.
- Sometimes, the waves and undercurrent can be strong, so be wary when swimming.
- The entry cost is 35k IDR + 5k Parking (includes Diamond Beach and Atuh Beach).
11. Goa Giri Putri Temple
Goa Giri Putri Temple has to be one of the most unique things to do in Nusa Penida. As part of your time in Bali and the Nusa Islands, you’ll probably be fitting in a few of the most popular temples like Besakih Temple, however, we can guarantee nothing quite compares to Goa Giri Putri Temple. Built inside the largest cave in Nusa Penida, this place is mesmerising.
The temple is made up of a walkway that leads through the cave and is lined with shrines. This path eventually opens up to a huge cavern, where you’ll find the main shrines and worshipping area.
It’s a bit of a tight squeeze between some rocks to get into the cave, so if you’re claustrophobic, maybe give this one a miss.
Tip: This temple is a bit off out of the way, located on remote the northeast coast of Nusa Penida, so we suggest either hiring a private driver or renting a scooter to reach it.
Entry Cost: Donation based
12. Pandan Beach
Are you someone who likes a hidden gem of a beach? A small cove with white sand that you might have all to yourself? Well, you’re going to want to know about Pandan Beach. The reason this place is quiet is because it’s not the easiest to get here. You have to head to Crystal Bay, and then it’s a 15-20 minute walk over the hill to Pandan Beach.
To find the path, head to the southern end of Crystal Bay, and you’ll see a staircase with a sign for Pandan Beach between the trees. The path is clear and easy to follow. There is no entry fee for Pandan Beach, although you will have to pay to park at Crystal Bay. Also, don’t expect as many amenities. There’s a single drinks shack and a few loungers and umbrellas.
But, do amenities really matter when you’re only sharing the beach with a handful of people? And, as a bonus, the sand and water are better than Crystal Bay!
Entry Cost: Free (paid parking at Crystal Bay)
13. Banah Cliff Point
If you’re looking for free things to do in Nusa Penida and something that is a hidden gem, then Banah Cliff Point is the place for you. Located on the southwest coast of the island, this viewpoint and coastal walk has jaw-dropping views of the ocean, surrounding cliffs and the famous arched rock formation rising out of the water.
One of the best things about Banah Cliff Point is that it still flies under the radar compared to Nusa Penida’s more popular spots. You’ll often have the place almost entirely to yourself (and that’s on a busy day). The walk along the cliffs is fairly easy, making it a perfect place to take in the views and get some beautiful photos.
If you’re into sunsets, Banah Cliff Point is one of the best sunset spots in Nusa Penida. The arched rock and cliffs completely light up and watching the sun dip below the horizon with no crowds around is a really special experience.
Entry Cost: Free.
14. Take a Day Trip to Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan
If you aren’t planning on visiting Nusa Lembongan or Nusa Ceningan for a few days, then you should definitely add them to your Nusa Penida itinerary. You can hop on a local boat in Nusa Penida, and in around 10 minutes, you’ll be in Nusa Lembongan.
You might be thinking, why are you adding another island to the best things to do in Nusa Penida? Well, Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan have a completely different vibe. You thought Penida was small – wait until you see Lembongan and Ceningan. They are quieter and more idyllic paradise-like islands than Nusa Penida.
Here are some things to do in Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan:
- Cross the famous Yellow Bridge (Bridge of Love)
- Visit the seaweed farms
- Explore the best beaches
- Go cliff jumping at Mahana Point Cliff
- Take a mangrove kayak tour
- Spend time at a beach club
- Watch the waves exploding at Devil’s Tears
🎒 Book a day trip to Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan here.
15. Teletubbies Hill
As its name suggests, this place looks like something straight out of the show. The soft, rolling hills covered in green grass make for an awesome viewpoint, particularly around sunset time when the entire area glows in golden light.
This isn’t a spot you’d make a special trip for because it really is just a quick photo opportunity. There’s not really anything else to do here. So, don’t plan to go out of your way (unless you’re a Teletubbies superfan). But if you’re passing by on your way to other things to do in Nusa Penida like Atuh Beach or Diamond Beach, it’s definitely worth a quick stop.
Entry Cost: Free.
Fun fact: during the rainy season, the hills are a vibrant green, but in the dry season, they turn a yellowish-brown, giving the place a completely different look.
16. Catch Some Killer Sunsets
Nusa Penida’s got some of the most unreal sunsets you’ll ever see. With massive cliffs and views stretching over Nusa Lembongan, Ceningan, and even Bali, it’s pretty much the perfect place to kick back and watch the sun dip into the ocean. Honestly, it might not sound too adventurous, but watching the sunset is easily one of the best things to do on the island.
Some of our go-to spots:
- Banah Cliff Point – cliff viewpoint that you’ll probably have to yourself.
- Kelingking Beach Viewpoint – the famous T-Rex view with the sun setting over the cliffs is hard to beat.
- AMARTA Penida – a cosy clifftop restaurant with bean bags, pool and a Balinese Split Gate.
- Crystal Bay – a more relaxed vibe with beachside warungs and bars, palm trees and a calm sea for swimming.
Read more: 7 Best Places to Watch a Stunning Nusa Penida Sunset
17. Paluang Cliff
Paluang Cliff is a fun little spot with awesome views and some random props for those Instagram shots. You’ll find makeshift boats, swings, love hearts and hands – yeah, it is kind of random, but it works if you’re looking for that quintessential Bali photo.
It’s located only 5 minutes from Kelingking Beach, and the view from Paluang is of the ‘back’ of the T-Rex cliff and surrounding ocean. However, we will say, this spot is a lot more chilled out compared to the chaos you’ll find at Kelingking. You might have to wait a bit for your turn on some of the props, but it’s all pretty well organised and the staff are super friendly.
There’s a small temple called Pura Paluang (Car Temple) right next door. If you haven’t seen a Balinese temple yet, it’s worth a quick peek while you’re at Paluang Cliff.
Entry Cost: 30k IDR (free parking)
How to Get Around Nusa Penida
You can get around Nusa Penida by car or scooter but we’d highly recommend using a scooter if you’re a confident rider. It can get incredibly busy in Nusa Penida, particularly with people coming over for day trips from Bali. Most of these people tend to hire drivers for the day and roads get incredibly busy, particularly around the harbour.
The worst part is that many of the roads in Nusa Penida aren’t built for cars (one local we met told us that before 2016 there were hardly any cars on the island). The streets are narrow and cars are unable to pass each other. In many places, cars have had to go off the edge of the road, which has caused the road to fall away, and created huge potholes everywhere.
The business and poor conditions of the roads mean it takes a long time to get anywhere on this small island, particularly in a car. If you’re on a scooter, you’ll mostly avoid the busy areas and be able to navigate around the traffic if you need to.
Is Nusa Penida Worth Visiting?
Yes! There are some amazing things to do in Nusa Penida and we’d definitely recommend visiting the island. The landscapes here are nothing like you’ll have ever experienced. The huge white cliffs set against a backdrop of deep blue and turquoise waters are honestly breathtaking. Plus, where else can you swim with wild manta rays? Nusa Penida’s got it all and you definitely shouldn’t pass up on the opportunity to visit.
How Many Days Should You Spend in Nusa Penida?
2-4 days is probably the perfect amount of time to spend in Nusa Penida. Overall, we spent 5 days here (4 full days) and we managed to see pretty much all the highlights. The main reason we recommend staying at least 2 nights is because although it’s small, the island’s must-see spots are spread out so you’ll need at least two days to really experience it. Plus, the mornings and late afternoons are when the island is at its best – before the day-trippers flood in around 9am, and after they have left around 4pm. That’s when you get to experience the real magic of Nusa Penida.
How to Get to Nusa Penida From Bali
The fastest and most reliable way to get to Nusa Penida from Bali is to book a fast boat ticket with 12go.Asia (we recommend booking your ferry tickets at least 2-3 days in advance). These ferries depart Sanur Harbour and take around 35-40 minutes to get to Nusa Penida.
Booking them online is much easier than doing it in person and you’ll know you’re paying the right price. On 12go.Asia, you can see all of the companies operating ferries, timetables and prices. When you arrive at the harbour, you’ll just show your booking confirmation at the check-in desk and receive your boarding pass.
Tip: Most guided tours to Nusa Penida include boat transfers, which is another reliable option to get there.
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