Nusa Penida has beautiful beaches and spectacular cliffs but the roads are pretty crazy. You may want to hire a car with private driver to explore the island safely.
Visiting all the best spots in Nusa Penida requires at least 3 days. Here is a sample itinerary that covers the highlights of this gorgeous island:.
Day 1
The first stop on a day trip to Nusa Penida is Kelingking Beach. This beautiful beach is a must-see for any visitor to the island, and it is definitely worth braving the steep hike up to the cliff-top viewpoint to take some photos. The beach itself is a beautiful white sand beach with blue water, and there are plenty of opportunities to swim in the sea or in one of the natural pools on the cliff-top.
Next up is Pasih Uug or Broken Beach. This beach is a little less scenic than Kelingking, but it is still a pretty cool place to visit and it is nice to get away from the crowds at Kelingking. The water here is a bit rougher and it can be dangerous to swim in, but there are also some good snorkeling spots in the area.
Finally, we headed to Angel’s Billabong which is another great spot to check out on the island. This is a small natural pool in the middle of a rocky beach with some pretty cool rocks and formations. It’s a good place to go for some snorkeling as there are some really cool fish and coral around the water.
It is important to note that the weather on the island can be very windy and rainy at times, so be prepared for this if you are planning to do any tours of the island. It is also a good idea to bring some snacks and water to keep you hydrated while on the island.
Day 2
The second day on Nusa Penida will be all about exploring the eastern side of the island. This area is very different than the western side and has plenty of amazing things to do! Kelingking Cliff is probably the most popular attraction in this area as it is a beautiful T-Rex shaped rock that sticks out over the ocean. The cliff is absolutely breathtaking and there is also a path that leads down to the beach. The hike down is a bit of a workout and scary, but it is well worth it as the beach is one of the best in Nusa Penida.
Another amazing spot in this area is the Atuh Beach. This is a hidden beach that is surrounded by giant hills and has crystal clear water. There is also a small temple here and it is the perfect place to relax!
Another great activity in this area is the Crystal Bay Snorkeling Tour. This is a must-do for anyone visiting Nusa Penida and is a great way to see marine life! You can book this activity on Klook and it includes a 2 way hotel to boat transfer, as well as a local driver that will take you to all the best spots. I highly recommend this tour if you want to guarantee that you will see the most popular attractions on Nusa Penida!
Day 3
This is the day you’ll get to see all of Nusa Penida’s top attractions! Your guide will collect you from your accommodation and take you to Kelingking Beach, famous for its cliff view that resembles a T-Rex dinosaur. It’s quite a sight and it’s worth taking a few photographs here. However, we recommend that you walk along the trail away from the crowds and find a spot where you can have some privacy to snap your pictures.
Next, you’ll visit the southeastern part of the island to see Angel Bilabong and Broken Beach. These are two of Nusa Penida’s most famous attractions, with one featuring a strip of beach that resembles an arch bridge and the other with a beautiful blue rock pool where you can stroll around and take photos.
There is now a new entrance fee for tourists who are arriving by boat at Nusa Penida, which is good as it stops people just whipping out their wallets at every tourist spot. This ticket also includes entrance to all three of the Nusa islands so it saves you from having to pay a separate fee at each attraction. It’s still best to hire a scooter from the entrepreneurs hanging out at the pier if you’re confident driving on these roads, but if not, your tour guide will be happy to pick you up and take you around for the day.
Day 4
After a long day of hiking and exploring cliffs, it’s time for some snorkeling! This is a popular activity on Nusa Penida and you can book it at most hotels. It’s a great way to see the underwater world of the island and get up close with Giant Manta Rays.
Another must-see spot on Nusa Penida is the incredibly picturesque Kelingking Beach. You’ve probably seen it before from photos online but it is even more stunning in person! It’s a small beach surrounded by huge cliff walls and feels completely secluded. There’s usually a swing set and a lady selling drinks and snacks, making it the perfect place to relax and take in all the views.
Also nearby is a cool coastal formation known as Broken Beach (Pasih Uug). This spot has a leftover arch that makes it a beautiful place for travel photographers to take photos and enjoy the view of the crashing waves in the ocean below. It’s also one of the popular hangout spots for manta rays so you may be lucky enough to see some silhouettes in the water!
Nusa Penida is a kid-friendly destination if you pick the right activities and take everyone’s capabilities into consideration. There are plenty of things to do for kids from ages 6 and up including hiking, swimming, snorkeling, and exploring temples. It’s also a very safe destination and crime is almost unheard of here! nusa penida trip