Nusa Penida is a stunning island located just off the southeastern coast of Bali. Picturesque views often associated with Bali are actually of Nusa Penida. In fact, photos of this island frequently appear when searching for Bali online, which is a testament to its breathtaking beauty. If you’re planning a trip to Bali, adding Nusa Penida to your itinerary is an absolute must.
- Why you Should Visit Nusa Penida
- How to Get to Nusa Penida
- Accommodation Recommendations
- Restaurant Suggestions
- How to Get Around Nusa Penida
- Top Attractions and Activities
- Other Important Information About Bali
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Why you Should Visit Nusa Penida
Visiting Bali without experiencing Nusa Penida is like only tasting half of what Bali has to offer. Kelingking Beach, with its iconic T-Rex-shaped cliff, is just one of the many incredible sights that await you on this island. I spent four nights in Nusa Penida, and I can assure you that every day was filled with unforgettable experiences. Plus, the island has a vibrant culinary scene with numerous excellent restaurants that will not disappoint.
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How to Get to Nusa Penida
There are several ways to reach Nusa Penida, but I’ll share the method I found to be the best:
Head to Sanur Beach Harbour, where you’ll find a variety of companies offering boat services. You’ll have options ranging from one-way tickets to round trips, and from fast boats to slower, larger vessels. A fast boat takes about 30 minutes and costs around 150,000 Indonesian Rupiah (approximately 15 Canadian dollars). While it’s possible to book tickets online, I recommend purchasing them directly at the harbor. This way, you can negotiate prices and avoid the risk of missing your boat, as I did.
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Accommodation Recommendations
While some people may choose to visit Nusa Penida as a day trip only, I chose to spend more time there and enjoy the beauty of the island at my own pace. On the island, you can find all three types of accommodations : Airbnb, hotels and hostels. Exploring the place has a solo budgeting backpacker, I stayed in hostels. This brings me to tell you about my experience at the two places I’ve tried and recommend :
Nuansa Penida Hostel: Located in the west of the island, about 10 minutes from Toyapakeh Harbour, this hostel has a clean pool and well-maintained facilities. It’s more of a social and party-oriented hostel. The staff is friendly, and they offer shuttle services and scooter rentals. However, be prepared for noise from dogs and roosters in the morning. The breakfast is good and included in the price.
The Packer Box Hostel: Situated in the north, about a 15-minute walk from Pelabuhan Penyeberangan Nusa Penida, this smaller hostel offers a quieter experience. The staff is very welcoming, and the facilities are clean and well-kept. Although it’s not as social as larger hostels, I highly recommend it.
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Restaurant Suggestions
During my time on the island, I had the chance to try a variety of excellent restaurants. Nusa Penida’s culinary scene is rapidly growing, reflecting Bali’s “healthy and wellness” atmosphere. Many of the top spots are concentrated in the northern part of the island. Here are some standout options:
The Chill
This restaurant boasts a diverse menu featuring everything from breakfast to pasta, burgers, tacos, and, most importantly, desserts. The lively music and relaxed atmosphere make it a perfect place to spend an afternoon with friends by the pool. While the prices are slightly above average for Nusa Penida, it’s definitely worth a visit!
Mambo Beach Cafe Nusa Penida
Situated right on the beach, Mambo Beach Cafe offers breathtaking sunset views. The charming décor, live music, and excellent cocktails create a delightful experience. The friendly staff and varied menu come at affordable prices, making it a must-visit for at least one evening during your stay.
Warung Forest
If you’re searching for a local dining experience, this is the spot. Known for its “warung” style, Warung Forest has an impressive 4.8-star rating on Google. Their food is delicious, with plenty of vegetarian options. The peaceful atmosphere and friendly couple who run the place add to its charm.
Secret Penida Beach Club
Also located on the beach, this venue offers stunning sunset views, fresh food, and a vibrant atmosphere. Open from 7 AM to 11 PM, they have a wide-ranging menu. Plus, the nice pool is perfect for relaxation.
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How to Get Around Nusa Penida
Nusa Penida is bigger than Gili T but smaller than Bali. So, what’s the best way to get around this beautiful island? Since Nusa Penida is too large to explore on foot and taxi apps like Grab and Gojek are not available, you have two main options: renting a scooter or hiring a private driver for the day.
Renting a Scooter: Scooter rentals are available at various locations across the island. Expect to pay around 100,000 IDR per day, which is similar to Bali, although prices may be slightly higher due to the limited availability on this smaller island.
- Day Trip : If you’re visiting for just a day and have minimal luggage, you can rent a scooter directly at the harbor when you arrive and start your trip from there.
- Longer Stay : If you’re planning to stay on the island for a few days and have more luggage, it’s a good idea to drop off your bags at your accommodation first. If your hostel or hotel is within walking distance, you can easily get there on foot. Alternatively, you can ask a local driver or taxi to take you to your accommodation. Once there, you may be able to rent a scooter directly from your accommodation, or they can guide you to the nearest rental location.
Hiring a Private Driver for the Day: If you’re not comfortable driving a scooter, hiring a private driver is an excellent option.
Jezabel’s Experience: When I took a solo day trip to Nusa Penida, I quickly realized that I wouldn’t be able to use Grab or Gojek to get around. Initially, I was a bit worried, but I quickly found a solution. As soon as I got off the boat, I was approached by several drivers offering taxi services. I spoke to the first driver I saw and arranged for him to be my driver for the day, taking me to the specific places I wanted to visit. We agreed on a price, which I negotiated down to 220,000 IDR for the entire day. Note that this was for a scooter taxi, not a car. He stayed with me the whole day, and I ended up having an amazing time exploring the island.
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Top Attractions and Activities
Nusa Penida is packed with activities, so it’s important to plan ahead, especially if you’re only spending a day on the island. Here are the main attractions that are worth your time and money on the east, north, and west coasts:
East Coast
Thousand Islands Viewpoint
There’s no entrance fee, but parking costs 10,000 Indonesian Rupiah. It’s a 10-minute walk to the end of the path, which offers stunning photo opportunities. This viewpoint is particularly popular for its picturesque huts and heart-shaped wooden frames, although there’s a fee to take photos at these spots. Arrive early to avoid crowds and capture the best shots.
Diamond Beach
Diamond Beach is arguably the most beautiful beach on Nusa Penida. The view as you descend to the beach is nothing short of spectacular. Be prepared for a steep climb down and back up, but the effort is well worth it. It takes about 20 minutes each way. Arrive early to enjoy a swim before the high tide rolls in. The entrance fee is 10,000 Indonesian Rupiah, and parking is 5,000 Indonesian Rupiah.
North Coast
Goa Giri Putri Temple
This temple is situated inside one of Nusa Penida’s largest caves. Remember to be respectful when visiting this sacred site. The entrance fee is 50,000 Indonesian Rupiah, and they provide free water before you enter the temple. The temple is located halfway up a hill, with free parking available across the road. This temple is definitely worth a visit.
West Coast
Angel Billabong
Angel Billabong is a natural infinity pool where you can swim, but be cautious of the waves and tides. It’s best to visit early in the day to avoid the crowds. The parking fee for Angel Billabong and Broken Beach is 5,000 Indonesian Rupiah.
Broken Beach
Broken Beach is famous for its unique rock formation and circular bay. A walk around the bay takes about 15 minutes. Again, visiting early is recommended to fully enjoy the scenery without the crowd. There’s no entrance fee, just the parking fee mentioned above.
Kelingking Beach & Viewpoint
This is arguably the most famous beach in Nusa Penida, if not in Bali as a whole. Most people take photos from the top of the stairs, but if you’re up for it, the hike down takes 40 to 60 minutes. The views are breathtaking, but it’s best to go early to avoid the midday crowds. There’s no entrance fee, and parking costs 5,000 Indonesian Rupiah.
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Other Important Information About Bali
Since most people visit Nusa Penida as part of a broader trip to Bali, there’s essential information you should know that also applies to the main island. To learn more about the best time to visit, local culture and etiquette, currency and payments, safety and health, visa requirements, and travel insurance, make sure to check out the Bali Travel Guide.
What’s Next?
Now that you know everything about Nusa Penida, it’s time to plan your trip! Here are some articles that could be helpful :
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