Nusa Penida is an island located to the right of Bali. A lot of people see pictures of Nusa Penida and think it’s in Bali. Pictures of that island will come out on the internet when you search Bali before actual Bali pictures. This tells you that visiting this neighbouring island is a must to add to your Bali itinerary.
Why go to Nusa Penida
Like I just told you, you can’t say you went to Bali if you didn’t visit Nusa Penida. Kelingking Beach should be at the top of your priorities. And there’s so much more to see than just the famous T-Rex. I spent 4 nights in Nusa Penida and let me tell you I never had an empty day. + there are so many good restaurants, you won’t be disappointed.
How to get there
There is more than one option, but I will only share the best one in my opinion. Go to the Sanur Beach Harbour, there will be many options there. Different companies with different prices. Options between one way or back and forth. There are fast boats or slower bigger boats. A fast boat takes about 30 minutes and is around 150k Indonesian rupiah.
You can also book your ticket online, but this way you won’t be able to negotiate, and you might (like me) miss your boat. It is simpler and safer to get there and buy your ticket.
What to do
There are so many activities to do in Nusa Penida. Since most people only spend 1 day on the island, you need to choose ahead of time your activities. Here are the main ones worth your money all around the island:
Diamond Beach
Without a doubt, Diamond Beach is my favourite beach in Nusa Penida. The view while going to the beach is incredible. Be aware you will need to go down many stairs (and up) and do a little bit of parkour, but it is 100% worth it. It takes about 20 minutes each way. Try to go early, so you have time to swim because of the high tide. The entrance fee is 10k Indonesian rupiah & the parking fee is 5k Indonesian rupiah.
Thousand Islands Viewpoint
There is no entrance fee, but there is a 10k Indonesian rupiah parking fee. It takes about 10 minutes to go to the end of the path, which is free. In my opinion, it’s the best spot to take pictures, and you don’t need to pay. There are a lot of steps, so be ready to sweat on your way up. There are also multiple options to take pictures on the path like in a hut or a wood heart, but you need to pay for them. Try to go as early as possible, so there are not many people.
Goa Giri Putri Temple
It’s a temple built in one of the biggest caves of Nusa Penida. Be respectful!! The entrance fee is 50k Indonesian rupiah. You get free water before entering the temple. Goa Giri Putri Temple is located halfway on the hill. You can park for free on the other side of the road. Definitely worth the visit.
Broken Beach
Broken Beach is one of the most popular spots in Nusa Penida due to its rock formation and the hollow circular bay. You can walk around the bay, and it takes about 15 minutes. Try to go early so it’s not too crowded and you can still enjoy your day. There’s no entrance fee, but Broken Beach and Angel Billabong parking is 5k Indonesian rupiah.
Angel Billabong
Angel Billabong is a natural infinity pool. You can swim in it, but be careful with the waves and the tide. There are a lot of people if you go in the afternoon. You have access from Broken Beach. There’s no entrance fee, but Angel Billabong and Broken Beach parking is 5k Indonesian rupiah.
Kelingking Beach (& viewpoint)
The most famous beach in Nusa Penida, even in Bali I would say. The pictures are usually taken from the top of the stairs. It takes about 40 to 60 minutes to go all the way down. There’s no entrance fee, but the parking is 5k Indonesian rupiah. Try to go early so it’s not too crowded and you can still enjoy your day.
Where to eat
Most of Nusa Penida’s best places to eat are located in the north of the island. Here are my favorite places to eat in Nusa Penida:
- The Chill ($) has such a diverse menu and the food is so good. There’s a pool to chill in. Great atmosphere and music. You need to try it!
- Mambo Beach Cafe Nusa Penida ($) is located on the beach and has an amazing view of the sunset. The decorations are so cute. Live music with great cocktails. A must-try at least one night!
- Warung Forest is the best warung in Nusa Penida. The food is amazing with great locals and vegetarian options. Very peaceful atmosphere. The couple running the restaurant is very nice. Go try it!
- Secret Penida Beach Club ($) is also located on the beach and has an amazing view of the sunset. The staff is very nice. Fresh food and a great atmosphere with a nice pool.
Where to stay
Here are the different options you can stay in Nusa Penida:
Villas: Renting a villa is definitely the most eye-pleasing option. You can find some crazy original stays! Most of the time it is equipped like an apartment, so you will have a fridge and a cooking space. It will be pricier, but you can save on eating out if you cook at your villa. It is a good option for families or if you are a big group of people. You can split the price, and it can be more fun than being all separate in hotel rooms. Go on Airbnb or Booking to find the best prices for villas.
Hotels: Hotels are a classic. There are plenty of them with a huge price range. You will be well welcomed and have access to services you don’t get in a villa. Some hotels have spas, some have yoga classes and so much more. Your room will get cleaned every day, and you will have access to room service. If you are an anxious person, hotels are your best option. You will definitely feel more secure since there is always someone working nearby. Go on Booking to find the best prices for hotels.
Hostels: If you are a backpacker, this is the cheapest option for you. It is less luxurious, less comfortable, less a lot of things. But it is an amazing experience to live while you are young. You will have one bed in a shared room with others. This is the best way to meet people if you are travelling solo. Some hostels have group activities to help with that. You are young, your back is not broken yet, and you can sleep in a less comfortable space in exchange for living an incredible experience. Go on Hostelworld or Booking to find the best prices for Hostel.
I stayed in 2 different hostels in Nusa Penida. Here’s what I can tell you about them:
- Nuansa Penida Hostel is located in the west of the island. 10 minutes ride from the Toyapakeh harbour. There’s a nice and clean pool. The facilities are well maintained. More of a party and social hostel. The staff is very nice and they offer shuttle services. You can rent a scooter directly at the hostel. The dogs and the roosters make a lot of noise in the morning. You might not sleep very late. Good free breakfast. 8.9 ★ on Hostelworld
- The Packer Box Hostel is located in the north of the island. It’s a 15 minutes walk from the harbour (Pelabuhan Penyeberangan Nusa Penida). You can rent a scooter directly at the hostel. The staff is so nice and makes you feel welcome. They offer shuttle services. Everything is clean and well-maintained. It’s a smaller hostel, so it’s not as social as others, but I definitely recommend it! 9.1★ on Hostelworld
