Nusa Penida

Destination Guide

Nusa Penida

Bali's Hidden Paradise Island

Discover the untouched beauty of Nusa Penida, where dramatic cliffs meet crystal-clear waters and pristine beaches await your exploration.

About Nusa Penida

Nusa Penida is one of Indonesia's best-kept secrets and a must-visit destination for adventurers and nature lovers visiting Bali. Located just 45 minutes by boat from mainland Bali, this rugged island offers some of the most spectacular coastal scenery in Southeast Asia.

Unlike its more developed neighbor Bali, Nusa Penida remains largely untouched by mass tourism, preserving its raw natural beauty and authentic island charm. The island is characterized by dramatic limestone cliffs that plunge into azure waters, hidden beaches accessible only by adventurous hikes, and some of the world's best snorkeling and diving spots.

The island gained international fame for its iconic Kelingking Beach (T-Rex Bay), where a T-Rex-shaped cliff formation creates one of the most photographed landscapes in Indonesia. But beyond this famous viewpoint, Nusa Penida offers countless other treasures: the pristine Angel's Billabong natural infinity pool, the breathtaking Broken Beach rock formation, Crystal Bay's world-class diving, and Atuh Beach's secluded paradise.

Marine life around Nusa Penida is extraordinary. The island is one of the few places in the world where you can reliably swim with majestic manta rays year-round at Manta Point. The surrounding waters also serve as a cleaning station for the rare oceanic mola mola (sunfish) during their seasonal migration from July to October, attracting divers from around the globe.

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Top Attractions

Travel Essentials

Best Time to Visit

Season: April to October (Dry Season)

Months: Best months: May, June, September, October

Sunny days, calm seas perfect for snorkeling and boat trips. Mola mola season (July-October) attracts diving enthusiasts.

Getting There

From: Sanur Beach or Padang Bai Harbor

Duration: 30-45 minutes by fast boat

  • Fast boat services from Sanur (most common, 30-40 minutes)
  • Public ferry from Padang Bai (2 hours, cheapest option)

Accommodation

Budget

Guesthouses and homestays available from $15-30/night, mostly in Toyapakeh and Sakti areas with basic amenities.

Mid-Range

Comfortable hotels and villas $50-100/night with pools and sea views, concentrated around Crystal Bay and Sakti.

Things to Do

Snorkeling with manta rays at Manta Point
Swimming in Angel's Billabong natural infinity pool
Hiking down to Kelingking Beach
Cliff jumping at various spots (for experienced swimmers)
Scuba diving to see mola mola (sunfish) July-October
Photography at iconic viewpoints
Visiting traditional villages
Temple visits (Pura Paluang and Pura Dalem Penataran Ped)
Sunset watching at Crystal Bay
Beach hopping via scooter or private driver

Essential Travel Tips

  • Rent a scooter for flexibility (roads are challenging, experience recommended)
  • Hire a private driver if uncomfortable on scooter (300,000-400,000 IDR/day)
  • Bring cash - limited ATMs on the island, most places don't accept cards
  • Start early to avoid crowds at popular viewpoints (6-7 AM ideal)
  • Wear proper footwear for steep climbs and rocky terrain
  • Bring reef-safe sunscreen to protect marine life
  • Stay hydrated - limited food/water options at remote beaches
  • Book accommodations in advance during peak season (July-August)
  • Allow 2-3 days to explore the island properly
  • Be prepared for basic infrastructure - the island is still developing

Frequently Asked Questions

2-3 days is ideal to explore the main attractions without rushing. Day trips from Bali are possible but you'll miss the island's serene atmosphere and sunset views. Staying overnight allows you to visit beaches early before crowds arrive.

Tours to Nusa Penida

Explore our curated tours and experiences

Nusa Penida Full Day Private Tour
Top Rated
Nusa PenidaPrivate

Nusa Penida Full Day Private Tour

4.9
(1,247 reviews)

Experience the breathtaking beauty of Nusa Penida on your own private boat. Visit Kelingking Beach, Crystal Bay, and Angel's Billabong with your personal guide.

Kelingking T-Rex CliffCrystal Bay snorkelingAngel's Billabong

Includes:

  • Private fast boat
  • Professional guide
  • Lunch included
  • +3 more...
10 hours

from

$602 USD

Nusa Penida Shared Snorkeling Adventure
Best Value
Nusa PenidaShared

Nusa Penida Shared Snorkeling Adventure

4.7
(2,103 reviews)

Swim with majestic manta rays at Manta Bay and explore three incredible snorkel spots around Nusa Penida.

Manta Bay manta raysGamat Bay coralSD Point reef

Includes:

  • Shared fast boat
  • Snorkel guide
  • Lunch & water
  • +2 more...
8 hours

from

$78 USD

Nusa Penida East Land Tour
Nusa PenidaShared

Nusa Penida East Land Tour

4.8
(892 reviews)

Discover the eastern side of Nusa Penida with visits to Atuh Beach, Diamond Beach, and the iconic Tree House viewpoint.

Atuh Beach viewpointDiamond BeachTree House photo spot

Includes:

  • AC minivan transport
  • English guide
  • Entrance tickets
  • +2 more...
7 hours

from

$65 USD