Penida Island Adventure

Nusa Penida is one of those destinations that leaves a lasting impression. Towering limestone cliffs, turquoise water, white-sand beaches and dramatic coastal scenery combine to create one of Indonesia's most spectacular islands. While the roads can make getting around an adventure in themselves, the island rewards visitors with breathtaking viewpoints, secluded beaches and a slower pace of life.

Getting There

Nusa Penida is easily reached by fast boat from Sanur Harbour, Bali, with the journey taking approximately 30 to 45 minutes to Banjar Nyuh Harbour.

Fast boat tickets generally cost IDR 150,000 to 300,000 per person each way, depending on the operator and season.

Visitors are also required to pay a one-time tourist levy of IDR 25,000 on arrival.

The Vibe

Despite its growing popularity, Nusa Penida still feels rugged and untamed. The scenery is spectacular, but exploring the island requires patience. Narrow, steep and winding roads mean travel takes longer than expected, making it a destination best enjoyed at a relaxed pace rather than trying to squeeze everything into a single day.

Things To Do

Kelingking Beach

Without question, Kelingking Beach was the highlight of our visit.

Famous for its towering limestone headland resembling a giant T-Rex, the viewpoint offers one of the most photographed landscapes in Indonesia.

Greg tackled the challenging hike to the beach below. The return journey took just over two hours, including time spent enjoying the beach.

The descent begins with reasonably constructed steps before becoming considerably steeper, where bamboo railings, ropes, rocks and tree roots become your handholds and footholds.

The climb is physically demanding and certainly not for everyone.

If you decide to make the descent, arrive early to avoid both the crowds and the hottest part of the day. Take plenty of water, sunscreen and a hat, and wear suitable footwear.

Entry fee: IDR 25,000 per person
Scooter parking: IDR 5,000

Broken Beach & Angel's Billabong

A short drive from Kelingking Beach are two of Nusa Penida's most iconic natural attractions.

Broken Beach is a spectacular circular cove where a collapsed limestone arch allows the ocean to flow into an enclosed bay. The dramatic cliffs surrounding the turquoise water create one of the island's most photographed landscapes.

Only a ten-minute walk away is Angel's Billabong, a naturally formed rock pool overlooking the Indian Ocean.

While the emerald water looks inviting, swimming is prohibited due to unpredictable waves that regularly crash over the rock platform. Numerous serious accidents have occurred here, so always remain behind safety barriers and respect warning signs.

Parking: IDR 5,000 (scooter) or IDR 10,000 (car)
Angel's Billabong access: Approximately IDR 10,000 to 15,000 per person

Crystal Bay

Crystal Bay offers a completely different experience to the island's dramatic cliffs.

It is one of the few beaches suitable for swimming and is renowned for its calm, crystal-clear water, colourful coral reefs and excellent snorkelling.

Snorkelling equipment can be hired for around IDR 50,000, while local warungs provide cold drinks, simple meals, sunbeds and umbrellas.

Between July and October, Crystal Bay is also one of the best places in the world to spot the elusive Mola Mola (Ocean Sunfish).

There is no entrance fee.

Diamond Beach

Diamond Beach is another must-visit location, famous for its brilliant white sand, turquoise water and spectacular limestone cliffs.

A steep staircase carved into the cliff provides access to the beach below, rewarding visitors with one of the island's most picturesque coastal settings.

Food & Drink

Most cafés, restaurants and warungs are located around the island's northern coastline near Banjar Nyuh Harbour.

At attractions such as Crystal Bay you'll find plenty of local warungs serving affordable Indonesian meals, fresh coconuts, cold drinks and snacks throughout the day.

Getting Around

Getting around Nusa Penida is part of the adventure.

Although scooters are the most common form of transport, we would only recommend hiring one if you are a very confident and experienced rider. The roads are narrow, steep, winding and often uneven, with loose gravel and broken sections making conditions challenging.

For most visitors, hiring a local driver is the safest and most relaxing option.

Drivers are readily available at Banjar Nyuh Harbour and can usually be arranged for approximately IDR 500,000 to 700,000 per day.

This allows you to enjoy the scenery without the stress of navigating unfamiliar roads.

Where To Stay

We stayed at Akusara Jungle Resort & Spa, approximately 4.7 kilometres from Banjar Nyuh.

Rather than staying in the busier harbour area, we chose the peaceful jungle surroundings and were rewarded with panoramic views across the forest and coastline.

The resort offers comfortable air-conditioned bungalows with private bathrooms and balconies overlooking either the jungle, gardens or ocean.

Facilities include:

• Infinity pool overlooking the jungle
• On-site restaurant
• Small bar
• Spa and massage services
• Hairdresser
• Free Wi-Fi

The staff were consistently welcoming, friendly and attentive, making it an excellent place to relax after exploring the island.

What We Loved

• The breathtaking scenery around every corner.
• The unforgettable views from Kelingking Beach.
• Swimming and snorkelling at Crystal Bay.
• The peaceful atmosphere away from Bali's crowds.
• Our jungle accommodation overlooking the surrounding landscape.
• The genuine friendliness of the local people.

What We'd Do Differently

If we visited again, we'd spend at least one extra day exploring more of the island's eastern coastline and beaches rather than trying to fit the major attractions into a shorter itinerary.

We would also continue to recommend hiring a local driver unless you are completely comfortable riding a scooter on steep and challenging roads.

How Long To Stay

We recommend spending three to four days on Nusa Penida.

This allows enough time to experience the island's major attractions while also enjoying slower mornings, sunsets and time to simply relax.

A day trip from Bali provides only a small glimpse of what the island has to offer.

Quick Facts

Fast boat: 30 to 45 minutes from Sanur Harbour

Boat fare: IDR 150,000 to 300,000 each way

Tourist levy: IDR 25,000

Private driver: Approximately IDR 500,000 to 700,000 per day

Kelingking Beach entry: IDR 25,000

Crystal Bay entry: Free

Snorkel hire: Approximately IDR 50,000

Best time for Mola Mola: July to October

Our Verdict

Score: 9.5/10

Nusa Penida delivers some of the most spectacular coastal scenery we experienced anywhere in Indonesia.

While the roads can be challenging and travelling between attractions takes longer than expected, the island rewards visitors with breathtaking viewpoints, pristine beaches, world-class snorkelling and a sense of adventure that's difficult to find elsewhere.

If you're prepared for the slower pace and rugged conditions, Nusa Penida is an unforgettable destination that deserves far more than a rushed day trip from Bali.

With Penida,

G&T

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