Nusa Penida Island, Indonesia
Nusa Penida – we’ve all seen it in pictures, but did you know it was actually off the coast of Bali on a local island? Nusa Penida is a spectacular, less-developed island in Indonesia, located just southeast of its more famous neighbor, Bali. It is the largest of the three Nusa Islands (which also include Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan).
The island has become a major destination, particularly for travelers seeking stunning natural beauty and adventure. But in reality, this is often just a day trip to the main sightseeing tour, Klingking Beach.
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Luxury Travel Atlas Places to Stay
Nusa Penida, with its dramatic cliff-sides, hidden beaches, and unforgettable marine life, has quickly become a must-visit destination off the coast of Bali. While a one-day trip is popular, staying overnight allows you to truly soak in the island’s raw beauty and avoid the daytime crowds. Choosing the right base is key to an incredible island adventure, and I’ve spent time compiling my personal recommendations. From stunning infinity pools perched high on a cliff to charming beachfront bungalows, here is a curated list of my absolute favorite hotels and accommodations that promise an unforgettable stay on this magical Indonesian island.
Luxury Travel Atlas Things to Do at Nusa Penida
Welcome to Nusa Penida! We are excited to share our curated list of the island’s most incredible sights with you. Below you’ll find a breakdown of each stunning location, what makes it special, and a direct Google Maps link to help you navigate your adventure.
| Klingking Beach | Beach, Scenic Spot | Arguably the most famous spot on the island. The dramatic cliff formation is famously shaped like a T-Rex head or backbone, offering a breathtaking viewpoint. You can hike down the extremely steep path to the stunning white-sand beach below (caution is advised). The views from the top are unmissable, and you might even spot manta rays in the bay! |
| Diamond Beach | Beach, Scenic Spot | A relatively new and instantly famous beach known for its iconic staircase carved into the sheer limestone cliff. The descent is challenging but rewards you with a pristine white-sand beach and diamond-shaped rock formations in the turquoise water. Tip: Visit in the morning as the beach is shaded in the afternoons. |
| Batu Jaran Cliff | Cliff, Scenic View | Cliff area with views, near Broken Beach/Angel’s Billabong. |
| Angel’s Billabong | Natural Attraction | A spectacular natural infinity pool carved into the rock face near the ocean cliff. This is a unique tidal pool with crystal-clear, emerald-green waters. It’s an ideal spot for photography, and at low tide, you can appreciate the unique rock patterns beneath the water. It is a short walk from Broken Beach. Note: Swimming is strongly discouraged due to powerful waves. |
| Broken Beach | Natural Attraction | A natural archway eroded into the cliff face, creating a circular cove with a stunning natural bridge over the ocean. You can walk along the cliff’s edge for incredible panoramic views of the water rushing in and out of the “broken” circle. It is located just a short 5-minute walk from Angel’s Billabong. |
| Cactus Day Club | Day Club | Day club with pool and views. |
Nusa Penida Island, Indonesia, Map
Getting to Nusa Penida Island, Indonesia
Getting from Bali to Nusa Penida is a straightforward and popular trip, typically done via a fast boat. It’s the only practical way to cross the Badung Strait. Here is a comprehensive breakdown of the process:
1. Best Departure Point: Sanur Harbor
The most common and convenient way to get to Nusa Penida is from the New Sanur Harbor (Sanur Matahari Terbit Beach) on the southeastern side of Bali.
- Getting to the Harbor: You’ll need to arrange transportation (taxi, ride-share app, or private car/shuttle) to get to Sanur from your accommodation in Bali (e.g., Kuta, Seminyak, Canggu, or Ubud).
- It is generally recommended to arrive at the harbor at least 1 hour before your scheduled departure time to allow for check-in and navigating the crowded port area.
2. The Crossing: Fast Boat is Best
The fastest and most popular option is a dedicated speed boat/fast boat service.
- Duration: The sea crossing typically takes between 30 to 45 minutes, depending on the operator and sea conditions.
- Cost: One-way tickets for international travelers generally range from $10 USD to $20 USD (approximately IDR 150,000 to IDR 250,000), with return tickets often offering a discount. Prices fluctuate based on the company, season, and whether you book online or at the port.
- Schedule: There are frequent daily departures, generally running from around 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
- Main Operators: Many companies operate this route, including Maruti Express, El Rey Junior Fast Boat, Crown Fast Cruise, and Angel Billabong Fast Cruise.
- Arrival Ports on Nusa Penida: Most fast boats from Sanur arrive at Banjar Nyuh Harbor or Toya Pakeh Harbor on the island’s northwest coast.
3. Other Departure Points if Needed
While Sanur is the main hub, you can also depart from other ports:
4. Tips for a Smooth Trip
- Book Ahead: Especially during high season, it is strongly recommended to book your tickets online in advance to secure your preferred departure time and often a cheaper rate than buying on the spot.
- Local Fee: Upon arriving at Nusa Penida, all visitors are required to pay a local tourism fee of approximately IDR 25,000 (about $1.50 USD), which is used for the island’s infrastructure.
- Booking Packages: Some booking services offer an integrated package that includes hotel pick-up in Bali, the fast boat ticket, and occasionally even a day tour on Nusa Penida, which can simplify the logistics.
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