This is a great itinerary for those wanting to experience all the main attractions on Nusa Penida. It requires an early start but it will be worth it.
Start off with Diamond Beach – a beautiful beach that is enclosed by the cliff walls and feels totally secluded. The staircase that leads down here is awesome and offers some incredible views.
Angel’s Billabong & Broken Beach
The island’s west part is full of incredible beaches and highlights. It’s a paradise for nature lovers and photographers who are impressed by the surreal tropical landscapes and rocky cliffs. The most famous location is Kelingking Beach, a natural pool in the shape of a T-Rex that’s also famous for being a snorkeling spot to see Manta Rays (more on this later).
It’s a popular destination for day trippers so visiting this natural wonder during low tide will give you the best experience without the crowds. Swimming is allowed at this time, although you should wear reef shoes as the seaweed-covered rocks can be slippery.
Another spectacular highlight is Broken Beach, a cove that’s shaped like a natural bridge. It’s a great place to enjoy a picnic with some ice-cold Bintang and just sit and watch the waves rolling in.
It’s also not a good idea to visit this location during high tide as the beach disappears and there are no places to hide if you’re suddenly swept out into the ocean! Also, remember that locals in Nusa Penida don’t speak much English and it’s a good idea to have some Indonesian phrases handy.
Kelingking Beach
Kelingking Beach is one of the most popular spots on nusa penida tour so it can get very crowded at times. Try to visit in the morning or after 3 pm to avoid the peak crowds. It’s also not recommended to go down to the beach during high tide. If you are interested in seeing the sunset here, make sure to plan accordingly and don’t hike down or up the cliffs in the dark.
Aside from the stunning T-Rex shaped cliffs, the beach has some amazing turquoise waters and is perfect for snorkeling. You can see a wide variety of sea life, including manta rays, during your visit here. Be sure to bring plenty of water and sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun!
The most popular way to visit Kelingking Beach is to take a tour that includes it in their itinerary. This will include a fast boat ticket, car rental, and beach access costs. I recommend using 12Go Asia’s website to search for a trip that suits your schedule and budget. They’re super easy to use and even offer a widget that allows you to search for all available transportation methods from your starting point.
If you want to explore the east side of the island and don’t mind hiking, consider taking a Bali East Nusa Penida Private Tour. It includes door-to-door transportation from your hotel, fast boat tickets, and a guided tour of Atuh Beach, Diamond Beach, Rumah Pohon Molenteng, and Teletubbies Hill.
Goa Giri Putri
Goa Giri Putri is one of the most unique hidden temples on Nusa Penida, as it’s housed in a massive natural cave. It’s a site of sacred worship, and Hindu ceremonies are still held here today. But it’s also a tourist attraction, as visitors are welcome to explore the temple and its caverns.
The cave temple is located in the village of Suana, on the east side of the island. There are clear signs leading to the entrance, which is a narrow opening in the rock face. After passing through, you’ll discover a spacious cave temple with shrines and offerings scattered throughout the room. Stalagmites and stalactites decorate the ceiling, and it’s an incredible sight to behold.
If you’re planning on visiting the cave temple, be sure to bring a flashlight. The lighting is minimal inside the temple, and it can be a bit disorienting at first. It’s also recommended to wear comfortable footwear, as you’ll be doing quite a bit of walking.
You can visit the cave temple on your own, or book a tour with a local company. Tours can be booked on the spot from the docks and accommodation, and cost around 70,000 Rupiah per day with a scooter that includes a full tank of gas. The downside of booking a tour is that it’s less flexible than going on your own. However, it’s a good option if you don’t want to worry about renting a scooter or dealing with the language barrier.
Atuh Beach
The beaches on Nusa Penida are a sight to behold. They are some of the most beautiful in the world, and if you’re lucky enough, you’ll be able to see some massive manta rays, turtles, and even the famous Mola Mola during your visit.
Pantai Atuh is another one of the beaches in Nusa Penida that stands out. This beach is more remote than others on the island, so it’s not crowded with tourists and you can often have the entire beach to yourself. It also has a very unique rock wall that is perpendicular to the ground and looks like it had been cut by a machine.
To reach the beach, you will need to walk down a series of staircases which can be quite steep at times. However, the staircases are a lot safer than some of the other ones on the island and they’re well paved. It’s still a good idea to wear comfortable shoes as the steps can be a little slippery.
You can get to Atuh Beach on a tour or you can rent a scooter and make your own way there. We recommend going with a tour as it will save you time and energy. You can book a Bali East Nusa Penida Day Tour here which will include hotel pick up and drop off, fast boat tickets, and your guide.