Nusa Penida Island in Indonesia: all about vacation

Nusa Penida Island , located southeast of Bali in Indonesia, is a paradise for travelers and nature lovers. It is famous for its picturesque beaches with white sand and crystal clear waters, which attract sun and sea lovers from all over the world.

Nusa Penida is located near Bali : the island can be reached in just 35 minutes by speedboat.

The island is famous for its amazing underwater fauna and ideal spots for scuba diving and snorkeling . But despite its beauty, the island remains little explored: ideal for those seeking solitude and communion with nature.

Diving and snorkeling enthusiasts can immerse themselves in a vibrant underwater world, encountering magnificent giant manta rays and colorful coral reefs. With its natural wonders and wild beauty, Nusa Penida offers an unforgettable experience for every traveler!

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Cost of visiting Nusa Penida island - tourist tax

From 2023, a new entry fee will be introduced for tourists arriving in Nusa Penida by boat.

This amount must be paid in cash as soon as you get off the boat in Penida : 25 thousand rupees for adults and 15 thousand for children. The entry fee gives you access to all three Nusa Islands : Penida , Lembongan and Ceningan .

This ticket also gives you access to all of Nusa Penida's main attractions and beaches, so you'll no longer have to pay a second fee at, for example, Kelingking Beach .

Overall this is a positive change because previously you had to take out your wallet and pay a small entrance fee at every tourist spot in Noosa Penida , which was a little tiring.

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Atuh Beach - Rock Arch

Atuh Beach is one of the most picturesque and beautiful beaches in Nusa Penida . This is a stunning white sand beach surrounded by huge rocks.

Atuh Beach is located in the eastern part of the island of Nusa Penida . It is often visited in conjunction with the nearby attraction Ruma Pokhon or Tree House. It is advisable to visit during low tide as high tide floods most of the beach.

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Kelingking Beach T-Rex

The famous coastal rock landscape you've seen on Instagram . This is perhaps the most popular beach in Nusa Penida . Kelingking means little finger.

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Snorkeling with manta rays

Snorkeling with manta rays at Manta Point on Nusa Penida is a unique experience. Manta rays are majestic and very friendly. These playful giants with a wingspan of 5 meters simply circle swimmers!

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Peguyangan Waterfall

Peguyangan Falls is one of the best places to visit in Nusa Penida that has it all. Breathtaking views of the coastal cliffs have become the hallmark of the island. In addition, there is a sacred temple here, which has become a place of pilgrimage!

The descent down will take about 20 minutes and will lead you to the sanctuary.

Seganing Waterfall

If you have a fear of heights, you should not do this hike. The width of the path is sometimes less than half a meter. On one side is a giant vertical stone wall, and on the other is a tiny wooden fence, protecting you from certain death if you take the wrong step. According to reviews from travelers, the fence does not inspire confidence.

At the base of the trail you will find a cascade of streams flowing down the rock.

Crystal Beach Bay

This is the best sunset beach facing due west and the starting point for snorkeling tours . Crystal Bay has a beautiful sandy beach set against a backdrop of lush green hills. Its name comes from its incredibly clear, crystal clear waters. The sea cliff with a small temple adds to the scenic beauty of the beach. Crystal The bay is a renowned snorkeling and diving destination for its vibrant coral reefs and rich marine life, including the rare Mola Mola (sunfish).

Crystal The Bay is only 30 minutes from the main port of Toyapaku .

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Snorkeling in Toyapaka

An incredible underwater adventure that you simply cannot miss. Toyapake is a popular snorkeling destination known for its vibrant marine life and crystal clear waters. You will be greeted by a kaleidoscope of colorful coral reefs teeming with tropical fish such as angelfish, parrotfish and clownfish.

But this stunning snorkeling spot has strong currents.

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Broken Beach

Broken Beach is an incredible little bay on the island of Nusa Penida . Its highlight is the arch that goes around the bay, allowing water to freely flow into and out of the ocean.

Broken Beach Arch has been years in the making. From above the bay appears almost round and closed, but at eye level the arch is quite high. Unfortunately, it is impossible to go down to the bay and refresh yourself.

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Thousand Islands Observation Deck ( Pulau) Seribu )

The Thousand Islands Observation Deck offers a breathtaking panorama. It is located on top of a cliff, offering magical views of turquoise waters dotted with numerous small islands.

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Tree house ( Rumah Pohon )

This house has become one of the most popular attractions on the island. It is located on a mountain at the viewpoint of the Thousand Islands ( Pulau Seribu ), near Atuh Beach .

Thousand Islands observation deck . The cost of parking and entrance to the lodge is only 10,000 rupees - less than $1. The house offers an incredibly beautiful view!

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Banach Cliffs

Banach Cliff Point is a hidden gem showcasing the untouched beauty of nature. From the height of the cliff there is an impressive view of the turquoise waters. If you're looking for an unusual experience, Banach Cliff Lookout should be on your list.

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Diamond Beach

Diamond Beach , located on the eastern tip of Nusa Penida Island in Indonesia, is renowned for its captivating natural beauty. The beach boasts an exceptional landscape with pristine white sand, crystal clear turquoise water and towering cliffs. Unique rocks that resemble sparkling diamonds give this beach its special name. A steep staircase carved into the rocks leads to the beach, and during the descent a breathtaking panoramic view opens up.

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Suvehan Beach

Suvehan Beach is a place that epitomizes Nusa Penida . You will find huge high cliffs, crystal clear, amazingly blue water, steep stairs leading to the beach. In 2018, an earthquake destroyed the staircase, but local residents had repaired it by the end of the year. Suvehan Beach is now one of the best places to visit in Nusa Penida .

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Snorkeling in Gamat Bay

In Nusa Penida, everyone goes snorkeling with manta rays . The island also has some great spots for this activity. For example, Gamat Bay . Although the water here is much colder than in Manta Point and Crystal Bay , the depth varies from a few meters closer to the shore to 5-20 meters for free diving.

Puncak Mundi

The highest point of Nusa Penida is Puncak Mundi , topped by a number of traditional temples. So that you can see all the rituals in action, it is worth coming here during prayer hours. The road to the top is incredibly picturesque.

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Pura Cave Goa Giri Putri

A sacred place, a unique cave temple. To enter the cave, you need to crawl through a narrow hole that resembles the mouth of a mythical creature. But inside, there are vast expanses of intricate Hindu shrines with offerings adorning the walls.

The cave is considered a place of prayer and meditation, attracting both locals and curious travelers on a spiritual quest. Exploring Pura Cave Goa Giri Putri offers a glimpse into the island's rich cultural heritage and an opportunity to peacefully contemplate its mystical atmosphere.

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Trips to neighboring islands

The islands of Nusa Penida , Nusa Ceningan and Nusa Lembongan are like three sisters: they are nearby. And usually tourists place them in a complex. Nusa Ceningan and Nusa Lembongan connected by a bridge, and the route to Nusa Penida is only by water. Most visitors usually stop at Lembongan and Ceningan first , and then add a boat ride to Penida as an extended tour to their Nusa Islands trip .

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How to get to Nusa Penida from Nusa Lembongan

Just find a boat: the ride lasts 10 to 15 minutes. Boats operate regularly, departing from Nusa Lembongan's main beach areas : Mushroom Bay or Jungut Batu , and arriving at designated ports on Nusa Penida , such as Toyapake or Sampalan .

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How to get from Nusa Ceningan to Nusa Penida

Walk across the yellow bridge to Nusa Lembongan and then take a boat to Nusa Penida . Boats operate regularly, departing from the main beach areas of Nusa Lembongan .

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How many days to stay in Nusa Penida

The length of your stay in Nusa Penida depends on your interests. To fully explore the natural wonders and attractions of the island, it is worth spending at least 3-4 days.

During this period, you will be able to visit famous places such as Kelingking Beach , Crystal Bay , explore lesser-known gems such as Atuh Beach and Brocken Beach . You might also consider a day trip to nearby islands such as Nusa Ceningan , or snorkeling with manta rays .

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Transport: how to get around Nusa Penida

Even though Nusa Penida is much smaller than Bali (accounting for about 4 percent of Bali's landmass ), it's still not exactly tiny. You'll have to drive for hours to see the island's best attractions.

You can rent a scooter or hire a car with a personal driver.

Many of the roads in Nusa Penida are very rough and narrow. Be sure to wear your helmet and sound your horn before going up hills or turning corners. Be prepared to pull over to the side of the road to let cars pass: there is limited space on the road. Many waterfalls and beaches are quite difficult to get to. At times you have to drive straight over small rocks. If you are not a confident driver, this area is not for you.

The cost of renting a scooter is about 75 thousand rupees (about 5 dollars) per day with a full tank of gasoline. The option with a driver for the day is a little more expensive than in Bali .

Short taxi rides (eg hotel to / from the pier) can usually be arranged locally or at the hotel, although this is not very cost effective.

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How to get to Nusa Penida

The only way to get to Nusa Penida is from Bali by speedboat or ferry. The speedboat ride takes about 35-45 minutes. Nusa Penida does not have an airport, so the closest flight location is Bali International Airport (DPS).

Boats mainly depart to the Nusa Islands from mainland Bali from Padangbai seaport in eastern Bali .

Bali has several speedboat companies that depart daily to Penida , all departing from Sanur Beach at different times. If you are staying in Ubud , Canggu , Seminyak , Kuta or anywhere else in southern Bali , you can go to Sanur and take a boat. Some boat companies include transfers from these areas in the total price.

Another option is to book a day tour to Nusa Penida with a tour company based in Bali . This can be a convenient option if you have a busy schedule or want to avoid hassle.

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Take the opportunity to discover lesser-explored corners of Indonesia!