If you want to visit lots of spots quickly and safely then a Nusa Penida day tour is the best option! You can book a full itinerary online here.
Alternatively, you can rent a motorbike and explore the island independently. Just make sure you take the proper precautions! There are also options to stay overnight in one of the famous Instagram tree houses, like Rumah Pohon.
Kelingking Beach
Kelingking Beach, also known as T-Rex beach due to its unique T-rex shaped limestone formation, promises an awe-inspiring and memorable experience. This breathtaking natural wonder is a must-visit on any trip to Nusa Penida.
This gorgeous secluded beach is framed by towering, steep cliffs and embraced by crystal blue waters. It is a beautiful hidden paradise that has grown in popularity thanks to social media.
The beach is accessible by a paved, yet rugged, path from the top of the cliffs. The hike down is a major workout and a bit scary, but it is definitely worth it for the amazing view of this magical beach!
While you are there, make sure to check out the cool circular cove that formed in the rocks and the leftover arch. It is also a popular spot to see manta rays.
Another nearby attraction is Angel’s Billabong, which is a gorgeous natural rock pool that can be visited during low tide. It is also possible to swim here, but the water can get a bit rough, so it is best to visit during low tide.
Another fun thing to do is to visit Diamond Beach, which features a cute ‘Bali swing’ and white sand beach. This is not as busy as Kelingking Beach, but it still has a lot to offer.
Angel’s Billabong & Broken Beach
The crystal clear water of Angel’s Billabong is a sight to behold. This natural infinity pool resembles a pond and it’s framed by rock cliffs on Nusa Penida’s southwestern coast. The emerald hues and crystalline waters are truly breathtaking. However, it is important to remember that this pool is only safe for swimming during low tide. Otherwise, it is riskier due to the rough waves crashing in from the open ocean.
You will find a small opening at the top of the cliff which you can swim through to enter this magical natural pool. You’ll then be able to admire the stunning underwater scene and capture some photos. It is a must-see during your visit to Nusa Penida!
This place is very popular among tourists, so expect to see many people here. The best time to visit is early in the morning or late afternoon when there will be less crowds.
To get to this spot you can either rent a scooter or book an all-inclusive tour from a local travel agency. The latter is a much safer option since the roads in Nusa Penida can be quite dangerous. The local tours usually include a return hotel transfer, fast boat tickets, meals, and other taxes and fees. In addition, you will have a private driver who can take you to all the top attractions in one day!
Diamond Beach
Another cool stop on the nusa penida trip is Diamond Beach. This beach is located on the eastern side of the island and has some amazing cliffs that tower over you as you sit on the pristine white sand. It is also a great place to swim but be careful because the current can be strong.
If you are lucky you might see some manta rays here too. I really liked the fact that it was a little off the beaten track so not as busy as other beaches on the island. You can also climb down the stairs to go for a dip in the natural pool but just be careful because of the current.
A cool thing to do after visiting Diamond Beach is heading over the ridge and visiting Saren Cliff Viewpoint which is a pretty cool spot. It is a bit of a hike to get there but it was so worth it. We went on a weekday and the view was just as stunning but not nearly as busy as other viewpoints on the island. You can even get a seat in the middle of the cliffs to just relax and enjoy the scenery.
Before you head back to your hotel you should also check out the Goa Giri Putri Cave Temple which is a unique temple that requires a little more effort to reach than some of the other stops on the island. You have to almost crawl through the small entrance and then you will be greeted with a massive cave temple where different ceremonies are performed.
The Temple
This unique temple is located on the east side of the island. The entrance is tiny and you have to crawl through it, but once inside the cave opens up into a huge cavern where Hindu ceremonies are performed.
This place is also a great spot for snorkeling as it’s known to have plenty of manta rays. You’ll need to arrive early if you want to beat the crowds though because once the tour buses from Bali start to show up it gets pretty hectic.
The most popular thing to do here is obviously the hike down to Kelingking Beach, but I would recommend staying on the beach and relaxing instead. If you don’t have any plans to hike it’s still worth visiting for the views. The beach is gorgeous and the water is crystal clear. The sunset here is also breathtaking!
One of the best things about Nusa Penida is that it’s safe. Violent crime is unheard of here and the Balinese are very kind and hospitable. Just make sure to take normal precautions, don’t drink tap water (it’s a common way that travelers end up with the dreaded Bali belly) and respect the local culture.
The itinerary I’ve outlined here is for a 1 day trip to Nusa Penida, but feel free to adjust it to fit your travel needs. Just remember that you’ll need your camera, swimsuits, towels, and some cash to cover all the attractions. Also, bring loads of sunscreen because Indonesia is a tropical and extremely humid country!
