A Nusa Penida Trip
The pristine marine waters around Nusa Penida support diverse species of coral and fish, making it a world class diving destination. You can also swim with manta rays and ocean sunfish here.
Hiring a scooter (70,000 IDR a day, plus tank) is the best way to get around the island. Drivers can be arranged through your accommodation or at the pier.
Day 1
Nusa Penida is a small island off the southeastern coast of Bali that attracts travelers from all over the world. It is one of the most Instagrammable places in Indonesia, thanks to its spectacular views and beaches. This island is a must-visit for all nature lovers and photography enthusiasts. Whether you want to spend some time relaxing on the beaches or hiking up the cliffs, Nusa Penida has something for everyone.
Getting around Nusa Penida can be tricky. Most of the roads are quite bumpy and you have to be careful not to hit anything or fall off your scooter. Luckily, there are many fast boats that run ferries throughout the day between Nusa Lembongan and Bali. You can check schedules and prices with these companies online.
The Tree House Nusa Penida is surrounded by trees and offers stunning views of the surrounding islands and cliffs. It is the perfect place to enjoy the beauty of the island at sunrise and sunset. It is best to visit this place during these hours as it will be crowded with tourists.
Another highlight of this trip is the Saren Cliff Viewpoint. The views of the coastline and the limestone cliffs are breathtaking. You can also visit the temple here, Pura Peluang. It is important to note that men and women need to wear sarongs when entering the temple.
Day 2
Nusa Penida is home to some of the best natural scenery in Bali. It has amazing cliffs, beaches, caves, hikes and water sports. While there are many day trippers to the island, it’s worth spending at least 3 or 4 days in order to see everything it has to offer.
The first stop on the island should be the Goa Giri Putri Cave Temple. This is a Hindu temple inside of a big limestone cave on the east side of the island. It takes some maneuvering to crawl through the hole in the side of the mountain but once you’re inside you’ll be amazed at the huge space and high rock ceilings. Hindu ceremonies still take place here and it’s a very interesting experience.
From there head over to Broken Beach and check out this cool circular cove with a leftover arch in the rocks. It’s also one of the top spots to spot Giant Manta Rays so bring your snorkel gear if you want to try to swim with them. Afterwards, head over to Kelingking Beach for the best view of this massive T-Rex shaped peninsula and the crystal clear waters.
This is a very popular spot for photographers as it offers some of the most breathtaking views on the entire island. Be sure to pack your camera, sunscreen and a hat if you plan on visiting during mid-day when it can get pretty hot!
Day 3
On day three of your nusa penida trip you can head to a very special spot called Diamond Beach or otherwise known as Saren Cliff Viewpoint. This is another one of those utterly incredible “cliff beaches” that Nusa Penida is famous for and the views are simply breathtaking. You can also book a stay in the Rumah Pohon Tree House that overlooks these views which is a real cool experience!
This area is also home to a little beach named Angel’s Billabong which is a quiet natural infinity pool framed by rocky cliffs. Both of these spots are located on the western side of the island and they’re a short drive or walk apart.
Another cool stop here is the Goa Giri Putri Cave that has a temple inside of it and you’ll need to wear a sarong to enter. You can either bring your own or buy one at the entrance.
Visiting these hot spots will definitely give you plenty of picture opportunities but remember to be extra careful when walking around any steep or slippery areas! Also be sure to take a good quality pair of shoes for hiking and bring bug spray for mosquitoes. There is some dengue fever present in Penida but it is much less common than in Bali. If you’re planning on going diving, it’s worth mentioning that this is a dive destination for migratory Mola Mola and large Manta Rays from July to October though they’re sightings year round as well.
Day 4
After a full day of hiking, beaches, and exploring it’s time to hit the road one last time. If you’re on a tour then your driver will pick you up at the hotel or pier and you’ll be off to a new destination in no time. If not then it’s a good idea to rent a motorbike right at the pier. It’s very easy to do and the prices are quite reasonable. Be sure to haggle and use your best bargaining skills!
The first stop of the day is a famous spot called Kelingking Cliff. This t-rex shaped cliff has become very popular over the years as photos have gone viral online. The views are stunning here and it’s a must-visit!
Just a short drive from here is Paluang Cliff which offers similar views but without the crowds. There’s also a temple with a quirky car shrine here that’s worth a visit, too!
If you’re feeling up for it then a short hike to Broken Beach (Pasih Uug) is a must. This exotic beach is surrounded by huge cliffs and pointy rocks with only a small stretch of sandy beach. There’s a natural ocean blowhole here where the waves shoot up through a hole in the rocks, and it’s fun to watch! Afterwards, head to the Secret Penida Cafe for a Bali-esque style cafe with gorgeous pastel painted walls and relaxing vibes. It’s the perfect way to end the day before catching the ferry back to Bali!