Day Trip To Nusa Penida
Join me with this blog post on my day trip to Nusa Penida, the island with epic views, rough roads, overwhelming crowds and breathtaking spots like Diamond and Kelingking Beach. Learn from my mistakes and decide if it’s worth the visit.
Hey guys, in this post I’ll tell you all about my day trip to Nusa Penida – the iconic island next to Bali with the jaw-dropping views we’ve all seen online. I’ll share my honest review and what to expect if you book the same tour.
I can honestly say this place has become the “It” destination when in Bali. But there are a few things you need to know to make the most of it, especially how to manage the frustration that can come from the overwhelming number of people.
Highlights of the Day Trip to Nusa Penida
During your tour, which usually lasts between 8 to 10 hours, you’ll mainly explore the East and West parts of the island. It might not sound like a lot, but trust me – due to the tiny and wrecked roads, it’s more than enough.
The main stops during the tour are:
- Angel’s Billabong
- Broken Beach
- Kelingking Beach
- Diamond Beach
…unless you request something else, of course. Yes, you actually have that option depending on how you book your trip. I’ll leave the contact of our tour guide Tut below – highly recommend him!
Another major part of the trip (not a positive highlight 😅) are the long car rides. Some drives can take 1 hour to 2 hours or more depending on traffic. If you look at the island map, it seems impossible – it’s not that big , but the roads are super narrow, not well-structured, and always busy.
Lunch is included in most day trips to Nusa Penida, but don’t expect anything fancy , usually you choose between noodles or rice with some kind of meat, and either water or a soft drink.
How to Get to Nusa Penida from Bali
Nusa Penida is located really close to Bali , that’s one of the reasons it’s such a popular destination. It typically takes around 30 minutes by speedboat to get there.
So, how we did it – I booked a private tour guide who handled everything, including the ferry and car rides on the island.
He was professional and super flexible with my schedule. You can contact him via WhatsApp at +62 812-3837-4968 (Bali Driver & Tour Guide). His name is Tut, and he usually replies quickly.
Most guides offer pretty much the same package: pick-up from your hotel around 6:00 AM and drive you to Sanur Port by 7:00–7:30 AM. So yeah, it’s an early wake-up call.
I have to say, I was really impressed with how organized everything was at the port. Despite the huge crowds, the boarding process was smooth and super well-managed – they grouped us by boat and organized us for boarding in such a tidy way. No chaos at all 😀
Entry & Fees
As I mentioned, we booked our tour through Tut (above are his contacts), and it cost $75 per person. Most day trips to Nusa Penida are around this price and include:
- Сpeedboat tickets
- Entry fees for all locations
- Transportation around the island with a private driver
- Lunch
Drinks and any extras are not included, so bring some cash just in case.
If you want a more general option with clear details, I suggest checking the GetYourGuide website. Still, I’d recommend going private if you can – it gives you more flexibility to tailor your trip the way we did.
What to Expect from a Day Tour of Nusa Penida
Nusa Penida is still quite undeveloped compared to Bali, so don’t expect fancy resorts, cafes, or beach clubs. What I’ll try to do here is walk you through what your day might look like and what you need to prepare for.
And honestly, one day isn’t really enough to fully experience the island. If you want to really relax and enjoy more remote spots, consider staying 1–2 nights.
Island Nature
Nusa Penida is wild, raw, and with amazing jungles. Think massive limestone cliffs, crashing waves, beautiful beaches, and panoramic views.Expect intense sun, no shade, not a lot of toilets, and minimal facilities in most places.
What I personally loved was how “real” it all felt, there’s no polished luxury, just pure, untamed beauty.
Roads and Transportation
Having a private car is definitely the way to go. Yes, it takes time. Yes, the roads are bumpy. And yes, it can be frustrating being thrown around in the backseat , but the car is air-conditioned (a life-saver), and you can leave your stuff inside, chat with your driver, and ask questions. Hopefully, they speak English and most importantly, they know the roads and how to manage the traffic.
Why am I mentioning this? Because many tourists choose scooters and drive themselves, not realizing how dangerous it can be. We actually saw a horrific accident involving two tourists on a scooter… I won’t describe it, but it was awful. Just know that the roads are no joke!
Angel’s Billabong & Broken Beach
These two spots are right next to each other, so you usually do them in one stop.
Angel’s Billabong is nature’s version of an infinity pool , carved into the rocks with stunning turquoise water. But be careful, when the swell is high, it can get violent and really dangerous. Swimming is not always allowed, and honestly, it’s not recommended. There are many many accidents that have happened in both of these location so just be careful and respect the signs
To be honest, this was my least favorite stop. It was overcrowded, and I didn’t really get the hype.
Broken Beach, however, is absolutely beautiful. It’s a natural archway over a circular cove with bright blue water. From above, it’s stunning and the area is big enough that the crowds don’t feel too overwhelming.
You can’t swim there (it’s dangerous and forbidden), but you can walk across the natural arch and take in the views.
This spot is especially photogenic with a drone , the full circular shape is best seen from above.
Kelingking Beach
The most iconic spot on the island and the one that’s all over Instagram. The T-Rex-shaped cliff (from a certain viewpoint, the cliff resembles the shape of the head of a Tyrannosaurus Rex ), the dramatic coastline, and that deep blue ocean… it’s breathtaking.
The view is everything I imagined, but let me be real, it’s super crowded. Everyone lines up to take that perfect photo, and it can feel a bit chaotic.
You can walk down the steep stairs to reach the beach, but be extremely careful, they’re narrow, uneven, and can be slippery, especially in the heat.
You technically can swim at Kelingking Beach, but I really wouldn’t recommend it. The waves are strong, the currents are no joke, and there’s no one around to help if something goes wrong. Better to just enjoy the view and dip your toes in if you make it all the way down.
Watch out for the monkeys! They hang around here and are quite sneaky. Keep your belongings safe, and avoid eye contact or teasing them.
Diamond Beach
This was hands-down the highlight of my day trip to Nusa Penida. The beach is simply stunning – white sand, clear water, and dramatic, tall cliffs all around.
When you arrive, there’s a small parking lot and a basic changing room. After that, the steep stairs begin. Be cautious, they’re narrow and slippery in some parts.
There’s a perfect photo spot halfway down the stairs, your guide will likely point it out. That’s where you get the famous Diamond Beach shot with the cliffs , the palm trees and the waters in the background.
The beach itself is beautiful, but the waves are strong, and there are lots of rocks under the water. If you swim, be really careful.
What I Wanted to See But Couldn’t
As much as I tried to squeeze everything into my day trip to Nusa Penida, some spots just had to be left for next time. If you’re staying longer or want to adjust your itinerary, here are a few amazing places I really wanted to visit but didn’t get the chance:
- Treehouse View (Rumah Pohon) – Located near Diamond Beach and Atuh Beach, this cute treehouse offers insane views over the cliffs and ocean. You can even sleep there if you’re feeling adventurous. The climb to the treehouse isn’t long, but it’s steep and dusty, so wear good shoes. The best time to visit is early morning for soft light and fewer people. You’ll need to pay a small entrance and photo fee.
- Thousand Islands Viewpoint – Literally right next to the Treehouse, this viewpoint gives you a dramatic panorama of several tiny islands scattered in the ocean below. It’s called “Thousand Islands,” but there aren’t actually that many.
- Snorkeling with Manta Rays at Manta Point – One of the most popular activities in Nusa Penida and I wish I had time to do it! This spot is on the southwest coast of the island and is famous for its resident manta rays, who feed in the plankton-rich waters. However this place is not for beginners. The current is strong, and you’ll need to be a confident swimmer. Still, seeing manta rays up close is absolutely worth it.
- Crystal Bay – Located on the west side of Nusa Penida, relatively close to Toyapakeh Harbour (where many boats from Bali arrive). The bay is known for its beautiful sunsets, soft sand, and great snorkeling close to the shore.
If you’re planning a day trip to Nusa Penida, prepare for an early start, long drives, amazing views and lots of, lots of people. Yes, it can be exhausting and touristy at times, but if you go with the right mindset and a bit of patience, you’ll probably find it’s worth it.
Most people visit Nusa Penida just for the day, so the main spots get packed at the same time. If you stay a night or two, you’ll see a completely different side of the island — peaceful, welcoming, and way less touristy. Totally worth it if you want to explore more and enjoy the views without the chaos.
I’m so happy I got to experience it , just remember, this isn’t a chill day at the beach. It’s an adventure.
– Tsveti 🌸
Like this post ? Pin "Nusa Penida How to Visit and What to Do" for later.
