Nusa Penida

• Highlights
• Perfect day
• Map & getting there
• Where to stay
• When to go
• Mistakes to avoid
• Quick answers

Bali, but wilder

Nusa Penida covers about 200 square kilometres. It sits across the Badung Strait from Bali and is drier, with hilly land and tall cliffs that drop straight into the sea.

The star is Kelingking Beach, where a long ridge of rock has a shape people compare to a T-rex. Nearby are Broken Beach, with its natural rock arch, and Angel's Billabong, a rock pool beside the sea. On the east side, Diamond Beach has white sand under tall white cliffs.

This is a wild island, not a resort. The roads are narrow and steep and facilities are basic. That is part of the charm, but it takes some planning.

What to see

• Kelingking Beach: the T-rex shaped headland, seen from the viewpoint above. A very steep path leads down to the sand, so only go down if you are fit and careful.
• Broken Beach and Angel's Billabong: a natural arch over a turquoise cove, and a rock pool right next to it. The sea here can be dangerous, so stay well back from the edge when waves are big.
• Crystal Bay: a bay on the west coast, popular for swimming, snorkelling and sunset.
• Diamond Beach: white sand below tall white cliffs on the east coast, reached by steps built into the rock.
• Manta Point: a dive and snorkel site known for manta rays.

Local news reports a new fee system on the island in 2026 (reports differ on the start date, between August and 1 September). Foreign adults pay about Rp 25,000 to enter the island, plus about Rp 25,000 at each main sight, including Kelingking, Angel's Billabong, Broken Beach and Crystal Bay. Children pay less. We could not find an official notice, so check the current prices before you go.

A perfect day on Nusa Penida

The island is bigger than it looks and the roads are slow. Do one side in a day, and start early.

1. Early morningTake one of the first fast boats from Sanur (the first leaves around 07:30) and be on the road by about 09:00.
2. MorningGo to the Kelingking viewpoint first, before the crowds and the heat.
3. MiddayVisit Broken Beach and Angel's Billabong, which are close together, then have lunch.
4. AfternoonSwim or snorkel at Crystal Bay.
5. Late afternoonHead back to the port in time for the last boat to Bali, which usually leaves around 17:00. Check your own boat time.

Where it is and how to get there

Nusa Penida lies off the south-east coast of Bali, Indonesia.

• By fast boat From Sanur on the Bali coast it takes about 30 to 45 minutes. One-way tickets cost roughly IDR 150,000 to 300,000, depending on the company. The first boat leaves around 07:30 and the last return is usually around 17:00.
• On a day tour The easiest way to see the west coast. Tours from Bali include hotel pickup, the boat crossing and a driver.
• On the island The roads are narrow, steep and bumpy. Many people hire a driver for the day. Scooters are common, but risky if you are not experienced.
• Bali tourist levy Foreign visitors to Bali pay a one-off tourist levy of IDR 150,000 (introduced in 2024). Check the latest rules before you go.

Good to know: the crossing can be rough. If you get seasick, take medication before you board. Check the time of your return boat before you set off.

Where to stay: Bali or Nusa Penida?

When to go

• Dry season April to October. The best time: clear skies, drier paths and the best views. It is also busier, especially in July and August.
• Wet season November to March. More rain, slippery paths and rougher seas. Boats can be delayed or cancelled.
• Sea life Ocean sunfish (mola mola) are usually seen off the island from about July to October. Manta rays are often seen around Manta Point.

Our tips for Nusa Penida

• Hire a driver. The roads are steep and narrow. A local driver knows them, and your day is far less stressful.
• Wear shoes with grip. Flip-flops are risky on the Kelingking trail. Take at least 1.5 litres of water.
• Be at Kelingking early. It gets hot and crowded later in the day.
• Check the sea before you swim. Currents around the island can be strong. Only swim where it looks calm and safe.
• Check fees and boat times the day before. New fees and changing timetables are common.

Don't make these mistakes

• Hiking down Kelingking unprepared. The path is steep, and the climb back up in the heat is hard. Expect about 30 minutes down and 45 minutes or more back up.
• Renting a scooter if you are not experienced. The roads are narrow, steep and bumpy.
• Swimming when the sea is rough. Currents can be strong, and some bays and rock pools are dangerous when the waves are big.
• Trying to see the whole island in a day. The sights are spread out and the roads are slow. Pick one side.
• Missing the last boat. The last return boat is usually around 17:00.

Quick answers

A note on prices: fees, opening hours and timetables change, and we update them every year. The details in this guide were checked in autumn 2026 and may be different by the time you travel, so please confirm them on the official website before you book.