Nusa Penida is a picturesque island southeast of Bali, Indonesia, known for its rugged landscapes, wild coastlines, and iconic natural landmarks like Kelingking Beach and Angel’s Billabong.
Make sure to read to the end as we answer the vital question “Is Nusa Penida worth visiting”, but we also offer our honest opinion on it’s neighbouring island, Nusa Lembongan.
Let’s get straight into al the information you will need before visiting Nusa Penida, and get you making up your own mind about whether you feel Nusa Penida is worth visiting.
How Do I Get to Nusa Penida?
Before we answer your question “Is Nusa Penida is worth visiting”, let’s figure out how to get to Nusa Penida shall we?
How to Get to Nusa Penida: Step 1 Get to Bali
Nusa Penida is an island located southeast of Bali, Indonesia. To get to Nusa Penida, you generally need to take a boat from Bali.
If you’re not already in Bali, you’ll need to book a flight to Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) in Denpasar, Bali.
How to Get to Nusa Penida: Step 2 Choose a Port
There are several ports from which you can take a boat from Bali to Nusa Penida. The main ones are:
- Sanur: Located on the southeast coast of Bali.
- Padang Bai: Located on the east coast of Bali.
- Serangan: Located near Sanur, it’s another option for fast boats.
There are 2 main ports on Nusa Penida – Banjar Nyuh Harbour and Sampalan Beach. Make sure to double check which ferry you will be departing from.
How to Get to Nusa Penida: Step 3 Book a Boat
The most convenient (and cheapest) option of getting to the island is by booking your ferry through 12go.
Prices range from a very reasonable $6 per person for a 30minute journey from Bali to Nusa Penida, depending on your port of arrival.
What Nusa Penida Accommodation is Available?
There are plenty of Nusa Penida accommodation options from budget to luxury choices so you are sure to find one that suits your preferences.
Nusa Penida Accommodation: Budget
Set in Toyapakeh, and a walking distance if you have just arrived at Banjar Nyuh Harbour. Visual inn offers accommodation with a pool, free wi-fi, a terrace and a restaurant.
For the amazing price of $11 per night including breakfast and it’s convenient location to the port we highly recommend this as a perfect budget-friendly stay for your time on the island.
Nusa Penida Accommodation: Mid-Range
The key feature of this 4-star hotel is it’s beachfront location, offering a private beach area.
Pradana Beach Inn Luxury features accommodation with an outdoor swimming pool, a garden and a restaurant.
Also included is free wi-fi and a free breakfast, at an extremely reasonable cost of $35 per night.
Nusa Penida Accommodation: Luxury
Situated only 400 metres from Sun Sun Beach. For 100+ USD per night the Kama features accommodation with an outdoor swimming pool, stunning sea-views, a garden and a restaurant.
This Nusa Penida accommodation offers airport transfers, while a car rental service is also available.
*All prices are depending on time of year, for example, expect prices to increase if you plan on visiting during peak season.
Nusa Penida Things To Do
When you google “Nusa Penida things to do” a long list comes up, but, are they all worth going to? We spent 4-days self-driving around the Nusa Penida island and visiting all these said “top Nusa Penida attractions”.
The below list are what we consider the Nusa Penida attractions worth visiting and what to honestly expect from them.
1. Nusa Penida Things To Do: Kelingking Beach
The iconic T-Rex-shaped cliffs and stunning views are more then likely your main reason for visiting Nusa Penida. And they certainly are amazing views but just expect there to be huge crowds of people there with you, at any time of the day!
We went in the late afternoon in the hope of a lesser crowd but it was busy. I guess that is what to expect from one of the most photographed beaches in the world.
What is the fee to visit Kelingkiing Beach?
There is no entrance fee to visit Kelingking Beach but you have to pay a small parking fee of IDR 5k (US$ 0.35). If you’re visiting as part of a tour, the parking fee is usually already included.
2. Nusa Penida Things To Do: Angel’s Billabong
The natural infinity pool of Angel’s Billabong is a unique geological formation, offering clear tidal pools with mesmerizing views of the ocean.
Nevertheless, there is a darker aspect to this scenic attraction. The infinity pool has been the unfortunate site of numerous fatalities on the island, as some tourists, engrossed in the beauty, find themselves at risk when unexpected waves carry them out to sea.
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Angel’s Billabong was closed during our visit to Nusa Penida, although, we doubt we would have entered even if it was open.
To make things worse, the caution signs warning tourists of freak waves were covered up by social media stickers. This was infuriating to see at one of Nusa Penida’s top attractions .
On a lighter note, this is an amazing spot to watch the sunset from the cliff top. Visit New Angel Billabong Resto, perfectly located for the ideal sunset view. Get comfortable on a bean bag here and enjoy a cocktail after a full day of exploring Nusa Penida.
*Opening times may vary depending on the time of year.
3. Nusa Penida Things To Do: Broken Beach (Pasih Uug)
This short and scenic walk past Angel Bilabong is one of our favourites which leads to Broken Beach. With its natural bridge over turquoise waters, it is a captivating place to take in the wild and stunning coastal views.
What is the fee for visiting Broken Beach and Angel Billabong?
Both attractions are completely free to visit. The only thing you have to pay for is a parking fee of IDR 10k (US$ 0.65). If you’re visiting as part of a tour, the parking fee will already be included in the tour price
4. Nusa Penida Things To Do: Manta Viewpoint
Manta Point is a popular diving and snorkeling site where you have the opportunity to encounter majestic manta rays.
However, on the island itself there is a Manta viewpoint, which offers spectacular views of the snorkelling area below and the surrounding towering, rugged cliffs.
Many tourists have reported spotting the majestic Manta rays in the clear waters below.
We much preferred this view point to the more famous Kelingking one as we had this special place completely to ourselves. Also, it may have reminded us of being home in Ireland!
Remember that Nusa Penida is known for its rugged terrain, so be prepared for some challenging paths and bring suitable footwear if you plan on exploring the island.
What is the fee for visiting Manta Viewpoint?
No entrance or parking fee.
5. Nusa Penida Things To Do: Teletubbies Hill (Bukit Teletubbies)
Bukit Teletubbies is named after its lush green hills, resembling the landscapes from the Teletubbies children’s show. The rolling hills offer picturesque views of the island.
What is the fee for visiting Teletubbies Hill?
No entrance or parking fee.
What About The Other Nusa Penida Attractions?
There are many attractions on the “Best Things to Do in Nusa Penida” list that involve trekking down steep coastal cliffs to witness scenic waterfalls below – however after reading MANY reviews it appeared that these said waterfalls were merely a trickle of water overflowing FROM A TANK.
In such scenarios we choose to respect our rugged and natural surroundings of the towering cliffs and wild waves. Instead, we opt to appreciate the beauty from safe point above.
After reading some of the tragic accidents that have occurred to tourists on Nusa Penida island, we felt absolutely fine with these decisions.
If, however, you would like to experience some of the most stunning (safe and worth-while) waterfalls in Indonesia check out Tumpak Sewu, Java, and Tiu Kelep, Lombok.
There are many Nusa Penida beaches to visit, such as Suwehan Beach, Crystal Bay, and Atuh Beach which all offer beautiful scenery and snorkeling. However, for this article, we chose to focus on more of the unique attractions of Nusa Penida.
Lastly, if you are planning on visiting the Gili Islands as part of your trip – the beaches don’t get much better than there.
How Do I Get Around Nusa Penida?
It is possible to rent a scooter between 75-85k IDR/ day. The Nusa Penida road-trip around the island is beautiful, however, some parts of the road are awful, with craters more than potholes. Even though this is frustrating, just drive slow and you will be fine.
If you do not fancy driving yourself it is possible to join a tour or hire a driver.
What is the Best Time to Visit Nusa Penida?
The best time to visit Nusa Penida is during the dry season, which typically runs from April to October.
Dry Season (April to October):
Weather: This period experiences less rainfall, providing sunny days and calm seas for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
*Be aware that Peak season occurs within this period (July and August) leading to higher accommodation and activity prices as well as more crowds. We visited during January and it was already busy!
Shoulder Seasons (April to June, September to October):
These months offer favorable weather conditions with fewer crowds compared to the peak season.
Wet Season (November to March):
The wet season brings higher chances of rainfall, occasional storms, and rough seas. Some Nusa Penida attractions may be more challenging to access during this time. However, the Nusa island can still be visited during the wet season, especially during the transitional months of November and March
Can I do a Day Trip to Nusa Penida?
Yes you can do a day trip to Nusa Penida, and what is more, a day trip to Nusa Penida is what we recommend.
Enjoy a full day of adventure and discover Nusa Penida’s most iconic spots on this Nusa Penida day trip from Bali. This tour costs an extremely reasonable 34 Euro per person and includes transfers.
Zero pressure, zero stress. Sit back relax and enjoy the sights of the island in comfort.
Book your Nusa Penida day trip from Bali.
Alternatively, you can get the ferry over independently to Nusa Penida from Bali, as per the steps above, hire a scooter for your Nusa Penida day trip and make it back for the later ferry that evening.
With the last ferry leaving for Bali at 5pm just make sure you give yourself enough time to explore Nusa Penida whilst also driving safely. Keep in mind the bad conditions of some parts of the roads.
*Times of ferries may vary depending on the time of year so plan your Nusa Penida day trip accordingly.
Lastly, you can hire a car and private driver for the day who will be waiting for you on arrival.
The choice is entirely up to you and what your preferences are.
Is Nusa Lembongan Worth Visiting?
We spent 4 days on the island of Nusa Lembongan. The main activities of Nusa Lembongan are snorkelling day trips to Nusa Penida. Go figure!
Therefore, if you have little time then just do a Nusa Penida snorkelling tour from Bali and go straight to the Gili islands for your paradise beach holiday.
The Big Question – Is Nusa Penida Worth Visiting?
We spent 4-days on Nusa Penida island and enjoyed ourselves, HOWEVER, in hindsight we would have booked a Nusa Penida day trip from Bali.
We are travelling full time and thankfully have the luxury of time, however, if you are short for time on an Indonesia holiday then a Nusa Penida day trip is plenty to see what the island has to offer.
We would suggest to use your time saved to further explore beautiful Bali, soak up the paradise islands of the Gili Islands, take on an adventure trip in Java or explore off-the-beaten path in Lombok.
While we’re being honest you may as well check out our honest Bali review and find out if we actually think Bali is worth visiting!
We would love to hear your thoughts. Please feel free to leave us a message below or contact us through our socials.
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