Kelingking Beach is one of the most famous locations on Nusa Penida, shaped like a Tyrannosaurus Rex. It has been easily accessible since late 2018, when a path down to the beach was carved out of the cliffs.
Another great spot is Crystal Bay, where you can swim with giant manta rays. There are lots of warungs on the beach where you can grab an ice cold Bintang.
Day One
The island is home to some of the best natural scenery in Bali. You will find spectacular cliffs, beaches, and hikes. It is also a great place to visit for nature and wildlife enthusiasts as there are many species of bird that can be seen on the island.
On day one you will want to start the day by visiting Rumah Pohon Tree House. This has become very famous on Instagram and it is a must see when in Nusa Penida. You can spend the night here but it is very popular and must be booked far in advance. You will enjoy the views from here and hopefully see manta rays swimming in the ocean below you.
Next, you will want to go to Atuh Beach for a relaxing day of sunbathing and drinking coconuts. It is a beautiful beach with a cool circular cove in the rocks and an arch that remains from a previous cave. You can snorkel here and it is a popular spot for manta rays.
Afterwards, you can head to the Goa Giri Putri Temple. You will have to pay a small entrance fee of 20,000 IDR and be sure to wear a sarong as it is a place of worship. Please be mindful of others and do not use flash photography in the temple.
Day Two
Another good way to see the highlights of Nusa Penida is by taking a tour. These are a great option because they take all the hassle out of getting around. They also usually include transport and a driver. However, it’s important to remember that if you do this, you will likely have less freedom than you would if you drove yourself.
Depending on the type of tour you take, it may be more expensive than renting a scooter. But it’s worth it for the convenience and peace of mind that you get. Plus, the drivers are very familiar with the roads and will be able to avoid any bad ones.
The next stop should be Goa Giri Putri Cave Temple, which is a really cool temple built inside of a huge cave on the east side of the island. This is one of the most unique things to do in Nusa Penida and it’s a must-see!
From here, head to Broken Beach which is one of the most beautiful natural beaches on the island. It’s a pretty cool circular cove formed in the rocks and is a popular spot for manta rays to hang out.
If you have time, you can also check out Angel’s Billabong which is a lovely natural tidal pool overlooking the ocean. However, it’s important to know that this is only accessible during low tide.
Day Three
This day begins with a morning trip to Thousand Island Viewpoint. The views are stunning but I recommend getting there early to avoid the crowds. It’s also the best time to see if there are any manta rays around. They’re easiest to spot from neighbouring Nusa Lembongan but can sometimes be spotted on the craggy coastline of Nusa Penida too. I didn’t manage to go swimming with them on this visit but it’s a good option for those with an extra day in the itinerary!
From here you can catch a public roll-on, roll-off ferry to take you across to Padang Bai, which is much cheaper than the speedboat operators. However, it takes a lot longer and is quite cramped.
Once you get to the other side, your first stop is Goa Giri Putri Cave Temple. This is not your typical temple but is one of the most authentic and interesting experiences on the island. You will need to maneuver yourself through a small hole built into the side of the mountain and once you’re inside you’ll be amazed at the size of this cave temple.
The rest of the day can be spent exploring on your scooter if you’ve got one. If not, there are plenty of rental shops on the island. I would only rent a scooter here if you have some experience driving as the roads are terrible and you’ll be at the mercy of local drivers who have little regard for tourists on motorbikes.
Day Four
It’s your final day on Nusa Penida and there is still a lot to see. Today I suggest heading over to Tembeling beach. This beach is surrounded by cliffs and features a few gorgeous natural pools that make it feel completely secluded. It’s also the perfect place to watch the sunset with few people around. You can find a swing set here and there is usually a lady selling drinks and snacks. It’s a must-see on your nusa penida trip
If you have an extra day I recommend signing up for a snorkeling tour to swim with the giant manta rays. These tours depart from Crystal Bay and are a great way to explore the craggy coastline of Nusa Penida.
I would also suggest checking out Teletubbies Hill as it is a good way to understand the diverse landscape of Nusa Penida. The views are breathtaking here and I loved flying the drone to get a better understanding of the unique contours of this island.
If you aren’t feeling confident driving on this island there is the option to hire a driver or go by bus. The roads can be a bit tricky and I didn’t feel comfortable driving on them myself so if you don’t have much experience it’s probably best to stick with buses. Make sure you make it over to the Car Temple on this day too! It’s a very cool spot with two cement cars in the back and it’s free to enter.