Plan my trip
Kelingking Beach and its T-Rex headland, Nusa Penida

Nusa Penida travel guide

Nusa Penida: Bali's wildest cliffs and manta-ray waters.

Nusa Penida is a rugged island southeast of Bali, reached by fast boat from Sanur. It is famous for the Kelingking cliff, Broken Beach, Crystal Bay and manta-ray snorkelling. You can see the west coast highlights on a long day trip, but the slow, rough roads mean you cannot cover the whole island in one day.

Best time
Apr–Nov
How long
1 long day or 2 to 3 days
From Ubud
45 min + boat
Best for
Dramatic coastline and snorkelling

Things to do in Nusa Penida.

  1. See Kelingking from the clifftop

    The T-rex shaped headland is the island's best-known view. The trail down to the beach is steep and demanding, and the surf below is dangerous for swimming.

  2. Visit Broken Beach and Angel's Billabong

    These two sea-carved formations sit close together on the west coast. Stay well back from the rock pools when waves are coming over, as people have been swept away here.

  3. Snorkel at Crystal Bay and Manta Point

    Crystal Bay is a popular swimming and snorkelling stop. Manta Point is reached only by boat and needs a licensed guide, because the water can be rough.

  4. Go east for Diamond Beach and Atuh

    The east coast is quieter, with a carved stairway down to white sand and the Thousand Islands viewpoint. It deserves its own day rather than a rushed add-on.

How to get there.

Fast boats cross from Sanur in roughly 30 to 45 minutes, depending on the operator and the sea. Bali has no bridge to the island, and cars there are separate, so book a car and driver on the Penida side before you land.

  • Broken Beach
  • Crystal Bay
  • Diamond Beach
  • Kelingking Beach
  • Manta Point
  • Thousand Islands Viewpoint

Nusa Penida questions, answered.

Is one day enough for Nusa Penida?

One day is enough for one side of the island, usually the west coast. Roads are narrow and slow, so trying to see both coasts in a day means spending most of it in the car.

How do you get from Bali to Nusa Penida?

Take a fast boat from Sanur, which takes roughly 30 to 45 minutes. Boats can be delayed or cancelled in rough seas, so avoid planning the crossing for the day before an international flight.

Can you swim at Kelingking Beach?

It is not recommended. Strong currents and heavy surf make the water dangerous even for strong swimmers. Crystal Bay is a much better place to get in the water.

Private trips to Nusa Penida.

All Nusa Penida packages →

More places to explore.

All destinations →
Ubud Apr–Oct Uluwatu May–Sep Munduk & Bedugul All year