Dewata Island offers many attractions, including Nusa Penida. The island is located in Klungkung Regency, ~20 kilometers from Sanur Harbour, and is known for its beautiful cliffs, with tickets priced at IDR 75,000–125,000 per person.
If it is on your radar, this article helps you know how to get there, what each beach is like, and whether to stay on Nusa Penida or base yourself in Sanur. Read on for a complete guide to visiting Nusa Penida.
Where Is Nusa Penida and How Far Is It From Bali
Nusa Penida Island is not located near the main island of Bali. It is a small island located in the southeast of Bali, across the Badung Strait, as the island sits roughly ~20 kilometers off Bali’s southeast coast, although the exact travel distance depends on which port you leave from.
Because the crossing is relatively short, Nusa Penida is easy to visit as a day trip from Bali. However, you can stay one to two nights for extra time exploring popular spots, such as Kelingking Beach and the island’s snorkelling and diving areas.
How to Get to Nusa Penida From Bali
If you are planning a Nusa Penida day trip, you should understand the way to get there, as you have to ride a boat from the nearest harbour. There are three ways to visit Nusa Penida, either from Sanur, Kusamba, or Padang Bai.
Fast Boat From Sanur Harbour
Visiting Nusa Penida Island is not hard because it is accessible from Sanur Harbour. It is one of the most popular departure points for fast boats to Nusa Penida, as the crossing usually takes around 30–45 minutes, depending on the operator, weather, and sea conditions.
The boats will arrive at Banjar Nyuh Harbour or Toya Pakeh on Nusa Penida. For convenience, you should arrive at the harbour 30–60 minutes before departure for check-in and boarding, avoiding long queues that make the journey longer than usual.
Departures From Kusamba and Padang Bai
As one of the places to visit in Bali, you can depart to Nusa Penida from Kusamba Harbour. It is ideal for you if you are staying around Ubud, Sidemen, or East Bali, as the crossing takes around 20-30 minutes and arrives at Sampalan.
Meanwhile, Padang Bai Harbour is a perfect option and particularly convenient for travelers staying in Candidasa, Karangasem, or other parts of East Bali. The fastest direct crossing to Nusa Penida is around 30 minutes, depending on the operators and season.
Best Beaches and Viewpoints in Nusa Penida
Nusa Penida is known for its dramatic cliffs and beaches that make your trip something memorable. There are many things to do in Nusa Penida, such as exploring beaches that offer beautiful views that you can’t get anywhere else.
1. Kelingking Beach
Kelingking Beach has become one of the most popular beaches in Nusa Penida. It is known for its dramatic limestone headland, which resembles a T-Rex framework, surrounded by turquoise ocean and a secluded white-sand beach below.
For the best photo backdrops, you can stop at the clifftop viewpoint, which offers a classic panoramic view and is much easier to reach than the beach itself. Avoid getting too close to exposed cliff edges for photos for your own safety.
2. Diamond Beach and Atuh Beach
Diamond Beach in Nusa Penida is famous for its towering limestone formations and cliffside staircase leading down to the beach. It is one of the other beaches across Bali that offer Nusa Penida’s most recognizable panorama, while reaching the sand requires a fairly steep descent.
Atuh Beach, not far from Diamond Beach, has a quieter setting surrounded by cliffs and offshore rock formations, including a distinctive natural arch. You can walk down to the beach, relax on the sand, and enjoy the spectacular coastal scenery.
3. Crystal Bay
Crystal Bay in Nusa Penida can be a choice for an elevated, refined journey on the island. It is popular for its clear water, palm-lined shoreline, and relatively easy beach access compared to other beaches.
Unlike other beaches in Nusa Penida that require steep hikes, Crystal Bay is reachable by road and a short walk. It is what makes the beach perfect for relaxing after a long day of exploring the island.
4. Broken Beach and Angel’s Billabong
Broken Beach in Nusa Penida features a circular cove surrounded by limestone cliffs, with a large natural rock arch connecting the bay to the open ocean. It is what makes the beach one of the most distinctive natural attractions in West Nusa Penida.
You can explore the beach mainly from the clifftop, following the path around the cove for the best scenery of the turquoise water and dramatic rock formations. It has no safe route down to the beach or water, so the beach is primarily a sightseeing and photography stop rather than a place for swimming.
The beach is close enough to Angel’s Billabong, which is a natural tidal pool on the western coast of Nusa Penida. It is famous for clear turquoise water and a dramatic rocky setting overlooking the Indian Ocean.
Angel’s Billabong has a pool naturally shaped by the sea. It creates an infinity pool-like appearance when viewed at low tide, but you should not enter the pool because waves can suddenly wash over the rocks, as swimming has been prohibited following a previous accident.
Snorkelling and Diving at Manta Point and Crystal Bay
Snorkelling and diving are popular activities, especially in Manta Point of Nusa Penida. The site has cleaning stations where mantas regularly circle while small reef fish remove parasites from their bodies.
However, sightings are never guaranteed because the mantas are wild animals. The main cleaning area is relatively shallow at around 10 metres, while deeper sections are better suited to experienced divers.
Snorkelling on Nusa Penida is also possible on Crystal Bay. It is a place where you can see Mola-mola or Ocean Sunfish roaming, particularly from July to October when cooler water brings them closer to recreational diving depths on the island.
How Much a Nusa Penida Day Trip Costs
A day trip in Nusa Penida typically costs around IDR 600,000–1,200,000 per person. It depends heavily on the boat, type of tour, itinerary, and whether activities such as snorkeling are included.
You should budget between IDR 800,000 and IDR 1,500,000 per person if you intend to go snorkelling at Manta Point or Crystal Bay. Depending on whether it’s a private or communal trip, the cost may vary.
Best Time to Visit Nusa Penida
If you are planning to visit Nusa Penida, you can consider the drier months, around April to October. It is typically less rainy and better for Nusa Penida’s weather for beach visits, viewpoints, hiking, snorkelling, and boat crossings.
May to September are generally popular for outdoor activities. The skies are clearer, trails are less slippery, and conditions are generally more comfortable for exploring places, such as Kelingking Beach, Diamond Beach, Broken Beach, and Angel’s Billabong.
Should You Stay on Nusa Penida or Base Yourself in Sanur
An option to base yourself depends heavily on your preferences. You can stay on Nusa Penida if you want a slower, less rushed experience, as you spend one to two nights exploring both the west and east sides of the island.
However, if you are looking for convenience, Seascape Sanur is one of the many places to stay in Sanur. The accommodation works well if you want to explore Nusa Penida as one part of a larger Bali trip and visit the island as a day tour without changing hotels.
In addition to the accommodation, Sanora Villa Sanur can be a perfect base. The villa is not far from Sanur Harbour, which makes it accessible for you to explore Nusa Penida in a day, without having to spend a whole day on the island.
Planning Your Nusa Penida Trip
It is definitely recommended that you think about visiting Nusa Penida while in Bali. Because of its location in Bali’s southeast, you can take in the island’s expansive views, making the vacation unforgettable.
For a practical base and convenience, you can stay in Sanur at Ini Vie Hospitality properties. Whether Seascape Sanur or Sanora Villa Sanur, these two accommodations offer you comfortable and adequate accommodation for proper rest after exploring Nusa Penida.
FAQ
A fast boat from Sanur to Nusa Penida usually takes around 30–45 minutes in normal conditions. Travel time can be longer when seas are rough or if the service makes additional stops.
Yes, one day is enough to see several highlights, especially if you focus on either the West Nusa Penida route with Kelingking Beach, Broken Beach, Angel’s Billabong, and Crystal Bay, or the East Nusa Penida route with Diamond Beach and Atuh Beach. Staying overnight is better if you want a slower pace, snorkelling, sunrise views, or time to explore both sides of the island.
It is strongly recommended, particularly during weekends, public holidays, and the July–August high season. Morning departures are popular with day-trippers and can sell out. Booking ahead also gives you more choice of departure time and operator.
Not on the standard passenger fast boats operating from Sanur. Travelers who need to transport a motorbike generally have to use a vehicle-carrying ferry service, commonly associated with Padang Bai, rather than a regular fast boat. For most visitors, renting a scooter or hiring a driver after arriving on Nusa Penida is much simpler.
Yes, but the two islands offer different experiences. Nusa Penida is better for dramatic landscapes, including towering cliffs, famous viewpoints, remote beaches, and manta-ray excursions. Nusa Lembongan is smaller, easier to get around, and generally better suited to relaxed beach days, families, and travelers who prefer less driving. If spectacular scenery is your priority, choose Nusa Penida. If you want a more laid-back island stay, Nusa Lembongan may suit you better.
