Crystal-clear water, breathtaking bays, manta rays, caves, waterfalls and impressive hilly landscapes – all this can be found on the still relatively undeveloped island of Nusa Penida. This natural paradise to the southeast of Bali offers peace, seclusion and a diverse landscape for that pure island feeling. The combination of spectacular cliffs, secluded beaches and untouched nature will make any adventurer’s heart beat faster! There is plenty to discover on land and in the water on this small island, making Nusa Penida a must-visit during any holiday in Bali.
The island is known as the island of priests to the Balinese (Nusa means ‘island’ and Penida means ‘priest’) for its black magic. The locals once believed that Nusa Penida was inhabited by dark spirits that had been banished to the island by the Balinese priests. When visiting the island, there is little evidence of this, because people mainly travel to Nusa Pendia to enjoy the beautiful nature. However, when visiting one of the temples where the dark spirits are worshipped, you can feel the mystical side of the island.
Day trips to Nusa Penida are offered from Bali, but if you want to take in the full beauty of the island in peace, you should plan on spending two to three days on the island. This way, you will have the most beautiful places to yourself in the morning and evening, because most day tourists come between 10 am and 4 pm.
Where is Nusa Penida?
Three small island paradises, offering peace and nature, are waiting to be discovered to the southeast of Bali: Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Ceningan and, a little further to the east, the largest (approx. 200 km2) and most untouched of the three islands: Nusa Penida. You can reach Nusa Penida from Bali by speedboat from Sanur or Kusamba, or take the slow ferry from Padang Bai.
Local boats also travel from Nusa Lembongan to the nearby island. Some tour operators organise day trips from Bali to explore the main attractions of Nusa Penida by land and sea. However, since the island also offers a good selection of accommodation in all price ranges, it is worth staying overnight.
Places to visit and things to do on Nusa Penida
Spectacular view over Kelingking Beach
The most famous lookout point on Nusa Penida is the Karang Dawa Viewpoint above the beautiful Kelingking Beach. From here you can admire the rock formation and the dreamlike white sandy beach of Kelingking, but be prepared for some visitors, as this viewpoint became world famous through Instagram. You cannot visit the beach itself, and it is not recommended to descend the steep and unpaved path down the cliffs.
The perfect spot for watching the sunset: Pererenan Sunset Point
The imposing coastal landscapes with cliffs up to 200 metres high on the south coast of Nusa Penida provide spectacular views! Pererenan Sunset Point, which is right next to the path to the Seganing waterfall, offers a particularly impressive panorama. It is best enjoyed here at sunset, after a refreshing dip in the waterfall.
Adventure feeling at the Seganing waterfall
If you want to explore the untouched corners of Nusa Penida, you also need a sense of adventure, physical fitness and sturdy shoes, because many of the paths are unpaved and exposed. Like the descent down to the Seganing waterfall, which lies below a cliff face that is about 200 metres high. The waterfall itself is not particularly high, but it flows picturesquely into the sea and there are two small natural pools where you can take a refreshing dip after the exciting descent.
Immerse yourself in the tranquility of the rainforest in the Tempeling Forest
Another highlight of Nusa Penida is the Tempeling Forest, a primeval forest that lies directly on the coast and appears enchanted and magical with its dense jungle. Like almost all of the island’s attractions, the path through the forest eventually leads down to imposing cliffs. At the bottom of the beach (which is not suitable for swimming), you can reach a rocky beach through a cave. With two natural pools where you can swim, a temple with a sacred pool and a gigantic staircase through the forest, you will be immersed in a magical world in the Tempeling Forest.
The mystical side of Nusa Pendida: Goa Giri Putri Cave
Even more magic awaits you at the Goa Giri Putri Cave on the north coast of Nusa Penida, which is easily accessible by scooter. The imposing cave contains a temple with numerous shrines and statues, and a mystical atmosphere prevails. Hindu ceremonies also take place here regularly.
Explore secluded and dreamlike beaches
There are so many beaches to discover on Nusa Penida that it’s impossible to list them all. A scooter is the best way to explore the island, but the roads are very bad, so you need patience and some driving experience. But if you’re up for the adventurous journey, you’ll discover beautiful beaches that, with a bit of luck, you’ll have all to yourself. For example, Atuh Beach and Suwehan Beach.
Infinity natural pool: Angel’s Billabong & Broken Beach
This unique infinity natural pool is another highlight of Nusa Penida! Angel’s Billabong flows directly into the sea and, with its special shape and spectacular shades of blue, offers a breathtaking view! When the waves are small, you can also swim in the pool. But great caution is advised here: If there are prohibition signs, you should urgently follow the lifeguard’s instructions, because people have been swept away by the currents here! You should also wear sturdy shoes because of the sharp stones.
Right next to it is the famous Brocken Beach – a tunnel in the rocky landscape in front of a natural pool, through which you have a beautiful view of the Manta Bay in the blue ocean. With a bit of luck, you might also see manta rays through the archway.
Explore the underwater world of Nusa Penida
In addition to the beauty on land, Nusa Penida also scores with beautiful coral reefs and rare wildlife that can be discovered while snorkelling and diving.
Unique underwater world at Crystal Bay
The popular Crystal Bay beach is easily accessible by scooter and snorkelling and diving tours to Manta Bay start from there. However, Crystal Bay is also an excellent place for snorkelling, with colourful coral just a few metres from the beach. With a bit of luck, you will see rare mola-molas (sunfish), manta rays and dolphins – and you are sure to see numerous colourful fish.
Snorkelling and diving with manta rays
As the name suggests, Manta Point on the southwest coast of Nusa Penida is a popular spot for seeing the beautiful manta rays, which have a wingspan of up to three metres. However, this diving and snorkelling spot is very popular and therefore often overcrowded. When you are in the water with manta rays, you should keep your distance and enjoy the sight of these delicate creatures with the necessary respect.
Diving around Bali
Kutampi Beach offers a colourful underwater world
This relatively unknown diving and snorkelling area is one of the most beautiful on Nusa Penida. You can dive directly from the beach and enjoy the intact, colourful coral and fish life. All you need is a mask and fins to explore the underwater world directly from the beach.
Conclusion: Who should make the trip to Nusa Penida
Nusa Penida is a beautiful island that is still relatively undeveloped and therefore offers a real island feeling. The infrastructure is simple, allowing you to immerse yourself in the quiet island life, far away from the luxury and hustle and bustle of Bali. On land and in the water, Nusa Penida offers plenty of variety and adventure, making a trip to the island a great way to take a little time out during your holiday.
Since Nusa Penida is easy to reach from Bali, you can also explore the island’s highlights such as Manta Point and Kelingking Beach on a day trip. But since Nusa Penida is so diverse, it’s worth staying overnight for the more adventurous, renting a scooter and exploring the whole island.
