Nusa Penida, Bali: Travel Guide 2025 — Kelingking Beach, How to Get There, Prices

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Toyapakeh

sightseeing

Main tourist hub in the northwest — boats from Bali arrive here. Best infrastructure on the island: restaurants, shops, ATMs. Close to diving sites and Manta Point. Ideal for first visit. Convenient access to western attractions from here.

Crystal Bay

sightseeing

Most beautiful beach on the west of the island — ideal for snorkeling and sunsets. Faces west, so sun sets directly into the sea. Several hotels and restaurants right on the beach. More isolated area, need transport to other attractions.

Atuh / Diamond Beach

sightseeing

Most dramatic landscapes on the east of the island. White sand beaches at the foot of high cliffs. Fewer tourists. Far from port — need full day for this area. Fewer accommodation options. Roads here are challenging even for experienced drivers.

Ped / Sampalan

budget

Local life of the island. Sampalan — alternative port, Ped — important Pura Ped temple nearby. Fewer tourists, more authentic atmosphere. Good option for budget accommodation. Close to Goa Giri Putri cave temple.

Nusa Penida

Nusa Penida is a wild island off the coast of Bali that became a global sensation thanks to Kelingking Beach cliff shaped like a T-Rex. This image spread across every Instagram feed in the world and made the island a must-visit destination.

The island is located 25 km southeast of Bali. You can reach it by fast boat from Sanur port in 30-45 minutes (106-200k IDR). The sea is often rough — bring seasickness pills.

Nusa Penida is not a resort. There's no nightlife, few restaurants, and dangerous roads. This is a place for adventure seekers. Main attractions: Kelingking Beach (iconic T-Rex clif...

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faq.subtitle Nusa Penida

Fast boats depart from Sanur port (most popular), Padang Bai, Kusamba, and Serangan. Journey time is 30-45 minutes. Ticket price is 106,000-200,000 IDR ($7-13) one way. Book online in advance — it's cheaper and more reliable. Last boat at 17:00. The sea is often rough — take seasickness pills. There's a slow Roro ferry from Padang Bai for 120k IDR (with scooter), 90 minutes.

Kelingking Beach — iconic T-Rex-shaped cliff, rated in TripAdvisor's top 10 beaches; descent takes 2+ hours. Broken Beach — natural arch over turquoise lagoon. Angel's Billabong — natural pool in the rocks (swim only at low tide!). Diamond Beach and Atuh Beach — pristine white beaches on the east. Crystal Bay — best for snorkeling and sunsets. Manta Point — diving spot with manta rays. Goa Giri Putri temple — inside a huge cave.

Minimum 2-3 nights for a proper experience. Day trips from Bali are exhausting — lots of travel time, crowds at popular spots. Day 1: west loop — Kelingking, Broken Beach, Angel's Billabong, Crystal Bay at sunset. Day 2: east loop — Diamond Beach, Atuh Beach, Thousand Islands viewpoint. Day 3: hidden spots — Tembeling Forest, Peguyangan Waterfall, snorkeling. Due to poor roads, plan max 2-3 places per day.

Scooter: 75,000-100,000 IDR/day ($5-7). BUT: roads on Nusa Penida are the most dangerous in Bali. Narrow, with huge potholes, steep unpaved descents. Accidents happen daily. If you're an experienced rider — go slow (max 30 km/h), use horn on turns, wear helmet and closed shoes. If a beginner — hire a driver with car (600,000-800,000 IDR/day, $40-50). It's safer and more relaxed. Insurance may not cover accidents without international license.

Toyapakeh (northwest): arrival port, best infrastructure, restaurants, close to diving. Ideal for first visit. Crystal Bay: beautiful beach for snorkeling and sunsets, but fewer accommodation options. Atuh/Diamond Beach (east): most dramatic views, but far from everything, need transport. Prices: hostels from $5, guesthouses $15-30, 3* hotels $40-80, villas with pool from $100. Book ahead in high season.

No, MIR doesn't work in Indonesia. ATMs on the island are few (2-3 total), often empty or broken. MUST bring enough cash from Bali! Recommend minimum 2-3 million rupiah per person for a few days. Visa/Mastercard accepted only at large hotels. Warungs and small establishments — cash only. Alternative for Russians: UnionPay (if available), foreign card, or just cash USD/EUR to exchange in Bali.

Travel Tips

Useful tips for visiting Nusa Penida

Roads on Nusa Penida are the most dangerous in Bali. Tourist spots are accessed via narrow dirt roads with huge potholes and steep descents. If riding a scooter: max speed 30 km/h, honk at every turn, helmet and closed shoes mandatory. For inexperienced — private driver 600-800k IDR/day. Boats from Sanur run 7:00-17:00, tickets 106-200k IDR. Book online in advance.

Bring cash from Bali! Only 2-3 ATMs on the island, often empty. Cards accepted only at large hotels. Recommend minimum 2-3 million rupiah per person for a few days. MIR doesn't work in Indonesia. Visa/Mastercard work but not everywhere. Rate: 1 USD = ~16,000 IDR. Exchange money in Bali at official exchangers. Island rates are worse.

Arrive at Kelingking Beach before 9:00 — crowds come later. Descent to beach takes 2+ hours and requires good fitness. Angel's Billabong is dangerous at high tide — swim only at low tide. Crystal Bay — best spot for sunsets. For snorkeling with mantas, go to Manta Point (tour ~350k IDR). Plan max 2-3 places per day — roads are slow. Download offline maps — internet is poor.

Main dangers: roads (scooter accidents daily) and ocean (strong currents). Don't overestimate your driving skills — if unsure, hire a driver. At Angel's Billabong and Crystal Bay — powerful currents that sweep people out to sea. Swim only at low tide and calm sea. Medical care is minimal — serious injuries = evacuation to Bali. Have good insurance. Sun protection is essential — equatorial sun is harsh.

Food at warungs (local cafes) costs 15,000-35,000 IDR ($1-2.50) per dish. Mid-range cafes: 50,000-100,000 IDR ($3-7). Hotel restaurants are pricier. Popular dishes: nasi goreng, mie goreng, nasi campur, fresh fish. In Toyapakeh and Crystal Bay — best restaurant selection. Recommended: Warung Tu Pande, Penida Colada, Ba'Bar Kitchen. Drink only bottled water. Bintang (local beer) — 35,000-50,000 IDR.

Nusa Penida is a sacred island for Balinese. Pura Ped temple is an important pilgrimage site. Goa Giri Putri temple is in a huge cave — entrance through narrow opening in rock. When visiting temples, wear sarong and cover shoulders. The island has preserved authentic Balinese culture without nightlife and hustle. Locals are friendly, but some work in tourism only seasonally. Respect traditions: women shouldn't enter temples during menstruation.