Planning to visit Nusa Penida? Here are 10 popular activities and things you should try on Nusa Penida
When going on a short vacation or island hopping trip you want to make sure you don’t miss out on any of the fun and cultural activities of your destination.
Nusa Penida, which is increasingly a favorite destination amongst both adventure-seeking travelers and Instagram bloggers, is known for its jaw-dropping cliff panoramas, amazing diving and rugged beauty.
With between 300,000 to 550,000 tourist visiting Nusa Penida in 2019 and just a 30-minute boat ride away from Bali’s mainland it is no surprise that the island of Nusa Penida is becoming a popular new holiday destination in Bali.
Nusa Penida is an island southeast of Indonesia's island Bali and a district of Klungkung Regency that includes the neighbouring small island of Nusa Lembongan and twelve even smaller islands. The Badung Strait separates the island and Bali. The interior of Nusa Penida is hilly with a maximum altitude of 524 metres.
How to get to Nusa Penida from Bali?
Getting to Nusa Penida from Bali is very easy. Most fast boats depart from Sanur’s beach and offer multiple sailings a day, starting in the morning. The average sailing time is 30 minutes and ferry prices vary depending on fast boat operator and season but in general prices start from as low as $14 USD for a one way ticket. For exact prices by date simply head over to our homepage and use the ferry fare search box.
10 Activities and things to do on Nusa Penida
Go Snorkeling At Manta Bay
Make the most of your stay at Nusa Penida by booking a snorkeling tour at Manta bay. This is the place to be in for the best chances of sighting a manta ray - the fishes are regular visitors here for feeding on the plankton-rich currents.
If you are lucky, you may experience swimming with several of these beautiful creatures. They are playful and do not attack humans, so there’s nothing to worry about. The underwater beauty combined with the gentle manta rays swimming along with you is sure to make for a memorable experience. This is one of the most loved Nusa Penida activities amongst tourists.
Check Out The Kelingking Beach
If you visit Nusa Penida, one of the best things to do includes hanging out on one of its many beaches. And the Kelingking beach is at the top of our list!
One of Nusa Penida’s top attractions, the marvelous Kelingking beach, is hidden in the southwestern coast of the island. This beach is famous for its picturesque view of the blue water framed by rugged cliffs and white sand.
The beach is most popular for its dinosaur-head-shaped cliff. The cliffs resemble the T-rex, and this is the only example of such a formation in the entire world! The word ‘kelingking’, when translated, means the pinkie (the smallest finger). While the cliff does seem to resemble a pinkie too, we still find the comparison to a T-rex more suitable!
Visit The Largest Cave Temple In Nusa Penida
A very famous tourist attraction in Nusa Penida, the Pura Goa Giri Putri temple is housed in one of the largest caves on the island. To enter the temple, a small donation and going through a purification ceremony (a very quick one) is a must. You also need to buy or rent a sarong.
To enter the temple, you need to crawl through a relatively narrow passage, but it is worth the effort. Once inside, you will be mesmerized with the grandeur of the interior, as you immerse yourself in watching the local rituals!
Angel’s Billabong
A unique landscape situated on the western coast of Nusa Penida, this is a clear pool flanked by cliffs on both sides. The stunning emerald-hued water, combined with the different limestone patterns and formations visible under the surface, makes it a must-visit place on the island.
The best time to visit Angel’s Billabong is during low tide, as only then can you see the beautiful handiwork of nature through the clear water. This is one of the best Nusa Penida activities that you are sure to enjoy.
Take In The Beauty Of The Broken Beach
One of the island’s most-visited sites, the Broken Beach, is no less than a photographer’s paradise. The main highlight is the cliff with a hole at the base, making it look like an arch over the sea.
The water from the sea can flow in and out through the circular opening, giving the place a remarkable and awe-inspiring charm. While the water may look inviting, there is no way of getting down into the cove. But the view around the place makes up for it!
Go For A Swim At Atuh Beach
If you want to go for a quick swim or simply relax while watching the waves, Atuh Beach is the best place for you! The beach is easily accessible, although you need to exercise caution as the road can be pretty rough!
The best time to visit the beach is during high tide when the sea is at its full glory. But no matter when you visit, you are sure to get some Instagram-worthy photos here!
Nusa Lembongan
If you have some time in hand, a trip to Nusa Lembongan is highly recommended. With lots of attractive beaches and coves, you are sure to have the best time of your life. Try checking out the mangrove forests and the rock pools too.
You can opt for a boat ride to Nusa Lembongan from Nusa Penida as the two islands are only separated through a narrow waterway!
Thousands Island Viewpoint
The Thousand Island Viewpoint (also known as Pulau Seribu) is located on the island’s eastern coast. This is the place to go if you want a breathtaking panoramic view of the blue sea standing out amidst the sandy beaches and cliffs.
There are two viewpoints here, allowing you to experience the beautiful scenery from different angles. Try spending a day at the Rumah Pohon Treehouse while you visit it for a breathtaking experience.
Go For A Dive At Crystal Bay
Well-known for its incredibly clear water, Crystal bay is the place to go if you want to experience the underwater view at its best. The water is relatively calm here, so you get a wide range of visibility. This is surely going to be one of your most unforgettable Nusa Penida activities.
As the island is located between the Pacific and the Indian oceans, you get to see a wide variety of ocean life. It is most famous for being one of the few places where you can spot the mola-mola or oceanic sunfish.
Relax In The Tembeling Natural Pools
The Tembeling Natural Pools are natural freshwater pools with clear blue water surrounded by high cliffs. There are two pools, the first larger than the second, but both are remarkable for the serene and relaxing atmosphere.
To reach the pools, you need to head down the spiral stairs from the Tembeling forest, which is another attraction worth visiting. And while you are at it, do check out the Tembeling beach too!
