Nusa Penida Bali Travel Guide - Budget and Solo Traveler Friendly!

Caroline Cunningham
Feb 6, 2020
15 min read

Over the years as pictures of the curved spine of Kelingking Beach have gone viral, Nusa Penida has become a main attraction to visiting Bali. Nusa Penida is a part of a trio of smaller islands, sitting by the southeast coast of the main island of Bali. On Nusa Penida you will find less Western restaurants, a much quieter atmosphere, some untouched wilderness, and the iconic, epic coastlines!

Ways to Experience Nusa Penida

For most people, visiting Nusa Penida means taking a day trip or a guided tour from Bali. If your vacation time is limited, then tours are a good option because you can visit the island in a day, have it all planned out for you, and have a wonderful experience. However, if time is on your side, I highly recommend visiting Nusa Penida for several days and exploring on your own. Staying on the island is a completely different vibe than staying on Bali, one that I absolutely loved. It also gives you the time to explore as much as possible. For example, over the years Diamond beach has also become as popular as Kelingking beach. But because they are on opposing sides of the island, it's difficult and/or an extremely rushed day to attempt visiting both within 24 hours. There's also so much more to the island than just the well known places. But however long you decide to stay or whichever way you decide to explore, there's no doubt you will enjoy Nusa Penida!

View of Mount Agung on Bali from Nusa Penida

Getting to Nusa Penida

Nusa Penida is small island close to the mainland of Bali; to get there it is about a 30 minute boat ride from Sanur Harbor (on Bali). However, it can also be accessed frm Nusa Lembongan or from Lombok. The most popular way is from Bali though.

Booking a Boat Ticket to Nusa Penida from Bali

Securing a boat ticket to Nusa Penida can be done in many ways. Some hotels will help you arrange it, which may include pick up from the hotel and the boat to Nusa Penida.

There are also many vendors on the streets within Bali who will provide transportation and tours to Nusa Penida. You can also book online at 12Go or Klook, both of which are very reliable for all modes of transportation. Keep in mind, if you do book online, this should be done at least a day in advance. The other option is to wing it; it's completely possible to just show up at Sanur Harbor and buy a ticket there since so many boats and ferries leave everyday.

Whichever way you buy your ticket though, I recommend comparing prices, and haggle if you decide to buy from a vendor or Sanur Harbor. Also pay attention to the departure options. Some ways of booking may be more expensive than others, however, some may include transportation to Sanur Harbor (for example from a vendor or booking through your hotel - whereas online it leaves it up to you to get to Sanur Harbor). Also keep in mind, depending on when you book, for example last minute, it may be more expensive.

I booked a ticket for speedboat online at Klook, the day before, which was 165,000 IDR ($12 USD). I actually ended up missing my boat due to oversleeping and not reading the fine print about arriving early, but they just stuck me on the next boat leaving at no extra cost.

In summary..

Ways to book a boat ticket:

• At your hotel

• From a street vendor

• Online at 12Go or Klook

Tips when booking:

• Compare prices

• Haggle/bargain if you can

• Consider the pros and cons and price differences of booking a ticket that includes transportation to the harbor vs getting there on your own

• Book as early as possible to get a better price

• Check your ticket for the time you're supposed to arrive at the harbor

Booking a Day Trip and/or Tour to Nusa Penida

If you plan on visiting Nusa Penida only for the day, it's possible to book as mentioned above, in the early morning and then also book a boat back in the late afternoon/early evening. Then once you arrive on Nusa Penida, renting a motorbike on your own and exploring. However, if you only have one day and are trying to be as efficient as possible and stress free for yourself, it's possible to just book a day tour and have everything all inclusive.

Many days tours are offered by street vendors and hotels. You can also book online, at Klook, TripAdvisor, Airbnb, Get Your Guide, Four Elements Adventure, Bali Trip Driver, and many more. Day tours range from $50 - 150 USD depending on the activities included - some of the more expensive ones include snorkeling, so compare your options.

Getting to Sanur Harbor

Most speedboats and ferries to Nusa Penida will leave from Sanur Harbor. When purchasing your ticket, I would double check that this is your departure point. After doing so, I would check Google Maps to see how far away you are from Sanur Harbor, because given its location and Bali traffic, it might take you up to 45 minutes drive to get there. This detail is important to planning your arrival time so you don't miss your boat.

If you're taking a tour, most likely it will provide hotel pickup to the harbor, therefore you will not need to worry about the logistics of getting there.

If you are not on a tour, the cheapest way to reach Sanur Harbor is using the GoJek or Grab app. You can also take a taxi, this is a good option to support locals. When you arrive at Sanur Harbor, there's a small fee for drivers to enter the parking lot, to avoid this fee just have them drop you off outside of it and walk in. Be sure to arrive early at the harbor before your boat leaves. And don't worry if you missed breakfast, there's a lot of places to buy food and drink at the harbor!

Arriving at Nusa Penida

After about 30 minutes on a speedboat, you'll arrive at Nusa Penida. Unless you're on a tour and a vehicle is waiting for you, arriving at the port can be overwhelming. There's tons of men bombarding you, asking if you need a ride to your hotel or a private driver for the week. And unless you have prior arrangements, this is how you'll get to your hotel/next destination. Of course, this requires a lot of haggling; you'll be offered the highest prices and they tend to rush you. This is why a lot of people find a tour guide or driver beforehand online or with a vendor.

Being someone who makes plans as they go, I did not. So I bargained with someone to drive me to my hostel. At my hostel is where I hired someone to take me around on their motorbike to explore the next few days.

Depending on where your hotel or hostel is on Nusa Penida, it's about 100,000 IDR ($7 USD) to get there with one of the drivers from the port. You could maybe haggle for lower, personally my skills weren't great at the time and I was overwhelmed and just went with it.

From Nusa Penida Back to Bali

If you booked a tour, your transportation back will obviously be covered. However, if not you simply go about it the same way you did to get there. Hotels on Nusa Penida will have information about returning back to Bali, or you can book online on 12Go.

Getting Around Nusa Penida

How to get around Nusa Penida is a detail I did not consider before coming...unlike Bali there are no Grab's or GoJek's, public transportation, or taxis. It's either you rent a motorbike or car yourself, or you have a private driver.

This is one advantage to booking a day tour, is that all the transportation around the island is included.

Renting a motorbike

Especially for backpackers staying a few days on Nusa Penida, this is a popular option. However, although it's cheap, there are things to consider. For one, the roads on Nusa Penida are notorious for being really, really bad. There's a billion potholes, many portions of the road are just torn up gravel, which are up and down steep hills. If you do opt to rent a motorbike, know what you're in for, only do it if you're an experienced driver, wear a helmet, and have travel insurance - I saw a lot of accidents. If you do decide to risk it, renting a motorbike can be done from your accommodation on Nusa Penida, or from the harbor from which you arrive. There will be several men there ready to bargain with you, be sure to negotiate. Motorbikes are around 75,000 IDR ($5 USD) per day.

Renting a motorbike with a driver

When I visited Nusa Penida, I had never driven a motorbike in my life. When I heard about the roads, I knew it would be really stupid to try on my own. Now after seeing those roads, I know I could have gotten really hurt, even if I did know how to drive.

But being on a budget, I didn't want to break the bank getting a private car to go around the island by myself, so I actually paid someone working at my hostel to drive me around on their motorbike. It was a lot of fun and I got to witness beautiful views without the stress of driving myself. I paid 300,000 IDR ($20 USD) per day. To do this, just ask your hotel or hostel if they offer the service, if not they most likely will know someone to call.

Renting a private car with a driver

Especially if you're not traveling alone, this is a really good option because it's safer than a motorbike and you can split the price with your fellow travelers. When you arrive at the port of Nusa Penida, you can hire a driver there, just by asking one of the men. You can also book from your hotel/hostel, or online at Klook. Renting a private car with driver is around 500,000 IDR ($35 USD) per day.

Places to See on Nusa Penida

On the West Coast of Nusa Penida:

1. Kelingking Beach

Photos of this unique, curved coastline is what has started to draw more and more people to Nusa Penida; it's probably the most visited part of the island! And even if you've already seen a thousand photos online, it's unreal to personally stand in front of the T-Rex shaped cliff, and watch the blue waves roll into the rock face.

Kelingking Beach can be enjoyed in several ways. The first is from the viewpoint. At the top, looking down on the natural structure is most famous for photos, and it's where you can really take in the whole view.

The second way, is to actually clamber down to the beach. This starts out with just stairs (the ones pictured above), but then turns into real climbing. To say the least, it is not easy to get down to the beach and when I did it I was surprised there wasn't restrictions on it. So many people think its so accessible, but really it's pretty hard! It's incredibly easy to slip and fall, so I recommend wearing good shoes. I wasn't aware of how difficult the trail was and I wore my sandals out, and came back up covered in dust and dirt. It takes about 40 minutes to get down, and about an hour to come back up (depending on if you have to wait on people to move in front of you - that's how crowded it can get!).

But if you trust yourself enough, clambering down to the beach is worth it. You get a whole new perspective standing down there in the sun as the cliffs tower above you. Just be sure to be careful of swimming and the waves. They're known to be incredibly strong and it's easy to lose control in the water.

The third way to experience Kelingking Beach is to go to the far right of the main entrance, where there's an overlook of the beach. From here you can really see how the cliff resembles a T-Rex!

Cost | Parking 5,000 IDR ($0.40 USD) and entrance fee 10,000 IDR ($0.80 USD) (Unless you're driving yourself on a motorbike, you usually won't have to pay this).

Tip | Arrive early morning if you want to miss the crowd.

2. Angel's Billabong

Most people describe Angel's billabong as a natural infinity pool because when it's low tide, it sits above the ocean water and you're able to swim there. If you're like me and didn't know this, you might end up there at high tide! You won't be able to swim, but you will see how clear the water is and you'll witness some massive waves coming in and hitting the rock face!

Cost | Parking 5,000 IDR ($0.40 USD) - you only pay once for Angel's Billabong, Broken Beach, and Manta Bay Viewpoint

Tip | If you want to swim here, you need to come at low tide. Ask the locals when this is!

3. Broken Beach

Walking distance from Angel's Billabong is Broken Beach. This cove is surrounded by cliffs that eventually form a natural bridge. Although you are not able to go down to the beach, the overlook is still a sweet spot. Watching the waves roll in through the opening in the wall was mesmerizing.

Cost | Parking 5,000 IDR ($0.40 USD) - you only pay once for Angel's Billabong, Broken Beach, and Manta Bay Viewpoint

Tip | To really get the full experience, make sure and walk around the cove and over the natural bridge!

4. Manta Bay Viewpoint

Manta Bay is just on the other side of Broken Beach. Sometimes, you are able to look down and see the magnificent Manta Ray swimming below. When I visited, I wasn't able to see any because there were so many waves, but because it's so close to Broken Beach, its worth it to check and see!

Cost | Parking 5,000 IDR ($0.40 USD) - you only pay once for Angel's Billabong, Broken Beach, and Manta Bay Viewpoint

Tip | Go at low tide to have a better chance of spotting a manta ray!

On the East Side of Nusa Penida:

5. Pura Goa Giri Putri Cave

On my way to the East Coast of Nusa Penida, I stopped at Pure Goa Putri Cave which is a Hindu Temple inside a cave! In order to enter, you have to crawl through a small opening. Once inside the ceiling opens up and you follow a pathway leading to multiple prayers sights and then come out the back of the cave. It's really so interesting!

Cost | 20,000 IDR ($1.5 USD)

Tip | Bring a sarong if you can, as you have to cover your knees to enter a Hindu temple. However, if you don't have one, they do offer some at the temple for you to borrow.

6. Diamond Beach

Kelingking Beach gained popularity first, and now the next viral phenomenon of Nusa Penida is Diamond Beach. And for good reason! I mean this beach is really paradise! And when I visited, even in the middle of the day, it was not crowded at all. Which honestly makes it 10x more enjoyable.

Cost | 5,000 IDR ($0.40 USD) for parking and 10,000 IDR ($0.80 USD) entrance - this covers Diamond Beach and Atuh Beach

Tip | When going down to the beach, be careful on the stairs as they become more narrow.

7. Atuh Beach

Atuh Beach is the most "commercial" of the beaches meaning it has plenty of lounge chairs and local food vendors or warungs. I ate lunch here which was delicious, and even more enjoyable as I had the most amazing view of crystal clear water. And if you buy food or drink, they offer you a chair for free! After you eat, be sure to jump in, it's perfect for swimming.

Cost | 5,000 IDR ($0.40 USD) for parking and 10,000 IDR ($0.80 USD) entrance - this covers Diamond Beach and Atuh Beach

Tip | Many people who look up photos of Atuh Beach see photos of Sebele beach, which has been mistakenly called Atuh Beach. Sebele beach is actually on the other side; I did not know this when I visited; I definitely need to go back to see that beach too!

8. Thousand Island (Pulau Seribu) Viewpoint

This viewpoint was probably my favorite! There was no one there except for a few people passing through, so I got to sit and enjoy the view for awhile without any disturbance. And that's really what you need to take in this view, because it's absolutely magnificent!

Cost | 5,000 IDR ($0.40 USD) to park and 10,000 IDR ($0.80 USD) for entrance - this covers Thousand Island Viewpoint and Rumah Pohon Treehouse

Tip | This place is interchangeably called Thousand Island Viewpoint or Pulau Seribu; it's the same place!

9. Rumah Pohon Treehouse

The Rumah Pohon Treehouse is another instagram phenomena. Just next to the Thousand Island Viewpoint, the treehouse offers another perspective of the cliff and is a picture perfect scene.

I was definitely under the impression the treehouse was just a cute place for pictures, etc. however you can actually book to stay there! It's very simple accommodation, just a mattress from what I've heard, you're really just paying for the view. Which can be enjoyed even without staying there.

Cost | 5,000 IDR ($0.40 USD) to park and 10,000 IDR ($0.80 USD) for entrance - this covers Thousand Island Viewpoint and Rumah Pohon Treehouse

Tip | Keep going past the treehouse, up the hill for another lookout!

Other Places to See on Nusa Penida:

I only spent 3 days on Nusa Penida, and was not driving myself, so I was a little more limited and did not get to see everything. Which is almost impossible anywhere you go! But if you're looking for more off the beaten path places and have plenty of time to explore, Nusa Penida has much more to it than just the instagram famous spots. Here are a few:

Suwehan Beach

Peguyangan Waterfall

Seganing Falls

Crystal Bay Beach Nusa Penida

Banah Cliffs

Tembeling Beach, Natural Pool and Forest

Saren Cliff Viewpoint

Sebele Beach

Molenteng Beach

Snorkeling and Diving at Nusa Penida

Manta Point

Although there are several spots for snorkeling and diving off the coast of Nusa Penida, the most famous is Manta Point. Manta Point is where tons of manta rays come to feed (naturally, not fed by humans). So although it is not guaranteed you will see any, there is still a big chance you will see many gigantic, manta rays!

When I went snorkeling here, I was actually sea sick from the boat. But I wanted to see these beautiful creatures so badly I jumped in the water anyways. And I'm so happy I did. My mind was absolutely blown! Manta rays surrounded me. They glided through the water so gracefully, the movement of their body portraying them as if they were flying. And they're not shy at all either; many times they would swim right at me, and I had to dodge their gigantic body. Manta rays are not dangerous at all, however, to touch them you risk damaging their skin.

Despite the sea sickness, this was one of the most magical moments of my life and I highly recommend anyone traveling to Nusa Penida do it. If you're taking a day trip, it's possible to book a tour that includes this. However, if not you can book with a dive company on the island.

I booked my snorkeling tour through Mambo Dive Resort and thoroughly enjoyed snorkeling with them. They were a lot of fun, very respectful of nature, informative, and it was reasonably price at 350,000 IDR ($25 USD). We went to two snorkeling places, Manta Point and a spot to sea coral (either Gamat or Crystal Bay). There are some snorkeling companies that will offer 4 or so points, but I personally recommend only doing two (one being Manta Point) so you can spend more time at Manta Point.

Other snorkeling spots at Nusa Penida besides Manta Point:

Gamat Bay

Crystal Bay

Wall Bay

Toyapakeh Wall Point

Buddha Temple

Where to Stay on Nusa Penida

If you've decided there's so much to see on Nusa Penida and you would like to take your time and explore, you've made the right decision! There are plenty of accommodation options on this small island, from budget to luxury.

Budget Accommodation: Hostels

If you're a solo traveler and looking to save some money, hostels are the way to go. When it comes to hostels, Nusa Penida has quite a few for such a small island. And they're definitely budget friendly! Hostels range from $5-15 USD, and some even have a pool.

When I visited Nusa Penida I stayed at Packer Box Hostel, which was simple, but clean and comfortable and I met some amazing people there!

If you're traveling as a group of 2, private rooms can also be a really cheap option to split. Many of the hostels on Nusa Penida offer private rooms that are just as much as a dorm option at another hostel. On Hostelworld.com private rooms range from $15 - 40 USD.

Budget AND Luxury Accommodation: Airbnb

There's also the Airbnb option. And it has A LOT of fantastic options! Technically it's budget accommodation, but it's also luxury. And that's why Airbnb is the route I recommend most if you're staying at Nusa Penida because there's such good deals ,you can't pass it up! For only $17 USD you can book an entire bungalow!

And for only $22 you can live luxuriously in a beachfront cottage or wake up to the sunrise and mountain view. I mean really, it doesn't get better than this! Although I was traveling solo, had I been more open to more accommodation options and not just stuck to hostels, I definitely would have treated myself to one of these beautiful places that don't break the bank.

There's so many cheap, luxurious options, it makes me excited looking through the list on Airbnb. See for yourself; you'll have a difficult time choosing.

Tip When Booking Accommodation on Nusa Penida:

While you get excited about beautiful places and are mind blown by how cheap they are, don't forget to check the location. Nusa Penida is a small island, but it takes a very long time to get places. So weigh the pros and cons of accommodation options and proximity to where you want to visit. Hopefully your itinerary includes places all over the island, so this may just mean one day you won't have to go far, but one day you'll have to drive very far.

Best Time to Visit Nusa Penida

Nusa Penida can be explored at any point in the year! However, it's best May to September when it's almost guaranteed dry weather.

Tips and Things to Know Before Visiting Nusa Penida

• When booking a boat ticket or tour, book as early as possible to guarantee best price.

• When booking accommodation, check the location in proximity to places you want to visit.

• When traveling from Bali to Nusa Penida, wear flip flops and shorter attire. You will have to walk through the sand and water to board the boat, so wearing sneakers or long pants is not ideal as they will get wet.

• If you plan on driving a motorbike on Nusa Penida, please understand the road conditions and exercise precaution. Since visiting Nusa Penida I have since learned to drive a motorbike, and have driven in a few other Asian countries; but Nusa Penida roads are still the worst I've ever seen.

• Many of the popular beaches I listed get crowded. If you want it to yourself or with fewer people, arrive early morning.

• Nusa Penida is a small island, but because of the conditions of the roads and how curvy they are, it takes a long time to get places. Plan accordingly.

• Many of the places I listed to see require going up and down a lot of stairs. It's honestly exhausting. Make sure and bring water wherever you go because you will need it.

• Wear shoes with traction if you're hiking down to Kelingking beach.

• If you go snorkeling, take a motion sickness pill; the waves are pretty strong and I got very seasick and wasn't the only one!

• Find out when low tide is if you visiting places that are somewhat reliant on this (for example, Angel's Billabong).

• Many of the popular spots such as Kelingking Beach and Angel's Billabong all have warungs (local restaurants) and so you're typically covered for food if adventuring through out the whole day.