7 Places to Visit in Nusa Penida

Nusa Penida is like what Bali should have been decades ago. As tourism has recently started to develop there, the island’s structure is quite simple compared to Bali. Actually, it’s a rustic and somewhat challenging destination. 

The roads leading to the main tourist attractions on the island are narrow, bumpy and often unpaved. Riding a scooter, one of the main means of transportation in Nusa Penida, can be an adventure.Therefore, hiring a tour guide is highly recommended if you want to have a relaxing stress-free experience on the island. 

But don’t be intimidated. All the effort to explore the island will be worth it!  Despite the lack of good infrastructure, Nusa Penida has some of the most unbelievable sceneries on the planet. It is not by chance that Nusa Penida has become one of the main reasons tourists from all over the world visit Indonesia: that place really is a paradise.

The sun is shining pretty much all year round, deserted beaches hidden behind walls over 100 meters high and its close proximity to Bali. Nusa Penida easily becomes one of the most beautiful places people visit during their stay in Indonesia. 

Want to know why? Check out 7 places to visit in Nusa Penida and be blown away by its wonderful landscape!

  1. Puri Goa Giri Putri

On an island with so many beautiful beaches and landscapes, this Hindu temple is a good surprise. This underground temple was built inside a huge cave and can be accessed through a small crack in the rock, and climbing a staircase that opens onto an immense space. The height from ceiling to floor is at least 12 meters.

The temple’s large hall is filled with statues, altars, and other religious objects. It is also quite common to witness some Hindu ceremonies taking place inside the cave. The place looks like an adventure movie set! Just wonderful! Worth checking out.

  1. Atuh Beach

A small beach perfect for swimming that sits between two large walls, with sea in a thousand shades of blue and white sand. It’s a beautiful view from the top, with Atuh Beach on one side and a rock formation called Thousand Island on the other. 

The waves in Nusa Penida are sometimes very rough, making it dangerous for swimming. But Atuh Beach sits in a small bay, protected by rocks, so the waves that reach the beach are gentle and welcoming. Atuh Beach is therefore one of the best places in Nusa Penida to safely enjoy swimming. There is an access trail to the beach, which is a large staircase that makes the descent (and ascent!) easy.

  1. Diamond Beach

Among the main postcards of the island is the beautiful Diamond Beach. A small strip of sand squeezed between the rough sea and a gigantic wall of limestone.

Even though residents of Nusa Penida have been working hard to make the access to Diamond Beach easier, getting to the beach is an adventure. At some points, it is necessary to use ropes to climb up and down the steep rock formations. 

Even if you decide not to go all the way down to the beach, the views from the top will amaze you. On sunny days, the sea reflects shades of blue and some rocks in the middle of the sea, in a pyramid shape, make the landscape even more interesting. Near the beach, after all the steps, there is a small kiosk and two very typical Indonesian photo spots: a swing and a kind of nest.

Unlike Atuh Beach, the best time to visit Diamond Beach is during low tide, as it is during this time that the waves are less strong and you can actually walk on the beach.

  1. Kelingking

Kelingking is by far the most famous place in Nusa Penida and one of the most famous in all of Indonesia. But this is for a good reason! The view of a giant rocky mountain rising more than 200 meters above the sea that looks like the head of a T-Rex dinosaur is just the spot for an Instagram perfect photo!

The best time to go there is before 9 am to avoid the large flow of tourists. Arriving early will give you more privacy taking pictures and there will be less people going down the stairs to reach the beach.

The descent, which involves holding on to ropes and bamboo, is not easy and the rough sea sometimes makes bathing impossible. Even if you decide not to go down to the beach, the view from the top of the cliff will be one of the most beautiful views you’ve seen in this trip, and perhaps in your whole life.

  1. Angel’s Billabong

This is a very iconic spot in Nusa Penida that surprises visitors with its beauty. You will see a very unique rock formation in Angel’s Billabong and a greenish color natural infinity pool that contrasts with the blue of the sea. 

The natural pool is an invitation to take a dip, especially during low tide. During high tide, the natural pool is filled by the strong waves that hit its edge and it is forbidden to swim. Another reason to visit during low tide is that the landscape is more beautiful, looking like the view we usually see in photos. 

  1. Broken Beach

Following a trail, a few meters away from Angel’s Billabong, you will find Broken Beach. Despite the “beach” in the name, there is not exactly a beach at this location. However, the “broken” comes from an opening on the rock formation caused by sea erosion.

This is a photogenic spot in the island that should be included on your itinerary. The landscape of the broken rock formation and different colors of the water and fishes, make this place an impressive natural spectacle!

  1. Crystal Bay

This is a very beautiful beach with a temple that complements the landscape. Crystal bay is a mixture of a paradisiacal beach with crystal clear water and an incredible view.

A bay with calm waters, perfect for swimming, snorkeling, diving or simply stretching your sarong and getting a tan. Crystal Bay is a stretch of sand surrounded by tall coconut trees, great for relaxing and perfect for watching the sunset.

It’s possible to rent snorkel equipment, which is highly recommended since there is a large coral formation full of marine life about 30 meters from the sand.