If you’re only visiting Nusa Penida for a day trip, this is what your itinerary might look like. It includes all the main attractions on the island’s west side.
For an even better experience, book a Withlocals day trip and let a local host take you around to hidden gems and viewpoints!
Angel’s Billabong & Broken Beach
With its emerald water and stone beach pools, Angel’s Billabong is an incredible sight. Visitors come here to swim in the crystal clear pools, but this can only be done at low tide.
The beach is surrounded by cliffs and has a natural sea arch that allows water to flow through. This creates a stunning cove that looks like something you’d find in Greece or Mexico. If you visit in the morning you’ll have this beautiful spot all to yourself. It’s important to remember that this is a dangerous place and there are no railings, so be careful not to get too close to the edge.
If you’re lucky, you can see monitor lizards and other wildlife on the rocks here as well. This is a gorgeous and secluded area, perfect for taking pictures.
You can also hike to the top of one of the cliffs for stunning views over the Raja Lima islands and the Indian Ocean. This is a more difficult hike, but the reward is out of this world.
Another must-see location on Nusa Penida is the Rumah Pohon tree houses, which are small wooden houses that are built into the trees high up on a hill with spectacular views over Diamond Beach. This is a popular Instagram spot, and it’s possible to spend the night here, although this needs to be booked in advance.
Kelingking Beach
The stunning Kelingking Beach is a must-see on any visit to Nusa Penida. The cliff beach, which looks like a T-Rex’s head, is surrounded by turquoise water. But getting there requires a long hike down a very steep, rocky path, which can be difficult for travelers.
The view from the top of the Kelingking Cliff is amazing and worth the trip alone, but if you’re able to make it down to the beach, you’ll be blown away by its beauty. The beach is a pristine white sand with crystal clear waters, and it’s a great spot for snorkeling. The water here is a little warmer than other beaches on the island, but it’s still incredibly refreshing.
It’s also a great place for selfies and to enjoy the spectacular scenery. There are a few things to keep in mind when visiting Kelingking Beach:
Be sure to wear comfortable shoes and pack plenty of water and snacks. The hiking path down to the beach can be a bit slippery and is not recommended for beginners. The beach has no lifeguards, so be cautious of the strong waves and currents. In addition, bring a sun hat and sunglasses and remember to apply sunscreen regularly. If you’re not up for the hike, there is a parking lot and restaurant right next to the beach.
Crystal Bay
Embark on a nusa penida tour from Bali that visits some of the island’s most popular attractions. You’ll visit Angel’s Billabong, a rock pool that resembles a T-Rex from certain angles, as well as Broken Beach, which is framed by rock cliffs and an arched tunnel that allows the ocean to flow into the natural pool below. If you upgrade to the lunch option, you’ll also enjoy a meal at the scenic Crystal Bay Beach.
Aside from its breathtaking scenery, this bay is a great spot for snorkeling and diving. Its colorful reef is home to many marine species, including the rare Mola Mola—an enormous sunfish that resides in deeper and colder waters but surfaces in Crystal Bay from July to September each year.
Crystal Bay is also a good spot for watching the sunset on Nusa Penida. It’s one of the few beaches facing west on the island, so you can catch the most beautiful sunset in the evening. It’s also a peaceful beach, and you can find plenty of warungs (little food and drink shacks) for refreshments or to relax in the sun. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even book a stay at one of the treehouses that overlook this magnificent beach and admire the incredible view.
Goa Giri Putri Temple
Goa Giri Putri Temple is one of the more unique hidden temples on Nusa Penida. It is inside a huge natural cave and Hindu ceremonies still take place here. It is also open to tourists! It’s a really neat experience. It is a good idea to bring a light jacket, especially in the morning.
To get to this temple, you will need to walk down the paved road from Toya Pakeh for about 30 minutes. Once you reach the parking lot, there will be signs pointing you to the temple. To enter the temple, you will need to wear a sarong, which can be rented in front of the temple for a small fee. After a donation and purification ceremony, you can make your way up the stairs to the temple itself.
The temple itself is very large and has several different prayer areas. There is also a statue of the Goddess Kwan Im, which represents the acculturation of beliefs between Hinduism and Buddhism in Bali. The whole concept of the cave temple is believed to reflect the mythology of human life, beginning with crawling through the birth canal and then walking through various phases until you finally reach adulthood.
There are a few huts here where you can purchase drinks and meals like Nasi Goreng. This is a great place to relax after your tour of the island.