Nusa Penida Guide: Kelingking Beach, Day Tour, Ferry and Tips

Nusa Penida is the wild, rugged island just south-east of Bali, and home to some of the most spectacular views in Indonesia: the T-Rex-shaped headland above Kelingking Beach, the natural infinity pool of Angel's Billabong, the sea arch of Broken Beach and the turquoise water of Crystal Bay. Once a quiet farming island, it is now one of Bali's most popular day trips.

This guide explains how to get there, what the west and east island tours cover, how to stay safe at the cliffs, and how Nusa Penida fits into a Bali holiday. Most of our Bali packages include a full-day Nusa Penida west island tour.

The view from the top of Kelingking Beach is the most famous image of Nusa Penida: a narrow limestone headland, shaped like a dinosaur's head, plunging into a perfect crescent of white sand and turquoise water. The viewpoint is a short walk from the car park. A very steep, rough path leads down to the beach; it takes 30 to 60 minutes each way and needs good fitness and shoes. Most day visitors enjoy the view from the top, which is the best part anyway. Swimming at the beach is dangerous because of strong currents.

A few minutes apart on the west coast, Angel's Billabong is a rock pool that fills with crystal-clear water at low tide, and Broken Beach (Pasih Uug) is a circular bay enclosed by cliffs, with the sea flowing in through a huge natural arch. A path around the top of the cliffs gives great views. Do not swim in Angel's Billabong: waves can suddenly break over the rocks.

Crystal Bay is a sandy beach with calm water at most times, good for swimming and snorkelling, and a pleasant place to finish the day with a cold coconut. Snorkelling boats also visit Manta Point, where giant manta rays gather off the south coast.

The east island tour covers Diamond Beach, reached by a staircase cut into the cliff, the neighbouring Atuh Beach, the Thousand Islands viewpoint and the famous tree house at Molenteng. It is just as beautiful but a little less crowded. With one day, most visitors choose the west tour; with two days or an overnight stay, you can see both.

Fast boats from Sanur take about 30 to 45 minutes and run frequently from early morning. There are also departures from Serangan and Kusamba. Boats land at Toya Pakeh or Banjar Nyuh, and there is no jetty at some beaches, so you may wade ashore. On a tour, your hotel pickup, the return Bali to Nusa Penida ferry and a driver on the island are all arranged.

• Sea conditions: crossings can be bumpy; take seasickness tablets if needed. Boats may be delayed or cancelled in bad weather.
• Roads: the island's roads are narrow and winding, and some are rough, so the drive between viewpoints takes time.
• Do not ride a scooter on Nusa Penida unless you are experienced; a car with a local driver is much safer.

Our Nusa Penida tour is a full-day west island trip on a shared basis, with hotel pickup in Bali, the return fast boat, a car and driver on the island, entrance fees and a local lunch. It visits Kelingking Beach, Angel's Billabong, Broken Beach and Crystal Bay, in an order that depends on tides and traffic. Expect to leave your hotel around 6 to 7 am and return in the early evening.

• Stay behind barriers and away from cliff edges, especially when taking photos.
• Wear proper shoes or sports sandals; paths can be steep and loose.
• Do not swim at Kelingking, Angel's Billabong or Broken Beach; currents and waves are dangerous.
• Carry water, sunscreen, a hat and some cash for toilets and snacks.
• The day is long and tiring for very young children and older travellers; consider whether it suits your group.

For most travellers, yes. The views are extraordinary and very different from mainland Bali. But it is a long day with early starts, a boat crossing and bumpy roads. If you prefer a gentler island, Nusa Lembongan next door has calm beaches, mangroves and snorkelling, and is easier with small children.

If you want to see both the west and east sides without rushing, consider a night on the island. Hotels and guesthouses range from simple homestays to clifftop resorts, mostly near Toya Pakeh, Ped and Crystal Bay. Staying overnight lets you visit Kelingking early before the day-trip crowds arrive, see the sunrise at Diamond Beach and snorkel at Manta Point. Roads and facilities are more basic than on Bali, so it suits flexible travellers more than families with young children.

• Comfortable shoes or sports sandals with grip
• Swimwear and a towel for Crystal Bay
• Sunscreen, hat and sunglasses
• Water and snacks, especially for vegetarians
• Cash for toilets, drinks and small fees
• Seasickness tablets if you are prone to motion sickness
• A waterproof pouch for your phone

Our Bali Escape: Ubud, Kuta & Nusa Penida is built around the island, and most of our 6 to 10-night packages, such as the Bali Kuta, Ubud & Seminyak Explorer and the Kuta & Seminyak Bali Explorer, include the Nusa Penida west tour. Browse all of them on our Bali tour packages page, or see our places to visit in Bali for more ideas.