If you’ve ever Googled “Bali beaches” and found jaw-dropping photos of dramatic cliffs, turquoise waves, and pristine white sand, chances are you were actually looking at Nusa Penida. Just a short boat ride from Sanur, this island feels worlds away from the hustle of Bali’s mainland—and it absolutely blew me away.
Whether you’re planning a day trip or staying overnight, here’s your ultimate guide to what to do in Nusa Penida, plus a few handy tips from my personal island-hopping experience.
🛥 Getting There: What to Do in Sanur Bali Before the Ferry
Before heading to Nusa Penida Bali, you’ll likely depart from Sanur, a chilled-out beach town on Bali’s southeast coast. I recommend:
- Booking your fast boat in advance via Klook or local tour desks (best to leave early, around 7:00–8:00 AM).
- Pack light but smart: bring sunscreen, a towel, water, and a waterproof bag.
Ferries leave frequently from Sanur Beach to Nusa Penida, and the ride takes about 40–50 minutes. Once you arrive, it’s time to explore one of the most photogenic places in Indonesia!
🌴 Top Things to Do in Nusa Penida
I was using this klook package that conveniently bundles Snorkeling (Shared Boat) + Kelingking Beach + Angel’s Billabong + Broken Beach tour together, lunch also included!
Snorkeling
We kicked off our second day on the island with one of the most thrilling experiences of the whole trip: snorkeling with manta rays! And not just one—I was lucky enough to spot four or five, plus an adorable sea turtle 🐢. Later in the afternoon, I chatted with a few travelers who didn’t see any, so yep—luck was totally on our side!
💡 Important tip: If you want to see mantas, make sure your snorkeling tour takes you to Manta Point—not Manta Bay! Manta Point has an 85% sighting rate; Manta Bay only about 40%.
Here’s what our timeline looked like:
8:00 AM – 11:15 AM: Four Snorkeling Spots-
1. Manta Point – This was the most intense! It took about 40 minutes by boat, and the waves were massive. The water was 20m deep, icy cold, and best for confident swimmers. Definitely wear a life vest and stick with a small group. Safety first—this isn’t the place for a 15-person free-for-all.
2. Wall Point – Much calmer waters and a perfect coral terrace descending into the deep blue. Great for beginners and underwater exploration.
3. Gamat Bay – Right by the harbor and my personal favorite! We literally jumped off the boat and swam straight into a sea turtle sighting. The crew handed out fish food, so we got swarmed by tropical fish. Reaching out and feeling them brush past was magical!
4. Crystal Bay – Just as the name suggests—water so clear it looked like liquid glass. A coral paradise with colorful fish and a gentle current. The perfect way to wind down.
Heads-up:
- Bring motion sickness pills. Even if you’re usually fine, the boat rocks hard when it stops.
- Wear your swimsuit under your clothes—it’s much easier, especially with tiny changing areas.
- Long-sleeved rash guards are a lifesaver. The sun here is brutal. You don’t want to be the next BBQ shrimp.
- Travel light. The boat gets soaked—bring only essentials in a waterproof bag.
- Pack dry clothes for after, and maybe some snacks. The sea drains your energy faster than you think!
Kelingking Beach – The T-Rex Cliff
After snorkeling and lunch, we hit the island’s most iconic spot: Kelingking Beach. You’ve definitely seen it online—it looks like a giant T-Rex head poking out into the ocean.
From the parking lot, it’s just a 200m walk to the main viewpoint. Trust me though—don’t crowd at the entrance for photos. Walk 100–200m left or right toward the little snack stalls to find better, less crowded photo spots.
⚠️ Real talk: The hike down to the beach is intense. Like, 90-degree-vertical kind of intense. It’s rocky, narrow, blazing hot, and not for the faint of heart (or weak core). I watched a guy nearly tumble down in front of me—scary stuff.
Unless you’ve got half a day and strong legs, I’d say skip the descent. The view from the top is plenty amazing—and your knees will thank you later!
Angel’s Billabong & Broken Beach
Just a 30-minute drive later, we found ourselves at Angel’s Billabong — and wow, it’s straight-up magical. Imagine a natural infinity pool carved into the edge of a cliff, filled with crystal-clear turquoise water and views that’ll make your jaw drop. The word “billabong” means the end of a river, and according to local legend, this is where angels come to bathe. Honestly? I get it. The place feels like heaven.
This gem is tucked away on Nusa Penida and is one of the island’s most Insta-worthy spots. The water changes color depending on the light — emerald, turquoise, even a bit of sparkle — and it’s surrounded by crazy-cool rock formations. If the tide’s low, you can carefully climb down and take a dip. Just be careful — those rocks can be slippery! When the tide comes in, though, it’s a whole different show: waves crash in and completely flood the pool. So cool to watch (but definitely not the time to swim!).
About 10 minutes away on foot is Broken Beach, and yep, it’s just as cool as it sounds. Picture a giant circular cove with a natural stone bridge where waves rush through from the ocean. You can walk around the rim, snap some epic photos, and take in those epic cliffside views. And if you’re lucky, keep your eyes on the water — you might spot dolphins or manta rays cruising by!
📸 Diamond Beach Bali – Heaven on Earth
I don’t say this lightly: Diamond Beach is the most beautiful beach I’ve ever seen.
Tucked beneath a towering cliff, this gem gets its name from the diamond-shaped limestone rocks rising out of the sea. From the top, the view is mind-blowing: bright teal waves crashing onto silky white sand, dramatic rock formations, and palm trees swaying in the salty breeze. It honestly looks like Apple’s default wallpaper — only real.
💎 Fun fact: The beach was named for its giant limestone rocks that look like diamonds scattered across the shore.
To get down there, you’ll need to do a short hike — around 15 to 20 minutes via stone-carved steps. Some parts are narrow and steep, so take your time and wear proper shoes (yes, even Crocs can do the job if they’ve got grip!). But don’t worry — it’s not too hard, and the climb is absolutely worth it. The sand is soft and powdery, the waves are crystal clear, and once you’re at the bottom, the views are somehow even more stunning.
🎟️ Entry Fee: 30K IDR per person
📸 Photo Spot: There’s a swing with a killer view — bring cash if you want that classic Bali shot!
🕐 Pro Tip: Go early for soft morning light and fewer crowds.
Want even more epic views? Combine your visit with nearby Atuh Beach (a.k.a. the “Elven Cliff”). It’s right next door! You can shoot amazing photos from the cliffside at Atuh Beach, then head down to Diamond Beach to chill in paradise. The scenery from above vs. on the beach feels like two completely different worlds.
The Way There: The trail to Diamond Beach also runs alongside a gorgeous stretch of coastline. Think of it like riding a sea-view train — the entire walk down is picture-perfect.
🗓️ One-Day Nusa Penida Itinerary
8:00 AM – Grab breakfast in Sanur
9:00 AM – Fast boat to Nusa Penida
9:30 AM – Snorkeling
12:00 PM – Shower + lunch
1:30 PM – Visit Kelingking Beach
2:30 PM – Angel’s Billabong & Broken Beach
3:30 PM – Diamond Beach & Atuh Beach
4:30 PM – Head back to harbor
5:30 PM – Ferry back to Sanur
🌟 Final Thoughts: Is Nusa Penida Worth Visiting?
Absolutely. Nusa Penida Bali is wild, unpolished, and breathtaking. The roads are bumpy, and you’ll probably get dusty and sunburned—but the views, the adventure, and the sense of escape are worth every second.
Whether you’re a thrill-seeker, a photographer, or just someone looking for the real Bali beyond the beach clubs, Nusa Penida is where you’ll find it.
So pack your bags, charge your phone, and hop on that ferry from Sanur—you’re about to discover one of Bali’s most magical islands.
💬 Have questions about planning your trip to Nusa Penida? Drop a comment below or check out my full Bali travel series below!
- Your First Bali Trip: 5 Days of Pure Magic
- [Ubud] Top Must-Do Experiences in Ubud That Will Steal Your Heart
- [Canggu / Seminyak] How to Explore Canggu & Seminyak Like a Bali Insider
- [Kuta] Ultimate Kuta Escape: 6 Must-Do Things to Try Now
- [Bali SIlent Day] The Sacred Magic of Bali Silent Day: What to Know
- You’ll Love These Inspiring Coworking Spaces in Canggu, Bali (Perfect for Digital Nomads)
- Final Hours in Bali: 5 Amazing Things to Do Before Takeoff
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