Logo
HomeMembershipAbout Us
Logo
Toggle Menu
🏝️Bali's Wild Island Adventure

Nusa Penida Guide: Cliffs, Mantas & Untouched Paradise

The T-Rex cliff of Kelingking Beach, natural infinity pools, giant manta rays, and some of the most dramatic coastal scenery on Earth — just 30 minutes from Bali.

Plan Your Nusa Penida Trip →

🏝️ Why Visit Nusa Penida?

Nusa Penida is Bali's wild, untamed little sister. Just a 30-minute fast boat ride from Sanur, this rugged limestone island feels like a different world — dramatic sea cliffs plunging hundreds of meters into turquoise water, hidden beaches accessible only by treacherous cliff paths, and underwater encounters with giant manta rays and the elusive sunfish (Mola Mola).

The island shot to Instagram fame thanks to Kelingking Beach — the T-Rex-shaped cliff that became one of the most iconic viewpoints in Southeast Asia. But there's much more: Angel's Billabong is a natural infinity pool on the ocean's edge, Broken Beach is a collapsed cave forming a perfect turquoise lagoon, and the east coast's Diamond Beach offers pristine white sand with barely a tourist in sight.

Unlike polished, tourist-friendly Bali, Nusa Penida is rough around the edges — roads are unpaved, infrastructure is basic, and some beach descents are genuinely challenging. That rawness is exactly what makes it special.

👉 Want live prices and instant alerts?

Download NXVoy to book flights faster and get real-time price updates:

📱 Download on iOS🤖 Get it on Android

📅 Day Trip vs Overnight Stay

⚡ Day Trip (Most Popular)

  • ✅ See 3-4 main attractions
  • ✅ No need to book accommodation
  • ✅ Tour packages $35-50 all-inclusive
  • ❌ Very rushed — 6 AM to 5 PM
  • ❌ Only West OR East coast, not both
  • ❌ No time for manta snorkeling

🌙 2-Night Stay (Recommended)

  • ✅ Explore West AND East coasts
  • ✅ Manta ray snorkeling trip
  • ✅ Sunset at Crystal Bay
  • ✅ Relaxed pace, no rushing
  • ✅ Budget stays from $15-25/night
  • ✅ Experience island life at night

Top Nusa Penida Attractions

🦖

Kelingking Beach (T-Rex)

Bali's most iconic viewpoint — a dramatic cliff shaped exactly like a T-Rex dinosaur. The turquoise water far below and rugged coastline create one of the most photographed spots in all of Indonesia. You can hike down to the beach (40 min, steep).

🎫Free (parking 5,000 IDR)
💡Arrive by 7:30 AM for empty viewpoint. The descent is tough but the beach is pristine.
💎

Angel's Billabong

A natural infinity pool carved into the rocky coastline. Crystal-clear turquoise water fills a natural rock formation at the edge of the ocean. At low tide, you can swim in the infinity pool with waves crashing just meters away.

🎫Free
💡ONLY visit at low tide! At high tide, waves sweep across the pool (extremely dangerous).
🌀

Broken Beach (Pasih Uug)

A stunning natural arch bridge over turquoise water — a collapsed cave that created a perfect circle of ocean within the cliffs. No swimming, but the views are spectacular. Often spot manta rays from above.

🎫Free
💡5 min walk from Angel's Billabong — visit together. Best photos when sun is overhead.
🐙

Manta Ray Snorkeling

Snorkel alongside giant manta rays (3-5 meter wingspan!) at Manta Point. These gentle giants glide right beneath you. One of the world's most accessible manta ray encounters. Multiple rays often seen together.

🎫$30-50 (boat tour)
💡Best July-Nov but possible year-round. Go with a licensed operator. Don't touch the mantas!
💠

Diamond Beach

A pristine white-sand beach backed by dramatic cliff formations with a natural arch. Recently improved stairs make the descent easier. Crystal-clear turquoise water and far fewer crowds than the west coast.

🎫Free
💡East side — combine with Atuh Beach and Thousand Islands viewpoint. Less crowded than Kelingking.
🤿

Crystal Bay

The best snorkeling/diving spot on Nusa Penida with calm, crystal-clear water and vibrant coral. Also a beautiful beach with white sand and coconut palms. Sunfish (Mola Mola) sightings here July-October.

🎫Free
💡Great for swimming and sunset. Rent snorkel gear from the warungs ($3). Water clearest 9-11 AM.

🏝️ 2-Day Nusa Penida Itinerary

Day 1: West Coast (The Iconic Spots)

Fast boat from Sanur (7:30 AM arrival). Hire a driver for the day ($35-40). First stop: Kelingking Beach viewpoint at 8 AM (empty!). Optional: descend to the beach (40 min, tough climb). Continue to Angel's Billabong — swim in the natural infinity pool (only at low tide!). Walk 5 min to Broken Beach for the natural rock arch. Afternoon: Crystal Bay for swimming and stunning sunset. Dinner at a local warung.

Kelingking BeachAngel's BillabongCrystal Bay

Day 2: East Coast & Mantas

Morning manta ray snorkeling tour at Manta Point ($30-50, 2-3 hours). These gentle giants with 3-5m wingspans glide right beneath you. Afternoon: drive to the east coast. Visit Diamond Beach and Atuh Beach — less crowded, incredibly beautiful. Stop at the Thousand Islands viewpoint (Teletubbies Hills). Return to Sanur on the 4:00 PM boat.

Manta SnorkelingDiamond BeachAtuh Beach

⚠️ Important Safety Tips

  • 🛵 Roads are dangerous: Steep, narrow, unpaved, and with blind turns. Many accidents happen here. Hire a driver ($35-50/day) unless you're an experienced scooter rider.
  • 🌊 Ocean currents are strong: Only swim at designated spots (Crystal Bay is safest). Angel's Billabong is deadly at high tide. Check conditions before entering water.
  • 🧗 Cliff descents are tough: Kelingking and Diamond Beach descents are steep with loose rock. Wear proper shoes (not flip flops). Don't attempt when wet.
  • ☀️ Sun protection is essential: Very little shade at viewpoints and beaches. Bring sunscreen, hat, and water. Dehydration is common.
  • 📱 Phone signal is patchy: Download offline maps before arriving. Limited Wi-Fi outside hotels.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get to Nusa Penida from Bali?

Fast boats depart from Sanur Beach harbor (southeast Bali). The crossing takes 30-45 minutes and costs 150,000-250,000 IDR ($10-16) each way. Several companies run boats throughout the day (first boat around 7:30 AM). Book online in advance during peak season. You can also depart from Padang Bai (east Bali).

Can I do Nusa Penida as a day trip?

Yes, but it's rushed. A day trip covers the West side (Kelingking Beach, Angel's Billabong, Broken Beach) or the East side (Diamond Beach, Atuh Beach, Thousand Islands viewpoint) — but not both. Staying overnight (2 nights) lets you explore both sides plus do a manta ray snorkeling trip. Day trip tour packages cost $35-50 including transport, lunch, and guide.

Is Nusa Penida safe?

Generally safe, but the roads are extremely rough — steep, narrow, unpaved, and with sharp turns. Many scooter accidents happen here, especially for inexperienced riders. Consider hiring a driver ($35-50/day for a car) — much safer and stress-free. The cliff descents to beaches (especially Kelingking) are steep and can be dangerous when wet.

What is the best time to visit Nusa Penida?

The dry season (April-October) is best for calm seas, clear water, and accessible beaches. Manta ray sightings are year-round but peak July-November. During the wet season (Nov-Mar), seas can be rough (boats sometimes cancelled), and cliff trails can be slippery. The island gets very crowded July-August.

Can I swim at Kelingking Beach?

Yes, but getting there requires a steep, challenging 40-minute descent on rough stairs carved into the cliff face. The beach itself has powerful waves — only swim if conditions are calm. Most visitors enjoy the iconic view from the top (the T-Rex shaped cliff). The viewpoint alone is worth the trip.

Explore More Bali Destinations

Bali Trip Planner

Complete Bali overview guide

Ubud Travel Guide

Rice terraces & spiritual Bali

Seminyak & Canggu

Beaches, food & nightlife

Uluwatu Temple Guide

Cliff temples & Kecak dance

Ready for Nusa Penida Adventure?

Let AI plan your perfect island escape — T-Rex cliffs, manta rays & hidden beaches.

Start Planning Now →

Get The Cheapest Flight Prices in Real-Time

Stop overpaying for flights. NXVoy compares prices across 500+ airlines and alerts you when prices drop.

📱 Download on iPhone🤖 Get it on Android

⭐ Rated 4.8/5 by travelers • Free to download