Nusa Penida Island – A Tropical Haven of Adventure and Serenity
Immerse Yourself in the Unspoiled Beauty of Nusa Penida, Indonesia’s Hidden Gem
Nusa Penida Island is a captivating paradise nestled in the azure waters of the Indian Ocean, just across from the Island of the Gods, Bali.
Part of the Bali Province, Nusa Penida island offers breathtaking landscapes, pristine beaches, and unparalleled underwater experiences. With everything that it has to offer Nusa Penida Island is the perfect destination for adventurers, nature lovers, and anyone seeking a serene getaway from the hustle and bussle of Bali.
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If you are interested in diving in Nusa Penida, visit our dedicated Nusa Penida Diving page.
Nusa Penida is the largest of the three Nusa Islands, alongside Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan. With its generally rocky terrain, dramatic cliffs, and still untouched beauty, the island provides an authentic and unspoiled experience for travelers.
Despite its proximity to the bustling island of Bali, Nusa Penida offers a more laid-back atmosphere, making it an ideal escape from the crowds.
Worth noting is that Nusa Penida is still largely undeveloped with narrow roads and limited supplies and services. Accommodation options are not significant but they are unique and beautiful and because of the island’s diving and snorkeling activities, most of the accommodations are concentrated as dive resorts.
How to Get to Nusa Penida Island
Reaching Nusa Penida Island is quite straightforward and easy without much hassle or long travel. From Bali, you can catch a fast boat from Sanur, Padang Bai, or Serangan Harbor, these are the three main entry and exit points.
The journey typically takes around 30-45 minutes from Sanur and up to 90 minutes from Padang Bai, depending on the weather and sea conditions. Fast boats operate multiple daily trips, so you’ll have plenty of options to choose from.
There are several fast boat companies and each company has different itineraries. It’s wise to make sure the trip to Nusa Penida is direct or if there are additional stops that may prelong the trip.
Once you arrive on Nusa Penida Island you will most likely land at Toya Pakeh pier. From there you will find either motorcycle rental or drivers waiting to be contracted so you can explore the island.
The roads can be challenging, so be prepared for a bit of an adventure if you decide to explore independently.
Best Snorkeling Spots on Nusa Penida Island
Travellers visiting Nusa Penida should not miss the opportunity to dive or snorkel here because the island offers by far the best underwater world of Bali.
Crystal Bay
Crystal Bay is renowned for its crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and diverse marine life, making it a must-visit spot for Nusa Penida Island snorkeling. Encounter colorful fish, sea turtles, and even the elusive mola mola during the months of July to October.
Manta Point
The most popular diving and snorkeling spot of Nusa Penida. The place to go for swimming with the majestic Manta Rays. This spot is perfectly suitable for diving and snorkeling all year round but it’s worth noting that ocassionally due to the weather there will be days when boats cannot reach the spot.
Spotting the Manta Rays is an almost sure thing with rare occasions not seeing at least 1 or 2 mantas.
There are several other diving and snorkeling spots to visit while staying on Nusa Penida island: SD Point, PED and Toya Pakeh. All three of these spots are famously known for their coral reef and rich marine life.
Popular Land Tours on Nusa Penida Island
Kelingking Beach
Kelingking Beach is one of Nusa Penida Island most iconic spots. A dramatic limestone cliff and stunning turquoise waters. The panoramic view from the top is simply breathtaking, while the secluded beach below offers a slice of paradise for those willing to make the steep descent.
Safety tip: mind your step on the stairs going down and coming up from the Kelingking Beach. It is not advisable for elderly.
Broken Beach and Angel’s Billabong
Broken Beach and Angel’s Billabong are two geological wonders located close to each other. Broken Beach features a unique rock formation with a natural arch, while Angel’s Billabong is a picturesque natural infinity pool. Both spots are perfect for photography enthusiasts and nature lovers.
Safety tip: There have been many accidents at these spots as sometimes the waves can be big and strong swipping people away.
Practice maximum common sense and safety not to approach the edges of these areas.
How To Travel On Nusa Penida
There are only two ways to be able to travel on Nusa Penida: renting a scooter or motorcycle or hiring a car with a driver.
Each option has its perks. If you are confident in your motorcyle skills and navigation, renting a two wheeler from a local is easy and also the cheapest option.
If you prefer peace of mind and air conditioning during your travels, you should hire a car and a driver, especially because for example from Toya Pakeh pier visiting Kelingking Beach the trip can take approximately 45-60 minutes.
It’s easy to rent a scooter or hire a car. Look out for the signs, they are everywhere at the pier an throughout the villages.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to get to Nusa Penida?
The best to way get to Nusa Penida is by fast boat from one of the ports of Sanur, Serangan or Padang Bai. The trip generally takes approximately 40 minutes and you will typically arrive at Toya Pakeh pier on Nusa Penida island.
What to do in Nusa Penida?
Nusa Penida is famous for scuba diving and snorkeling with the majestic Manta Rays in Manta Point. The land tour to Kelingking Beach, Broken Beach and Angel's Billabong are must do for anyone visiting Nusa Penida island.
How many days to stay in Nusa Penida?
Because it's still largely undeveloped, staying for 2 to 4 days in Nusa Penida will provide sufficient time to visit the island's most iconic spots and also swimming with the Manta Rays.
Read more about Nusa Penida on Wikipedia.
