Nusa Penida, Bali- a 3 Day Itinerary
Nusa Penida has made headlines this year, boasting some of the world’s best beaches, stunning rugged coastlines, gentle giant manta rays, and rapid development. In all honesty, it’s not my favorite spot in Bali—I much prefer its neighbor, Nusa Lembongan. My reservations about Nusa Penida have more to do with the rapid development, commercialization, and growing crowds rather than the natural beauty.
I usually opt for “hidden gems” and the road less traveled, and while Penida once epitomized that, it has taken a complete 180 in the past three years. Despite these changes, I still enjoy visiting Penida. Over time, I’ve perfected an itinerary that allows me to see all the hotspots, avoid the tourist traps, and wake up early enough to dodge the crowds. Here is my ideal 2-night, 3-day itinerary for Nusa Penida.
How to get to Nusa Penida From Bali
To reach Nusa Penida from Bali, head to Sanur Harbor and catch a 30-minute fast boat to Buyuk Harbor on Nusa Penida. If you’re already on Nusa Lembongan, tickets can be purchased directly at the Yellow Bridge for a convenient transfer.
Booking your ticket to Nusa Penida
To secure your Nusa Penida ticket, I highly recommend booking online to avoid haggling at the harbor. Platforms like Klook offer a convenient option, with prices ranging from 100k-150k IDR ($6-10). Purchasing your Nusa Penida fast boat ticket online ensures a smooth journey from Bali to Nusa Penida without all the hassle.
Nusa Penida Driver
You can easily arrange a Nusa Penida driver in advance through your hotel or Klook or opt for one of the local Balinese taxi drivers who will offer their services as soon as you arrive at the harbor.
Nusa Penida Itinerary Day 1
To experience the best of Nusa Penida without the crowds, it’s essential to wake up early before the day-trip boats arrive. After traveling, I usually prefer to take it easy on the first day, as attractions can become crowded after 10 am. I’ve provided two options for your first day: one for a late arrival focused on relaxation, and another for an early arrival to explore less popular Nusa Penida attractions.
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Option 1: Afternoon Arrival on Nusa Penida
Catch the 3 PM Boat to Nusa Penida
Take the 3 pm boat from Bali to Nusa Penida for a relaxed afternoon arrival, avoiding the morning rush.
Check into Your Nusa Penida Hotel
Check into your hotel and take a moment to unwind. Whether you’re staying at a cozy beachside bungalow or a unique glamping spot, settle in and enjoy the island vibe.
Relax at a Beach Bar or Enjoy the Sunset at Crystal Bay
Relax at a beach bar or head to Crystal Bay for a stunning sunset. My top picks are Penida Colada Beach Bar, Secret Penida Cafe, and Coco Penida—perfect for a laid-back evening.
Rest Up for an Exciting Day Ahead
Have an early night to recharge, so you’re all set for the adventures that await on your second day on Nusa Penida!
Option 2: Morning Arrival on Nusa penida
Catch the 9 AM Boat to Nusa Penida
Catch the 9 am boat and head straight to Nusa Penida’s southwest coast. This area is perfect for adventurous travelers and tends to be less crowded, offering a more tranquil experience on Penida Island.
Book a nusa penida driver
Book a private driver via Klook and have them take you to the following attractions, ensuring you make the most of your time exploring the hidden gems of Nusa Penida.
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Peguyangan Waterfall
Visit Peguyangan Waterfall, famous for its steep blue stairs that lead down a cliffside to a sacred Hindu temple and small waterfalls. The trek includes nearly 700 steps, offering breathtaking ocean views along the way. Don’t forget to wear a sarong to show respect for this sacred site on Nusa Penida.
Tembeling Beach and Forest
Tembeling Beach and Forest is a hidden gem featuring a lush forest, natural pools, and a secluded beach. Accessible via a challenging trek, this peaceful destination offers refreshing swimming spots and clear blue waters, making it perfect for those looking to escape the crowds on Nusa Penida.
Banah Cliff Point
Banah Cliff Point offers breathtaking panoramic views of Nusa Penida’s rugged coastline and the vast ocean. Known for its dramatic rock formations and stunning sunset views, this spot is a must-visit for nature lovers and photographers looking to capture the island’s natural beauty.
Check into Your Nusa Penida Hotel
Check into your hotel and take a moment to unwind. Whether you’re staying at a cozy beachside bungalow or a unique glamping spot, settle in and enjoy the island vibe.
Relax at a Beach Bar or Enjoy the Sunset at Crystal Bay
Relax at a beach bar or head to Crystal Bay for a stunning sunset. My top picks are Penida Colada Beach Bar, Secret Penida Cafe, and Coco Penida—perfect for a laid-back evening.
Rest Up for an Exciting Day Ahead
Have an early night to recharge, so you’re all set for the adventures that await on your second day on Nusa Penida!
Nusa Penida itinerary day 2
For your second day, I highly recommend hiring a driver to explore Nusa Penida’s East Coast. The journey from the harbor or main strip to the East Coast is long and the roads are treacherous, making self-navigation challenging. Booking a driver via services like Klook ensures a safe and comfortable trip, letting you fully enjoy the sights without the stress of driving. Begin your day bright and early at 6 am, with your first destination being the famous Diamond Beach.
Diamond Beach
Diamond Beach is one of Nusa Penida’s most picturesque locations, with pristine white sands, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and dramatic limestone cliffs. The beach is now accessible via a newly constructed staircase, making the descent both scenic and manageable. While the climb down is well worth it for the stunning views and untouched sands, be cautious— the waves here are enormous, and due to strong currents and riptides, swimming is not recommended, even for strong swimmers.
Thousand Islands Viewpoint
Thousand Islands Viewpoint offers breathtaking panoramic views of numerous small islands scattered across the turquoise sea. Located near Atuh Beach, this spot provides a stunning vantage point for both sunrise and sunset, making it a must-visit on Nusa Penida.
Visit the Rumah Pohon Tree House
Just around the corner from Thousand Islands Viewpoint, you’ll find the famous Rumah Pohon Tree House. Perched on a cliff with stunning views of the surrounding islands and ocean, it’s a popular accommodation and photo spot. A small entry fee is required to access the treehouse and capture those Instagram-worthy shots.
Explore Suwehan Beach
After visiting the tree house, head to Suwehan Beach on the southeastern coast of Nusa Penida. This hidden gem is known for its secluded and serene environment, featuring soft white sands, clear blue waters, and towering cliffs. Though it’s a long way down with many stairs, the epic views and privacy make it worth the effort.
Relax at Cactus Beach Club
After all the exploring, treat yourself to lunch at Cactus Beach Club. This stunning new beach club offers the perfect setting to relax, swim, smoke cigars, and sip on cocktails by the beach. Enjoy beautiful ocean views and unwind in style.
Nusa Penida Itinerary Day 3
Start your third day by exploring Nusa Penida’s southwest attractions, conveniently located near the harbor and main road. You can either hire a driver for the day or, if you’re staying nearby, ride your scooter. Hiring a driver is recommended for a more relaxed experience and easy drop-off at the harbor at the end of the day.
Early Morning at Kelingking Beach
Begin your day early, ideally at 6 am, to catch the 10 am boat back to Sanur. Your first stop should be Kelingking Beach, where you’ll be mesmerized by the massive cliffs and breathtaking views.
Kelingking Beach
Kelingking Beach is a photographer’s dream, featuring the iconic T-Rex-shaped cliff, one of the most photographed landmarks in Bali. The hike down to the beach takes about 1-2 hours, but be cautious—the stairs are in poor condition. Like Diamond Beach, swimming here is not recommended due to large waves and strong currents.
Broken Beach & Angel’s Billabong
Explore Broken Beach for its beautiful photo opportunities, especially for drone photography, though it may feel underwhelming after a quick visit. Angel’s Billabong is another nearby spot, but it might not be worth the detour as it didn’t leave a strong impression.
Return to the Harbor and Continue Your Adventure
After exploring, head back to the harbor at Nusa Penida. From there, you can either return to Bali or continue your adventure to Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Ceningan, or the Gili Islands. Each destination offers unique experiences and stunning landscapes, perfect for extending your island-hopping journey.
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