Quick Guide to Nusa Penida Island:
Nusa Penida is the largest of the 3 Nusa Islands, but the least developed. The dramatic coastal cliffs, bright blue water, and untouched nature make Nusa Penida one of the most breathtaking places. I recommend staying here for two nights and spending one day discovering the east side and another day discovering the west side of Penida Island.
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STAY:
This family-owned boutique is very centrally located. Saka Boutique Hotel is near the top sites, within walking distance to delicious restaurants, and easily accessible from the boat dock. Before arriving, contact the hotel directly and the manager will book your boat transfers from Bali. Once you arrive, you will be greeted with a refreshing fresh-squeezed juice.
Or search for yourself! To make your life easier, you can start your hotel search with my pre-selected places to stay on Nusa Penida.
SEE:
Book a tour or rent a scooter to see every inch of Nusa Penida. We opted for a private 2-day tour of Nusa Penida (booked directly through Saka Boutique Hotel). Depending on the time of year you travel here, it can be very hot. Not to mention the roads are hilly, rocky, and not well maintained. Unless you are extremely advanced on a scooter, I strongly suggest hiring a driver. But do what you think is best for you!
East Coast of Nusa Penida
Spend your first day exploring the east side of Nusa Penida. The east coast is much more spread out and untouched.
- Atuh and Diamond Beach
- Thousand Islands View Point
- Rumah Phon Treehouse
- Giri Putri (underground temple)
- Teletubbies Hill
West Coast of Nusa Penida
The more popular side of the island is the west coast. This is why I recommend visiting the west side on the second day, so you are able to get an early start before the day tourists come over from Bali.
- Angel’s Billabong
- Broken Beach
- Kelingking Beach
- Hike down the cliff and spend a few hours enjoying untouched paradise.
- Crystal Bay (My least favorite, very crowded and rocky. I would skip Crystal Bay and spend more time discovering other places. Or check out some of the less touristy areas listed below. Tembeling Beach & Forest is my personal fav!)
More Sights on Nusa Penida
If you have more time or plan on spending a third day on Nusa Penida, visit these lesser untouched areas.
- Seganing Waterfall
- Banah Cliff Point
- Tembeling Beach and Forest
- Saren Cliff Point
- Guyangan Waterfall
- Manta Point
TASTE:
- Penida Colada Beach Bar. SO tasty and beautiful views of the ocean.
Quick Guide to Nusa Lembongan & Ceningan Islands:
Warm white sandy beaches, tropical vibes, and a relatively quiet atmosphere make Nusa Lembongan & Ceningan a must-visit when touring Bali. After spending an adventure-filled time on Nusa Penida, these islands will be the perfect place to relax and unwind. Depending on how much time you have, I recommend staying one to two nights here. Have your hotel on Nusa Penida set up boat transfers for you.
STAY:
- The Villas On Lembongan
- All I can say about this place is WOW! The views from the Villa are breathtaking and the plunge pool is heavenly! Not to mention you are steps away from many restaurants and bars.
- For other accommodations check out my hotel lists on booking.com.
SEE:
A small yellow suspension bridge connects the two islands. You can easily visit and tour both islands by scooter, cars are not allowed to cross the bridge.
Mel’s Travel Tip: Make sure you bring enough cash to the Nusa Islands. The ATMs are very limited and often empty!
Nusa Lembongan
- Go snorkeling and see the Underwater Buddha Temple
- Stand Up Paddle Board or Kayak through Mongrove Forest
- Devil’s Tear
- Beaches:
- Dream beach, Sandy Bay, Mushroom Bay
Nusa Ceningan
- Yellow Bridge
- Dreampoint view for a great sunset view
- Blue Lagoon
- Secret Beach
TASTE:
- Sea Breeze
- Lemongrass
- Next Level Cafe
- Bali Eco Deli
SIP:
- Cloudland Bar
- Driftwood Bar
I hope this quick guide to the Nusa Islands helps prepare you to plan your own perfect Bali Itinerary! If you need any help planning or have any questions, please reach out or message me on my contact page! I would love to hear about how your trip went as well. Tell me in the comments below!
Following my Perfect Bali Itinerary? Click here to go to the next stop: Munduk!
