Our 10 Favorite Things to Do in Nusa Penida + Travel Tips

Nusa Penida is one of those places that feels untouched and wild in the best way. It’s raw, dramatic, and full of adventure. We only had one visit, but we made sure to see as many things to do in Nusa Penida as possible.

The island has a raw and jagged coastline, breathtaking cliffs, and stunning beaches — although you can’t swim at most of them. Its underwater life is vibrant, making it a favorite spot for snorkeling and diving.

Nusa Penida is a very popular day trip from Bali, but if you have more time, we highly recommend spending more than just one day exploring the island.

What we loved most is how completely different it feels compared to Bali. It’s so close, yet Nusa Penida feels much wilder and more remote. That said, it’s changing fast, with new restaurants and accommodations popping up all the time.

If you’re planning your itinerary and wondering what to see in Nusa Penida, this guide is packed with real experiences, practical tips, and our honest thoughts. We’ll share the top things to do on the island, where to eat, how to get around, and the best time to visit.

Map of the Best Things to Do in Nusa Penida

Things to Do in Nusa Penida

1. Kelingking Beach

We visited Kelingking Beach early in the morning, around 7 AM, and it was such a peaceful experience. There were only a few other tourists at the viewpoint, and the light was soft and beautiful.

We have to say that the iconic T-Rex cliff is even more striking in person than it looks in photos. It’s definitely our favorite places to visit in Nusa Penida and one of the most popular beaches in whole Indonesia.

After enjoying the views from the top, we decided to hike down. The path is steep, sandy, and can get slippery, so wear good shoes and take your time. It’s definitely a workout, but the scenery along the way makes it worth the effort.

Once we reached the beach, it felt wild and powerful. The big waves crash hard and pull with a strong current—swimming is definitely not a good idea here. We stayed back from the shore and just soaked in the view.

Also, some parts of the cliffside were scorched from a recent fire. You’ll notice burned patches of grass near the trailhead.

2. Diamond Beach

Diamond Beach is honestly one of the most photogenic beaches we’ve ever seen. The views from the upper viewpoints along the cliffs are stunning.

To get down to the beach, we followed an adventurous path with stairs carved into the side of the cliff, secured by ropes. It’s definitely not for everyone, but so worth it. It took us about 15 to 20 minutes to get down.

Once at the bottom, it felt like a secret paradise.

The beach itself is beautiful, with crystal-clear water that looks so inviting. There’s a popular spot for photos right by the shore. While swimming isn’t allowed because of strong currents and waves, just being there feels incredible.

We stayed nearby and planned our visit for sunrise to avoid crowds and catch the beautiful morning light. Unfortunately, it was cloudy that day, but it was still worth waking up early since we had the place almost to ourselves.

3. Atuh Beach

Atuh Beach is right next to Diamond Beach, so we definitely recommend visiting both. It’s one of the few places on the island where you can swim safely. Getting down to the beach is much easier than Diamond Beach, but it still takes a bit of effort.

One of the highlights is the natural rock arch that makes for a great photo spot. When we visited, there were lots of waves, so snorkeling wasn’t the best idea. We did see one brave guy swimming pretty far from shore — honestly, it didn’t look too safe to us.

There are a few warungs along the beach selling simple food like fried rice, grilled fish, and coconuts. We grabbed a quick lunch there and enjoyed eating with our feet in the sand. You’ll also find sunbeds and umbrellas available for rent.

4. Peguyangan Waterfall

We had mixed feelings about this one before going. The photos didn’t look super impressive, and we almost skipped it. But we’re so happy we didn’t—this ended up being one of our absolute favourite things to do in Nusa Penida.

The main attraction is the steep blue staircase attached to the side of the cliff. It’s exposed, a little scary, and comes with epic ocean views all the way down. Every step feels like part of the adventure.

At the bottom, there’s a small temple and an infinity pool with waves crashing against the edge. We stood there for a while getting sprayed by the ocean—it was wild. We definitely recommend bringing a swimsuit.

Just keep in mind the temple is used regularly by locals, so be respectful while visiting.

5. Angel’s Billabong & Broken Beach

These two spots are right next to each other and easy to visit together.

Angel’s Billabong used to be a natural infinity pool you could walk down to, but access was closed during our visit. There have been many accidents involving people being swept to the ocean, so only swim at your own risk.

That said, we loved watching the incredible power of the ocean from the surrounding cliffs. The waves there went absolutely crazy! Definitely visit around high tide for the biggest show—but don’t stand too close to the edge.

People have been swept into the ocean here, and trust us, that’s not the ocean you want to get caught in. Nusa Penida’s waters are extremely powerful.

Just a few minutes’ walk away is Broken Beach, a huge circular cove with a natural sea arch. The water color inside is surreal. You can’t get down to the beach itself, but the view from above is totally worth it.

Make sure to walk along the cliffs and keep an eye out for marine life. We actually saw a few sea turtles swimming around, which was such a cool surprise.

6. Snorkeling with Mantas

We haven’t done this one ourselves, but we’ve heard nothing but good things. Snorkeling with manta rays is one of the most popular things to do in Nusa Penida, and almost everyone we talked to recommended it.

There are several snorkeling tours available. The visibility and sightings depend on conditions, but the chance to see giant mantas swimming below you is pretty special.

If you decide to go, we definitely recommend choosing a reputable tour operator with safety gear and local guides. Based on what we heard, the early morning tours have the best chance of success.

One highly rated option is this Nusa Penida Snorkeling 3 Spots Tour. It comes with free cancellation, GoPro footage, and effectively combines visits to the most popular attractions with snorkeling at some of the best spots around the island.

7. Tembeling Natural Pool & Forest

Tembeling is one of those hidden gems that feels like a real adventure.

It’s tucked away in the forest and not the easiest to reach—you either ride a scooter down a rough, narrow path or walk the last stretch. We decided to ride, and unless you’re a complete beginner or really uncomfortable on a bike, you can manage it just fine.

From the parking area, it’s just a few minutes’ walk through the forest down to the shore. Along the way, we found a small, clear natural pool surrounded by jungle. It’s shaded and perfect for a refreshing swim.

We kept walking and reached a rocky beach with a second infinity pool right by the ocean. This one blew us away—it’s an incredible swim spot. We weren’t alone, but it didn’t feel too crowded either.

Bring plenty of water, wear proper shoes, and don’t expect to find food or drinks nearby. It’s a raw, off-the-beaten-path place that’s perfect if you love nature and want a break from the busy tourist spots.

8. Banah Cliff Point

Banah Cliff Point is one of the most underrated viewpoints on Nusa Penida. It’s quiet, dramatic, and doesn’t require any hiking. We stayed nearby, so it was super easy to visit for sunset, and we only met one other couple there.

What we loved most was how peaceful it felt compared to the more popular (and crowded) spots. We flew our drone, had a beer, and sat on one of the benches just chatting and soaking in the view.

There are a couple of different viewpoints around the area, so take your time walking and exploring. Just be extra cautious near the edge—there are no barriers or safety rails. Also, the road leading there isn’t paved, so it can be a bit bumpy.

We did not pay any entrance or parking fees.

9. Manta Point

Not to be confused with the snorkeling site Manta Bay, Manta Point is a viewpoint high up on Nusa Penida’s cliffs.

We came here hoping to spot a few manta rays from above—and we got lucky! After just a few minutes, we saw a group of three mantas swimming below. We flew our drone to get a closer look, and it was amazing.

We were completely alone for a while, and later a French family joined us. It’s definitely not a busy spot, which makes the experience even more special.

The road to get there is pretty bumpy, so take it slow. Also, don’t expect to find any food or water nearby—come prepared.

10. Teletubbies Hills

Teletubbies Hills is one of the more unique landscapes in Nusa Penida. The rolling green hills look soft and round, kind of like something out of a cartoon, which is how the spot got its name.

We decided to end our day on the east coast here, watching the sunset after exploring Diamond Beach. It was so peaceful, with no other people around!

There’s not much to do other than enjoy the view and snap a few photos, but if you’re nearby, it’s definitely worth the short detour. The late afternoon light here is beautiful and calming.

Where to Eat and Drink

We’ve only been to Nusa Penida once, but we managed to try a few good local spots that we’d definitely recommend:

• Warung Yami – Great local warung with delicious vegetarian and vegan-friendly options. Loved the curry.
• Warung D’Coconut – Spot near Kelingking Beach with Indonesian staples. Tasty, affordable, and relaxed.
• Slaza Penida Kitchen and Bar – Slightly more upscale with beautiful plating. Great for dinner.
• AB Bar and Resto – Cozy place with Western and Indonesian choices. Portions were big and well-priced. We loved the smoothie bowls!
• Mambo Beach Restaurant – Chill beachfront place. We only stopped for a drink, but the vibe was nice and the menu looked solid.

Where to stay

We’d recommend staying on the north coast of Nusa Penida near Toyapakeh or Sampalan. This area is more developed, with easier access to the harbor, restaurants, and tour pickups. It’s convenient and a good base for day trips around the island.

For quieter vibes and amazing views, consider staying near Diamond Beach or Atuh Beach on the east coast. It’s less crowded, more remote, and great if you want to explore that side early in the morning before the tours arrive.

⭐️ We personally chose Temeling Jungle Inn and loved it.

How to Get Around

We rented a scooter for the entire trip, and it was the easiest way to get around. Roads in Nusa Penida can be rough—especially toward Peguyangan and Tembeling—so drive slowly and carefully.

If you’re not confident on a bike, you can hire a driver for the day. We recommend this GetYourGuide option with free cancelation:

🚗 Nusa Penida: Private Car Hire with Driver

Optionally, joining a tour is a great choice if you want to skip all the logistics. We’d go for the East & West Nusa Penida Highlights Tour, which covers the island’s most iconic spots.

Grab and Gojek don’t work here, so don’t rely on apps.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Nusa Penida is during the dry season, from April to October. The weather is more reliable, and the roads are easier to manage without rain. We went in May and had mostly clear skies with just one quick afternoon shower.

If you want to avoid big crowds, May, June, and September are ideal months. The island is getting more popular, so going outside of peak season makes a huge difference.