Nusa Penida is one of the most beautiful places in Bali and a must-visit when planning your trip to the island! From cliffside beaches and rugged terrain to booming underwater life and wildlife, it’s a true paradise for those who love nature and beautiful views.
Nonetheless, with its popularity comes the crowd of tourists but there are still plenty of places off the tourist track as well as ways to visit the popular spots without a crazy amount of people.
This 3-Day Nusa Penida Itinerary covers all the must-visit spots on the island as well as a few hidden gems that will make your trip even more special. And if you follow this itinerary, you’ll be able to avoid 90% of the tourists and have the most magical experience on your trip!
Nusa Penida might just be my favourite part of Bali and I hope this itinerary helps you fall in love with the island as much as I did!
Nusa Penida at a glance
⛴ How to get to Nusa Penida: Book your ferry tickets from Bali here.
🏡 Where to stay in Nusa Penida: I recommend staying near Toyapakeh Harbour as a good base to explore from.
🛵 How to get around Nusa Penida:
– Rent a bike
– Hire a private driver
☀️ Best things to do in Nusa Penida:
• Manta Ray snorkelling tour – a must-do in Nusa Penida!
• Kelinking Beach for sunset – the most iconic sunset spot on the island.
• Diamond Beach for sunrise – stunning rock formations and white sand beach.
• Thousand Islands Viewpoint – one of the most beautiful viewpoints in Nusa Penida.
• Tembeling Forest, Pools and Beach – a unique hidden gem, away from the tourist crowds.
• Chill at Pandan Beach – quiet, hidden beach, perfect for a relaxed afternoon.
🥘 Where to eat in Nusa Penida:
⋙ Father Field Bistro (near Toyapakeh)
⋙ Happy Eating Penida (Toyapakeh)
⋙ Penida Kolada (Toyapakeh)
⋙ Aloka Penida (near Diamond Beach)
⋙ Eastside Penida Kitchen & Bar (near Diamond Beach)
⋙ Slaza Penida (near Diamond Beach)
Tips for your trip to Nusa Penida
- Take cash out when you arrive at Toyapakeh Harbour as not many other places have ATMs. You will need cash to pay for entrance fees, snacks and drinks.
- Bring closed shoes if you’re planning to do any of the hikes. Some hikes are a bit more sketchy than others and you’ll feel much more stable wearing comfortable shoes rather than flip flops.
- Bring sunscreen and hat. The sun here is very intense!
- Always get travel insurance. I use SafetyWing Nomad Insurance for all my trips.
Day 1 – Nusa Penida Itinerary
Getting from Bali to Nusa Penida
On your first day of your Nusa Penida trip, get the ferry from Sanur to Nusa Penida in the morning. It’s best to book your tickets in advance using 12GOAsia as the prices are usually lower than if you booked at the ticket office. Booking in advance also ensures that they have available seats for your chosen time.
It’s best to take a morning ferry as the water is calmer than later in the day.
Once you’ve booked your ticket, make sure to save it on your phone. Aim to arrive at the ferry port at least 30 minutes before the departure time.
The journey takes approximately 40 minutes and will take you to Toyapakeh port in Nusa Penida. Click here to book your ferry ticket.
Picking up your rental bike and checking-in into your hotel
Once you arrive at the port you’ll be approached by taxi drivers and bike rentals offering you their services.
If you’re renting a bike explore Nusa Penida independently, I recommend booking this in advance for the best deal and to ensure that you’re getting a bike in good condition. We got our bike from Doel Hadi Rental Scooter and it was in pretty good condition.
If you’re not confident driving a scooter, you can hire an affordable private car rental with driver for your Nusa Penida trip here.
Where to stay in Nusa Penida
As a base to explore the Nusa Penida from, I recommend staying near the Toyapakeh Port for convenience. There are a lot of hotel options suitable for every budget and preference, so you’re guaranteed to find something suited for you.
We really enjoyed our stay at Mount Sea View Bungalows, a small homestay style accommodation with few small villas next to each other. It was clean, quiet and affordable, and the views of Mount Agung in the distance were beautiful. It was the perfect place for us to explore the island from, although it’s best suited if you’re driving a motorbike as it’s a few minute drive from the Toyapakeh Port. Check out the price and availability here.
For a bit more of affordable luxury, I can also recommend staying at Akatara Hotel. It has a beautiful pool and rooms with private balconies, and it’s a walking distance to the main street of Toyapakeh where all the restaurants are located.
Angel’s Billabong and Broken Beach
The first sightseeing stop on your itinerary is Angel’s Billabong and Broken Beach. The two are within a few minute walking distance from each so you can easily check both off your list in one go.
Angel’s Billabong is a stunning natural infinity pool carved into the coastline. When the tide is low, you can swim in its crystal-clear waters and feel like you’re on the edge of the world. Just be sure to check the tide schedule before you go – it’s sometimes closed off when the waves get too strong. Be careful if you’re going in the water as big waves can come unexpectedly and it can be dangerous.
After seeing Angel’s Billabong, continue walking towards Broken Beach, a massive circular cove with an arched rock bridge spanning across it. If you’re lucky you might see the occasional manta ray gliding by. You can’t swim here, but the views are pretty good.
Sunset at Kelingking Beach
Next up is Kelingking Beach, one of the most famous beaches in Bali and arguably one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Coming here for sunset means less crowds than during the day as the day-trippers will have already left the island. There will still be a fair few people around but nothing in comparison to peak hours.
If you want to tackle the steep hike down to the beach, aim to arrive a couple hours before sunset.
However, even if you just stay at the top, the views from above are pretty epic. As the sun goes below the horizon, it lights up the T-Rex-shaped cliff in golden light – making the perfect photo backdrop.
Grab a coconut and soak in the views. But keep an eye out for the monkeys who may linger around and try to steal your coconut 🐒
Dinner in Toyapakeh
After all that exploring, head back to Toyapakeh for dinner. The main street has plenty of delicious restaurants to choose from for dinner. We went to Happy Eating Penida for dinner almost every night as I absolutely loved their tuna steak with veggies!
Have an early night so you’re fresh and ready for more adventures on your second day!
Day 2 – Nusa Penida Itinerary
Manta Ray Snorkelling Tour
Your second day will start with a snorkelling trip to swim with the magnificent Manta Rays. If you love wildlife encounters, this is going to be the highlight of your Nusa Penida trip! Sharing the water with these gentle giants is truly one of a kind experience that will stay with you for life.
The tour visits multiple spots including Manta Bay, Crystal Bay, Gamat Bay and The Wall. You’re likely to spot not only manta rays but also turtles, dolphins and hundreds of colourful reef fish.
Private Manta Ray snorkelling tours
If it’s within your budget, I highly recommend booking a private snorkelling trip so that you can leave earlier than all the group tours and have a more calm, peaceful experience without a bunch of other boats and snorkellers in the water. This is a great option if you’re travelling with a group of friends or family.
I also loved that with the private boat trip we had the flexibility to tell our boat driver to stay longer in certain spots so we can spend more time looking for mantas instead of moving on to the other snorkelling sites. Make sure to select the “private boat” option when booking here.
Group Manta Ray snorkelling tours
If you prefer to go on a group trip instead, you can also book a group snorkelling tour that takes you to the same snorkelling spots and you’ll still have an amazing experience swimming with the manta rays! If you don’t mind sharing a boat with others and having a fixed schedule, this group snorkelling trip is a great option. Just select the “group boat” option when booking here.
Afternoon activities options
Grab some lunch and rest for a little before you head out again for the afternoon. You have a couple of options for things to do in the afternoon depending on your energy levels and preference.
You can either head to a small hike and soak up the sun at a hidden beach or head out and explore more of Nusa Penida’s adventurous landscape.
(Option 1) Chill at Pandan Beach – Soak up the sun and enjoy sunset
Pandan Beach is a small quaint beach, located a short hike from Crystal Bay. It’s only reachable by boat and by short hike, making it a beautiful quiet spot where not many people go.
It’s definitely more peaceful than Crystal Bay with no sun loungers and only one beach shack selling coconuts and some snacks. So make sure to bring some drinks and snacks with you as there’s not much on offer.
It’s safe for swimming due to its sheltered cove location and perfect for relaxing on the beach with a coconut in hand.
After soaking up the sun, head back to Crystal Bay for the most beautiful sunset views.
(Option 2) Adventure hike – Tembeling Forest, Pool & Beach and Banah Hills for sunset
Tembeling Forest, Pool & Beach
PC: thisworldiswide.de
If you’re looking for some more adventure, head to Tembeling Forest, Pool & Beach. This underrated gem on the western side of Nusa Penida includes a walk through a lush forest, swimming in natural pools, and a quiet beach tucked between massive cliffs.
Getting there is part of the adventure, the road down is pretty steep and unpaved. If you’re not super confident on a scooter, just park at the top and either walk down (takes about 30 minutes) or hop on the back of a local’s motorbike for 50,000-100,000 IDR round trip.
When you finally make it down, you’ll find two natural pools with freshwater springs. The main one has this gorgeous blue glow when the sunlight filters through the jungle canopy above. It’s the perfect spot to cool off after a fun day snorkelling.
From the pools, it’s just a short walk to the beach. While it might not be as jaw-dropping as Kelingking Beach, there’s something special about having a stretch of sand mostly to yourself, with those dramatic cliffs on either side.
Remember to bring your swimsuit, sunscreen and towel! And any snacks and drinks as you won’t be able to purchase any here.
Entrance fee: 10,000 IDR
Sunset at Banah Cliff point
For a beautiful end to your day, head to Banah Cliff Point for sunset. It’s a bit of a hidden gem compared to the more crowded spots on Nusa Penida.
A short 10-15 minute walk from the parking area brings you to a stunning viewpoint. From here, you’ll see the sun setting behind a unique rock arch just offshore. The cliff is about 200 meters high, giving you panoramic views of the Indian Ocean.
Wind down with the sounds of the waves and see breeze, the perfect way to end your second day in Nusa Penida.
Day 3 – Nusa Penida Itinerary
Diamond Beach
On your second morning in Nusa Penida, you’ll start your day at Diamond Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches in Bali. This is a very popular spot so there will always be other tourists around, but heading there before 8am will be quieter.
Diamond Beach only became accessible to visitors in late 2018 when a path was carved into the cliff face. Named after the diamond-shaped rock formation just offshore, this beach is truly spectacular with its pristine white sand and turquoise waters.
Take your time going down as the views get better with each step, and you’ll want to stop for photos along the way. However, also be very cautious of any rocks falling from the top as it happened when we were there due to stormy weather the night before. It can be pretty scary and dangerous, so protect your head!
For photographers, Diamond Beach is a dream location. The soft golden light just after sunrise will make your photos even more magical, illuminating the dramatic cliffs and casting a warm glow over the white sand.
While you’re in the area, you can also visit Atuh Beach, which is right next to Diamond Beach and is a nice place to chill and enjoy quiet time at the beach.
If you’re staying near Toyapakeh harbor, expect a 45-60 minute drive to reach Diamond Beach. The roads to get here are pretty new with the occasional potholes, so allow plenty of time and drive carefully if you’re on a scooter.
Entrance fee: 35,000 IDR
Best time to visit: Early morning for the best light and to avoid the crowds
Thousand Islands Viewpoint
Next stop is Thousand Islands Viewpoint, a few short minutes away from Diamond Beach. Here you have beautiful panoramic ocean views as well as the famous Rumah Pohon Tree House.
Located on the eastern coast of Nusa Penida, this cliff-side viewpoint offers stunning views of the surrounding small islands scattered across the turquoise waters. In reality, you’re actually seeing Diamond Beach from the other side!
To reach the viewpoint, you’ll need to walk down a series of stairs for about 10-15 minutes. There are actually two main lookout points to explore. The first one is about halfway down the stairs to your left.
For the most breathtaking panoramic view, continue past the Rumah Pohon Treehouse until you see a white shrine marking the best viewing point.
The Rumah Poton treehouse is just for photos which costs 75k per person. It’s nothing more than an Instagram spot but makes for beautiful photos regardless. If you’re not interested in paying extra for the treehouse photo op, don’t worry – the natural views are spectacular on their own.
Entrance fees: 35,000 IDR per person
Photos at the Rumah Poton Treehouse: 75,000 IDR per person
Suwehan Beach
If you’re up for exploring another quieter beach after Diamond Beach, just a 25-minute drive south you will find Suwehan Beach. While Diamond Beach gets all the Instagram fame, Suwehan offers a similar experience with far fewer people.
When driving from Diamond Beach, take the longer route via the roundabout rather than following Google Maps’ “quicker” suggestion. The shortcut Google offers is unpaved and extremely sketchy – even by Nusa Penida standards. The slightly longer route is on new roads renovated and is much safer.
Beware the monkeys on the way down to the beach which expect you to feed them. There’s an old lady at the entrance of the stairs, which sells peanuts that you can purchase to keep the monkeys at bay.
Important tips: Visit before noon since the beach sits beneath massive cliffs that cast shadows in the afternoon.
Also, check the tide schedule – at high tide, the beach can completely disappear under the waves. If you’re lucky enough to visit during low tide, you’ll be rewarded with stunning turquoise water. Although, like most beaches on Nusa Penida, the waves are too big and it’s unsafe for swimming.
Afternoon activities options
For the rest of your day, you have a couple of different options. You can either go on an adventurous hike to Guyangan Waterfall, visit the beautiful and unique Pura Goa Giri Temple, or if you skipped Tembeling Forrest on Day 2, you can choose to do that on your last afternoon.
Here’s more information about each one so you can decide which one is best for you.
(Option 1) Guyangan Waterfall
Guyangan Waterfall (also known as Peguyangan Waterfall) is not for the faint of heart and I can only recommend it if you’re not scared of heights.
However, if you’re up for the adventure you’ll be rewarded with one of Nusa Penida’s most spectacular hidden gems.
The journey involves descending over 700 incredibly steep blue stairs that cling precariously to the cliff edge – definitely a heart-pumping experience.
The 20-30 minute descent leads you to a sacred temple and a small but beautiful waterfall that flows directly into the ocean – one of the few accessible oceanside waterfalls in Bali.
The highlight here is the natural infinity pools overlooking the vast ocean below, offering breathtaking views that few people get to experience.
The entrance is free, however, you’ll need to wear a sarong (available for rent at the parking area) as it’s considered a sacred site.
(Option 2) Pura Goa Giri Temple
If you’re curious about Balinese culture beyond the beaches, consider a quick visit to Pura Goa Giri Putri. This Hindu temple is tucked inside a mountain cave, making it pretty unique compared to other temples you’ll see in Bali.
The most memorable part is the entrance – you literally have to squeeze through a tiny crack in the rock to get inside. Once you’re through, the cave opens up into a surprisingly massive space with several shrines and the gentle sound of prayers echoing off the walls.
You’ll need to wear a sarong (available to rent at the entrance) and make a small donation of around 10,000 IDR. It’s a beautiful and unique temple that offers a glimpse into the spiritual side of Nusa Penida.
(Option 3) Tembeling Forest, Pool & Beach (if you skipped this on Day 2)
If you chose to spend your afternoon on Pandan Beach instead of doing the hike to Tembeling Forest, you have another chance to add this to your itinerary. For the full details about Tembeling Forest, Pool & Beach scroll back up to the Day 2 section of this blog.
Teletubbies Hill viewpoint (optional if you have extra time)
If you’ve got a bit of extra time, consider a quick stop at Teletubbies Hill. Named after the kids’ show because of its gently rolling green mounds, it’s a nice change of pace from the coastal views.
We spent about 20 minutes here just enjoying the peaceful countryside. It’s nothing fancy – just pretty green hills that remind a little bit of the famous Chocolate Hills in Bohol, The Philippines. You might spot local farmers working in the fields or kids playing nearby.
It’s completely free and makes for some nice photos, especially if you have a drone. Not a must-see, but a pleasant detour if you’re passing by and want to see a different side of Nusa Penida.
Sunset at Amarta Penida
For a memorable end to your day, catch sunset at AMARTA Penida on the northwest coast. What makes this spot special is their Balinese gate that perfectly frames Mount Agung in the distance – it’s one of those classic Bali photo ops but without having to wait in line.
Grab a cold drink and settle in to watch the sky transform into shades of orange and pink as the sun sets behind the islands of Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan.
Final Thoughts
After three days exploring Nusa Penida, you’ll understand why this island holds such a special place in my heart. Yes, the roads are bumpy and some of the hikes are challenging, but that’s part of what makes Nusa Penida feel authentic and exciting.
From the iconic T-Rex shaped cliff at Kelingking Beach to the pristine white sands of Diamond Beach, Nusa Penida has some of Bali’s most spectacular landscapes.
And if you explore further than the Instagrammable spots, you’ll find a sense of adventure that comes with visiting an island that still maintains its raw, untouched charm. You’ll work a little harder for the experiences here, but they feel more rewarding because of it.
If you have more time on Nusa Penida, all the better. You can explore more of the beautiful sites that you didn’t manage to cover during your 3-day trip.
Enjoy your trip and if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to message me on Instagram @voyagewithmel ☀️
Mel xx
Read my other Bali blogs
I’ve spent over six months (and counting) exploring Bali in search of the most beautiful places and experiences. These are some of my most popular guides about Bali that will be helpful for planning your trip!
⋙ Kanto Lampo Waterfall, Bali – The Only Guide You Need
⋙ 6 Amazing Snorkeling Spots in Amed, Bali
⋙ Gunung Kawi Temple in Tampaksiring, Bali – All You Need to Know
⋙ 5 Best Adventure Activities in Bali for an unforgettable trip!
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