You can pack a lot into 3 days on Nusa Penida and neighbouring islands Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan. However, you should consider staying at least two nights to see all the major highlights.
Kelingking Beach is one of the main attractions on the island and known as the ‘T-Rex Beach’ due to its striking cliff formations. You can visit this beach alone or with a tour group and there are usually plenty of people.
Day 1
The first stop on this Nusa Penida day tour is the Goa Giri Putri Cave Temple. This is an incredible spot that takes you inside of a huge cave where you can see locals performing various rituals. This is a very unique experience and is definitely one of the best things to do on the island.
Next, head to Angel’s Billabong, a beautiful natural tidal pool on the ocean. This is a really special spot and the best time to visit is around low tide because when the water comes in it ruins the serene feel of the tidal pool. From there, it’s only a short walk to another top natural attraction on the island – Broken Beach.
You can get to Broken Beach by walking along a path that’s been cut into the side of the cliffs. It’s a really stunning location and it’s a good chance that you’ll be the only person there since it’s not as popular as some of the other Nusa Penida highlights like the cliff lookout at Diamond Beach or the Instagram tree houses on the Rumah Pohon cliffs.
Those that don’t want to do the strenuous trek can instead enjoy Crystal Bay, a gorgeous little beach on the coast. You’ll usually see more locals here than tourists and it feels incredibly secluded. From here you can take a snorkeling and diving trip to Manta Point, where tons of giant manta rays come to feed.
Day 2
The biggest island of the Nusa islands, Nusa Penida is a paradise of breathtaking coastal views. It is a great place to explore awe-inspiring natural wonders and hidden treasures.
This is the perfect day trip for those with limited time in Bali. You will be picked up from your hotel and brought to Sanur Beach where you will board the fast boat to Nusa Penida.
From there you will start your journey around the island. The first stop will be the Goa Giri Putri Cave Temple. This is one of the most unique temples you will visit on your tour because you have to maneuver yourself through a small hole and walk through the temple. This is a very sacred site for the Balinese so be sure to dress appropriately if you are going to enter.
Next up you will head to the western side of Nusa Penida and check out some of the most famous viewpoints. First up is Kelingking Beach where you will be able to see the iconic view of a rock formation that looks like the head of a T-rex dinosaur. After that you will head to Angel’s Billabong and Broken Beach which are two beautiful beaches with a backdrop of cliffs.
Depending on how much you enjoy these sites you can decide if you want to spend the night here or catch the ferry back to Bali at the end of your day. For the best experience, you should stay for 3 days so that you have enough time to fully explore all of the amazing things that this island has to offer.
Day 3
You’ve probably seen pictures of this incredible cliff beach all over Instagram, and for good reason! It’s one of the most popular attractions in Nusa Penida and is absolutely worth a visit. To get there you’ll have to drive up a very bumpy road but trust me the view will make it worth it. Once you’re at the top you can either climb down to the beach or simply walk along a path. It’s a very relaxing beach and makes for an excellent spot to watch the sunset without many other tourists around.
To make things even better, if you’re lucky enough to arrive on a day when the Rumah Pohon Tree House is open (they don’t open every day) you can stay the night and wake up in the most amazing tree house with that amazing view! It’s a little more pricey than staying in a hotel but I think it’s definitely worth it for the experience.
If you’re planning to visit this famous hot spot, make sure you arrive early in the morning to avoid the big crowds! This way you’ll also have plenty of time to explore the other cool spots on this side of the island. One of my favorites is the beautiful Atuh Beach which is a bit more secluded than some of the other beaches on the island and has gorgeous blue rock pools.
Day 4
It’s no secret that Nusa Penida has some of the best natural scenery in all of Bali. It’s full of beautiful cliffs, beaches, and hikes to explore. This island has some of the most insta-worthy views and it’s easy to see why so many people visit this place for a day or an extended trip!
A common thing to do for a day trip on Penida is to book a tour that includes all transportation from Bali to the island and back. This is an excellent option for those who don’t want to hire a scooter and also if you can’t drive. Some tours will focus on just the west, east or both sides of the island and will include a variety of things to do.
If you’re on a tour it’s worth asking about the specific locations you will be visiting and how much time you will have at each location. Otherwise you can always hire a scooter once you’re on the island and it’s not that expensive.
Some of the most popular sights on Nusa Penida include Kelingking Beach, Angel’s Billabong, and Broken Beach. All of these spots are popular for their cliff lookouts and crystal clear waters. It’s worth visiting these spots in the early AM hours or after most of the day trippers have left and gone back to Lembongan or Bali. nusa penida trip