Is Nusa Penida worth visiting? Pros and Cons of visiting Nusa Penida Island

Is Nusa Penida worth visiting? Yes, but! Nusa Penida, an island off the coast of Bali, is worth a day trip. Although we spent about five days there, the island is not worth an extended stay. Despite its unique things to do, hidden places to discover, and adventure-filled activities, Nusa Penida left us a bit sour due to its Instagram-fueled popularity and lack of local cultural immersion.

If you’re looking for a pure local experience in Bali, Nusa Penida may not be your place. However, if you’re interested in stunning sightseeing and picturesque scenery, then a day trip to Nusa Penida is unmissable. It’s easily accessible from Bali’s main port in the south, Sanur, by ferry or boat. 

In summary, if you’re wondering whether Nusa Penida is worth visiting, the answer is yes – but only for a day trip. The island’s proximity to Bali and its breathtaking sights make it an ideal destination for a day trip.

Is Nusa Penida worth visiting?

If you’re an adventurous traveller looking for a unique experience, Nusa Penida, an Indonesian island located in the Bali Sea, might be the perfect destination for you.

This hidden gem has captivated the hearts of intrepid explorers and nature enthusiasts alike. However, you may be wondering if it’s worth the visit. Fear not, as we’re here to take an exciting journey together and explore the wonders of this stunning island.

The Beauty of Nusa Penida will leave you astonished

Stepping onto the shores of Nusa Penida, you will soak your ankles without a harbour. As soon as we set foot on the island, we were overwhelmed by the natural beauty surrounding us. The lush greenery of the island is reminiscent of Bali, but even wilder.

From towering cliffs to crystalline waters, Nusa Penida is a visual paradise that words cannot do justice to. While daily day-trippers usually come to admire the verdant landscapes, the island attracts a few who seek peace and frugal escapes from the iconic Bali.

Pros of Visiting Nusa Penida

Iconic Kelingking Beach

Nusa Penida has many beautiful destinations to offer, but Kelingking Beach is definitely one of the most popular. This iconic location is known for its T-Rex-shaped cliff, which attracts tourists and day-trippers alike.

The view from the top is mesmerizing, and the descent down to the pristine beach below is thrilling. Our itinerary included a visit to Kelingking Beach, and we were not disappointed.

Although getting down the cliff to touch the soft sand is a challenging task, it is well worth the effort. The beachside experience feels like a secret only a few are lucky to discover. Even though the T-Rex-shaped cliff is visible to everyone, only a few brave souls trek down to the beach.

The descent is steep and difficult, so it’s essential to carry enough water for the way up as well. News reports suggest that there may be construction in the area to improve accessibility, which could make this already popular destination even more crowded. We hope that mass tourism does not destroy the pristine environment and that regulations will be in place to protect it.

Best tours to Kelingking Beach | T-Rex Cliffs Bali

Breathtaking Natural Landscapes

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Nusa Penida is definitely worth a visit. The island’s landscapes are enchanting. Jagged cliffs dramatically drop into the sapphire sea, creating vistas that seem straight out of a fantasy novel. Every twist and turn in the hiking trails reveals hidden sandy shores, lush forests, and awe-inspiring panoramas that will leave you breathless.

Diverse Snorkelling and Diving Opportunities

Snorkelling is one of our favourite activities, and we have explored it extensively while backpacking through Asia. We especially loved doing it in Phuket, Phi Phi, and Nusa Penida, where the crystal-clear waters are home to various marine species.

Whether you are a snorkeler or a diver, you will find this place a true haven. Swimming alongside majestic manta rays and encountering playful reef sharks is an opportunity you don’t want to miss.

During our visit to Kelingking Beach, we had the chance to see the cliffs from above, and the water was so clear that we spotted four mantas swimming around. However, a few days later, when we went on a snorkelling trip, the sea was so rough that we couldn’t spot any mantas.

Best Snorkelling trips in Nusa Penida

Angel’s Billabong and Broken Beach: Natural Wonders

Nusa Penida is definitely worth a visit, especially for those who are looking for a chance to explore unique high cliffs that hide natural wonders. Angel’s Billabong and Broken Beach are truly Mother Nature’s masterpieces, with the former showcasing a natural infinity pool and the latter boasting a stunning rock arch that frames the turquoise sea beyond.

Chance to explore Crystal Bay

Crystal Bay is one of the most popular and easily accessible beaches in Nusa Penida. The bay features calm waters that are perfect for snorkelling, allowing you to explore a colourful underwater world teeming with fish and vibrant corals.

The beach itself offers a peaceful atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for relaxation and enjoying the stunning sunset views as the sky illuminates in shades of gold and pink. If you plan activities in Nusa Penida, your tour will start from Crystal Bay.

Best tours including Crystal Bay | Nusa Penida Tours

A secluded and tranquil atmosphere

We didn’t enjoy Nusa Penida as a whole, apart from its incredible natural wonders. However, if you are looking for a peaceful and quiet atmosphere, this island might be the perfect escape from the bustling crowds of Canggu.

Everywhere on the island, there is a serene atmosphere. We sat on a rock to admire the sea, and it was a breathtaking experience because there were no other people around. The island is generally quiet, except for the port area.

The island’s unspoiled landscapes and limited tourist infrastructure provide an opportunity to disconnect and reconnect with nature truly. The absence of large crowds allows for intimate moments with the island’s beauty.

Furthermore, as you will see later, the unstable internet connection might disconnect you from the world, which, after all, is not that bad if you stay in Nusa Penida for just a few days.

Best beaches in Bali

In our travel guide, we expressed our dislike for Bali’s beaches. However, we highly recommend visiting the beaches in Nusa Penida. They are simply fantastic and were the highlight of our entire Nusa Penida itinerary. Atuh Beach, in particular, stood out as the best beach on the island.

Although it’s less popular than Diamond Beach, it’s definitely worth visiting. Atuh Beach is easily accessible and offers huts to enjoy drinks, fresh coconuts, and food. However, you must pay a fee to get a sunbed and an umbrella, which are necessary due to the hot weather.

Best beaches in Nusa Penida

Atuh Beach | More accessible than T-Rex Beach and Diamond Beach. The enclosed shore boasts calm water, soft sand and very few rocks. There is an easy path of about 120 steps to get to the beach.

Crystal Bay Beach | As said, Crystal Bay is the most accessible and entry point for snorkelling tours and manta tours.

Diamond Beach | This is a well-known beach in Nusa Penida, but it can be challenging to reach due to the steep and rocky staircase. However, once you make it down, you’ll be rewarded with a stunning bay. The beautiful palms, calm sea, and soft sand create a picturesque scene, with diamond-shaped rocks adding to the natural beauty in the background.

Adventure-Packed activities

Are you an adventure seeker wondering whether Nusa Penida is worth the visit? You’ll be thrilled to know that the island has a lot to offer in terms of adrenaline-pumping activities.

You can jump a cliff at Angel’s Billabong, explore hidden caves, and hike through lush forests. With so many exciting experiences available, Nusa Penida is the perfect destination for those who want an active and thrilling getaway.

Easy to reach by ferry from Bali

We boarded a fast boat at the Sanur port without any hassle, and despite a minor ticket issue (which can be avoided if you purchase them online here), the journey was smooth and delightful. Bali is famous for attracting surfers, influencers, and digital nomads, and it has also become a second home for us – storytellers and travel bloggers.

It’s no secret that to escape from the world, many people who stay long-term on the island go to Nusa Penida for a weekend getaway. This little gem off the coast of Bali is both easily accessible and affordable, with ticket prices ranging from 120K to 150K if you book in advance. If the sea is calm, the journey becomes even more comfortable, but once you reach Nusa Penida, the real adventure begins.

Check tickets for the ferry to Nusa Penida from Bali

Cons of visiting Nusa Penida

Challenging roads and lack of transportation options

Is it worth taking a day trip to Nusa Penida? Yes. While it is navigable, the rugged landscape requires careful navigation, especially if you plan on exploring the island on a motorbike.

The roads can be bumpy, and in some areas of Nusa Penida, there may not even be asphalt. Some parts of the island are only accessible through unpaved paths, jungle passages, side roads on cliffs, and narrow paths that are quite precarious. However, this sense of adventure is what many people seek when they come to Nusa Penida.

Limited infrastructure and amenities

Nusa Penida’s underdeveloped infrastructure adds to its charm, but it also limits the availability of modern amenities. While we prefer a frugal lifestyle with minimal commodities, we still require basic necessities. Compared to Nusa Penida, Koh Lanta in Thailand offers better accommodations and modern conveniences despite lacking tropical beaches, paradise vibes, restaurants, or beach clubs.

Accommodation options in Nusa Penida are more basic, and modern conveniences can be sporadic. However, that’s exactly what we were looking for. We stayed in a local guest house away from the main road and on the hills, which met our requirements. Check out our accommodation in Nusa Penida.

Rough Waters for Boat Travel

Getting to Nusa Penida requires a boat trip from Bali, which can be subject to variable sea conditions. During the rainy season, the waters can get rough, causing discomfort for those who are prone to seasickness.
Bring motion sickness remedies and opt for a larger, more stable boat if you are susceptible to seasickness.

On our way back to Bali, we experienced rough seas, which were both amazing and scary. I had never seen such high waves before. The boat was going down a hole with a 10-meter-high wave on one side.

The captain was skilled and manoeuvred the boat left and right, depending on the conditions. Fortunately, no one felt unwell, and we had a fun time.

Seasonal Crowds

Nusa Penida has gained popularity through social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok. Without influencers posting about its beautiful beaches and unique lush greenery, many people wouldn’t know about it. We have also shared some photos of our visit, and you can check them out, too.

Just like any other paradise, Nusa Penida has its peak seasons. While this means more travellers to share the experience with, it also brings larger crowds to popular spots. When we arrived at Kelingking Beach at 8.00 am, there were already about 20 people with us. However, within an hour, the place was crowded, and it was hard to move around the cliffs.

The same was true for Diamond Beach, which is a must-visit place. It was already crowded before midday. So, we learned a lesson from our experience. If you want to enjoy the unique places in Nusa Penida, try to get there as early as possible, even if it means staying overnight on the island.

No much to do at night

If you’re looking for a vacation that’s filled with lively nightlife and entertainment, then Nusa Penida may not be the best destination for you.

The island’s evenings are calm and peaceful, making it the perfect time to relax and enjoy the stunning beauty of the starry sky or sit around a beach bonfire and share stories. It’s a unique kind of magic that will enchant your senses and refresh you.

Some areas are difficult to get to

After the outbreak of Covid, a part of Nusa Penida island has been left abandoned and uncared for by locals. Since Nusa Penida thrives on tourism, with no tourists coming in every day, there is no money circulating. This has put many places in danger or made them inaccessible due to the lack of roads.

We visited the Tembeling Natural Pool, and it was quite challenging to get there. It’s not surprising that only a few people were hanging out there.

To reach the Tembeling Natural Pool, one has to drive for about 20 minutes on a dirt road through the jungle. The path is full of rocks, uneven terrain, and dangerous cliffs, which tested my mental strength to the max.

I even had to stop the motorbike and walk towards the point. Meanwhile, Ale was waiting for me at the back of a local’s motorbike. I was so scared and tired that I paid a local to ride my bike to the entrance.

If you plan to venture off the beaten path, it’s important to do more planning and, in some cases, get the guidance of a local who knows the area well. Check all the tours in Nusa Penida with a local.

Internet is slow

While we were in Nusa Penida, we struggled with internet connectivity. It wasn’t easy to even send a WhatsApp message from the front of our accommodation. Despite this challenge, we found ourselves enjoying the disconnection from the world.

Sometimes, it’s exactly what you need. However, it’s important to note that the lack of a proper connection, even for a simple call, can be a challenge when staying in Nusa Penida for an extended period.

Is it worth going to Nusa Penida?

After thoroughly exploring the beautiful island of Nusa Penida, we can confidently say that it is definitely worth a visit. The untamed landscapes, rare natural wonders, and authentic jungle experiences offer a refreshing escape from the daily grind, especially if you are seeking a break from the comforts of modern living.

After spending around five days on Nusa Penida, we were ready for a change of pace and were happy to head over to the nearby island of Nusa Lembongan. This was largely because our work requires a constant internet connection, which was difficult to come by on Nusa Penida. Additionally, the lack of nightlife options meant that there were few activities to enjoy after dark.

Furthermore, navigating the island’s roads can be challenging due to their poor condition, so we booked guided tours to explore the area. Despite these challenges, we still highly recommend you to discover Nusa Penida, even if it’s just for a day trip or an overnight stay.

Things to know before visiting Nusa Penida

Visa for Bali

If you plan a trip to Bali, you can obtain a visa on arrival (VOA). However, be prepared to wait in line at either Denpasar (Bali airport) or other entry points within Indonesia.

If you hold a passport from the US, UK, Australia, or any EU country, you can apply for a VOA online and travel with ease, just as we did. With a VOA, you can stay in Indonesia for up to 30 days, either by applying online or at the airport.

You can submit an application for an Indonesia Visa on this website.

Don’t drink tap water in Nusa Penida

On our trip to Asia, we made a conscious decision to avoid drinking tap water, especially in Bali, where the high mineral content can cause digestive issues that are commonly referred to as “Bali Belly“. To ensure our hydration and health, we always chose bottled water instead

ATMS and Currency in Nusa Penida

We recommend to withdraw money before taking the ferry to Nusa Penida from Bali. The island has a shortage of ATMs, and there have been reports of various scams, including lost cards and fake currency.

Check the current exchange rate.
While some restaurants accept cards, popular tourist spots usually only accept cash payments. To avoid any inconvenience, it’s better to withdraw cash before going to Nusa Penida.

Bali Travel Insurance

Travelling to Bali is an exciting Journey, but you must be prepared. We always rely on travel insurance to keep us safe for unexpected turn of every trip. If you are interested in finding the cheapest insurance for Bali, read this guide.

Q&A Is Nusa Penida worth visiting?