A Guide to Tembeling Beach: The Natural Pool of Nusa Penida

One of the top highlights of our whole trip to Nusa Penida was discovering the Tembeling Natural Pool and Forest. The magnificent hideaway bay is off the beaten path for many day trippers, and we were unsure why. Well, it is not easy to access Tembeling Beach, as it is shielded by a dense natural forest and rough, uneven paths that deter tourists and locals.

However, if you have made it this far, you must experience this insane adventure. This guide to Tembeling Beach, natural pools, and forest will help you in planning your trip and making it a little easier. We wanted to know all of this information before beginning our journey down the little bay.

It was a great day, but I was still shaking from the difficult path covered in rocks, a slippery slice of uneven terrain. However, getting down to the beach is tough but not impossible, and it may be beneficial to keep it secluded. Let’s begin this incredible adventure to the Tembeling natural pools.

Tembeling beach and forest MAP | Hidden gem in Nusa Penida

Tembeling Beach Guide

Tembeling Beach is a hidden gem on Nusa Penida, and we have endeavoured to capture the essence of this natural paradise in this guide. While it is somewhat difficult to reach the natural pools, the forest, and the beach, this is part of what makes it so special.

With so many popular tourist destinations on Nusa Penida, such as Kelingking Beach, Diamond Beach, Atuh Beach, Broken Beach, and more, it is refreshing to know that there is still a place that remains secluded.

You can easily spend an entire day at Tembeling Beach. In one place, you will find stunning blue natural pools, a refreshing breeze, a cool beach, and even a hidden spot. Below, you will find more information about each of these features.

Tembeling beach and forest what to expect

• Tembeling Forest
• Tembeling Natural Pools
• Tembeling Beach
• Secret Spot at Tembeling

Tembeling natural pools

After traversing the canyon and forest, you will reach the wilderness. A staircase leads to a platform with a fountain similar to Tirta Empul in Bali but smaller. This area is sacred, so be respectful of local customs. After a short hike along a carved path through the rocks, you will come to two natural pools. The water was an unreal shade of blue. 

If you arrive in the morning, you will likely have the pools to yourself. The first pool is the largest, and the second offers stunning views of the bay. When we visited during the hot season, only the large pool was suitable for swimming, and there was not much water around. However, locals say that during the wet season, there is also the opportunity to cliff jump from certain points.

The beach at Tembeling

The natural pool is the main attraction of Tembeling, but the beach is also beautiful. The small, secluded beach is mostly made of stones. You can enjoy stacking the white stones into small towers, which adds to the mystical atmosphere of the beach and the surrounding forest.

Although the beach at Tembeling is not ideal for swimming, it is possible. In fact, some people enjoy the challenge of battling the waves. If you visit Tembeling in the morning, we recommend going for a swim early, as the sea tends to get rougher in the afternoon. Be sure to take some photos; we loved the swing, which provides a tropical backdrop for your pictures.

Tembeling Forest

Once you reach the second parking lot, you will be close to paradise. Head down to the right, and the locals will direct you in the right way. You will begin your descent, walking on concrete steps through the dense forest. The canyon winds its way through the wild jungle, and it is both fascinating and humid.

During our stay in Bali, we had never seen anything quite like it. It is a truly unique experience. The forest itself is a sight to behold, and you will walk for 5 to 10 minutes to reach the bottom.

Every now and then, the dense forest will open up to reveal glimpses of the canyon and the water cascading down its sides. The trek back through the forest takes approximately 20 minutes, so be sure to bring plenty of water.

The secret beach at Tembeling

Although it is not a hidden beach, it is somewhat secluded, and not many people visit it. On the right side of the natural pool, facing the ocean, there is a cave; if you go through it during low tide, you will reach a rocky beach.

People enjoy building rock towers here, just like they do on the other side of the main beach. Over time, the hundreds of balanced rocks have created a stunning scene. It is impossible to resist taking a photo here.

Unlike the main beach at Tembeling, this one is rougher. The huge cliffs that surround it break the waves, making it impossible to swim on this side. Walk there, explore this section of the beach, and enjoy the view of the ocean.

How much is the entrance to Tembeling Natural Pool

Access to the Tembeling Natural Pool is free of charge. This secluded location is still one of the free places to visit in Nusa Penida. However, we recommend paying a local to transport you up and down the parking lot to avoid stress.

Serenity and peace surrounded by towering cliffs

Our experience at Tembeling Beach was fantastic. Even though we read many guides before going, it exceeded our expectations. The drive down was more difficult than I anticipated, but the entire experience made up for it.

You will be surrounded by only a few people, which is a plus if you consider that Kelingking and Diamond Beach are usually crowded with day trippers. Visiting Tembeling Beach and Forest is one of the things we recommend to our close friends.

How to get to Tembeling Natural Pool

To reach Tembeling, we rented a powerful scooter. We had been using a 125cc scooter to get around Nusa Penida for a few days, but we struggled on some of the steep hills, so we upgraded. We recommend renting a 155cc scooter or taking a tour with a local guide. The cost is about the same, as scooters and gasoline are a bit pricey on the island due to its remote location.

If you’re staying in Nusa Penida, head to the parking area and hop on the back of a motorbike. Locals offer this service because they know the path, are used to it, and it’s a fun 10-minute ride. I attempted to drive the motorbike myself, but it wasn’t a pleasant experience.

I was shaking and had to pull over on the side of the road and walk down. I saw many people with smaller mopeds who made it, but it was too much for me.

If you’re not comfortable riding a motorbike or driving on uneven roads, you can also walk through the thick forest for about 30 minutes. If you do this, be sure to bring water.

Locals can give you a ride

Upon arriving at the parking lot, we came to a halt, and Ale got a ride from a local. This service costs 50,000 IDR per trip, which is approximately $6 (£4.79 | €5.5 | 9.5 AUD). I have even used this service to have a local drive my motorbike back to the parking lot on my way back.

Yes, I was so terrified that I could not get back on the bike and chose to pay a small fee to get back safely. The drive is very steep, and the roads have sharp rocks jutting out. Some sections are also very narrow, so you must be cautious.

From the motorbike parking to the beach

Upon arriving at the parking area, whether by bicycle or on the back of a local moped, you will begin your descent down a set of concrete stairs. On the way down, you will find locals selling everything from drinks to souvenirs.

The forest is thick, but the stairs are well-maintained and easy to navigate, even in flip-flops. The walk down takes approximately five minutes, and you will arrive at the first fountains. As this is a sacred place, you may also witness a ceremony.

Is the Tembeling Natural Pool worth visiting?

Yes, the Tembeling Natural Pool is worth visiting! It is a must-do for those exploring Nusa Penida. The serene oasis is tucked away on the enchanting island, providing a stark contrast to the rugged natural landscapes that surround it.

To reach this hidden gem, you’ll embark on a scenic journey through lush forests and picturesque cliffs. The Tembeling Natural Pool is a unique opportunity to connect with nature and escape the crowds.

Bali Travel Insurance

We did not have any safety concerns during our stay in Bali. However, we advise that driving in certain areas, such as Ubud, Canggu, Seminyak, and Kuta, can be challenging due to heavy traffic. If you plan on renting a bike, we highly recommend that you purchase travel insurance to cover any possible incidents. Request a quote now.

Where to stay in Nusa Penida

If you are looking for a place to stay in Nusa Penida, we can help! These amazing accommodations on the island will help you unwind after a day of exploring.

We recommend spending two days taking in all of Nusa Penida’s stunning natural beauty and attractions. Despite its small size, it is more complicated than it appears at first glance due to the winding roads and poorly maintained pathways.