Best Things To Do & Beaches To Visit In Nusa Penida

Visiting Nusa Penida is every traveller’s dream. Located just 30-minutes from Sanur harbour, it is one of Bali’s three famous sister islands, along with Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan. Penida is the largest of the three with crystal clear, cold water filled with beautiful corals, tropical fish, sea turtles and other marine life of all shapes and sizes. Now, thanks to social media, Nusa Penida is receiving worldwide recognition for its beautiful pristine beaches and natural wonders. If you’re planning to travel to Nusa Penida, here are the top 3 beaches that you definitely should visit.

1. Diamond Beach

Diamond Beach is located on the eastern tip of Nusa Penida. It’s located about 1.5 hours away from the main harbour but once you get there, you’ll be amazed by its incredible beauty. It’s all about dramatic cliffs and sheer drops with crystal clear blue water and open sky as far as the eye can see. From the top of the cliff, you can take in the whole beach and the lagoon that holds it, with sparkling white sands, waving palms and remarkable rock formations in the shape of diamonds in the shallows. It was previously inaccessible – you could see the beautiful beach below from above with no way to reach it. Thanks to the ingenuity of some locals who have carved out steps right into the cliffs, the beach is now open to the public! Hot tip: Be sure to check for high tide before driving all the way out – you don’t want to get there when the beach is completely submerged underwater. Diamond Beach is also conveniently located next to Atuh Beach, another must-visit here on Penida. *Photo by thetravelquandary.com

2. Kelingking Beach

This incredible beach is world-famous thanks to a distinct rock formation in the shape of a T-Rex, which some also say looks like a little finger. In fact, the name Kelingking means “little finger” in Indonesian. The area is so unique that it has become an iconic venue and the “face” of Nusa Penida. The view from above is unmatched, with a beautiful hidden beach below framed by towering cliffs, deep turquoise blue waters and powdery white sands. It is just minutes by motorbike from the harbour. Be careful while heading there, the roads are set on the cliff’s edge and there are no railings along most areas. Those feeling adventurous can walk along the ridge or the “spine” of the T-Rex rock formation or climb down a set of roughly cut steps to the hidden beach below. The waves here are pretty rough, so swimming is not recommended. If you just want to take it easy, you can always enjoy the view from the top and take plenty of pictures! *Photo by thejourneyera.com

3. Crystal Bay

This is a relatively easy beach to access. Unlike Diamond Beach and Kelingking Beach, Crystal Bay is an easy 30-minutes drive down a well-paved road from the main harbour that weaves through charming groves of tall, swaying coconut trees. Once there, you can relax with a drink on one of the many beanbags or sunbeds that are available for rent. Enjoy a swim and soak up the sun. The waters surrounding Crystal Bay is relatively safe and calm and is filled with pretty marine life – so grab your snorkelling mask and fin for a fun time underneath the waves! Crystal Bay is also one of the few beaches in Nusa Penida that faces west, making it a very popular sundowner spot for both locals and visitors alike. *Photo by Infokebali.com