Nusa Penida is an island off the coast of Bali that is known for its rugged coastline, jaw dropping cliffs and picturesque beaches.
Nusa Penida is the largest of the three Nusa Islands which also include Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan. It is the most wild and underdeveloped but that is slowly starting to change as tourism is increasing.
There are two main sides of the island for exploration: The East and the West.
Unfortunately, it is not possible to see both sides of the island in one day due to the road conditions. Therefore if you are short on time and only have one day you will have to choose which side to visit.
If you have the time, it is best to spend at least 3 days on Penida Island if you want to explore both the east and west sides.
The west coast of Penida Island includes spectacular sights like Kelinking Beach, Angel’s Billabong, Tembling Forest & Beach and more!
» MUST READ: Nusa Penida’s East Coast: A Complete Guide to Visiting
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Most of the main stops along Nusa Penida’s west coast can be done in one day but you always have the option to add or remove anything from the itinerary.
Keep in mind that traveling around Nusa Penida is not easy. Due to the condition of the roads, most of the sights will take anywhere from 45-90 minutes to reach even though the actual distance isn’t that far.
In order to maximize your day exploring the west coast it is best to arrive to the island very early in the morning. If you are staying a few days then I would recommend waking up early and hitting the road around sunrise.
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Top Places to Visit on Nusa Penida’s West Coast
1. Manta Point
Starting at the farthest location from the Harbor is Manta Point. High up on the cliffside you’ll find one of the most stunning views overlooking the ocean. Inhale the fresh air as you peer over the edge in hopes of spotting some of the majestic manta rays.
You’ll be sure to spot many boats full of snorkelers and divers zipping to this spot looking to get face-to-face with one of the oceans most beautiful creatures. In fact, if you don’t see any mantas right away, walk over to where the boats are headed.
Send your gaze down to where the rocks meet the ocean and you’ll see them flying through the water. Luckily, the manta swim quite close to the surface so even though you’ll be about 200 meters up you’ll still be able to spot them.
› To Reach Manta Point:
If you are renting a motorbike and driving yourself then type Manta Point Nusa Penida into your GPS. Or you can use these coordinates:( -8.7911747, 115.5256028) This will take you to a spot where you can park your bike and then walk to the edge of the cliff.
To get to the main spot you will walk past the temple and continue along a makeshift path until you reach the area where all the boats are.
There was no one there at this location to make you pay for parking.
2. Peguyangan Waterfall/Mata Air Guyangan
Possibly the only spot on Nusa Penida that I wouldn’t recommend visiting would be this waterfall. Unless you have a ton of time and are looking for something to do to fill your day.
We arrived at this waterfall to find out that we had to pay 15K IDR (~$1.05 USD) per person to rent a sarong since it is actually a temple down at the bottom. If you already have one then just bring your own. Also, pants, a long dress/skirt or a towel will not work.
Once you get your sarong you will round a corner and begin to descend down towards the waterfall and bathing pool. Based off of pictures, the stairs do not look that bad and it was really hard to try to capture it in photos ourselves.
However, they are quite sketchy.
First you will start going down some steps that seem to have been carved out of the rock wall which were fine. The real adventure begins when you reach the skinny, blue metal ones. The steps are actually very narrow with a huge gap in between. The are also incredibly steep in some areas and only have one railing.
Most of the time these metal steps were suspended off the side of the cliff and you could look through those large gaps to see all the way down to where the waves were crashing up against the rocks.
The climb down takes about 45 minutes to an hour depending on how slow and careful you are. We probably took closer to an hour because we were wearing flip flops and were trying to be extra careful.
I’ll be honest, I was pretty nervous the whole way down and back up and I am not afraid of heights in the slightest. So if you are then I would advise skipping this all together.
Once you’ve finally reached the bottom you have to wade through some water passing by the temple. From here you will finally reach the last set of sketchy and slippery “steps” to reach the waterfall and bathing pool.
The bathing pool was small and so was the waterfall. Honest opinion for the Peguyangan Waterfall? Skip it!
› To Reach Peguyangan Waterfall:
To reach the waterfall and temple on your own you will type Peguyangan Waterfall Nusa Penida into your Google Maps. Or you can use these GPS coordinates: (-8.7810896, 115.5186767). Once you arrive here you will see a motorbike parking area and a couple of guys renting the sarongs.
There was no one here collecting parking fees.
3. Tembeling Beach and Forest
One of the least touristy spots on Nusa Penida’s west coast is the Tembeling Beach and Forest. This hidden spot is filled with lush greenery, natural bathing pools and a small private beach.
Once you’ve reached the end of the path down you will see a set of stairs leading down through the Tembeling Forest. The view is beautiful with lots of trees and wild flowers.
Reaching the bottom you will find the bathing pool where the water is crystal clear and very refreshing.
Continue a bit further to find the small cave where there will be many stacked rocks and a stunning ocean view.
From here you will walk over a small bridge to the second bathing pool and beach. The small beach was perfect and due to its location and shape the waves here weren’t as strong as others we encountered on Nusa Penida.
However, just be very careful if you swim on any of the beaches on the island as the currents are very strong and the tides come in fast.
› To Reach Tembeling Beach and Forest:
This one was a bit tricky to find. To reach this spot type Tembeling Springs into your Google Maps or use these GPS coordinates: (-8.7639000, 115.5022170). If you type in Tembeling Beach & Forest your Google Maps might take you to a different spot like it did for us.
Once you reach the Tembeling Springs location you will see a small shop on your left and a stand with a bunch of locals on your right. From there you can either drive your own motorbike down or have one of the guys take you down (and back up) for 100,000 IDR (~$7 USD).
The road down is extremely steep and very narrow with a significant drop down on your left hand side. Do NOT drive down unless you are a very skilled motorbike driver. You can also walk down but it would probably take around 45 minutes and the walk up would be pretty hard.
There were no parking or entrance fees here.
4. Kelingking Beach
One of the most iconic and insta-famous spots on Nusa Penida’s west coast is definitely Kelingking beach. Made famous due to its T-Rex shaped formation, this is a must visit for anyone traveling to the island.
Not only is the view from above incredibly stunning but the beach down below is perfect too! Completely surrounded by towering cliffs, the secluded beach is made up of white sand and turquoise waters.
Just be very careful if you choose to venture down to the beach and go at your own risk. The steps are steep and not that secure so make sure to watch your footing and descend slowly. The hike down can take around 45 minutes to an hour. We did not do the climb down but saw many people attempting the hike.
If you want another view besides the main stairs you can head up the side of the cliff just a short ways!
› To Reach Kelinking Beach:
To get to this spot type Kelinking Beach into your Google Maps or use these GPS Coordinates: (-8.7508444, 115.4744766). You can drive all the way until you reach the area with the shops and parking. From there you will walk just a bit further to see Kelinking Beach.
One morning we arrived here around 7:30AM and there was no one there taking payments. After 8/8:30AM there will be a group of locals stopping you to pay 5,000 IDR (~$.35 USD) per motorbike to park.
5. Broken Beach
Located just a few steps from Angel’s Billabong is Broken Beach. This large natural rock archway is another picturesque spot on Nusa Penida’s west coast. You can walk along the entire path and up over the arch but are not allowed to go down to the actual beach.
There are many beautiful spots along the path to grab a picture so be sure to take your time walking around!
› To Reach Broken Beach:
Located within the same area as Angel’s Billabong, Broken Beach is easy to reach. Once you’ve parked and seen Angel’s Billabong, walk along the path a short distance and you will see the archway.
6. Angel’s Billabong
One of the most beautiful natural infinity pools we’ve ever seen is Angel’s Billabong! During our visit the steps leading down were roped off so you couldn’t swim in it.
While we aren’t sure if swimming here is a great idea due to the strong currents and waves that crash over the edge, it seems that some people are still getting in. We will leave that decision up to you but just be careful should you decided to take a dip.
During the dry season the water here is crystal clear and absolutely stunning. I was also here during the rainy season a few years ago and the waters was muddy and brown.
Once you’ve arrived at the Angel’s Billabong parking you will walk down some steps and along the main path. You can stay on the path or walk around on the creviced rock, just be careful where you step!
› To Reach Angel’s Billabong
To get here type Angel’s Billabong into your map or use these GPS Coordinates: (8.7332938, 115.4482674) This will take you to the parking area and from there you will walk along the path to reach the natural infinity pool.
There is a 5K IDR charge for parking, which is less than $1 USD.
The roads to reach here are definitely some of the worst in Nusa Penida but it seems they have been making some improvements since the last time I was there!
7. Crystal Bay
Located closest to the Harbor and the perfect place to relax after a long day of exploring Nusa Penida’s west coast. Surrounded by palm trees, Crystal Bay is most recognizable by the large rock formation in the center of the beach.
› To Reach Crystal Bay:
Probably the easiest place to get to on the whole island is Crystal Bay. The roads are paved the entire way and while you will have some steep inclines and declines the drive is good. Once you reach Crystal Bay you can find parking and there are no fees.
Type Crystal Bay Nusa Penida into your Google Maps or use these GPS coordinates: (-8.7154915, 115.4596748)
How to Get to Nusa Penida Island
› From Bali
To get to Nusa Penida from Bali you will first get to the Sanur Harbor on the south east side of the island. You can either take a taxi, GRAB, motorbike or tour company to reach the harbor.
Once you’ve arrived you will find many fast boat companies where you can purchase either a one way ticket or an open return ticket.
The journey to Penida Island takes about 45 minutes and there are many boats that run during the day.
› From Nusa Lembongan
To get to Nusa Penida from Lembongan you can easily take one of the fast boats which take about 10 minutes. The boats leave directly from the yellow bridge on the Lembongan side at these exact GPS coordinates (8.6930270, 115.4506560) The tickets cost 50,000 IDR (~$3.50USD) for one-way or 100,000 IDR (~$7 USD) for a return.
The boats typically leave every hour starting at 8AM but they might leave more frequently if they have enough passengers. The last boat leaving Nusa Lembongan back to Penida is at 5PM so make sure you are at the harbor before then!
How to Get Around Nusa Penida’s West Coast
There are quite a few ways to adventure around the island. The most popular, albeit dangerous, choice is to rent your own motorbike. The roads can be very dangerous in some parts so it is important that you be a skilled driver before deciding to rent a bike.
There are also many tour companies that you can use to take you around the island to all the different locations. Furthermore, you can hire a motorbike driver to show you all the best spots.
» Read the full guide here about how to get around Nusa Penida and all my top tips for driving on the island!
Where to Stay on Nusa Penida
With the increase in tourism, new accommodations are popping up all over the island. From budget stays to luxury hotels, you will be sure to find something that fits your needs. I’ve stayed in one of the iconic bungalows, as well as one of the smaller guesthouses and both were very nice.
› Mid-Range: Bintang Bungalows
› Budget: Puri Ratu Guesthouse
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- Main Camera: Sony A7III
- Wide angle lens: Sony G Master 16-35mm f/2.8
- Zoom lens: Sony 24-240mm f/3.5-6.3
- Secondary Camera: Canon 6D Mark II
- Canon wide angle lens: Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L
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- Camera with gimbal: DJI Osmo Pocket & Underwater Housing
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- Camera Bag: Polar Pro Drone Trekker
- External Hard Drive: LaCie 1 TB rugged mini external hard drive
Well, I have somewhere new to add to my travel bucket list! I am in awe of how beautiful it is. I haven’t heard of it before, so I am so glad you wrote this post. It all looks amazing, I must go to Manta Point for that view and Peguyangan Waterfall looks incredible. Pinning this for future reference for sure!
Thanks Nicole!! And so glad you found this helpful! Nusa Penida is such a gorgeous place to explore so I’m glad you’ve added it to your bucket list!
Your posts are always so full of information that is actually helpful 🙌 If I went to Nusa Penida I would be set with this guide! Oh wow, those stairs look so dodgy! Haha. All I can see when I look at Kelinking Beach is that damn dinosaur! Haha- Great post and amazing photos as always!
Thanks so much Briar! Yes, those stairs were definitely something to be a bit scared of! We also feel the same way about Kelinking Beach, you can’t unsee the dinosaur once you’ve seen it! haha!
Nusa Penida looks like a real dream! The view from Manta Point looks awesome and I’ve seen so many photos of Kelingking Beach already, I can’t wait to be there on my own one day 😍
We hope you get there one day too! And please let me know if you have any more questions!
Nusa Penida is so high on my bucket list. I really wish I had the time to visit this beautiful spot when I went to Bali, but because I was on a blogging retreat, it didn’t happen. This is a well-written and thorough article that I will keep handy for when I eventually go.
Thanks so much Taylor! I definitely hope that you make it back to Bali and can visit Nusa Penida one day soon!