When traveling around Indonesia a visit to Nusa Penida is definitely a must-do. There are so many incredible things to do in Nusa Penida. Due to its breathtaking nature, crystal clear water, and beautiful views Nusa Penida has become a huge tourist attraction. If your time is limited, a day trip to Nusa Penida is the perfect way to experience some of these beautiful sights. Below we have gathered some of the information you will need for a perfect day trip to Nusa Penida.
How to get to Nusa Penida for a day trip
Getting to Nusa Penida for a day trip is quite easy. We would recommend traveling from Bali as this is the easiest way. The ferry leaves from Sanur harbor on the east coast of Bali multiple times per day. It is possible to buy your tickets at the harbor on the day. It can be a bit hectic and stressful as there are many people at some times. Therefore, booking your tickets online in advance can be a good idea. So, if it is possible for you, we would recommend you do that. Also, by booking online in advance you will often be guaranteed the lowest prices.
Book your ticket right here!
Getting around Nusa Penida
During your Nusa Penida day trip, you can either do the tour on a motorbike by yourself or in a van with a private chauffeur. There are both pros and cons to both types of transportation. With a car with a private chauffeur, you may feel safer on the (poor) roads, but it can be a bit slower way of traveling. Driving by a motorbike by yourself you can be a bit faster and take shortcuts throughout the island. At the same time, a motorbike is not as safe as a car. All in all, the means of transportation that you should pick depends a lot on you and how comfortable you are on the roads.
Picking the right tour in Nusa Penida
Nusa Penida has become a bigger and bigger tourist destination over the past few years. Due to this, there are a huge number of Nusa Penida day trip tours. Fortunately, this also means that you can find a tour that fits you and your wishes perfectly.
Even though Nusa Penida isn’t that big of an island there are a lot of things to see and do. This means that you must pick and choose some sights over others. If you prefer to see all the sights, we recommend you do a 4-day trip to Nusa Penida.
When it comes to picking the right day trip tour in Nusa Penida you can either explore the east or the west coast of Nusa Penida. The east coast is not as crowded as the biggest sights are found on the west coast. But the east coast is definitely worth a visit as the nature is beautiful. The west coast of Nusa Penida is more popular. This is due to the very close harbor. As well as some of the biggest sights. No matter what side of the island you choose to explore you will not be disappointed.
If you have difficulties picking one side of the island, some tour companies offer custom-built day trip itineraries. But if you don’t mind other people doing the planning a lot of other tour companies may be a perfect fit for you.
Exploring the west coast of Nusa Penida
The west coast of Nusa Penida is the popular side of the island. It has some of the most known sights such as Kelingking Beach, Angel’s Billabong, Crystal Bay, and many more. A tour around the west coast of Nusa Penida will grant you breathtaking views and beautiful nature.
Angel’s Billabong
Angel’s Billabong is a tide pool that cascades into the ocean. Making it a natural infinity pool. The crystal-clear water invites you for a cool dip. But remember to arrive around the low tide as this is the perfect time for a visit to Angel’s Billabong.
Broken Beach
A short walk from Angel’s Billabong you will find Broken Beach. This is a nature-made cove and archway. The archway wraps around the bay which allows water from the ocean to flow in and out. Unfortunately, it is not possible to climb down to the beach. But take a walk over the archway and marvel at the beautiful view.
Kelingking Beach & Viewpoint
The most famous sight of them all is Kelingking Beach and viewpoint. And we definitely understand why. With its turquoise water, cliffs, and lush greenery you are in for a breathtaking view. From the top of the viewpoint, you will be able to climb down to the white sand beach. Though the climb can be strenuous it is all worth it when you take in the stunning views.
Crystal Bay
Crystal Bay has a lot to offer. It’s a great place to do some snorkeling. As well as a perfect place to relax after a lot of exploring. And if you want to see a beautiful sunset this is the place to be.
Peguyangan Waterfall
Peguyangan waterfall is a small waterfall that you will meet on a beautiful hike. Climbing 150-meter iron blue stairs you will end up at the bottom of a cliff. At the foot of the cliff, you will find a temple and the small peguyangan waterfall. This hike will show you some spectacular views from a very scenic area.
Trembeling Natural Pools
Trembeling Natural Pools are some of the more unknown sights in Nusa Penida. The natural pools are filled with beautiful turquoise water. The spots are decorated with traditional statues and water fountains. So even though it is not one of the most popular sights you should definitely visit Trembeling Natural Pools.
Snorkeling in Manta Bay
Nusa Penida is a perfect place for you to experience snorkeling with giant manta rays. One of the best places to do so is in Manta Bay. But keep in mind, this is one of the activities that take up a lot of time. So you have to be sure about your use of time when planning for your Nusa Penida day trip.
Exploring the east coast of Nusa Penida
The east coast of Nusa Penida is not as popular as the west coast. But it has a lot of amazing sights that are at least as beautiful as those on the west coast. Some of these sights are Diamond beach, Pura Goa Giri Putri Cave, Atuh Beach, and many more. A day trip around the east coast of Nusa Penida is definitely worth a visit.
Atuh Beach
Atuh Beach is one of the smaller beaches in Nusa Penida. It is surrounded by beautiful rock formations, and it is quite a view. To get down to the beach you must be ready to climb some pretty steep stairs. The walk takes around 10 minutes and is worth it when you see the stunning white sand beach at the end.
Diamond Beach
One of the most well-known beaches in Nusa Penida is Diamond beach. With its rock formations and turquoise water, the beach is very picturesque. To get to the beach you must walk down the stairs that have been carved in the cliffs. During the walk, you will see some stunning views.
Thousand Island Viewpoint
Thousand island viewpoint gives you an incredible view overlooking the east coast of Nusa Penida. It is one of the things you cannot miss when you are exploring the east coast of the island. When in the Thousand Island area you should swing by the Rumah Poho Treehouse. This has become very popular among tourists in the past few years. The treehouse is settled on the top of a mountain. The treehouse is part of the Thousand Island viewpoint and is possible to visit during a day trip to Nusa Penida.
Teletubbies Hills
Countless soft-rounded grass hills have given the Teletubbies hills its name. The hills grant you a beautiful view of the diverse landscape of Nusa Penida. As a bonus, it’s the perfect place to watch a magical colored sunset.
Pura Goa Giri Putri Cave
Pura Goa Giri Putri Cave is an incredible religious sight perched in one of the mountains of Nusa Penida. The entrance to the cave is very extraordinary as you must crawl through a crack in the rock formations. When inside the cave you will be awarded an incredible view of the 300-meter-long cave.
Suwehan Beach
Suwehan Beach is very picturesque with its white sand and turquoise water. Another reason to visit the beach is the opportunity to experience wild turtles. So bring your snorkeling gear for your day trip around the east coast of Nusa Penida.
Is one day exploring Nusa Penida enough time?
Exploring Nusa Penida on a day trip from Bali is very doable. And the perfect way to see stunning sights even if your time in Indonesia is limited. For a day trip, you should find out which of the sights you want to visit, as one day is not enough to see them all.
If you have enough time, we recommend you spend a few days in Nusa Penida. All the sights are worth a visit and you will definitely not regret spending more days in Nusa Penida.