The 15 must-see places of the island
Kelingking beach
Kelingking Beach is a spectacular cliff above the sea. This is probably one of the most incredible
views in Nusa Penida and most certainly a must-see place on the island. It definitely contributed
to the tourist development of Nusa Penida, thanks to social networks. The white sand beach, down below, is quite frankly breath-taking although to get there you will have to climb down the cliff for half an hour following a very steep path lined with bamboo railings. Be prepared for a difficult and long descent. Once on the beach the scenery is outstanding. Paradise is probably what will have in mind… Swimming can be hazardous because of the currents and waves are sometimes very strong. Do wear proper walking shoes, definitely no flip-flops here…
Broken Beach and Angel’s Billabong
These are two of the most popular places on Nusa Penida, located on the West Coast, not far
from Crystal Bay. The road to get there is rough and in some parts very damaged, but these spots
are well worth seeing.
Broken Beach
Broken Beach resulted from the collapse of part of the cliff forming an arch over the sea. It’s a
hundred meters wide circular bay in which turquoise sea water flows in. If you are lucky, you may see Manta rays from the top of the cliff swimming down below in Manta Bay. This is one of many snorkelling spots around the island. Great place for taking pictures!
Angel’s Billabong
Angel’s Billabong is a natural infinity pool formed in the cliff. Beautiful place for a swim at low
tide, but very dangerous when the sea rises and waves rush into the pool. Be cautious if you choose to go for a swim be sure not to get too close to the edge, you could be washed away by a wave and not be able to return.
Pay attention to the signs warning visitors against risks!
Crystal bay
Located on the West coast of the island, just a mile down the road from Namaste bungalows,
Crystal Bay is the most accessible and most popular beach of Nusa Penida. With its dark grey
sand and its famous pierced rock planted in the middle of the bay, it’s a well-known spot for diving and snorkelling.
Crystal clear turquoise water and very well-preserved coral reefs are remarkable. Swimming is safe here as long as you stay inside the bay and don’t wonder out near the little island that stands in the middle. Further out, currents can be very strong and therefore dangerous.
Very popular diving spot, especially in summer during Mola-Mola season. This incredible fish can reach 3 meters in diameter and weighs over a ton. They make their way up from the depths to the shallower waters in summer between July and October when the water is colder.
Sunsets at Crystal Bay are among the most spectacular in Nusa Penida. When the sun goes down, the sky is tainted in shades of red, pink and orange. Best to be there around 5:30pm at the latest.
Banah cliff
Banah is one of the highest cliffs on the western coast of Nusa Penida. Another amazing
view point.
Tembeling jungle and natural spring
Tembeling is a primary tropical forest with two natural pools and two beaches. You’ll have to walk down a path for about two kilometers to a small temple with a beautiful view of the sea. Then there are steps leading to a large natural pool and another small temple on the cliffside. A spring flows from the rock into the sea, winding its way between the stones and creating small waterfalls. This freshwater spring is drinkable by the locals.
The large swimming pool, formerly reserved for men, is now mixed. A little further down, you come to Tembeling beach. It’s not advisable to swim here, but the view is very beautiful. On the right, a sort of cavern opens onto a second beach. It’s even more impassable, as large boulders have collapsed from the cliff above. This gives it a truly wild, even dangerous look. Small mounds of pebbles have been formed over time by the passage of visitors.
Guyangan waterfall
To get to the spring itself you will walk down a dizzying succession of 800
stairs and ladders made out of blue steel attached to the cliff and overlooking the raging ocean
down below. This place is incredible, mystical and magical.
Fresh water springs out of the rocks and rush’s down into the sea. This is one of Nusa Penida’s
water supplies. A pump sends the water all the way up to the top of the cliff and into the island’s
water system. Once you pass the pretty little temple, under the cliff overhang is a natural pool
from which you can watch the waves crashing on the rocks 10m below.
Atuh beach
Atuh Beach. One of the most beautiful views of the East coast and one of the most beautiful
beaches of Nusa Penida. The elements and time have carved this huge cliff and the beaches
below.
From the top of Atuh, you can take a 360 ° look around and if you’re lucky you may have the
chance to spot a few Manta rays at the surface of the sea. Easily accessible down a concrete stair,
getting back to the top is a bit more challenging as the steps are… let’s say, homemade.
Saren cliff point
Not far from Temeling Forest is Saren Cliff Point with yet another view not to be missed! Once you’ve left the main road, you’ll have to follow a long rocky path to reach the cliff-top viewpoint. Once there, you’ll enjoy a breathtaking panorama of the ocean and the chance to relax on a swing.
Suwehan beach
Suwehan Beach A short drive from Atuh Beach, this hidden gem of a beach will unveil itself to
those who actually walk all the way down. It’s a quite easy 20-minute walk from the top. Try to
get there before mid-day as it is at the bottom of a cliff facing east and will be in the shades from 2pm. Also keep in mind the beautiful narrow white sandy beach will be entirely under water
at high tide. One of the less known beaches so, sometimes you might even have the place for
yourself…
Manta bay
Only accessible by boat. Meet the friendly Manta rays and admire their majestic ballet. This is an
unforgettable experience you can live through one of our snorkelling trips
Gamat bay
Gamat Bay is a remote beach lined with coconut trees. Beautiful aquarium for snorkelling. Close
to Crystal bay it’s an easy walk down with views on Nusa Ceningan just across the channel. If you
decide to go snorkelling here, please pay attention to currents that can be very strong. Don’t go
too far from the beach and be careful.
Goa Giri Putri temple cave
This is a genuine place of pilgrimage for Balinese Hindus as they are compelled to come at least
once in their life. Every day, many make the trip from Bali to Nusa Penida to pray in this temple
and make offerings.
Goa Giri Putri temple is close to the village of Karangsari, in the North-East of the island.
Dedicated to Vishnu, Brahma, Krishna but especially Shiva, the temple is built in a cave which one can access by climbing 100 steps.
After you make your donation, you will have to kneel to enter the cave through a narrow manhole. Once inside, you will find yourself in a several hundred meters long cavern bordered by several Hindu and Buddhist temples. When important ceremonies like Purnama (celebrated at the full moon) take place, over a thousand of pilgrims can be roaming the mazes of the cave.
The complete Hindu purification path has about ten steps along the cave and takes about 2,5 hours. During your visit, you will receive a traditional Hindu blessing from a priest. At the end of the cave in the last Temple, you can ask, in exchange for a small donation, for the Trimurti bracelet made of three black, white and red cords and represent the three divinities of the Trimurti: Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva.
Puncak Mundi temple
520 meters above sea level and surrounded by a tropical forest, Puncak Mundi is one of the oldest
temples on the island.
Paluang or Pura Car temple
This temple is dedicated to the god protector of cars. Atypical and original, the Temple also offers
beautiful views of Batu Bolong rock and Bana cliff.