Why This Quiet Island Near Bali Is The Perfect Adventure Destination

Nusa Penida is a stunning island off the south eastern coast of Bali, often said to be what Bali was like 20 years ago. Today, it remains a haven for travellers who love the outdoors to be unspoilt by mass tourism. Discover why Nusa Penida, with its natural rock pools, pristine beaches, Jurassic cliffs and raw landscape, should be a bucket list destination.

Getting there

Nusa Penida is the largest of the three islands off the south eastern coast of Bali, with Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan being the more visited destinations. Boats leave from Sanur, Kusamba and Padangbai, the main harbours in east Bali. Public boats take 45 minutes and cost Rp31,000 (US$2.30), with more expensive speed boat options from Rp75,000 (US$5.50). There are also boats from Nusa Lembongan.

Staying on the island

Getting around

Nusa Penida is a largely untamed island and offers plenty to see. Although roads in the main areas are well developed, exploring the rest of the island can be extremely difficult as the road conditions are very poor. It can take a while getting from one spot to another, so the best way to manoeuvre around the island is by the small motorbikes that are available for hire from Rp60,000 per day (US$4.40).

Diving on Nusa Penida

There is plenty for the adventurous traveller to do on Nusa Penida. The 200km² island boasts over 20 dive sites and is known as a world class diving destination. The most noteworthy spots include Crystal Bay, Manta Point, Manta Bay and Toyapakeh. Divers can expect to see hundreds of species of coral and fish, including the mola-mola (oceanic sunfish) and large manta rays. There are a few dive operators on the island, the most popular being Penida Dive Resort and Blue Corner Dive Penida.

Exploring the island

One of the most distinguished features of Nusa Penida is the rugged cliffs and coastlines. The island is full of impressive natural rock formations. Kelingking Beach, nicknamed ‘T-rex cliff’ is a prime example, with the cliffs forming the shape of a Tyrannosaurus rex. A steep climb down leads to a deserted, white sandy beach.

Another beautiful location is Seganing Falls. A narrow path built into the cliff face leads to a tiny waterfall down below, complete with its own rock pool to relax in.

Angel’s Billabong is a lagoon in the middle of a huge expanse of rock. The waves come over the rocks and form a clear turquoise swimming hole. A short walk away is Broken Beach, with an incredible natural stone bridge across the bay.

Nusa Penida is not short of sandy beaches either. Crystal Bay, on the west of the island, is a favoured swimming and snorkelling spot and offers calm, clear waters and great sunset views.

In the southeast, Atuh Beach is tucked away between two imposing headlands. The beach is only accessible by climbing down either headland, but the white sands and azure blue waters are worth the workout.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.