Is Nusa Penida worth visiting? Pros and cons of Nusa Penida

Are you wondering if Nusa Penida is worth visiting? I get it. There are so many beautiful places to see in Bali, so you have to spend your time wisely.

Yes, I do think Nusa Penida is worth visiting, but not for everyone. It largely depends on what kind of traveler you are and what you’re after.

If you’re someone looking for a relaxing beach holiday with restaurants and bars within easy reach, Nusa Penida is not for you.

However, if you’re an adventurous traveler looking to stay active and appreciate spectacular photo spots, you probably will love Nusa Penida. Let’s take a closer look!

Is Nusa Penida worth visiting?

Nusa Penida is an island off the southeast coast of Bali, the biggest of the three Nusa Islands. It took off on social media about 5 years ago but remains mostly untouched.

What is special about Nusa Penida? Well, there’s a lot, like the dramatic cliffs, pristine white-sand beaches, and clear turquoise waters that are particularly inviting for snorkeling and diving.

But Nusa Penida is also the island in Indonesia where I’ve had the most frustrating situations. I’ve cried, yelled, got lost, slipped on mud and lost control in the strong current. Being so close to Bali, you don’t expect it to be so different, but it is. And that is also a good thing.

So is it worth it? Yes, I do think Nusa Penida is worth visiting. But let’s go through the pros and cons of the island so you can decide for yourself.

Pros: Reasons to visit Nusa Penida

Natural beauty of Nusa Penida

Nusa Penida is home to the famous Kelingking Beach, notable for its T-Rex-shaped rock formation and panoramic views. The landscape is dotted with towering cliffs and the turquoise sea, complemented by the tranquil Broken Beach with its natural arch and the green water of Angel’s Billabong.

You’ll also find impressive natural attractions inland such as Teletubbies Hill in the southeast. The unique and lush rolling hills are named for their resemblance to the landscape from the children’s show. It is especially beautiful at sunrise and sunset, and if you have a drone.

You can also do some good while in Nusa Penida. FNPF is a not-for-profit conservation and community development organization offering simple beach accommodation.

Here you can volunteer in a nursery and organic vegetable demonstration plots, teach English to local children, plant saplings on our reforestation site, and monitor the released birds. It looks like such a rewarding experience if you take the time.

🎫 Pro tip >> This full-day tour from Bali is one of the most popular options for exploring the highlights of the west side in one day!

Some of the best beaches in Bali

Many people coming to Bali for the first time are disappointed by the beaches. Mostly because they don’t explore the beautiful beaches of Uluwatu and Nusa Penida.

While these beaches are spectacular, I don’t recommend Nusa Penida for a beach-focused holiday. Some are hard to get to and you can’t really lie down on Kelingking and Diamond Beach. However they are still worth stopping by, and here are the top four:

Atuh Beach: My favorite beach in of Nusa Penida, known for its unique rock arch that rises from the sea and frames the white sandy cove. You have to walk down over 100 steps to get to the sand, but it’s much easier than some of the other beaches on the island.

Diamond Beach: This is one of the most photographed beaches in Nusa Penida, but it can be challenging to reach due to the steep and rocky staircase. The beautiful palms, turquoise sea, and soft white sand create a picturesque scene, with diamond-shaped rocks adding to the beauty in the background.

Crystal Bay: Crystal Bay is the most accessible beach in Nusa Penida and one of the best snorkeling sites. More on that later.

Kelingking Beach: Kelingking is famed for its towering cliff, which resembles a Tyrannosaurus Rex and offers one of the most iconic views in Indonesia. The secluded white sand beach below is accessible via a steep and challenging trek down the cliff face. Waves and currents here are incredibly strong, so be careful.

Culture and traditions

I see so many commenting that Nusa Penida is nothing more than those “crowded Instagram spots”. Hm.. Have you taken the time to explore off the beaten path and actually seek out other experiences?

The truth is that Nusa Penida is much bigger than it looks on the map and these popular spots cover only 5% of the island. Rent a scooter and drive around, dare to get lost, or find someone you can ask for a more authentic experience.

During my last visit, I asked one of the drivers who approached me at the harbor, and we got to come with him to his home and learn about daily life on the island. I also asked my accommodation and they put together a cooking class for me. It felt so authentic compared to some of the now very touristy classes in Bali.

A place tourists often miss is Pura Goa Giri Putri Cave, a large limestone cavern that serves as an important spiritual site, housing a sacred Hindu temple within its expansive interior.

Another unique spot is Peguyangan Waterfall and temple. It’s not a typical waterfall but rather a natural spring cascading down the steep cliff face to the ocean below, creating a series of pools and streams that offer a refreshing escape.

There are also many beautiful temples along the road where you can stop and explore. Of course, the temples aren’t as big and impressive as in Bali, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t special.

Snorkeling and diving

Snorkeling in Nusa Penida is one of the top reasons to visit the island. I’m not much of an underwater person, but even I loved this experience. The warm waters and excellent visibility make it fun and accessible to both beginners and experienced snorkelers. 

Diving in Nusa Penida is equally impressive, attracting divers from around the world with experiences that vary from gentle coral slopes to exhilarating drift dives. You can also get your PADI certificate on the island.

Sites like Manta Point allow for snorkeling and diving among majestic manta rays, while Crystal Bay boasts vibrant coral reefs teeming with colorful fish, turtles and even the elusive Mola Mola at certain times of the year.

🤿 Pro tip >> If you have the budget, there’s no better way to travel to Nusa Penida than by private speed boat. I loved this full-day tour that also includes snorkeling in 4 spots and an optional land tour. You can also book the tour with a shared boat transfer to make it more affordable.

It’s a quick trip from Bali

The best way to get to Nusa Penida is by taking a fast boat from Sanur Habor in Bali. The boat ride usually takes around 40 minutes, and several operators offer daily departures.

Keep in mind that it can be a bit difficult to get on board the boats in Indonesia, often without a ramp. You often have to wade in the water and then walk up a narrow ladder. So I can’t recommend this for people with mobility issues.

You can also go to Nusa Penida from Lembongan, there is now a ticket desk and an official price (120k return) from the Yellow Bridge. You do need to wait for the boat to fill up but that happens pretty quickly.

🌟 You can check price & availability here >> Fast boat from Bali to Nusa Penida

Beautiful accommodation

Nusa Penida’s accommodation ranges from luxurious resorts to charming bungalows, with many properties offering incredible sea views and high-end amenities. Pick-up at the harbor is also often included, don’t forget to ask.

Since I first came to Nusa Penida in 2015 I have never missed anything in terms of accommodation, there’s something for every budget. And due to Penida only becoming popular in the last 6 years, most of them are new.

Last time I booked 3 nights at Bintang Bungalows in advance, which I was so happy about from the moment we arrived. Just look at this place! We were greeted by a smiley staff and a cold watermelon welcome drink.

After about two minutes I already had my camera out and was busy shooting photos of palm trees, colorful butterflies and cute dogs. We paid about $50 / 500 NOK /750k IDR a night including breakfast, which I think was a great deal.

If you have a roomier budget, be sure to check out Atalaya Villas Nusa Penida. Omg, I have no words. This place is an Instagrammers dream. I wish my house at home looked like that.

🌟 Check price and availability here >> Atalaya Villas Nusa Penida

Cons of visiting Nusa Penida

As I mentioned above, few places I’ve visited in Indonesia have been as frustrating as Nusa Penida. Most likely because I expected it to have the conveniences of Bali or be as laid back as Nusa Lembongan.

But being different doesn’t have to be bad, you just have to be aware that visiting Nusa Penida is not always as straightforward as its neighboring islands.

Overtourism and crowded attractions

Since Nusa Penida skyrocketed in popularity on Social Media in 2018 it has seen a surge in visitor numbers. The island’s iconic spots, such as Kelingking Beach, Angel’s Billabong, Broken Beach and Crystal Bay, are often at the top of every visitor’s must-see list.

During peak travel times, these sites become particularly crowded, with tourists flocking to capture the perfect photo for their social media feeds. I’ve heard people queuing for hours in the sun to get the shot.

This is putting a strain on the already limited local infrastructure. Narrow and rugged paths leading to beaches and viewpoints become congested, causing safety concerns. Parking areas are often insufficient to accommodate the number of scooters and cars.

Environmental concerns are also a significant issue associated with over-tourism. The increase in foot traffic has the potential to erode delicate landscapes and disrupt wildlife habitats. Waste management becomes a challenge, as the existing infrastructure is not equipped to handle the increased volume of trash produced by tourists.

Moreover, the local community is impacted by the surge of visitors. While tourism brings economic benefits, it can also lead to a rise in the cost of living, making it more difficult for residents to afford basic goods and services. During my last visit to Nuda Penida, I was told to leave by an angry older man, which I totally get. 

Too many commercial photo spots

Many areas on Nusa Penida have been modified to create “perfect” photo opportunities. These setups often include artificial nests, swings, and platforms perched on cliff edges. You know, the same kind of thing you see all over Bali.

Please don’t use them, focus on the natural beauty instead. This trend towards commodifying nature for social media’s sake undermines these islands’ authentic experience. We don’t want to see any more of them.

Lack of infrastructure

Don’t get me wrong, I love to visit off-the-beaten-path places and don’t mind roughing it for a while. However, if you expect Nusa Penida to be like Bali you will find the lack of infrastructure a con.

Public facilities such as healthcare are limited on the island. There are few medical clinics, but for more serious medical issues, you have to travel back to Bali to receive adequate medical care. This is a significant concern in case of emergencies, especially given the challenging roads and often rough waters that can delay urgent trips.

In terms of utilities, the island faces issues with consistent electricity and water supply. Power outages are not uncommon, but I haven’t experienced this yet.

When it comes to ATMs, there are quite a few around the harbor on the north shore. However, the last time I was there two of them were empty, so always bring some cash. Most smaller warungs and street vendors only accept cash and sometimes can’t change large bills.

Bad roads and inaccessibility

The roads in Nusa Penida are known for being rough and challenging to navigate. So are the staircases down to many attractions. This can make traveling around the island tough, especially for inexperienced drivers or if you have mobility issues.

Being used to motorbiking all over Bali, Lembongan and Ceningan, I thought a supposed 5-minute drive would be a piece of cake. I see myself as a good driver, I even owned a scooter for a couple of years at home in Norway.

But driving from my hotel to Crystal Bay I soon got a taste of Penida’s bumpy and very steep roads. It all ended with me turning off the engine and rolling down, trying my best to steer clear of the many potholes and not slip and fall on the gravel.

Along the way, I was passed by many locals smiling and laughing at me. Even three young girls on one motorbike (one holding a baby!!) rushed past us down the hill without as much as touching the break. I just closed my eyes and hoped for the best.

Also, do not trust Google Maps, it guided me into a village meeting where I was looked at as a complete idiot and sternly asked to leave. You can, of course, hire a private driver, however, cars can’t reach all places either.

Timing is very important

If you want to avoid the crowds at the most popular spots, you have to be there at 7:00 am at the latest. Around 8:00 the crowds start rolling in, especially at Kelingking and Broken Beach. So if photography is important, you might need to stay the night to get there early enough.

Also, Angel’s Billabong is best visited on mid to low tide, to experience the effect of the green/turquoise pool. You can read more about it in my West Nusa Penida itinerary.

Lack of nightlife and entertainment

Well, this is only a con if you expect it to be like Canggu, Kuta or Gili T. Nusa Penida is not the place for vibrant nightlife or diverse entertainment options. However, you can enjoy delicious food, both Indonesian and other cuisines.

After sunset, activities are minimal, and options for entertainment are scarce. Most bars and restaurants close at 10:00 pm.

I for one enjoy the peace and quiet. It is my favorite kind of magic to sit around a bonfire in Indonesia under the stars and share stories. Something I used to love to do in Bali, but it’s getting harder with all the noisy music from the beach clubs.

Slow internet

Access to the internet can be sporadic and often slow in Nusa Penida. This is inconvenient if you’re a fellow digital nomad who needs the internet for work.

Thinking Nusa Penida would be like Bali, I went there while still working on a client project. When I suddenly couldn’t access anything I panicked for a bit, before I was able to enjoy being disconnected.

I also had trouble contacting our tour guide on WhatsApp in some places, which was more annoying. But as long as you are aware of this and plan ahead, it isn’t that big of a problem. Also, it is getting better every year.

Comparison with islands around Bali

If you’re considering whether Nusa Penida is worth it, compare it to other popular islands near Bali such as the Gili Islands, Nusa Lembongan and southern Lombok. I have been to them all several times, so here’s a quick overview:

	Nusa Penida	Gili Islands	Nusa Lembongan	Kuta Lombok
Accessibility	Accessible by boat, less touristy paths, hard to get to some places	Reached by boat from Bali in 3-4 hours, walk or bike	Easily reached by boat from Bali, easy to get around by scooter	Reached by boat or plane from Bali. Get around by scooter/private driver
Best beaches	Crystal Bay, Kelingking Beach, Diamond Beach, Atuh Beach.	All three islands are surrounded by sand	Jungut Batu, Mushroom Bay, Dream Beach	Tanjung Aan, Mawun, Selong Belanak, Lancing.
Diving	Best for diving, Manta rays, sea turtles, reef sharks +	Diverse marine life, Gili Meno is the best	Rich coral reefs, good visibility	Great diving around the west and east Gilis
Nightlife	Quiet atmosphere, some sunset bars	Vibrant party scene, especially on Gili T	Casual beach bars	Mostly casual bars, some parties
Accommodation	Ranging from budget to high-end	Everything from backpacker to luxury	Mostly budget and mid-range stays	Mostly budget and mid-range, some luxury villas

Of these islands, the south of Lombok and Nusa Lembongan are my personal favorites. If you are limited on time, Lembongan is the most easily visited from Bali.

Final thoughts: Is Nusa Penida worth it?

Yes, Nusa Penida is worth it… if you have the time. However, I wouldn’t put Nusa Penida before Ubud, Uluwatu, East Bali, or even Lombok.

It is great if you’re looking for “Instagram spots” and spectacular nature, but don’t go to Nusa Penida if you want a relaxing beach holiday. Then you should head down to the south of Lombok, the beaches around Kuta are incredible.

I have included a day trip to Nusa Penida in my ultimate two-week Bali itinerary, and only recommend spending more time there if you have more than two weeks in Indonesia or have been to Bali before.

So to sum it up, here are the pros and cons of visiting Nusa Penida:

Nusa Penida tourist tax

Note that you now also have to pay a tourist tax of 25,000 IDR/adult and IDR 15,000 IDR/child when you arrive at the harbor.

If you plan to snorkel, dive and swim in the Nusa Penida Marine Protection Area, you have to pay another fee of 100,000 IDR/day or 200,000/month. This fee is already included in most tour packages.

I didn’t want to include this as a con for visiting Nusa Penida, because it is supposed to go back into developing and protecting the island.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here I’ve compiled a list of the most common questions I see about Nusa Penida.

Can I do a day trip to Nusa Penida from Bali? Yes, a day trip to Nusa Penida from Bali is possible with the fast boats operating daily. The journey takes about 30 to 45 minutes each way. I recommend booking an organized tour to make the most of your day. Or if you want to drive by yourself, plan out your day in advance, you won’t be able to see the whole island in one day.

How many days should I spend in Nusa Penida? You can see a lot in a day. However, to cover all the highlights I recommend spending at least 3 nights/2 full days, so you have one day in West Nusa Penida and one day in the East.

Is Nusa Penida safe at night? Nusa Penida is generally considered safe at night, but there really isn’t much to do after dark so I recommend just staying close to your accommodation.

Is Nusa Penida a party island? No, Nusa Penida is not known for its party scene. The island is more laid-back with a focus on natural beauty rather than nightlife. If you want to party, Nusa Lembongan is somewhat more lively, but Gili T is the place to be.

Are there sharks around Nusa Penida? Yes, there are sharks in the waters around Nusa Penida, but it is generally considered safe for snorkeling and diving. Shark species include reef sharks, such as the blacktip and whitetip reef, and larger species like the hammerhead shark and very rarely the whale shark, which is a filter feeder and poses no threat to humans.

Does Nusa Penida have snakes? Yes, there are snakes on Nusa Penida, as on most tropical islands, but encounters with them are uncommon. I have never seen snakes in Nusa Penida, but I have seen several in Bali.

Can I drink the tap water in Nusa Penida? No, I do not advise drinking the tap water in Nusa Penida. Instead, purchase bottled water, or even better, bring a filtered bottle that you can fill up anywhere.

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