Best Things To Do In Nusa Penida, Indonesia

things to do in nusa penida indonesia
Sarah
Sarah 
Updated
| 4 min read

Nusa Penida, Nusa Ceningan and Nusa Lembongan are three islands a little southeast of Bali. Although Nusa Penida is the largest of these three, it is probably the least developed in terms of infrastructure and tourism. And this is exactly what makes the island so special.

You will find stunning, pristine beaches, abundant wildlife and some of the best diving spots in the country off Nusa Penida and it is a dream come true for those looking for excitement and off-the-beaten-track adventures. You can only travel slowly across the island since road conditions are rather poor.

Tip from Content Creator

Nusa Penida Island
If you're heading to Nusa Penida Island, note that the best views of the island await after long and bumpy rides. But the views will feel so rewarding that you won't mind doing them over again. You might also have to trek to picturesque spots.

1. Relax on Atuh Beach

Atuh Beach

Atuh Beach is a pristine, white sand beach, surrounded by impressive rock formations and huge cliffs. Although it can be difficult to get here because of the bumpy roads, this place can’t be skipped, when visiting Nusa Penida.

The drive here is an experience in itself - you will be passing through several villages, driving along curvy mountain roads and you will be able to enjoy stunning views of the ocean. The directions are surprisingly well marked and you shouldn’t have any problems with finding the beach. Just before you get to the mostly empty beach, you might have to leave your scooter behind, and walk the last few hundred meters, down a steep path.

At the beach, you can purchase drinks and light meals such as the typical Nasi Goreng. Make sure to try a fresh coconut, too!

Atuh Beach

Address: Atuh Beach, Nusa Penida

Website: Atuh Beach

Visited this place?

2. Explore Crystal Bay

20-Indonesia-Bali Nusa-Penida Crystal-Bay 11 (Mola-Mola Sunfish2)-APiazza
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Andrepiazza used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Crystal Bay is one of the better-known beaches on Nusa Penida. Crystal Bay is a popular spot amongst divers, as the famous mola mola (sunfish) is seen here, regularly. There are also great opportunities here for snorkelling - the water is clear and you might be lucky to see some manta rays!

The beach is popular as a day trip, from Bali, and you will find several huts where drinks, noodles, and Nasi Goreng are being sold. A few people offer massages and you can also rent snorkelling gear.

Although Crystal Beach is becoming more and more popular, you are likely to have the beach almost to yourself when visiting in the off-season. In high season (August) it tends to become a little more crowded, but still nothing compared to the neighbouring islands, like Bali.

Crystal Bay

Address: Crystal Bay, Nusa Penida

Website: Crystal Bay

Visited this place?

3. Cool off at Temeling natural pools

Snorkeling site - Nusa Penida
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user used under CC BY 2.0

These beautiful and refreshing pools are a great way to cool off after an exhausting day on your scooter, exploring the island of Nusa Penida. Surrounded by cliffs and greenery, these pools are certainly worth the visit. During the wet season, you will also be able to see impressive waterfalls.

The road leading here is very steep and can get slippery. Once you are there, keep in mind that the pools are separate for men and women.

Temeling natural pools

Address: Temeling natural pools, Nusa Penida

Website: Temeling natural pools

Visited this place?

4. Indulge in traditional ceremonies in Pura Goa Giri Putri Cave

Macaque adult-Nusa Penida
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Jack Merridew used under PUBLIC DOMAIN

Pura Goa Giri Putri Cave is located halfway up a mountain, but relatively easily accessible, if you don’t mind climbing a few stairs. By crawling through a crack in the ground, you can access this impressive 300-metre (984-foot) long cave.

Locals gather here regularly for prayers, and you should rent a sarong to cover up before you enter the cave. It is a great place to see some monkeys up close, too.

Pura Goa Giri Putri Cave

Address: Suana, Nusapenida, Klungkung Regency, Bali 80771, Indonesia

Visited this place?

5. Spend the day at Pasih Uug Beach

Broken Beach Natural Bridge Nusa Penida
Source: Photo by Flickr user Anastasia R used under CC BY-ND 2.0

Pasih Uug Beach - literally translated as “Broken Beach” is another beach on Nusa Penida, well worth the visit. The beach almost seems like a huge pool - because of the many cliffs by which it is surrounded. This remote beach can only be accessed by foot or bicycle.

Pasih Uug has similar looking coastal cliffs to the ones you can find in Uluwatu, Bali. Pasih Uug offers superb views over the ocean and the water is so clear that you might even see some manta rays or turtles.

Pasih Uug Beach

Address: Pasih Uug Beach, Nusa Penida

Website: Pasih Uug Beach

Tip from Content Creator

Broken Beach Broken Beach Broken Beach

Photos of Pasih Uug Beach shared by content creator from Singapore, Crystal Kyla Mendoza Tan

Visited this place?

6. Enjoy beautiful scenery at Angel's Billabong

20-Indonesia-Bali Nusa-Penida Crystal-Bay 07 (Giant Puffer Fish)-APiazza
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Andrepiazza used under CC BY-SA 3.0

This natural pool is carved between two cliffs and fills with water as the tide comes in. Angel’s Billabong has crystal clear water and offers spectacular views of the ocean.

The pool is around 125 square meters (1345 square feet) in size and is home to several types of small fish. While the pool is comfortable enough to walk in, it is best to wear some slippers should you plan to climb down to the beach, as parts of the reef can be sharp. During high tide, it can get a little dangerous to swim in the pool, as the waves can get rough.

Angel’s Billabong can be accessed from Pasih Uug Beach - it is just a short walk from here. Just like many other beaches on Nusa Penida, you will need to leave your motorbike behind and walk the last few hundred meters.

Angel's Billabong

Address: Angel’s Billabong, Nusa Penida

Website: Angel’s Billabong

Visited this place?

7. Go on an adventure at the Peguyangan Waterfalls

Nusa Penida 01
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Burmesedays used under CC BY-SA 3.0

The Peguyangan Waterfalls are located on the southeast cliffs of Nusa Penida, and they are a real adventure! Locals come here to visit sacred temples and the jaw-dropping cliffs and scenic views attract many tourists.

Part of the hike involves an old stairway, which might seem a bit scary at first glance. The cliffside trail leads you down to the bottom of the hill, where you can find the waterfalls. The hike downhill offers some of the most stunning views you can experience on the island.

Peguyangan Waterfalls

Address: Batukandik, Nusa Penida, Batukandik, Nusapenida, Kabupaten Klungkung, Bali 80771, Indonesia

Website: Peguyangan Waterfalls

Visited this place?

Nusa Penida - the alternative to Bali?

Nusa Penida is a beautiful place and a great alternative to the touristy island of Bali. You will find superb beaches and you will be able to thoroughly explore Indonesian culture. Nusa Penida is not only great for divers but is also an excellent and diverse destination for people looking to go hiking.

Visited this place?
Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

History


Get Trip101 in your inbox

Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data

Sarah is a digital marketer and freelance writer currently based in Spain. Having been to almost 40 countries, Sarah has quite some travel experience. Her favourite destinations are the...Read more

 Want to contribute as a Local Expert?
Explore Nusa Penida
x
Good things are meant to be shared!
Back to top
Visited any of these places? Click this button to activate our "Add a Tip" feature to share your experience.