Tips To Plan A One-Day Trip To Nusa Penida, Bali

1. Book an all-inclusive, hassle-free tour

I began my adventure by choosing an all-inclusive tour package to Nusa Penida. This all-in package took care of everything—providing me with a driver who also served as a guide, a comfortable vehicle for transportation, and round-trip boat transfers. For your information, trips to Nusa Penida start with a boat journey from Bali, departing from various ports such as Sanur, Kusamba, or Padang Bai.

The package includes a convenient pick-up service, and the driver will greet you at Nusa Penida port. From there, you’ll be chauffeured to whichever attractions you’ve chosen to explore on the island.

While driving yourself around Nusa Penida is possible, I wouldn’t recommend it unless you’re accustomed to the challenging road conditions. In my experience, having a knowledgeable driver and a guide proved invaluable. Not only did they handle the driving, but they also offered insights into the optimal times to visit each site, helping me avoid crowds and capture stunning photographs.

To book this all-inclusive tour, a simple online search will yield numerous options from various travel agencies. Alternatively, you can secure on-the-spot bookings at the departure ports in Bali, although this may incur a higher cost.

2. Start early in the morning

Starting early in the morning is crucial when you have only one day to explore. I made it a point to catch one of the first boats out, as many tours from Bali to Nusa Penida depart between 6am and 7am, allowing you to arrive by 8am or 9am. An early start provides ample time for sightseeing and helps you avoid crowds, especially since Nusa Penida has gained significant popularity in recent years.

Setting out early also has the added benefit of helping you avoid the intense afternoon heat. The sun in Bali can be particularly harsh by noon, making morning activities a more comfortable option.

3. Plan your itinerary

After booking your tour and waking up early, you might wonder how best to spend your limited time on the island. Nusa Penida offers an array of stunning sights, but it’s important to strategize and make the most of your trip.

Usually, Nusa Penida tours are split into east and west journeys. Each region has its own distinct charm and natural beauty. However, on my first visit to the island, I chose to explore the western side because I believed it offered more iconic locations for first-time visitors. If you also opt for a western Nusa Penida tour, I’ve listed some must-visit places below.

Kelingking Beach

1/2 Kelingking Beach

2/2 Kelingking Beach

If you’ve seen any photo of Nusa Penida, it’s probably of Kelingking Beach. This location features a stunning cliff shaped like a T-Rex, which overlooks a secluded beach below. The view from the cliff’s edge is awe-inspiring and serves as an ideal backdrop for photographs.

A hike down to the beach is available for those seeking adventure, but it is challenging and time-consuming. Therefore, most one-day visitors, myself included, choose to appreciate the view solely from the cliff top. If you still decide to make the descent, it’s important to remember the time.

Kelingking Beach

Address: Bunga Mekar, Nusa Penida, Klungkung Regency, Bali 80771, Indonesia

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

Price: Free

Lunch at Sri Seganing Bar & Resto

Food options in Nusa Penida range from local warung or small family-run restaurants to more upscale dining. However, if you’re asking me, I’d point you toward Sri Seganing Bar & Resto.

Situated conveniently close to Kelingking Beach, the restaurant provides a wonderful blend of local Balinese and global cuisine, all while you enjoy an amazing view. I still find myself salivating at the thought of the delicious seafood fried rice I had there. The service is also incredibly welcoming, making it the perfect place to take a leisurely lunch break.

Sri Seganing Bar & Resto

Address: Jln kelingking, Bunga Mekar, Kec. Nusa Penida, Kabupaten Klungkung, Bali 80771, Indonesia

Opening hours: 9am - 8pm (daily)

Broken Beach and Angel’s Billabong

1/2 Broken Beach

2/2 Broken Beach

After lunch, go to the northwest part of the island to check out Broken Beach and Angel’s Billabong. Broken Beach is well-known for a natural rock arch that lets ocean water flow into a small bay. The water swirls around in a circle inside this arch, making a cool sight you should see.

Right beside it is Angel’s Billabong, a big natural pool. When the water is low, you can swim there. The water is so clear that you can see the pretty coral at the bottom. But again, if you only have one day to visit Nusa Penida, swimming could take up a lot of your time. In that case, I’d recommend simply taking in the views from above.

Broken Beach and Angel’s Billabong

Address: 7F82+R4, Sakti, Nusa Penida, Klungkung Regency, Bali 80771, Indonesia

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

Crystal Bay

1/2 Crystal Bay

2/2 Crystal Bay

Crystal Bay is the perfect place to end your day in Nusa Penida. If you’re into snorkeling and still have much time, head here and enjoy the crystal-clear waters that provide excellent visibility for observing marine life. Instead of snorkeling, I chose to relax and soak up the atmosphere before heading back to Bali. The magnificent sunset here also provides a peaceful contrast to your busy day.

Crystal Bay

Address: Sakti, Nusa Penida Island, Kelungkung Regency, Indonesia

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

Price: Free

Exploring Nusa Penida in one day is possible

Even though spending more than a day exploring Nusa Penida is ideal for diving deep into its natural wonders, it’s entirely possible to get a satisfying experience in just one day. By booking an all-inclusive tour, starting your day early, and prioritizing must-see spots such as Kelingking Beach, Broken Beach, and Crystal Bay, you can still capture the essence of this magnificent island.

While a one-day trip won’t capture all of Nusa Penida’s magic, these tips for a one-day trip to Nusa Penida can help you make the most of your short time on this incredible island, just like I did.