From Hidden Gems to Famous Spots: The Best Things to Do in Nusa Penida

If you’re planning a trip to Nusa Penida, you’re in for a treat. It’s raw, rugged, and totally different from Bali or even the other Nusa Islands. The roads are rough, everything is more spread out, and getting around takes time. But the views? Unreal.

But did you know Nusa Penida was once known as the cursed island? According to Balinese legend, it was ruled by the feared demon king Macaling, a powerful spirit blamed for bringing chaos and misfortune to Bali.

To keep his influence away, he was banished to Nusa Penida—along with criminals and outcasts. Even today, some locals believe the island holds strong spiritual energy, and ceremonies are held to ward off Macaling’s presence.

Luckily, travelers today aren’t here for curses. They’re here for adventure. And trust me, you won’t want to miss all the things to do in Nusa Penida.

I always describe Penida as a “get up early and explore all day” kind of place. Think cliffs that look like they belong in a movie, beaches that are untouched, and breathtaking viewpoints.

So if you’re wondering what are the best things to do in Nusa Penida, here’s a full rundown of all the top spots. For a full comprehensive guide to all three of the Nusa Islands, including where to stay and eat, check out the full guide below.

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Kelingking Beach: The Iconic T-Rex Viewpoint

Kelingking Beach is easily the most famous things to do in Nusa Penida and a must-see for anyone visiting Bali. From above, the towering limestone cliff resembles a T-Rex, making it one of the most photographed spots in Indonesia.

Best Time to Visit? Sunrise.

If you want to actually enjoy this place, get here at first light—before the crowds descend. When I say it gets busy, I mean BUSY. By midday, you’ll find:

• Wall-to-wall tourists scrambling for photos. Check out what I mean here.
• Tour guides literally climbing trees to get the perfect shot
• Absolute chaos

I visited back in 2018, before it exploded in popularity, and seeing it now with crowds packed shoulder to shoulder? Not my vibe. But if it’s your first time, it’s absolutely worth seeing—just come early.

Getting There

Once you arrive, whether by car or scooter, you’ll walk past small shops and food stalls before reaching the viewpoint. There are several great spots along the edge for photos, but PLEASE be careful. The cliff is steep, there’s no real safety barrier, and it’s not worth risking your life for a picture.

Hiking Down to the Beach

If you want to make the trek down, there’s a steep staircase leading to the bottom. It takes about 20-30 minutes each way, and while the beach itself is absolutely stunning, the ocean here is no joke.

Warning: The waves are rough, unpredictable, and incredibly powerful.Many people have lost their lives here. If you do go in the water, be extremely cautious—even standing at the shoreline, rogue waves can drag you out in an instant.

The Elevator Controversy

If you haven’t seen it online yet—yes, they’re building an elevator down to the beach. And honestly? I think it’s atrocious.

This untouched natural wonder is about to be flooded with tourists who would have never made the hike down otherwise. The pristine view from above, golden sand against that unreal turquoise water—will be packed with people, completely changing what makes this place so special.

I won’t ever use or promote it, and if you feel the same, I hope you’ll choose to boycott it too. But of course, no judgment if you do.

Angel’s Billabong & Broken Beach

These two spots are right next to each other, making them a great addition for things to do in Nusa Penida. Both offer stunning coastal views and some seriously powerful waves crashing against the cliffs.

Broken Beach: A Natural Wonder

Broken Beach is famous for its huge natural arch, creating a circular cove where the ocean flows in through a giant hole in the rock. You can walk all the way around for panoramic views of the coastline, and on a clear day, the colors here are insane—deep blues, crashing white waves, and rugged cliffs.

Safety Note: Be extremely careful if you’re here on a rough day. A massive wave recently crashed over the bridge and swept someone into the ocean. It’s a stunning spot, but nature here is wild and unpredictable.

Chill Spot: There’s a grassy area overlooking the ocean where you can lay down a towel and just relax. If you’re hungry, small food stalls near the parking lot sell snacks, coconuts, and quick meals.

Angels Billabong: A Tidal Infinity Pool

Just a short walk from Broken Beach, Angels Billabong is a crystal-clear rock pool sitting right on the edge of the cliffs. During high tide, waves crash over the rocks, refilling the pool with fresh seawater.

Can You Swim Here?

Back in 2018, I swam here with no issues. But on my recent visit, the area was roped off to prevent people from getting in. I asked the locals, and they said swimming is still allowed—just not during rough season.

Even if you can’t swim, it’s still a mesmerizing spot to check out. Honestly, the best part? Watching the waves slam into the cliffs with jaw-dropping force.

Extreme Caution:
Whether you’re swimming in the pool or just standing along the cliffs watching the waves, be VERY careful. Rogue waves here have swept people off the rocks, including tourists and even experienced tour guides who tried to save them. Many lives have been lost because people underestimated the power of the ocean in Nusa Penida. Please enjoy the view, but always keep a safe distance.

Diamond Beach

Diamond Beach is one of the most stunning things to do in Nusa Penida, with its dramatic white-sand cliffs and turquoise waters. Like most places on the island, it gets crowded fast, so I highly recommend coming first thing in the morning to enjoy it without the masses.

Since it’s on the opposite end of the island from Kelingking Beach, Angel’s Billabong, and Broken Beach, it’s best to dedicate a separate day to visiting this side.

Getting to the Beach

There’s a steep staircase leading down to the beach, and when traffic is moving in both directions, it can be tricky to navigate. I won’t lie—I was a little intimidated at first, but it was totally doable. Just take your time and be extra careful!

Once at the bottom, you’ll find a gorgeous beach perfect for relaxing and reading a book. However, I don’t recommend swimming here—the waves are powerful, and the currents can be dangerous.

What to Do at Diamond Beach

• Best Viewpoints: The famous photo spot is along the staircase, but for another stunning angle, walk along the top left side of the cliffs.
• Treehouse Viewpoint: If you look into the distance, you can spot the famous Treehouse Viewpoint—and depending on the time of day, a long line of people waiting to get their photo taken there.
• Restaurant: There’s a small restaurant near the entrance if you need a bite to eat.
• Zipline: They recently installed a zipline that takes you from cliff to cliff over the beach. Personally, I wouldn’t recommend it—I heard a kid got stuck halfway, and I don’t exactly trust its safety. Besides, you come to Diamond Beach for the view, and that alone is breathtaking.

To get the best lighting for photos, visit in the morning. As the sun moves throughout the day, the cliffs cast shadows over the beach, making it harder to capture its full beauty.

Atuh Beach

Atuh Beach is located right next to Diamond Beach, on the other side of the cliffs. Another great spot to check out for things to do in Nusa Penida. You will have to walk down a different staircase to reach this beach.

Funny enough, when I first came to Bali in 2018, I visited Atuh Beach but completely missed the now-famous Diamond Beach, even though they’re right next to each other! Just goes to show how important it is to research your destinations beforehand so you don’t miss any hidden gems.

Atuh Beach is more of a relaxing spot where you can chill out for the day. When the tide is high, you can swim in the turquoise waters, but at low tide, the water recedes past the natural rock arch, exposing sharp rocks and coral. Instead, you can walk around and explore the unique formations.

The beach has sunbeds for rent and a few small restaurants where you can grab a meal or a fresh coconut. It’s a great spot if you want a laid-back beach day, but if you’re pressed for time, it’s more of a quick stop to check out rather than a must-visit.

Tembeling Beach

If you’re looking for a natural pool right along the beach, with massive waves crashing in the distance, this is the spot. This is a unique things to do in Nusa Penida, with a little beach swing for a fun photo op. But again, I have to stress—do not try to swim in the ocean here. The waves are huge and extremely dangerous.

The natural pool, however, is perfect for swimming, relaxing, and cooling down. You’ll actually pass a bigger pool with crystal-clear water before reaching the beach, and when I visited, I saw plenty of locals swimming there and having a great time.

Now, let’s talk about getting down there. The road is steep with no barriers, and the drop-offs are so deep in some spots that you can’t even see the bottom. My boyfriend and I rode our own motorbike down, which you can do—but only if you’re truly experienced.

We hit a rock on the way down, skidded forward, and barely stopped before sliding off the edge… to what would have been certain death. That moment still haunts me.

If you’re not comfortable riding down yourself, there’s a local service at the entrance where experienced riders will take you down and back up for a small fee. They do this all day, every day, so it’s definitely the safer option if you’re hesitant.

Overall, I think this spot is worth visiting, but if you’re on a tight itinerary, it’s not an absolute must-do.

Peguyangan Waterfall (also known as Guyangan Waterfall)

This isn’t a massive waterfall, but the adventure getting here makes it worth considering. If you’re not into adventure, you might want to skip this one—because the only way down is a steep zigzag staircase clinging to the cliffside. The stairs are metal (painted bright blue), and the only thing keeping you from the drop is a bamboo railing.

Teletubbies Hill

If you grew up watching Teletubbies (shoutout to millennials), you might get a nostalgic throwback cruising through these rolling green hills. Their resemblance to the show’s landscape is uncanny—hence the name.

Goa Giri Putri – The Cave Temple

It wouldn’t be a trip to Indonesia without visiting at least one temple, and this one is definitely unique. Goa Giri Putri is hidden inside a massive limestone cave, and getting inside is an experience in itself—you have to crawl through a small rock opening before it opens up into a vast underground chamber.

Inside, you’ll find a sacred temple where locals come to pray and submit offerings. It’s an active place of worship, so be respectful and make sure to wear a sarong to cover your legs (you can usually rent one at the entrance). The entry fee is donation based, so recommend 20-50K IDR.

Other Epic Things To Do In Nusa Penida

Snorkeling or Diving with Manta Rays

If you’ve never snorkeled with manta rays before, this is the perfect place to do it! Manta Point is one of the best spots in the world to see these majestic creatures up close, and sightings are almost guaranteed. These giants can reach up to 3 meters in width, and watching them glide effortlessly through the water is mesmerizing. If you’re lucky, you might even see them performing their signature “cyclone feeding,” where three or more swim in a circular motion together.

Another great place to snorkel with manta rays is on the Komodo Island tour, which tends to be less crowded. If you’re planning on heading there, you might prefer to wait—but if you’re a manta lover, why not do both? (If you haven’t considered adding Komodo Island to your trip itinerary… I highly recommend it! You will NOT be disappointed. It’s like being in Jurassic Park).

• If you’re looking to do a multi-day boat tour to Komodo Island, you can do an amazing 3-day 2-night trip to see all the amazing sights. You can book this one here for 306 USD.

• If you’re on a time crunch, you can squeeze in all sights on an exciting but exhausting day trip including your snorkeling. You can book this one here for 90 USD here.

Manta Point can get quite busy with boats and snorkelers all swimming in the same area, so I highly recommend booking a morning tour to avoid the crowds. If you’re not a strong swimmer, always keep your life jacket on and let your guide know so they can keep an eye on you.

• If you’re on a budget looking for a group tour, you can book this one for 172K IDR or 10 USD per person.

• If you’re looking for a private tour so you don’t have to be jammed in a boat with others, perfect for those looking to go with their own group, you can book this one for 1.1mil IDR or 66 USD per person.

Snorkeling Off the Beach or On a Snorkel Tour

If you love snorkeling, Nusa Penida is a fantastic place to do it. You’ve got two options: a self-guided snorkel or joining an organized tour by boat.

Personally, I love doing self-guided snorkels—it gives me the freedom to go at my own pace and decide when to come and go. But that’s usually when I’m traveling with a friend or my boyfriend. If you’re traveling solo, you might want to link up with someone from your hostel to go with you. Or, joining a tour can be a great way to stay safe and meet people along the way. I definitely don’t recommend snorkeling alone—always better to have someone nearby in case anything happens.

If you’re going the self-guided route, you can rent a snorkel set from shops near the port, ask your accommodation, or rent one right on the beach. The three best spots for snorkeling off the beach are Gamat Bay, Crystal Bay, and Toyapakeh Bay (which is right near the harbor). You can hit all three in one day or spread them out over a couple days depending on how long you’re staying.

One tip: if it’s low tide, be careful walking out over the rocks and coral—they can be sharp on your feet, so water shoes definitely help.

If you’d rather go on a boat tour, I recommend the one’s I listed above.

The tour will take you to: Manta Bay, Crystal Bay, Gamat Bay, and The Wall for snorkeling. You’ll get to see manta rays, turtles, beautiful fish and corals. The cost is only ~$10 for a group tour or $66 USD for a private tour, which is such a good deal considering everything’s taken care of.

It’s a great option if you’re solo, don’t feel comfortable motorbiking around the island, or just prefer to sit back and enjoy the ride while everything’s planned out for you.

Beach Hopping

Aside from the well-known beaches like Kelingking, Diamond, Atuh, and Broken Beach, Nusa Penida has a handful of other gems that are perfect if you’re in the mood to chill, soak up the sun, grab a bite, or catch a stunning sunset.

Crystal Bay

This beach is known for its rows and rows of staggering palm trees. It’s surprisingly one of the busier beaches, with a few casual restaurants and a local vibe. You’ll see locals hanging out, eating, and enjoying the ocean breeze. I grabbed a beer with my partner here after trekking over to Pandan Beach first, and we ended up watching a gorgeous sunset here afterward. There’s a small fee to park: 20K IDR.

Pandan Beach

A more secluded “secret” beach that’s accessible via a short but steep hike over the cliff to the left of Crystal Bay. Totally worth it for a quieter vibe and soft white sand. Bring a Bintang for the trek and enjoy a peaceful beach day with fewer crowds. There’s a small shack selling drinks and a swing for photo ops. Although fair warning—the price for the swing photo is actually printed on the swing itself, which is… a little tacky in my opinion—but hey, if you want the pic, just crop carefully.

Gamat Bay

I really liked this beach. It was much quieter than Crystal Bay and had a laid-back feel. It’s the kind of place you could spend a few hours just reading, napping, or lounging by the water. My partner actually fell asleep here while I soaked up the sun. There’s a small restaurant where you can grab a bite or a cold drink, and they were in the process of building some bungalows nearby—so you might even be able to stay right on the beach in the near future.

Pasih Andus (Smoky Beach)

A super cool spot to head to for sunset. It’s only reachable by scooter, so it tends to be quieter and more local. When the waves crash just right, they shoot up into the air and create a smoky effect—sometimes even forming a little rainbow mist. It’s a peaceful way to end the day without the crowds.

Motorbike Along the Coast

One of my favorite things I did on Nusa Penida was actually one of the simplest: the drive along the north coast of the island. The roads here are surprisingly smooth—paved, hardly any potholes, and best of all, barely any traffic since most of the tourist hotspots are on the south side.

Best Places for Sunset Or A Viewpoint

If you’re a sucker for a good sunset (same!), Nusa Penida has some incredible spots. Whether you want to perch on a cliff, chill by the beach, or sip cocktails by the sea, here are some of my favorite places to watch the sky do its thing:

Crystal Bay

A classic sunset spot. The beach is lined with towering palm trees, and while it’s a bit busier, it’s a solid go-to if you want to grab a beer, chill on the sand, and watch the sun melt into the ocean. You can even pair this with a visit to nearby Pandan Beach beforehand for a full beach day.

Pasih Andus (Smoky Beach)

A more off-the-beaten-path option that’s only reachable by scooter. It’s way quieter, and the crashing waves create a smoky mist effect that sometimes even catches a rainbow in the light.

Banah Cliff Point

This one’s a bit of a hidden gem—and honestly, the journey there makes it feel like even more of an adventure. Banah Cliff Point is a stunning viewpoint where you can see all along the coastline, with dramatic cliffs and endless blue water stretching out in front of you. If you look closely down below, you might even spot some sea turtles bobbing around in the water.

There’s usually a little drink stand at the top where you can grab a coconut or a cold soda while you take in the view, which just adds to the chill vibe.

Now, a quick heads up—the road to get here is rough. Like, really rough. At one point, you’ll probably question if you’re even going the right way. (You are… it just feels a bit sketchy for a minute.) But the good news? Most people skip it because of the drive, so you’ll likely have the place almost entirely to yourself.

If you’re up for a bit of a bumpy ride, I’d say it’s totally worth it.

THE Manta Point

Not to be confused with the Manta Point for snorkeling—this is a totally different spot (you’ll see it marked on Google Maps as THE Manta Point). It’s perched high on the cliffs with a panoramic view down the coast, and you’ll likely have it all to yourself. Bring a towel, some snacks, a drink, and a speaker if you’re like me—this place is a such a chill vibe. We played some of our favorite house tunes and just soaked it all in.

Mambo Dive Resort

Honestly, any of the restaurants or bars along the north coast are nice for catching the sky as it changes color behind Mount Agung, but Mambo Dive Resort was my absolute favorite. After spending our first few days sightseeing around the island, we stayed on the north coast and ended up at Mambo every evening for sunset and happy hour—like, five nights in a row. It’s so freaking cute.

Think sandy beach area, oversized lounge beds and beanbags, cute decor, chill music, and killer cocktails (2 for 150K and sooo tasty). Live music starts at some point too. I only had snacks here, but the food menu looked amazing—I still kind of regret not ordering dinner one of those nights. You can check out it’s vibe here.

Free Diving or Scuba Diving

If you’ve been itching to get your scuba diving or free diving certification, I highly recommend doing it while you’re in the Nusa Islands. The water here is insanely clear, full of marine life, and surrounded by beautiful coral reefs. You’ve got the chance to see everything from vibrant tropical fish to sea turtles—and if you’re lucky, even manta rays.

And if you’re already certified, this is still an amazing spot to get a few more dives under your belt. You won’t be disappointed.

I’m already scuba certified, but I’d been wanting to give freediving a go for ags. And I won’t lie, I was definitely dreaming of getting one of those majestic underwater shots with a sea creature in the background (don’t judge me, lol). I convinced my partner to try it with me, and we signed up for a freediving certification course.

I highly recommend doing your freediving or scuba diving—it was such a cool experience and I honestly couldn’t be happier with how it turned out. They’re super reputable, and our instructor was incredibly knowledgeable and made us feel really safe and supported the entire time.

• If you’re looking to try out freediving without getting certified, you can do that here for just 150 USD.

• If you’re wanting to get certified, you can get your 3-day certification here for $450 USD.

• If you’re looking to try out scuba diving without getting certified, you can do that with them here for just 120 USD.

• If you’re scuba certified and wanting to go on some dives, you can get three dives with them here for 160 USD.

We started out with theory where he taught us the history of freediving and then how we can actually train our body to breathe better and adapt to spending long amounts of time underwater. I honestly didn’t think I could improve my underwater breathing, because let’s be real I’ve always been the person within 2 seconds of holding my breath I need more air asap.

So learning about the techniques we can do to truly improve our breathing and therefore the efficiency of our oxygen was mind blowing. After the theory, we got to try out what we learned and practice in the pool. I was actually able to hold my breath for almost 3 minutes while my partner got up to 4! Truly remarkable.

When it was time to go into the ocean, I was feeling a bit apprehensive. But after the 2 days training, I was easily able to make it down to the 20m marker. Then afterwards, you get to go for a dive down the coast over the reefs…pure magic!

If you’re looking for another option, I’d also suggest checking out Mambo Dive Resort, especially for scuba diving. The cool thing is you can stay on-site with them and make it a full dive-focused getaway. Their location right on the water and the chill vibe just adds to the whole experience.

Some Quick Tips Before You Go

• The roads can be brutal. Rent a scooter only if you’re super confident riding, otherwise consider hiring a driver.
  • You can hire a tour guide here for private tour for 890K IDR or 53 USD
  • You can do a group day tour here for 535K IDR or 32 USD

• However, if you can ride, I’d recommend to avoid doing a tour. You can see why here.

• Everything is farther apart than you think — plan out your route each day to make the most of your time.

• Get started early — like, early early. The lighting is better, the roads are quieter, and you’ll beat the tour groups.

• There’s not a huge café or coworking scene here like on Lembongan or Bali — Penida’s more about exploring and soaking up nature.

Final Thoughts On Things To Do In Nusa Penida

This island truly is one of a kind. From rugged coastlines to crystal-clear pools, each corner offers something unforgettable. Whether you’re visiting for a day trip or staying longer, these things to do in Nusa Penida will make your trip epic.

If you’re craving adventure, views, and raw beauty — this island is definitely the spot.

Want to explore more? More guides publishing soon…

Full Guide to Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan & Nusa Ceningan – Everything You Need to Know

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