Nusa Penida, a small island located a boat ride away from the east coast of Bali, is known for its stunning beaches, crystal clear water and breathtaking landscapes.

Nusa Penida has become an extremely popular day trip destination among Bali visitors, but to take in the beauty of Nusa Penida you need more than a day!

To help you plan a short trip to the island of Nusa Penida, here’s a 3-day itinerary that showcases the best of what Nusa Penida has to offer.

Day 1: Explore The Western Coast of Nusa Penida

At the start of your first day, take a speedboat to Nusa Penida from either Sanur or Padang Bai port in Bali. It will take approximately 1 hour to reach Nusa Penida island.

Once you reach the island, check into your accommodation and freshen up. Then head towards the western coast of Nusa Penida, which is known for its stunning beaches and cliffs.

Kelingking Beach

Your first stop for the day should be Kelingking Beach, also known as T-Rex Bay. This is one of the most Instagrammable spots in Nusa Penida and it’s not hard to see why. The view from the top of the cliff is simply breathtaking.

To reach this beach, you’ll need to hike down a steep path for about 30 minutes. But trust us, it’s worth every step!

Note: The hike down is a bit advanced so if you don’t consider yourself athletic, it’s best to just admire the view from the top or hike a couple of steps down to get a closer look and click photos for Instagram!

Broken Beach

Next stop is Broken Beach, which is just a short drive away from Kelingking Beach. This natural wonder features an arch-shaped rock formation with crystal blue water flowing in and out of it. The view from the top is again stunning, but remember you cannot go down to the beach.

Even though the beach is inaccessible, it is a must-see spot in Nusa Penida for its unique formation!

Angel’s Billabong

After Broken Beach, head to Angel’s Billabong which is just a short walk away. This natural infinity pool is perfect for taking a dip and cooling off from the heat. The water here is crystal clear and you can even see colorful fishes swimming around!

Just be careful when entering the pool as the rocks can be quite slippery. If you’re not comfortable swimming, you can simply admire the mesmerizing view from above.

Note: There are many instances of rouge waves hitting the pool, so be cautious and avoid swimming during high tide.

Crystal Bay

End your day by watching the sunset at Crystal Bay, also known as Pantai Penyabangan. This beach is perfect for relaxing and watching the sunset. You can even rent a bean bag and enjoy some drinks while admiring the view.

If you are able to reach Crystal Bay while the sun is up, you can snorkel and see some colorful corals and marine life.

After the sunset, head back to your accommodation for a good night’s rest as you prepare for another day of exploring!

Day 2: Explore The East Coast of Nusa Penida

On day 2, it’s time to explore the eastern coast of Nusa Penida. This side of the island is known for its rugged cliffs and hidden beaches.

Atuh Beach

Start your day by visiting Atuh Beach, a remote beach surrounded by stunning cliffs. To reach this hidden gem, you’ll need to hike down a long flight of stairs but the view from the bottom is worth it!

The beach itself has soft white sand and clear turquoise water, perfect for swimming or just lounging on the beach.

Note: Out of all the famous beaches of Nusa Penida (Kelingking, Diamond & Atuh), Atuh Beach stands out as the best option for individuals with a moderate fitness level.

Diamond Beach

Next stop is Diamond Beach, located right beside Atuh Beach. You can reach this beach by hiking down a steep path. Diamond Beach is another famous spot for clicking photos and for good reason. The beach is nestled between two cliffs, making it a unique and stunning sight.

You can choose to take pictures from the top or climb down to the beach which has gorgeous white sand and turquoise water.

Rumah Pohon “Tree House”

After Diamond Beach, head towards the Rumah Pohon “Tree House”, a popular spot for taking pictures with the iconic treehouse and stunning views of the ocean.

You can climb up to the treehouse but be warned, it’s quite small and often crowded. Alternatively, you can take some photos from afar and admire the view.

Tellytubbies Hill

End your day by visiting Tellytubbies Hill. The hills are named after their resemblance to the children’s show, but they offer breathtaking views of the island. The rolling hills are covered in grass and have a unique green color, making it an ideal spot for some photos.

After a long day of exploring, head back to your accommodation for some rest before another day of adventure!

Day 3: Snorkeling in Nusa Penida

On your last day in Nusa Penida, it’s time to experience the amazing underwater world that surrounds this island.

There are many snorkeling spots around Nusa Penida, but the most popular ones are:

Manta Point

Manta Point is a famous spot for snorkeling and diving with giant manta rays. These majestic creatures can be seen swimming around in crystal clear water, making it an unforgettable experience.

Crystal Bay

If you didn’t have time to snorkel at Crystal Bay on day 1, this is your chance! This beach has crystal clear waters and is perfect for seeing colorful corals and marine life.

Additionally, this beach has calm and shallow waters which makes it perfect for beginners.

The best way to explore the marine life in Nusa Penida is by taking a snorkeling tour that will take you to multiple snorkeling spots and provide all the necessary equipment.

After an exciting morning of snorkeling, head back to your accommodation and check out. It’s time to say goodbye to this beautiful island and head back to Bali!

This was Borderline Nomad’s guide to exploring the island of Nusa Penida. We hope this guide helps you plan an unforgettable trip to this hidden gem in Indonesia.