Just across the strait from Bali’s east coast, Nusa Penida has some of the most dramatic coastal scenery in Indonesia: towering cliffs, natural rock arches and empty beaches of white sand and turquoise water. You can see the island’s highlights in a single day from Bali, as long as the day is well organised.
This guide explains how our private Nusa Penida day trip works: the places we visit in the west and east of the island, what’s included, what to bring and who the tour is (and isn’t) suitable for.
Nusa Penida day trip at a glance
| Type | Private tour, flexible and personalised |
| Duration | Full day |
| Start | Be at the harbour 30 minutes before the 07:00 fast boat |
| West Nusa Penida | Kelingking Beach, Broken Beach, Angel’s Billabong |
| East Nusa Penida | Diamond Beach, Atuh Beach |
| Included | Hotel transfers (depending on option), return fast boat, private car with driver-guide, lunch, entrance fees |
| Price | On request via WhatsApp (price per person, entrance fees and boat tickets included) |
How to get from Bali to Nusa Penida
Nusa Penida lies off Bali’s southeast coast, and the usual way to get there is by fast boat. On our tour you don’t need to arrange anything yourself:
- We pick you up at your hotel and take you to the harbour (pick-up depends on the option you choose).
- You take the morning fast boat to Nusa Penida. Please be at the harbour 30 minutes before the 07:00 departure.
- On the island, a private car with an English-speaking driver-guide is waiting for you. Danny, the founder of Vision Bali, also joins tours and speaks Spanish.
The island’s roads are narrow and winding, so travel between viewpoints takes time. That is one reason a private car with a local driver makes such a difference.
West Nusa Penida: cliffs, arches and natural pools
The west coast is the most famous side of the island, and it’s where we usually start the day.
Kelingking Beach
Kelingking is the image most people picture when they think of Nusa Penida: a long, green headland plunging into the ocean, often compared to the head of a T-Rex, above a perfect white beach. The viewpoint at the top is where you’ll take one of the best photos of your trip.
A steep, rough path leads down the cliff to the beach. It is demanding and not necessary for enjoying Kelingking. Most visitors are happy with the view from the top, and on a one-day West & East tour there is limited time for the descent.
Broken Beach
At Broken Beach the sea has carved a large natural arch into the cliff. Waves roll through the opening into a round, cliff-ringed bay. A path around the top of the cliffs gives you views of the arch from different angles. It’s a short, easy walk and one of the most photogenic spots on the island.
Angel’s Billabong
A few minutes’ walk from Broken Beach, Angel’s Billabong is a natural rock pool on the edge of the ocean. When the sea is calm, the water is clear and green. When the waves are big, they break over the rocks without warning, so always follow your guide’s advice and keep a safe distance from the edge.
Lunch break
Between the west and the east we stop for lunch at a local restaurant, included in the tour together with mineral water. It’s a good moment to rest before the second half of the day.
East Nusa Penida: Diamond Beach and Atuh Beach
The east coast is quieter, with a very different landscape.
Diamond Beach
Diamond Beach is a white-sand cove at the foot of a limestone cliff, reached by a staircase cut into the rock. Even if you don’t walk all the way down, the view from the top of the stairs, with jagged rocks rising from bright blue water, is unforgettable.
Atuh Beach
Right next to Diamond Beach, Atuh Beach is a sheltered bay framed by cliffs and rock formations offshore. It’s a lovely place to take in the scenery before heading back.
At the end of the afternoon we drive back to the harbour for the return fast boat to Bali, and then transfer you to your hotel.
What’s included
- Private return transfer to your hotel (depending on the option).
- Return fast boat tickets Bali – Nusa Penida.
- Private car with an English-speaking driver-guide (Danny, who speaks Spanish, also joins tours).
- Lunch at a local restaurant and mineral water.
- Entrance fees to the places visited and the island entry fee.
Not included: the harbour retribution fee for Sanur / Nusa Penida passengers is not included in the boat ticket and is paid on site.
What to bring
- Sunglasses and sunscreen. Most viewpoints have little shade.
- Cash for the harbour fee, drinks and small purchases.
- Comfortable shoes with good grip for steps and uneven paths.
- If you usually get seasick, take motion-sickness medication about one hour before the boat.
Is this tour right for you?
The Nusa Penida day trip involves walking and climbing stairs, and the roads on the island are narrow and winding. Please keep in mind:
- The tour is not accessible for wheelchairs or baby strollers.
- It is not recommended for people with reduced mobility or serious medical conditions such as hypertension or epilepsy.
- Alcohol and drugs are not allowed. Anyone under the influence of alcohol will be refused boarding without a refund.
- In extreme weather the tour may be cancelled or moved to another date for your safety.
If you prefer a gentler day at sea, a cruise may suit you better (see below).
Tips for a great day on Nusa Penida
- Start early. The 07:00 boat gives you the best light and fewer people at the first viewpoints.
- Don’t try to do everything on foot. On a West & East day, enjoy the main viewpoints rather than hiking down every cliff.
- Respect the ocean. The waters around Nusa Penida have strong currents. Swim only where your guide says it is safe.
- Keep your plans flexible. It’s a private tour, so if you’d rather spend more time on one side of the island, tell your guide.
Prefer a relaxed day at sea? Cruise to Lembongan
If steep paths and bumpy roads aren’t for you, a catamaran cruise is a good alternative:
- Full-day cruise to Lembongan Island on board the Bali Hai II catamaran, with time on a palm-fringed beach with turquoise water. About 9 hours, departing at 08:00 and returning at 17:00.
- Sunset cruise on the “Bali Hai” catamaran, with dinner and live music while the sun goes down. About 4 hours 30 minutes, 17:00 to 21:30.
Combine Nusa Penida with a longer trip
A Nusa Penida day trip fits easily into a longer holiday. Many of our guests add it to our Bali Around Trip, 5 Nights / 6 Days, or combine Bali with Lombok, the Gili Islands or Mount Bromo in Java. See all our Bali tour packages.
Frequently asked questions
Can I see both the west and east of Nusa Penida in one day?
Yes. Our day trip covers the highlights of both sides: Kelingking, Broken Beach and Angel’s Billabong in the west, and Diamond Beach and Atuh Beach in the east.
Is the tour private?
Yes. You have a private car and driver-guide on the island, and the tour is flexible.
How much does the Nusa Penida day trip cost?
Prices depend on the number of people and the pick-up option. Contact us on WhatsApp for the starting price per person, which includes boat tickets and entrance fees.
Do I need to bring cash?
Yes. The harbour retribution fee is paid on site, and cash is useful for drinks and small purchases.
What happens if the weather is bad?
In extreme weather the tour is cancelled or rescheduled for your safety.
Book your Nusa Penida day trip
Send us a WhatsApp message with your preferred date, the number of people and your hotel area. We’ll confirm availability and the price.
Book the Nusa Penida day trip on WhatsApp
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