With pristine beaches, majestic cliffs, and clear waters, Nusa Penida will bring you away from the bustling touristy areas in Bali. Not to mention dozens of Instagrammable spots too ?
Most people make a day trip from mainland Bali since it's about an hour away by ferry but the island is so vast and spread out that it’s impossible to see everything in a day. We did up a Muslim-friendly guide for you to dive deeper into the island's culture and take in the sights that it has to offer ?
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How To Get To Nusa Penida
Fly to Ngurah Rai International Airport, which is less than three hours from Singapore. Once you get to the Bali airport, you can hire a private driver or get a taxi to Sanur Habour. Afterwards, take a speedboat from Sanur Beach from one of the main operators such as Maruti Express, Crown Fast Cruises, and Mola-Mola Express. An average boat ride costs about 700,000 IDR (return tickets for 2 adults) and will take about 45 minutes to 1 hour.
Best Things To Do In Nusa Penida
1. Kelingking Beach
One of the top sights in Nusa Penida is this "T-Rex" cliff at Kelingking Beach which resembles a dinosaur. Marvel at the beauty of the limestone rock formations from above and be sure to take as many photos as you like! ? If you're up for an adventure, head down to the beach where you'll be rewarded with unspoilt white sand and lesser crowd. It's recommended to visit from 7am to 9am, before the daytrippers arrive at 9am.
2. Angel's Billabong & Broken Beach
From Kelingking Beach, head to Angel's Billabong, a spectacular rock formation known for its natural infinity pool. The path to Angel's Billabong is a little bit rough, but the view is worth it. Another spot worth visiting in Nusa Penida is Broken Beach, which is connected to Angel's Billabong. This breathtaking cove was once a massive cave but the roof collapsed and now you get this amazing natural wonder. Unfortunately, you can't jump into the cove for a swim but hiking around it will still be a lovely experience. If you're lucky, you can even catch a view of manta rays from the cliffside ?
3. Crystal Bay
Crystal Bay is a beautiful sheltered cove with clear turquoise waters, and is home to one of the best snorkelling sites of Nusa Penida. With the colourful reef there is plenty of marine life such as manta rays and the rare Mola Mola fish in the bay ?
Mola Mola fish can be usually only found in deep waters, but if you’re lucky you can spot them in Crystal Bay between July and September.
However, as it's the island's most popular beach, it does get crowded. Here's an insider tip: take the staircase to the far left of the beach, which will take you on a hike to a hidden bay. It's a rough trek down, so be prepared with a good pair of hiking shoes ?
P.S. Crystal Bay is facing west, so it’s actually a great sunset spot on Nusa Penida!
4. Thousand Island Viewpoint
One of the most spectacular views on the island can be found at the Thousand Island Viewpoint, which overlooks Nusa Penida's famous towering limestone karsts. If you prefer to be on the beach instead of just looking at it, take the stairway down to a pristine white-sand beach, which is great for swimming ?
The Instagram-famous Rumah Pohon (treehouse) can also be found here, and is a gorgeous spot for sunset viewing! It costs between $18 to $80 per night depending on the dates you booked via Booking.com, but is usually booked months in advance, so make sure you plan your stay.
5. Giri Putri Cave Temple
One of the largest caves in Nusa Penida, Goa Giri Putri is an important spiritual spot and one of Bali's major cultural attractions. The sacred cave is located in the village of Suana on the north-eastern part of the island. It looks narrow at the entrance (you'll have to squeeze and get through!), but once you're in, you'll discover a spacious temple courtyard ? Do note that you'll have to wear a sarong and sash to enter.
Halal Food At Nusa Penida
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1. Dapur Kue Hamza
Balinese people love their nasi campur, so you definitely need to try this spot! Nasi campur refers to rice with a variety of side dishes or toppings. Usually, the side dishes are displayed in the counter, and you only need to choose which dishes you want to go with your rice and they will serve it to you ?
Halal status: Muslim-owned
Address: 8F9Q+JGR, Jl. Raya Toya Pakeh - Ped, Kp. Toyapakeh, Kec. Nusa Penida, Kabupaten Klungkung, Bali 80771, Indonesia
Opening hours: 8am-6pm daily
2. Warung Coconut
Another nasi campur spot you can check out is Warung Coconut! Plus, they also do offer Western-style meals and desserts as well! Many reviews online say you'll leave with a satisfied belly, so be prepared for a feast ?
Halal status: Only halal ingredients used
Address: 8F9Q+WM3, Jl. Raya Toya Pakeh - Ped, Ped, Kec. Nusa Penida, Kabupaten Klungkung, Bali 80771, Indonesia
Opening hours: 8am-10pm daily
3. Vegan Soul Kitchen
Vegan Soul Kitchen serves both local and western-style vegan dishes, and is the only all-vegan restaurant on the island. After your meal, treat yourself to a fruity smoothie or chocolate chia pudding, a popular option! ?
Halal status: Vegan options only however alcohol is served in the premises. Do dine with discretion.
Address: 7GV3+4Q3, Unnamed Road, Sakti, Kec. Nusa Penida, Kabupaten Klungkung, Bali 80771, Indonesia
Opening hours: 8am-8.30pm daily
Where To Stay In Nusa Penida
1. Coco Resort Penida
This is the perfect family resort - outdoor pools, water sports facilities, and huge family rooms! Coco Resort Penida is a 30-minute boat ride from Sanur Harbour and just a 3-minute drive from Crystal Bay Beach. All of their rooms, from poolside bungalows to superior quadruple rooms features Lumbung-styled decor (traditional Balinese designs!).
All equipped with large, comfortable beds, wifi, air-con, and mountain/pool views. You also have extra-long beds with the entire suite located on the ground floor ?
Rate: From SGD119 per night on Agoda (for 2 adults 1 room)
Address: Jalan Crystal Bay Desa Sakti Nusa Penida Island, Sakti, Kec. Nusa Penida, Kabupaten Klungkung, Bali 80771, Indonesia
2. Bintang Hostel & Homestay
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Credit: Agoda
If you're looking for a budget spot that's near to popular locations, look no further than the Bintang Hostel & Homestay! It's the perfect spot to get around, just 14 minutes away from Crystal Bay Beach!. Whether you choose the either the double family rooms to 10-bed dorms with comfortable beds, rest assured that all rooms have air-con, a terrace, and wifi ?
Rate: From SGD35 per night on Agoda (for 2 adults 1 room)
Address: J7FR9+2GQ, Sakti, Nusa Penida, Klungkung Regency, Bali 80771, Indonesia
3. Dungkap Mount View
Boasting a year-round outdoor pool, this mid-range hotel offers a great range of rooms, bicycle hire, and car rental services. You're also just 5km away from the famous Kelingking Beach ? From deluxe double rooms to family-sized suites, there is something for everyone. All rooms come with wifi, air-con, private bathrooms, and flat-screen TVs. The family rooms come with multiple beds and rooms for cribs.
Rate: From SGD31 per night on Agoda (for 2 adults 1 room)
Address: 7G5W+9VP, Batukandik, Nusa Penida, Klungkung Regency, Bali 80771, Indonesia
Time to go for your long-awaited beach vacay now to Nusa Penida! If you're heading to Bali or other nearby islands, check out these articles below!