Nusa Penida is no longer a secret or hidden destination to go to while you are in Bali. Nusa Penida Day Trips are one of the must-do activities to include in your holiday destination. Doing one day trip to the west part of the island is a must, but please keep reading and take a look at these ten best day trips that you should do in your Nusa Penida day trip!
Where is Nusa Penida?
Penida Island or mostly called Nusa Penida is located in the southeastern part of Bali island and a district of Klungkung Regency. Penida is separated by a strait from Bali mainland and thus is located approximately less than an hour away by speedboat ride. Though can also be by a ferry, this definitely takes your precious time and you don’t want to be stuck in it forever. Nusa Penida comprises two other smaller islands within its district region, namely Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan, as well as twelve other even smaller islands. Being the largest among the two other Nusas, Penida is also becoming the most populated island among the two. During the recent pandemic hit within the last two years, when Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan were like dead islands, Nusa Penida remains high in tourist numbers. Although tourist infrastructure has just been developed in the past few years, this island has become everyone’s favorite to go and the next ‘hot’ place to visit when in Bali.
The west and south side of the island is covered with limestone cliffs and outstanding views. Not all stunning beaches here can be approached by land and not to mention the underdeveloped infrastructure of the island. Nevertheless, most beaches here are magnificent natural rugged beauty leaving you in full awe.
Traveling in Nusa Penida with a tight budget can also be done by renting motorbikes. Although this is the very least recommended way to get around the island, this can also be an option. Please note that the roads in Nusa Penida are very rough, hilly, and unsafe for unprofessional motorbike riders who only know navigating on smooth tracks.
How to get there from Bali?
There are enough public boats operating daily from Sanur, Kusamba, or Padangbai harbors in Bali to multiple different harbors in Nusa Penida. Numerous boat operators are offering various schedules to meet your best interests. From morning to afternoon, the boats are leaving one after another, usually packed if you don’t book your tickets in advance. Make sure to book yours and avoid the fuss!
10 best day trips to do in Nusa Penida
West Trip (Kelingking Beach, Broken Beach, Angel’s Billabong, Crystal Bay)
The most visited in the long list is a trip to the western part of Nusa Penida. On this west Nusa Penida day trip, you can visit various viewpoints that are all not to miss while on the island. Once you are off the boat, the first destination is to visit Angel’s Billabong. It is one of the few natural pools in the world. When the water is low, you may have the opportunity to dip and swim in it. Next to the billabong is Broken Beach, where a giant hole creates a huge salt lake-like just with a view to the ocean. Visiting the iconic cliff of Kelingking Beach is a must-do. You may trek down the secluded Kelingking Beach when time permits. Before returning back to the harbor, stop by the pristine Crystal Bay Beach.
East Trip (Atuh Beach, Diamond Beach, Tree House)
The east exploration will cover not-less stunning beaches than the west. Namely the Atuh Beach, Diamond Beach, and the famous Molenteng Tree House. If you are fit for medium to hard trekking, be
ready to trek down the sparkling Diamond Beach. Far as you can see the water is all blue, just like the sky. This trip is indeed a not to be missed thing while in Penida. The drive along the coastline towards the eastern part will soothe your soul.
East Meets West Trip (Diamond Beach, Kelingking Beach, Broken Beach, Angel’s Billabong, Crystal Bay)
If you do not have enough time to be on the island and want to do a shortcut to be in both top-tiered places, you must do the east meets west in this Nusa Penida day trip. You will be able to visit the eastern part first such as the famous Diamond Beach then on to Angel’s Billabong and Broken Beach, Kelingking Beach, and end the day in the calming Crystal Bay.
Peguyangan Spring, Kelingking Beach and Paluang Cliff
Peguyangan Spring is rarely talked about, but if you ever have a chance of visiting Peguyangan Spring, you will not regret it. It is located in a middle way from a cliff above it, stairs are available if you want to have the adrenaline rush to go down to the spring. The view of the Indian Ocean is exceptional. Then you can visit Paluang Cliff and Kelingking Beach.
Giri Putri Cave and Ped Temple
Giri Putri Cave or known as Goa Giri Putri is a large limestone cave on the east coast about 4 km north of the harbor. The entrance is a short, vertical climb from the road level, and leads to a temple inside it. Along with bats, various cave insects, and whip scorpions, the cave is the only known habitat in the world of two species of freshwater crab, Karstama emdi and Karstarma balicum. While Ped Temple is one of the most important temples to the Balinese Hindus who make a religious trip to Nusa Penida.
Puncak Mundi Temple and Giri Putri Cave
Puncak Mundi (Mundi Hill) is inarguably the highest point of Nusa Penida at some 521 meters above sea level. Offers exquisite views overlooking the ocean and the neighboring Lembongan and Ceningan with Mt. Agung in the backdrop.
Trekking in Tembeling Forest and Spring
If you ever have the strength to trek on the last remnants of rainforest that once covered the island many years ago, take a trip to Tembeling rainforest. Here, you will not only indulge in the cool breeze of the greens but also you will have the opportunity to bathe in the cool natural springs of Tembeling. Worth every sweat!
Snorkeling Trip to Crystal and Manta Bays
For those who prefer admiring Nusa Penida’s exotic marine life by swimming with fish rather than doing the land tour, snorkeling can be an option on the must-do list for your Nusa Penida day trip. During manta rays and mola-mola (sunfish) seasons, you will be able to swim and take a closer look at these graceful creatures. Don’t forget your underwater camera to collect this could-be-once-in-a-lifetime memory!
Diving Trip in Nusa Penida
Dive down the blue ocean, usually takes place in Gamat Bay or Manta Bay. If you are an advanced diver, the diving sites in Nusa Penida will not disappoint!
Sunset Boating in Nusa Penida
Last but never the least to do on your one-day trip to Nusa Penida is to witness its sunset from your private boat like no other. After a leisurely day cruising to some of the viewpoints, make sure to be ready to catch one of the best sunsets you will ever watch. The best sunset view from your boat is with the background of sparkling Crystal Bay and the neighboring Nusa Lembongan. End the day with a clink to your champagne glass while watching the horizon turn to red. Make sure to not miss this Nusa Penida day trip on your must-do list!