The Ultimate Guide to Nusa Penida: Bali’s Wild Coastal Gem

Here, towering cliffs meet translucent seas, manta rays glide beneath you, and secret temples hide in limestone caves. This is Bali’s wild side - elevated.

Dive with Manta Rays at Manta Point

Few experiences rival swimming alongside reef manta rays in their natural habitat. Manta Point is Penida’s most famous dive and snorkel site, a deep-sea cleaning station where mantas circle gracefully above the reef. Conditions are best from April to October, and eco-certified operators prioritising marine protection are a must.

Diamond Beach

A dazzling white-sand cove framed by steep limestone cliffs, Diamond Beach is one of Nusa Penida’s most photogenic corners. A cliff-carved staircase leads you down to the shore, where turquoise waves crash dramatically. It’s more a viewpoint than a swimming spot; arrive early to beat the crowds and the heat.

Atuh Beach

Just around the headland from Diamond Beach, Atuh Beach rewards the effort of the descent with clear waters and relaxed seaside warungs serving coconuts and nasi goreng. Its rock arches and Emerald Bay make it perfect for a slow morning. Visit during high tide for the most striking scenery.

Kelingking Beach

The island’s icon, Kelingking’s cliffs, form the unmistakable “T-Rex” shape that dominates travel feeds worldwide. The view from the top is unforgettable, but those venturing down should be prepared for a steep, challenging trail. Whether you descend or not, the vista from above is reason enough to visit.

Broken Beach & Angel’s Billabong

These twin attractions showcase Nusa Penida’s dramatic coastal geology. Broken Beach features a natural stone arch opening to the sea, while nearby Angel’s Billabong glows with glass-clear water at low tide. Both are best seen early in the morning, when the light softens and crowds have yet to arrive, and avoid swimming at Angel’s Billabong; conditions can change quickly.

Crystal Bay

For those chasing a gentler island pace, Crystal Bay delivers. A palm-fringed cove with calm turquoise water, it’s ideal for snorkelling, sunset cocktails and slow afternoons. Snorkelers can spot colourful reef fish just off the beach, and the sunset, backlit by Bali’s silhouette, is among the island’s finest.

Tembeling Beach & Pools

Hidden deep within the island’s forested interior, Tembeling Beach and its natural pools offer a rare sense of seclusion. The journey involves a bumpy track and a short trek, but the reward is a crystal-clear pool framed by jungle and rock. It’s a serene pause from Penida’s coastal drama.

Goa Giri Putri Temple

Not all of Penida’s magic lies by the sea. Goa Giri Putri Temple is a vast underground sanctuary where Balinese pilgrims gather for purification rituals. Enter through a narrow cave opening to find a soaring limestone chamber filled with incense, offerings and the quiet hum of devotion, a must for cultural travellers. Sarong required.

Nusa Penida is raw, magnetic and unfiltered, an island where adventure and serenity share equal measure. From manta rays and secret beaches to sacred caves, every corner invites exploration. Whether you dive beneath its turquoise waters or simply take in the views from above, Penida rewards curiosity with unforgettable beauty.