Nusa Penida: Kelingking and the wild coast
The dramatic island with the dinosaur-shaped cliff, manta rays and some of the roughest roads you'll ever ride.
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- Area
- Nusa islands
- Start from
- Sanur
- Distance
- about 40 minutes by fast boat
- Time needed
- 2–3 days
- Best season
- Best April – October
- Difficulty
- Challenging
- Transport
- Fast boat from Sanur; scooter or driver on the island
- Tickets & rules
- Small fees at viewpoints; snorkelling tours
Why go
Nusa Penida is a large, rugged island south-east of Bali, with sheer cliffs, hidden beaches and crystal-clear water. Kelingking Beach, with its cliff shaped like a T-rex, is one of the most famous views in Indonesia.
The coastline also hides Broken Beach, a natural arch over a lagoon, and Angel's Billabong, a rock pool by the sea. Snorkelling trips can take you to Manta Point, where manta rays come to feed and be cleaned.
The east coast is quieter, with Atuh Beach and the Diamond Beach stairway carved into the cliff.
The story
Nusa Penida has long had a dark reputation in Balinese legend as the home of the demon king Ratu Gede Mecaling, and the temple Pura Dalem Ped is dedicated to him. Many Balinese visit it to seek protection from illness and misfortune.
The island was historically drier and poorer than Bali, with people relying on seaweed farming. Tourism has changed that quickly in recent years.
The surrounding waters are part of a marine protected area, home to mantas and, in season, the strange-looking mola mola sunfish.
Getting there
Fast boats leave from Sanur several times a day. On the island, hire a driver; roads are steep and often in poor condition.
A suggested plan
- Day 1West coast: Kelingking, Broken Beach, Angel's Billabong.
- Day 2Snorkelling trip to Manta Point and Crystal Bay.
- Day 3East coast: Diamond Beach and Atuh, then boat back.
Where to stay
Guesthouses and small resorts around the island.
Good to know
- Stay at least one night; day trips are rushed.
- Hiring a driver is safer than riding a scooter for inexperienced riders.
- The path down to Kelingking beach is extremely steep and has caused accidents; many people only view from the top.
- Angel's Billabong can be dangerous when waves come over the rocks.