How to spend 3 days on Nusa Penida
Penida island has loads of things to see and do. All over the island, you will find cassava and corn farms. In the center of the island, there are windmills that generate power for all three Nusa Islands. Here is how to see the island in 3 days.
Also read: 19 x Things to do in Nusa Penida
Day 1 – North and East
Catch the first ferry at 8 AM from the Sanur harbor to Nusa Penida. After a 35-minute ride, you can either rent a motorbike or jump into the car to explore Penida. Learn all about a Nusa Penida Tour here.
Drop your stuff at your accommodation and make your way to the northeast of the island. Visit the Goa Giri Putri Temple, a sacred underground temple for the people all over Bali.
Atuh Beach is a white-sand beach that is great for a swim. On top of the cliff is the view on probably the most beautiful beach in the whole of Bali: Diamond Beach.
This is one of those beaches you will only see on postcards. Good to know is that it’s not recommended for swimming. There is a strong current with a lot of rocks and coral in the waves.
Finish the day at the Thousand Islands Viewpoint. The viewpoint is overlooking Diamond Beach and many limestone formations in the ocean.
Tip: More beach? Visit Suwehan Beach. Unfortunately, we could not go there due to problems after a small earthquake.
Looking for a unique accommodation on Nusa Penida? For about 30 USD you can stay at Rumah Pohon Treehouse. The sunrise from your balcony will be like no other.
Also read: 3-week Bali Route
Summary of day 1 – Nusa Penida Trip
- Goa Giri Putri
- Atuh Beach
- Diamond Beach
- Thousand Islands Viewpoint
- Rumah Pohon Treehouse
Day 2 – West Coast
Today is all about the popular west coast on Penida. Head out first to Kelingking viewpoint and Kelingking Beach. We recommend visiting from 7 to 9 AM. The first tourists coming by boat on a Nusa Penida Tour, will start to arrive here from 9 AM.
Read all about: Kelingking Nusa Penida
During lunchtime, get a great lunch at one of the restaurants on Penida island. We can recommend Penida Colada or Ogix Warung.
Learn: All about a Nusa Penida Tour
For the rest of the afternoon grab a snorkel or coconut at Crystal Bay. This is a beautiful area to experience the Penida sunset. (Don’t forget to take a picture at the beautiful palm road.)
Tip: It’s recommended to wear shoes in the water at Crystal Bay since the rocks and corals are very sharp.
Summary of day 2 – Nusa Penida Trip
- Kelingking
- Broken Beach
- Angel’s Billabong
- Crystal Bay
Extra: Snorkeling at Manta Point in Nusa Penida
The Nusa Islands have some fantastic points to snorkel or dive with Manta Rays. Manta Point is the best spot and if you can, plan an extra day on Penida Island to snorkel or dive with Manta Rays.
Loads of diving resorts are opening their doors. Some Bali visitors actually spend more time on the Nusa Islands than on Bali itself.
Next up is a natural sweet water pool hidden inside the jungle called Tembeling. A 5-minute walk from the pool is a secluded white sand beach. You can only get here by motorbike, either on the back of a local or driving yourself.
Please note: The road is narrow and very steep for a motorbike. Only recommended if you are experienced!
Close off your Nusa Penida trip at Banah Cliff Point. Head back to Bali by boat at 16:00 PM or 17:00 PM. These two times are the last ferry boats.
Summary of day 3 – Nusa Penida Trip
- Peguyanan waterfall
- Tembeling natural pool
- Tembeling beach
- Banah Cliff Point
Getting from Bali to Nusa Penida
The ferry from Bali to Nusa Penida leaves 4 times a day: 8 AM, 9 AM, 10:30 AM, 16 PM, and 17 PM. The ferry takes 30 – 40 minutes, depending on how wild the water is.
There is no pier at Nusa Penida; you have to get on and off the boat walking through the water so it is advised to wear removable shoes. The boat staff will help you with your big pieces of luggage.
Good to know: Every year on a different date is ‘Day of the silent ocean’. Boats won’t run. Make sure to check this in advance via Google.
From one of the other Nusa Islands like Lembongan or Ceningan, it is a super short 15-minute boat ride. It is best to arrange a private boat from Mushroom Bay.
Getting around Nusa Penida
The distances to drive on Nusa Penida are maximum 60 to 90 minutes, which is doable by motorbike. However, since the construction of the new roads in 2018, we don’t recommend it anymore to drive a motorbike. The narrow roads don’t fit two cars, and with their crazy driving, accidents with motorbikes happen every day.
By car
Exploring the island is most relaxed and comfortable by car. You could do one day return to Bali or spend one night on Penida, where you see West and East. For the exact prices, check out our Nusa Penida Tour article.
By motorbike
That having said, if you are a very experienced driver, exploring by motorbike is definitely the most beautiful way. You can rent a motorbike at the harbor starting at 60.000 IDR (4 USD) a day.
Wifi or a 3G connection isn’t always available on Nusa Penida so download offline Google Maps to always find your way back to your accommodation. Getting around by car is a lot safer and more comfortable with these new roads. You can rent a driver for a few days that takes you around the island.
Learn: All about a Nusa Penida Tour
Good to know before going on a Nusa Penida Trip
Nusa Penida’s breathtaking nature is getting noticed all over the world, which is why tourism is increasing rapidly. New gravel roads have been constructed all around Penida island, and the first two ATMs (see locations) opened up. However, the new roads are very narrow and busy, so it is not recommended to drive a motorbike if you haven’t had a lot of driving experience.
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Best Nusa Penida accommodation
Most accommodations on Nusa Penida are located in the west and north. We recommend picking one accommodation for all the days since you can get from one side of the island to the other in 60 minutes.
The accommodations on Nusa Penida change from homestays, guesthouses to beautiful bungalows. Prices are a little higher compared to Bali because of the high demand. We recommend booking accommodation in advance.
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Love this post! Wish I had read this before I went to Nusa Penida for the first time. Makes me really miss the island now that we can’t travel. It’s one of my favourite places in the world and really helped me start blogging and travel writing. It’s just so inspiring. Thanks for sharing this post, it’s really helpful! I love the pictures so much
Thanks Victoria! It’s definitely up there as one of our fave destinations too :) Let’s hope we can all get back there soon…