They were right. The roads were wild, the cliffs were high, and the stairs?
Endless.
But the moment I saw Kelingking Beach for the first time—standing at the edge
of that dramatic cliff, looking down at a stretch of white sand shaped like a
T-Rex jaw—I knew I had found my version of paradise.
This is not your typical Bali beach. This is Nusa Penida.
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| img: detik.com |
How to Get to
Nusa Penida
Located southeast of Bali, Nusa Penida is the largest of the
Nusa Islands (along with Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan).
Here’s how I got there:
1. Fast Boat from Sanur Port
o
Boats run daily (every 30–60 minutes in the
morning)
o
Duration: 35–45 minutes
o
Ticket Price: Around IDR 75k–150k one way
o
I recommend booking a round-trip fast boat
in advance
2. Explore the Island by
Motorbike or Car
o
Rent a motorbike (IDR 75k–100k/day) if
you're confident on rocky, uneven roads
o
Otherwise, hire a driver for a full day
tour (starting at IDR 500k–700k)
Location: Nusa Penida Island,
Klungkung Regency, Bali
Entrance Fee: Most beaches charge a small retribution fee (IDR
5k–10k)
Operational Hours: Technically 24
hours, but best visited during daylight hours
Beaches You
Shouldn’t Miss
Nusa Penida isn’t just one beach—it’s a collection of jaw-dropping coastal gems,
each with its own wild magic. These were my favorites:
1. Kelingking Beach
The icon. The T-Rex. I stood
at the top and gasped.
·
The
hike down is steep, rocky, and not for everyone.
·
But
if you make it, you’ll find white sand, roaring waves, and almost no crowds.
Best photo spot? Right from the cliff's edge.
 |
| img: nusapenida.org |
2. Crystal Bay
The calmest beach I found,
perfect for:
·
Swimming,
snorkeling, and sunset views
·
Small
beach cafés, hammocks, and cold coconuts
·
Snorkeling
trips often start here—keep an eye out for manta rays!
 |
| img: lovebali.baliprov.go.id |
3. Atuh Beach & Diamond Beach
On the island’s east side, these two beaches are carved between steep
cliffs.
· Atuh
is dreamy and laid-back
 |
| img: nusapenida.org |
· Diamond
Beach, accessed by carved rock stairs, looks like a tropical postcard come to
life
 |
| img: wisatabalipenida.com |
Best Time to
Visit Nusa Penida
· April to October:
Dry season; best time for clear skies and calm seas
· Morning Arrivals:
Catch fewer tourists and better lighting for photos
· Avoid
rainy season (November–March) if you plan to hike or swim, as roads and trails
can get slippery
Tip:
Stay overnight. The day-trippers leave by late afternoon, and the island
becomes yours.
Where to Stay
Nusa Penida has grown, but it's still charmingly rustic. You’ll find:
· Budget stays:
Local homestays from IDR 150k/night
· Mid-range bungalows:
With sea views and AC for IDR 300k–600k
· Luxury villas:
On cliffs or near Crystal Bay, IDR 1,000k+ per night
I chose a hillside cabin that overlooked the ocean. At night, I sat on the
porch listening to the sound of waves crashing below like nature’s lullaby.
Why Nusa Penida
Stays With Me
It’s wild. It’s real. And it doesn’t care if you’re ready.
Nusa
Penida doesn’t offer the comfort of polished tourism. Instead,
it gives you something far more valuable—a sense of discovery, the kind you
only feel when you step out of your comfort zone.
The island challenged me in every way. The roads were bumpy and
unpredictable, the hikes steep and demanding, and the sun—relentless. But that
rawness, that unedited beauty, is exactly what makes the experience
unforgettable.
 |
| img: uwphotographyguide.com |
There were moments I had to pause, not just to catch my breath, but to take
in the scenery. Towering cliffs plunging into turquoise waters, the cries of
sea birds echoing across stone, the scent of salt and earth mixed into the
wind. Each step led me somewhere extraordinary—not just physically, but emotionally.
It’s the kind of place that reminds you how small you are, and that’s a
beautiful thing. Standing on the edge of a cliff at Kelingking, or staring out
over the ocean from Diamond Beach, I felt humbled. No filter, no edit, just
nature in all its untamed glory.
What stays with me most is the contrast—the rugged terrain with
peaceful horizons, the silence broken only by crashing waves. I found stillness
in chaos, and clarity in the most unexpected corners of the island.
Nusa Penida made me earn every view, every photo, every moment of serenity. And maybe that’s why it lingers in my memory—it was more than a destination. It was an adventure, a lesson, a breath of fresh air for a restless soul.