Nusa Penida
Nusa Penida is the largest of the three islands (202 km²) and the wildest: rugged limestone cliffs plunging 200 meters vertically into the turquoise sea, hidden beaches only accessible by treacherous paths, and an underwater world that leaves even experienced divers speechless. Until a few years ago, Nusa Penida was a sleepy island without tourism — the Balinese considered it a place of evil spirits and avoided the island.
Since Instagram made the Kelingking Cliff world-famous, much has changed: visitor numbers have exploded, roads are being expanded (but many are still adventurously bad), and hotels are springing up. Yet Nusa Penida retains a raw, unpolished beauty that no longer exists on the mainland.
The island is divided into two halves: The west (around the port of Toyapakeh and Banjar Nyuh) has the most accommodations and the famous cliff formations. The east (Atuh Beach, Diamond Beach, Tembeling) is wilder, less visited, and even harder to reach.
Plan at least 2-3 nights on Nusa Penida — a day trip from Bali is hardly enough to see the highlights, and the stress is not worth it.
Kelingking Beach★★★
Kelingking Beach (literally: "little finger") is Bali's quintessential Instagram poster motif — and even more impressive in real life than in photos. A massive limestone cliff juts out into the sea in the shape of a T-Rex head, below a crescent-shaped white sand beach, lapped by impossibly turquoise water.
The viewpoint at the top is easily accessible and offers the famous view. Those who want to go down to the beach must climb down an extremely steep, dangerous path — about 45 minutes downhill over loose rock, makeshift bamboo railings, and narrow passages. The ascent is even more strenuous (1-1.5 hours). At the bottom awaits a dream beach, often deserted — because most visitors don't dare the descent.
Important: Only descend in dry conditions. Sturdy footwear is mandatory (no flip-flops!). Bring enough water (1.5 l per person). Do not go down in rain or shortly after — the rocks become slippery.
Achtung
There have already been fatal accidents at Kelingking Beach due to falls. The path is unsecured and life-threatening when wet. If you're unsure, enjoy the spectacular view from the viewpoint — it's worth the trip alone.
Angel's Billabong & Broken Beach★★
Two natural wonders right next to each other on the west coast of Nusa Penida:
Angel's Billabong is a natural infinity pool in the rock — a rock pool formation at the cliff edge, where crystal-clear seawater flows in at low tide, creating a perfect, turquoise natural pool. At low tide, you can swim in it and feel like you're swimming at the edge of the world. At high tide or in rough seas, Angel's Billabong becomes extremely dangerous: waves break over the rocks and have already swept several swimmers into the open sea.
Broken Beach (Pasih Uug) is just 200 m away: A collapsed rock arch has created a circular bay connected to the open sea through a natural stone tunnel. From above, you look into the round lagoon — the water glows in surreal blue and green tones. Swimming is not possible here (no access to the water), but the view is spectacular.
Both places are easily accessible on foot and are on the same road as Kelingking Beach — all three can be combined in one morning.
Achtung
Swimming in Angel's Billabong only at absolute low tide and calm sea! At high tide or in rough seas, it is life-threatening. Ask the locals on-site about the current conditions.
Crystal Bay★★
Crystal Bay on the west coast is Nusa Penida's best swimming beach — and the only one accessible without climbing. White sand, clear water (hence the name), palm trees, a few warungs with loungers and coconuts — that's all you need.
In front of the bay lies an excellent snorkeling reef with intact hard corals, turtles, and a wealth of tropical fish. From July to October, Crystal Bay is one of the best places in the world to spot the Ocean Sunfish (Mola Mola) — one of the ocean's most bizarre fish, weighing up to 2 tons and rising from the deep sea to the reef to be cleaned by cleaner fish.
Crystal Bay gets busier in the afternoon; come in the morning for the best experience. There are simple accommodations right on the beach.