Nusa Penida

Nusa Penida is about 30 min away from the east coast of Bali by speedboat. Operators and timings change constantly, but local booking engines Skypenida and 12go offer reasonably up-to-date schedules and online booking options. Most leave from Sanur port (Sanur Beach Pelabuhan Rakyat) and head to one of the many ports on the north coast — check carefully to see where you'll end up. The boats are cramped, occasionally unsafe, and depending on the tides you can expect to get wet boarding and disembarking, so dress accordingly!

Speedboat Safety

In rough seas, wear the lifejackets. They are usually on a rack above you. Just because others are not, does not mean you should throw caution to the wind. There have been several recent instances of tourist fast boats capsizing. Do not let the size of the fast boats and distance of only 25 km between Sanur on Bali and Sampalan Beach on Nusa Penida fool you; this is the open ocean in between the two islands. Even if the weather seems fine at port, these can be very rough waters with strong currents, and waves sometimes reaching between 6-10 meters. Sit towards the back of the boat for less turbulence and on the aisle for easier evacuation access in case of emergencies.

• Angel Billabong, Sanur to Banjar Nyuh, ☏ +62 853 333 99175. 07:00. Angel billabong have 10 departures a day from 07:00: 5 times a day from Sanur and 5 times from Nusa Penida. One-way fare Rp 150,000/person and return Rp 300,000/person. Depending on who is staffing the ticket desk, they will ask for much more but stand your ground. Locals pay Rp 100,000. (updated Jan 2017)
• Caspla Bali Boat, Sanur to Buyuk, ☏ +62 361 7912299. Speed boat service, 3 times daily to Nusa Penida. Scheduled departure from Sanur Beach at 11:00, 14:00 and 16:30. Departure from Buyuk, Nusa Penida at 08:00, 12:30 and 16:00. One way fare Rp 125,000/person and return Rp 250,000/person. (updated Jan 2017)
• Idola Express, Sanur to Sampalan, ☏ +62 878 62251815. 
• Starfish Fast Cruise, Sanur to various ports. 

You can catch the daily public roll-on, roll-off ferry (large boat that includes vehicles) from Padang Bai. The ro-ro departs twice a day from either direction. It is slower but much cheaper than the fast boats. In November 2017 only one departure a day at 10:00. Tickets can be bought from 09:00 in a Building called "Loket" for Rp 31,000 per adult. The boat departs between 10:30 and 13:00, depending on the quantity of passengers (Oct 2018).

The vast majority of visitors to Nusa Penida do so on day trip cruises, returning to Bali for the night. All the speedboat operators listed earlier also offer tours, but there are a few dedicated cruise operators as well.

• Quicksilver. Runs daily cruises from Benoa Harbour in Bali to their monstrous pontoon which floats off Toyapakeh. The trip includes watersport activities centred on the pontoon. US$120/60 adult/child. (updated May 2022)

• Public boats depart daily at 06:00 close to the suspension bridge between Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan and run to Toyapakeh or Buyuk Harbour in northern Nusa Penida. There are also services from the Jungut Batu area of Nusa Lembongan to Nusa Penida.
• Charter boats are available, departing from and arriving at the same area as the public boats. If you are staying on Nusa Lembongan, ask at your hotel. If not, go to the shoreline close to Yellow Bridge or to the beach at Jungut Batu and ask around amongst the boatmen. Rates certainly vary but expect to pay around Rp 300,000.

• 🌍 Tembeling Rainforest & Spring. The whole southern coast of Nusa Penida has spectacular, high white limestone cliffs which will simply take your breath away. Tembeling rainforest showcases the last remnants of rainforest that covered the island many years ago. Green, leafy and cool there are also two natural springs that you can bathe in. Continue your walk down to the beach for spectacular views. (updated Jan 2017)
• 🌍 Peguyangan Spring (Peguyangan Waterfall). Set on the south side of the island the spring is at the bottom of 700 blue stairs. The spring at the bottom is small but the scenery on the way down and at the bottom is magnificent. Wear proper shoes as footings can be a little precarious. This climb down and up is not for everyone especially those that do not like heights as the steps are set at the side of the cliff. (updated Jan 2019)

• 🌍 Atuh Beach, Pejukutan, ☏ +62 818-793-913. At the east side of the island Atuh beach welcomes the sun first every morning. Walk along magnificent limestone cliff tops and if you are up for a bit of exercise climb down the steps to the beautiful white sand beach. A photographer's delight. Food and refreshments are available, and there is good snorkelling for small fishes. 
• 🌍 Suwehan Beach, Tanglad, ☏ +62 822-3617-6345. Set in the south east corner of the island, Suwehan is one of the most remote beaches. The steps down (and up!) are a little strenuous but worth it for the beautiful, secluded white sand beach and magnificent scenery. The beach is not necessarily swimmable, depending on tides. The scenic drive to Suwehan takes one through farming communities, although the road is poor and quite steep in parts. 
• 🌍 Kelingking Beach, Bunga Mekar Village, ☏ +62 818-793-913. A hidden beach in the village of Bunga Mekar, with nice views over the hills. The sight features a limestone headland covered in green, against the deep blue waters of the ocean. This unique formation is reminiscent of a Tyrannosaurus Rex head, hence its nickname ‘T-Rex Bay’. The secluded beach itself is down a rugged 400-m cliffside hike, recommended only for the fit and adventurous. (updated May 2018)
• Heat Emergencies: There is little shade on the coasts of Nusa Penida, especially on this side of the island. The weather can get extremely hot in the warm season (up to 40 ° C) during peak hours of sunlight, not to mention the humidity. Do not overestimate your athletic abilities as comparable to the body’s ability to handle the heat and direct sun on a 400 meter vertical hike with no shade. Medical infrastructure on the island is limited and heat stroke is a serious medical emergency. It is not advisable to conduct this hike in the warm season between 10:00-14:00 when the sun is at its strongest.
• 🌍 Diamond Beach, Pejukutan. A beautiful beach. (updated Nov 2019)

• 🌍 Pura Goa Giri Putri / Goa Karang Sari (Giri Putri Cave Temple / Karangsari or Karangsari Cave), Karangsari / Suana. Large limestone caves on the east coast about 4 km north of Suana village, near the village of Karangsari. The entrance is a short, vertical climb from the road level, and leads to the temple; you will need to be suitably clad in a sarong (can be rented for Rp 5,000 from the shop at the roadside), sign the visitor book, and make a donation. Of great religious and cultural significance, there are Hindu and Buddhist temples and worshippers may be present. Photography is allowed. Along with bats, various cave insects, and whipscorpions, the cave is the only known habitat in the world of two species of freshwater crab, Karstama emdi and Karstarma balicum. Both crab species are critically endangered and threatened by the increasing development of the cave for worship and tourists. Rp 5,000 to hire a sarong, and a temple donation of Rp 20,000 or so. (updated Jan 2017)
• 🌍 Pura Ped, Ped village (at Ped village on the main north coast road between Toyapakeh and Sampalan). An extremely important temple to the Balinese Hindus many of whom make an annual pilgrimage to Nusa Penida specifically to pray here. Worth a visit especially at full moon for the ceremony which goes on into the night. Entry in full ceremonial dress (sarong and sash) for both men and women is required. (updated Jan 2017)
• 🌍 Pura Batu Medahu and Pura Batu Kuning. Two interesting and stunningly located temples on the east coast road south of Suana. Instead of taking the main road from Suana heading south west, continue on the coast road towards the tiny village of Semaya. You will come to the two temples (Pura Batu Madan first) after about 1.5 km and before you reach Semaya. 

• 🌍 Crystal Bay, Sakti (take the only small road which heads west from the main road at Sakti village and keep going until you hit the coast). A stunning white sand beach at Banjar Penida west of Sakti village on the north western coast facing Nusa Ceningan. Perfect clear waters and excellent snorkelling. Lovely white sand beach and a great place for a picnic. A truly idyllic spot and you are likely to have it to yourself apart for the odd local villager and maybe a diveboat offshore. (updated Apr 2022)
• 🌍 Puncak Mundi (Mundi Hill), Klumpu. The highest point of Nusa Penida at some 521 metres above sea level. Great views from here. This area is also home to now defunct alternative energy facility with wind turbines and a solar panel farm. Puncak Mundi temple perches high on the hill. (updated Jan 2017)
• 🌍 Broken Beach & Angel Billabong (Pasih Uug) (in the southwest, walking distance from Angels Billabong). Stunning views from cliff tops show off the natural hole that encompasses Broken Beach. You can enter the infinity pool at low tide, but for safety reasons please do not enter at high tide when waves are crashing over the edge. (updated Jan 2017)

Tour the 200-km² island or snorkel with giant mantas and dive with mola mola.

There are various tour operators on the island that will take you on private guided tours by car or scooter as you prefer. Packages can be tailor made to suit your budget and time schedule.

• Nusa Penida Tour, ☏ +62818793913, hi@natanusapenida.com. (updated May 2022)
• Nusa Penida Tour (Nusa Penida Tour), Jl. Puncak Mundi, Nusa Penida, Klungkung - Bali, ☏ +6281339448513, info@tripnusapenida.com. (updated Sep 2022)
• 🌍 Nusa Penida Tour Packages, ☏ +62 81333771288, info@nusapenidatour.net. 6AM-11PM. (updated Nov 2022)

Nusa Penida is best known as a world class diving destination. There are more than 20 identified dive sites around the island, the most notable including Crystal Bay, Manta Point, Toyapakeh, Suana Bay and Malibu Point. The rich waters around the three islands support no less than 247 species of coral and 562 species of fish.

Many dive operators based in Bali and neighbouring Nusa Lembongan offer specific dive trips to Nusa Penida. Special attractions include fabulous Mola Mola (Oceanic Sunfish) in season and large Manta Rays year round. Mola Mola are migratory fish and most likely from July to October although sightings are reported all year round. There is diving available here for beginners but most of the dives require a decent level of experience as currents are strong and unpredictable.

Freediving the rich waters around the island is one of the most satisfying ways of exploring the underwater world. Several locations provide great opportunities to see the abundant corral and marine life. Going with a knowledgeable operator is important as the currents around the island are quite strong and in places unpredictable. Fancy to see sharks in Malibu point or dive with Mantas away from the snorkeling hotspots? Take a course with one of the freediving schools and learn more about your hidden abilities to dive deep without a tank.

• Nusa Penida Watersport +62 822 3681 4935 Locally owned and operated with a really good reputation. They have PADI certified instructors and also do snorkelling trips.
• Octopus Dive, Ped
• Penida Dive Resort, Toyapakeh, ☏ +62 813 37077590. A Czech-run dive centre located on Nusa Penida. (updated Jan 2017)
• 🌍 Purple Dive Penida, Jln Raya Ped, ☏ +6281339986262, info@purpledivepenida.com. 7am-6pm. PADI Dive Center (updated Dec 2019)
• Bali Aqua Penida, Jl Raya PED, Buyuk, ☏ +62 812 37779099, divingpenida@gmail.com. (updated Dec 2021)

Freediving

• Freedive Nusa, ☏ +62 821 47417679. SSI & Molchanovs certified and led by one of only three instructor trainers in Indonesia. One minute walk to the home reef and regular guided trips including freediving gear. 
• Apnea Penida, ☏ +62 821 46815129, info@apneapenida.com. Offers a variety of freediving classes suitable for any level of experience from total beginner to instructor. Also provides coaching and training sessions, freediving trips, and yoga classes. Offers courses from Apnea Total, AIDA, and Molchanovs. 

• BFC. Fried Chicken. (updated Jan 2021)

• The Gallery. Serves all day breakfast, lunch, and dinner. (updated Jan 2021)
• Star Semabu Resort Nusa Penida, Jl. Raya Toya Pakeh – Ped, Nusapenida, Kabupaten Klungkung, ☏ +62 813-3866-5554. Offers sweeping views of the island and sea from its location on the quiet hills of Nusa Penida. (updated May 2023)

• Dapur Nusa. Serves fresh grilled fish. (updated Jan 2021)
• Warung Jungle. Serves seafood. (updated Jan 2021)
• Warung Tu Pande. Serves western and Indonesian dishes. (updated Jan 2021)