Have you been back to Bali this year? If not, this is your sign to book flight tickets to Bali to enjoy the endless sun, the salty sea breeze and that dreamy island life. If you wanna dive deep into the island fun, then head to Nusa Penida and enjoy the cool things to do in the island located at the southeast coast of mainland Bali.

What to expect in Nusa Pendia? Here are 8 cool things to do and hotels to stay during your trip to Nusa Penida. 

Read More: What time is it in Bali? The ultimate time zone conversion tool for Australians

Take a 20 to 45 minutes boat ride from Pantai Matahari Terbit Harbour in Sanur Beach or Padangbai to get to Nusa Penida. Some travelers opt for a day trip, but we’d recommend you to stay at the island for at least 2-3 days to soak up and explore these fun things to do in Nusa Penida:

If you love trekking/hiking up and down cliffs and enjoy secluded beaches with magnificent views with less crowds, then start your Nusa Penida Beach by exploring these two beaches located nearby. Atuh Beach and Diamond Beach offer amazing panorama from above the cliff, seeing the turquoise blue water crashing to white sandy beach and majestic rock formations surrounding it. 

The hike down the beach is a bit challenging, going through the steep rocky staircase and going back up is definitely not for the faint hearted. So, you can either pick to trek down and up at one of the beaches or split it into a 2 days adventure. 

The Raja Lima is a 3 star hotel offering rustic style wooden bungalows near Diamond Beach, so you can easily walk to the beach. You can enjoy the ocean view from above at the outdoor common space. The small restaurant is ready to cater your needs while staying there. 

As the name suggests, Crystal Bay offers crystal clear water to snorkel or dive. On a good and bright day, the underwater visibility at Crystal Bay can reach up to 30 meters. You can bring your own scuba gear/dive gear or rent it from the shops at the beach. If you’re lucky, you can even spot the Mola-Mola fish, usually between July-October. 

Stay at the beach to enjoy a sip of coconut water and wait to witness the majestic sunset view before heading back to the hotel or having dinner elsewhere. 

Penida Sunset Ocean View Bungalows located not too far from Crystal Bay, you can rent a bike/car and get there via a short 4 minute ride. This small accommodation offers charming bungalows with a touch of bamboo and wooden architecture, swimming pool, and restaurants for a pleasant stay in Crystal Bay starts from AU$84/night.  

Tembeling Beach is a natural-pool-and-forest spot on the southwest coast of Nusa Penida. Although there’s a beach, hence the name, the most interesting spot to visit there is the natural, spring-fed pools tucked into the cliffside, with crystal clear water in a striking shade of blue. You can dip and swim in the pool, but open sea swimming is not allowed due to the strong current. 

Bring your own picnic mat and foods and drinks for a nice picnic at the beach, since there are no shops around. 

Temeling Jungle Inn is a cute small place consisting of only 3 bungalows. This charming little place is situated in a quiet area, perfect for guests who enjoy serene holidays in Nusa Penida. Located 6 minutes drive away from Tembeling Beach with an affordable rate starting from AU$36/night. 

Besides the beaches and amazing cliffs, Nusa Penida is also home to the famous Teletubbies Hill. This whimsical landscape known locally as Gamal Hill by the locals, offers hills with smooth, round, dome-shaped mounds covered in lush green grass. The best time to get the best lush green views are after the rainy season (from December to March).

Read More: Best islands to visit near Bali

Another day, another unforgettable diving experience can be enjoyed in Nusa Penida. Get up close and personal with the gentle giant manta rays. Scuba dive and snorkel with the majestic manta rays, typically have a wingspan of 3 to 5 meters. Book a snorkel/diving trip by boat, starting from Manta Point as early as 7.30am and lasting for about 4-5 hours.

Known as the Island of "Island of a Thousand Temples", you can find one of the most unique temples - from more than 20,000 temples in Bali - here in Nusa Penida. Goa Giri Putri Temple is a temple and place of worship hidden deep inside the island's largest natural limestone cave. 

Go through stairs before ducking down a small cave opening to get inside the temple. It is believed that if you have pure intentions, then going in through the hole is possible despite how tall or big you are. 

Desila Beach House is a pleasant little guest house to stay right at the beach, for easy access to sunrise at the beach and a short walk to visit Goa Giri Putri Temple. The Double Room with Pool and Ocean View can be booked via Traveloka for AU$36/night. There are limited rooms available, so book ahead if you’re going during peak season.  

An amazing sight to see, Angle’s Billabong is a natural infinity pool carved directly into the rugged coastal rock cliffs, filled with emerald-green water that seamlessly overlooks the open ocean. Located just a short 10 minutes walk from the Broken Beach, you can visit both scenic cliff viewpoints while in Nusa Penida.

This famous beach and viewpoint cliffs in Nusa Penida is always filled with tourists, especially in the morning, when the day trippers are swarming the place. If you’re staying in Nusa Penida, then come later in the afternoon, to enjoy less crowds. 

The viral cliff has a unique form, looking like the head of a T-Rex and so taking a picture showing the cliff and ocean below is one of the most popular things to do here. When it’s crowded, you must queue to get your picture taken here. If you have time, hike down and back up again to the beach (it takes 1-2 hours one way).

Kelingking Tatakan Villa is a nice little villa to stay within walking range to Kelingking Beach. You can book a Deluxe Villa with direct access to the pool and a nice little terrace to enjoy lounging by the pool, starting from AU$116/night via Traveloka. 

Read More: Best Diving Spots in Bali 2026: 9 World-Class Sites for Every Skill Level

Take the morning departure from Bali to Nusa Penida as the morning seas are generally calmer and flatter. Plan a trip during the dry season between April and October, for bright sunny skies, dry roads for driving, and calm seas for boat transfers and snorkeling/diving.

Book a trip to Nusa Penida and nearby islands with Traveloka, to make travel fun and effortless with 24/7 Live Agent Support. Book hotels from more than 2 millions accommodation options available worldwide and find deals on flights, airport transfers, and attractions with the best price guarantee.