Summary of Nusa Penida Beach Guide
Believe it or not, some of the nicest beaches in the Bali province are actually on Nusa Penida island. The most popular Nusa Penida beach would have to be the famous one at Kelingking, but there are some other nice ones off the beaten path.
Some of these are more like “sightseeing” beaches with big cliffs and epic views, while others are great for normal beach activities like swimming and soaking up sun.
So whether you’re looking for good places to swim, snorkel, sunbathe, or just admire some fantastic scenery, the beaches on this tropical island have what you’re looking for!
Here is my Nusa Penida beach guide, with a complete list of the very best Penida island beaches to check out!
Where To Stay In Nusa Penida
West Nusa Penida Beaches
1. Kelingking Beach
After you’re done staring in awe at the famous Kelingking T-Rex, there’s also a path to go down to the beach at the bottom. This hike is a major workout, a bit scary, and takes at least 2 hours roundtrip. Therefore, bring water!
The beach at the bottom is pristine and the waves are big; there’s even a little cave down there!
2. Crystal Beach
One of the popular spots on the west side of Penida is Crystal Bay. This is a good hangout or suntanning spot, and it has plenty of food and drink shacks for refreshments. Moreover, snorkeling gear can be rented here, or you can just sit around and enjoy while eating some chicken satay.
The great thing about Crystal Bay is that it’s one of the best spots to catch the sunset in Penida. I once enjoyed sipping Bintangs with friends while watching the sun go down over the rocks on the coast.
3. Pandan Beach
Just a 20-30 minute walk over the hill from Crystal Bay is a second beach with fewer people. There’s a small drink shack at Pandan, but aside from that, the beach is all yours!
4. Puyung Beach
If you really want seclusion, keep walking from Pandan and there’s a third beach over the next hill. This one features a stretch of perfect white sand and is free of tourists!
5. Broken Beach
For most visitors to Penida, one of the first sightseeing stops will be Broken Beach. This is a captivating circular cove formed in the rocks, complete with a leftover arch. This area is also one of the popular hangout spots for manta rays, so you’ll most likely get to see some rays floating around in the sea nearby.
6. Smoke Beach
Although not a typical beach, Smoke Beach is a cool spot where the tide hits the rocks, creating a cloud of mist. If you’re visiting Kelingking Beach, this spot is only a 20 minute drive away!
7. Lumangan Beach
This is an inlet with a hidden beach and a huge cave. It’s not too hard to get here from Broken Beach, but it’s a secret spot with virtually no tourists!
8. Bulian Beach
This is yet another hidden beach near Broken Bay. This one is just a 5 minute drive from Lumangan Beach, and it’s also relatively unknown to tourists.
9. Tembeling Beach
This is an impressive sea cave that opens up to a view of the huge cliffs on the Penida coast. There’s also a small natural pool near the cave that you can take a dip in.
South Nusa Penida Beaches
10. Batu Siha Beach
Batu Siha is one of the most remote beaches on the whole island. This one requires a 4 hour round trip hike through dense brush and steep cliffs, but the payoff is witnessing a beach that almost no one outside of Penida has ever set foot on!
11. Suwehan Beach
Are you looking for a hidden beach with perfect white sand and turquoise waves? Suwehan is one of the best hidden beaches in Penida. The hike down takes about 30 minutes and, although exhausting, it’s totally worthwhile.
This is one of my favorite places in Penida. There’s even a cool pointy rock that looks like a Christmas tree (or maybe an elf hat) and the locals have constructed some tree houses where you can spend the night near the cliffs.
12. Nyanyad Beach
Nyanyad Beach is a mostly unknown stretch of sand at the south end of Nusa Penida, accompanied by a small temple and giant hills on both sides.
The hike to Nyanyad only takes 15 minutes, with concrete steps leading all the way, ensuring easy access to the beach with its perfect white sand!
East Nusa Penida Beaches
13. Atuh Beach
Atuh Beach is one of the coolest beaches on the south end of Penida Island. Unlike Suwehan Beach, Atuh is popular and features sunbeds, beanbags, and several food and drink shacks.
The highlight of Atuh Beach is probably the big elephant-shaped rock in the ocean; locals say it resembles a stiletto. Furthermore, the variety of sea life that can be spotted in the rocks during low tide is remarkable.
14. Sebele Beach
Sebele Beach is a hidden gem that can be reached via a short walk from Atuh Beach. Although it’s not as comfortable as Atuh and lacks drink stands or tanning beds, you’ll have the entire beach to yourself.
15. Diamond Beach
Diamond Beach, with its pointy diamond-shaped rock, is yet another stunning “cliff beach” on the southeastern coast of Nusa Penida. This beach became newly accessible for the first time since late 2018, thanks to a path carved into the cliffs.
North Nusa Penida Beaches
16. Beach Restaurants
The north shore of Penida is lined with charming restaurants and beach bars where you can enjoy tropical eats while taking in the view of Bali’s Mount Agung volcano in the distance. This is a fantastic way to kick-start your day on Penida island! I highly recommend two cafes: Penida Colada and Next Level Cafe.
More Nusa Penida Travel Tips
I hope this Nusa Penida beach guide serves as a helpful resource for planning your own trip. The breathtaking beaches, stunning landscapes, and unique experiences make Nusa Penida a must-visit destination in Bali.
Make sure to explore all the hidden gems and enjoy the natural beauty that Nusa Penida has to offer!
