Where to Stay in Nusa Penida
Jaw-dropping landscapes, epic beaches, fantastic diving opportunities, and laid-back vibes, turn this island into the adventurers' mecca. On our first trip to this island, the question of “where to stay in Nusa Penida” answered itself, as accommodation options were very (VERY!) limited, but nowadays, with internationally famous landscapes such as Kelingking Beach and Diamond Beach, this island is part of most travelers’ Bali itineraries.
Adventure is calling in the fantastic island of Nusa Penida!
Join us in the search for the perfect accommodation where to stay in Nusa Penida!
Best Nusa Penida Hotels Quick Picks
Super short on time and just looking for the names of some of the best Nusa Penida hotels, where you are guaranteed to have an amazing time? Nothing to worry about, we’ve got you covered!
Here are three of our all-around favorites and some of the best hotels where to stay in Nusa Penida:
If these are a bit over your budget, you are looking for a hotel in a specific area, or you want some more useful tips about the island, fear not. Scroll down to find great tips and alternative accommodation suggestions on where to stay in Nusa Penida, catering to your budget and all possible needs, broken down by area for easy planning.😊
Best Area to Stay in Nusa Penida
Nusa Penida is the largest of the three Nusa islands located just 30 minutes away from Bali. Many people choose to visit it during a one day trip, but if your itinerary allows it, we suggest you spend at least a couple of nights.
There is no right or wrong area where to stay in Nusa Penida, but this island doesn’t have a central hub per se and the roads are popular for being somewhat challenging, so it is important you consider prior to booking a hotel what are the main sights you wish to visit in order to stay as close as possible.
A rented scooter or a private driver/guide is essential if you wish to explore the island, no matter where your hotel is located. Due to the size of the island no popular attraction is too far. Crossing the island from one end to the other should be somewhere around 1 hour.
We have listed below what we believe are the three best areas where to stay in Nusa Penida, with the nearby top attractions and the best accommodations from budget to luxury, to help you decide what is the perfect option for you.
North of the island
The north might just be the best area to stay in Nusa Penida for first time visitors due to its convenience. Boats to Nusa Penida from other islands, such as the Sanur harbor in Bali, dock at one of the two main harbors of the island, located in the Toyapakeh and Batoemoenggoel areas.
Always double-check to which pier your boat is heading to, ensuring you are as close as possible to your hotel. Most Nusa Penida hotels offer a pickup service from the pier, so inform them in advance of your destination, or they will assume it is the one closest to the accommodation.
Toyapakeh serves as the closest the island has to a main town while maintaining a chill vibe at all times. If you need to be within walking distance of a handful of good restaurants and cool bars to make the most out of your holidays, then you just found the best area to stay in Nusa Penida for you. This area has the most developed infrastructure of the island, and is chosen as a base point by families, couples and solo travelers alike.
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Last but not least, if you plan on diving in Nusa Penida to see the majestic manta rays up close, you'll find most of the island's diving centers near Toyapakeh.
While Toyapakeh may be the most lively area in the north of Nusa Penida, some mid-range hotels in Batoemoenggoel offer fantastic value for their price point,so don't overlook that area!🤩
Some of the Best Accommodations in Nusa Penida: North
Average driving time from Toyapakeh to some of the Must-Visit Attractions in Nusa Penida:
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Kelingking Beach & Angel’s Billabong: 45 minutes
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Diamond Beach & Teletubbies hills: 60 minutes
west of the island
Main attractions in West Nusa Penida: Kelingking Beach; Angel’s Billabong; Broken Beach; Crystal Bay; Manta Bay.
The west is the place where to stay in Nusa Penida for short stays, relaxing nature getaways, but mainly for people looking to be close to most of the island’s main attractions. With plenty of accommodation options for all types of travelers, and some of the best Nusa Penida hotels for low-mid budgets, the side of the island where Crystal Bay is located, is the place to be.
The west area of Nusa Penida is where the closest hotels are to the main attractions, but that doesn’t mean they are walking distance. Almost nothing is walking distance on this island😂. They look SO CLOSE on the map, but the lack of roads will make you do significant detours.
Looking forward to some island life by the beach? Crystal bay will welcome you with beautiful clear water, which is one of the best spots on the island to go snorkeling, swimming and even diving. Join one of the daily diving trips to Manta Bay, or stay inland with a visit to Kelingking Beach, Angel’s Billabong, and Broken Beach, all in one go.
While Crystal Bay is a fantastic location and worth the visit, it is far from a deserted beach. We would personally not go the extra mile to stay at the beachfront, as its serene atmosphere and characteristic palm tree-lines roads were toned down in past years by vans with tourists making a mandatory island tour stop.
If you are a sunset person, this is the side of the island you want to be at the end of the day. Most people enjoy the show from Crystal Bay, but for a less crowded space Gamat Bay is the place to be.
Some of the Best Accommodations in Nusa Penida: West
This island is becoming increasingly popular, so especially during peak season, the best Nusa Penida hotels get fully booked. Guarantee your dream hotel by booking in advance.
Average driving time from Crystal Bay to the harbor and some of the Must-Visit Attractions in Nusa Penida:
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Toyapakeh Harbor: 22 minutes
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Kelingking Beach & Angel’s Billabong: 40 minutes
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Diamond Beach & Teletubbies hills: 65 minutes
East of the Island
Main attractions in East Nusa Penida: Diamond Beach; Atuh Beach; Teletubbies Hill; Rumah Pohon Tree House; Thousand Islands Viewpoint; Goa Giri Putri Temple.
Looking for a secluded and quiet location? Have been dreaming of the mesmerizing views one gets from the instagram famous Rumah Pohon Tree House? Looking forward to enjoying breakfast while looking at Mount Agung in the distance? Then the East is the best area to stay in Nusa Penida for you.
If you wish to explore Nusa Penida’s main attractions, we recommend you only spend part of your time on the island here. To get from the East to the other attractions is a long and rough ride, which you don’t want to repeatedly have to deal with.
The East side of the island breathes tranquility. With long stretches of white sand beaches, and turquoise blue water surrounded by dramatic cliffs, such as Atuh Beach and Diamond Beach, known as the most beautiful and overall best beaches in Nusa Penida. Nearby you will find cozy guesthouses and eco-friendly cottages where to spend the night surrounded by unreal green hills.
Drive around to explore the mysterious cavern temple Goa Giri Putri Temple, visit the lovely Teletubbies Hill, enjoy the views of the Thousand Islands Viewpoint, or have your instagram-worthy moment at Rumah Pohon Tree House.
Behind the picture-perfect instagram posts: while Rumah Pohon Tree House has a breathtaking view and is quite close to Atuh Beach, the accommodation itself is quite rudimentary (aka: a mattress on the floor and a shared bathroom). Most people on social media pay a fee to take the photo and leave. Having people lining up in front of your bedroom the whole day is not the most idyllic scenario.
Some of the Best Accommodations in Nusa Penida: East
Average driving time from Diamond Beach to the harbor and some of the Must-Visit Attractions in Nusa Penida:
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Batoemoenggoel Harbor: 46 minutes
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Kelingking Beach & Angel’s Billabong: 70 minutes
Nusa Penida Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to pack but still with some questions about Nusa Penida? We have put together a list of the questions people ask us most often to help ensure you have the time of your life while at this amazing island.
Is It Worth Visiting Nusa Penida?
We absolutely love this island, so for us the answer is simple: yes! It is absolutely worth visiting Nusa Penida. Don’t expect the same vibe as Bali, as you won’t get it, but there is nothing wrong with that. You will be left speechless with its natural wonders, the most beautiful starry nights, and its lovely welcoming people.
How Many Days in Nusa Penida?
This is a super personal question that depends on your preferences and available time. But if you want to explore all the famous attractions the island has to offer, from Diamond Beach to Angel’s Billabong, then we would suggest a couple of nights. If you are short on time you can always opt for a one-day tour from Bali, here are a few for you to consider:
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Can You Swim In Nusa Penida Beach?
Most of the beaches in Nusa Penida are not safe for swimming due to strong currents and powerful waves, making it prohibited or highly discouraged. Nevertheless, you can swim (with caution) at some of the best beaches in Nusa Penida: Crystal Bay and Atuh Beach.
How to Get Around Nusa Penida?
First things first: there is no public transportation in Nusa Penida. The best way to explore the island is by scooter or by hiring a car with a driver. Driving can be quite challenging, so make sure you are comfortable driving a scooter before renting one. Most hotels offer scooters at decent prices, but as soon as you get to the harbor there will be plenty of people offering their driving services as well as scooters to rent. Get ready to bargain or plan ahead, book a private driver for your Nusa Penida trip here*.
How to Get From Bali to Nusa Penida?
To get from Bali to Nusa Penida, head to Bali’s East Coast, where you will find the harbors of Sanur, Kusamba and Padang Bai. While they all have boats operating from Bali to Nusa Penida, the most convenient option is the Sanur Harbor. Not only is it easy to reach, but it also has the most number of boat operators and daily departures. We strongly suggest you book your ticket ahead of time, mainly during high season.
If you have a rented scooter that you want to take with you, catching a boat in Padang Bai is a better option.
Should I Stay In Nusa Penida or Nusa Lembongan?
Why not stay in both? Not useful? Hm…ok! Nusa Penida is a no-brainer for adventure seekers, with once-in-a-lifetime experiences like diving with manta rays, hiking to the most stunning turquoise water beaches and chasing sunsets. On the other hand, it also attracts the picture-perfect crew, looking for the instagram-worthy locations such as Kelingking Beach and Diamond Beach.
Nusa Lembongan in comparison is rather small, but while touristy it maintains a chill vibe and family atmosphere. There are plenty of beaches where it is safe to swim, the hypnotic seaweed farms are worth visiting, and is a good two in one deal, as it is connected with Nusa Ceningan by an iconic yellow bridge.
Are Gili Better Than Nusa Penida?
Even the Gili islands are so different from one another, that comparing them to Nusa Penida becomes a question that is borderline impossible to answer. Again, it depends on the type of experience you are looking for. The Gili islands are car-free and have beautiful beaches where you can casually swim with sea turtles. Nusa Penida, on the other hand, is a beautiful destination for those seeking adventure, photo-worthy landscapes and overall raw natural beauty.
Planning Time
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