Nusa Penida Day Trip: Kelingking, Angel's Billabong and Broken Beach
Nusa Penida is the rugged island across the strait from Sanur, famous for the T-Rex shaped headland at Kelingking and turquoise water crashing against limestone cliffs. It is also the day trip most often underestimated. Our Nusa Penida day trip keeps it simple: you take a fast boat across, your private driver meets you at the island harbour, and you see the three big West Penida sights without negotiating with strangers on the pier.
Prices
Fixed price per car, driver, fuel and parking included.
See full itinerary →Included
- Private air-conditioned car
- English-speaking local driver
- Fuel (BBM)
- Parking fees
Not included
- Entrance tickets to attractions
- Driver's meal
- Your own meals and personal expenses
How the day works
Most fast boats to Nusa Penida leave from Sanur in the morning and take roughly 30 to 45 minutes, depending on the sea. The round-trip fast boat ticket is charged per person on top of the per-car price shown on this page, and we confirm the departure time and meeting details when you book. Boarding at Sanur is usually from the beach, so expect to wade a little and wear shoes you do not mind getting wet.
On arrival, your driver is waiting at the harbour on Nusa Penida with a private, air-conditioned car. From there you head west across the island to Kelingking, Angel's Billabong and Broken Beach, with a lunch stop along the way, before returning to the harbour for the afternoon boat back to Bali. The whole day, from hotel to hotel, is around 12 hours.
Kelingking Beach: the view and the stairs
The viewpoint at the top of Kelingking is easy to reach and is where most of the famous photos are taken. The path down to the beach is another matter. It is a steep, exposed trail with makeshift handrails, and it takes most fit people 30 to 45 minutes down and longer to climb back up in full sun. It is not suitable for young children, anyone with knee or heart problems, or anyone in sandals.
If you do go down, bring water, start early and allow at least two hours. Swimming at the beach is dangerous because of strong currents and big waves, so treat it as a place to look rather than to swim. Many visitors happily enjoy the top viewpoint only and spend the saved time elsewhere.
Angel's Billabong and Broken Beach
Angel's Billabong is a natural rock pool on the edge of the ocean, and Broken Beach, a short walk away, is a circular cove with a rock arch where the sea flows in. Both are spectacular, but the billabong can be deadly when waves break over the rocks. Only consider getting in at calm low tide and stay out completely if waves are washing over the edge. Your driver can tell you what conditions look like that day.
Roads, weather and honest trade-offs
Nusa Penida's roads have improved, but many are still narrow, steep and bumpy, and driving between the west coast sights takes longer than the map suggests. This is why we recommend focusing on one side of the island rather than trying to cover both the west and the east, such as Diamond Beach and the Thousand Islands viewpoint, in a single day.
Sea conditions can change, and boats can be delayed or rescheduled in rough weather, particularly in the wet season. If you are prone to seasickness, take medication before the crossing and sit near the back of the boat. Plan your Nusa Penida trip early in your holiday so a weather reschedule does not clash with your flight home.
What to bring and how to book
Pack sports sandals or trainers with grip, a hat, sunscreen, plenty of water, a light change of clothes, a dry bag for your phone and cash for entrance and parking-area retribution fees on the island. Entrance tickets, meals, the driver's meal and personal expenses are not included. Booking is on WhatsApp, there is no deposit, you can pay by bank transfer or cash, and free cancellation or rescheduling is available up to 24 hours before pickup.
Frequently asked questions
Is the fast boat included in the price?
No. The round-trip fast boat ticket is charged per person on top of the per-car price. We confirm the boat time and meeting point when you book.
Where does the driver meet us on Nusa Penida?
Your driver meets you at the harbour on Nusa Penida when your boat arrives and brings you back there for your return boat.
How hard is the Kelingking Beach hike?
Very steep and exposed, usually 30 to 45 minutes down and longer back up. The clifftop viewpoint is easy and enough for most visitors.
Can we swim at Angel's Billabong?
Only at calm low tide and with great care. When waves break over the rocks it is dangerous, so stay out.
Can we see both west and east Nusa Penida in one day?
We do not recommend it. The roads are slow, and trying to do both usually means rushing everything. Focus on the west coast highlights.
What if the sea is too rough?
If boats are delayed or cancelled for weather, we help you reschedule. Free rescheduling is available up to 24 hours before pickup.