Day Trip to Nusa Penida: West vs East — Which Side Of The Island Is Worth Visiting?

Last Updated on October 14, 2025

Are you planning a day trip to Nusa Penida and wondering how to make the most of it, or which side of the island is truly worth visiting? You’re in the right place.

I recently took a day trip to Nusa Penida from Nusa Lembongan, and despite what many say, visiting this island is absolutely worth it — yes, even if you only have one day and even with the crowds.

Its wild, untamed landscapes, dramatic cliffs, and surreal turquoise waters left me speechless. One of the hardest decisions, though, was choosing between West and East Nusa Penida.

As usual, I decided to do it all. While I don’t regret it, there are definitely a few downsides to visiting both sides in just one day.

In this post, I’ll share my honest thoughts on East vs West Nusa Penida, along with practical tips to plan a smooth day trip, what to see, and the pros and cons of each side.

⭐ Author’s note: My itinerary included Diamond Beach, Atuh Beach, Thousand Islands Viewpoint, Rumah Pohon Treehouse on the East side, and Kelingking Beach on the West side. I haven’t visited every spot mentioned in this post, so I’m also sharing insights and photos from a friend who explored only the Western side on a recent day trip.

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Quick Facts: How To Plan Your Day Trip To Nusa Penida

1. How To Get There

Depending on where you’re staying, there are a few different ways to reach Nusa Penida.

From Bali to Nusa Penida

The most common way to get to Nusa Penida is by fast boat from Sanur Harbor. Boats depart daily and take around 30–45 minutes to reach Banjar Nyuh Harbor on the western side of the island.

Ferries from Sanur start around 7:00 a.m., and the last one returning from Nusa Penida usually leaves around 5:00 p.m. You can purchase your tickets in advance here.

From Nusa Lembongan to Penida

If you’re already on Nusa Lembongan, the easiest way to reach Penida is by fast boat from the Yellow Bridge Harbor, located just below the yellow bridge connecting Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan.

Right before the pier, you’ll find a small ticket booth where you can buy your ticket (cash only). If you prefer booking ahead, you can check platforms like 12go.asia. I haven’t personally used it, but online bookings are often cheaper.

💡 Good to Know: My Nusa Penida day trip was part of a guided tour, so the boat transfer was included. However, I saw travelers paying around IDR 500,000 for a round-trip ticket purchased on-site, which seems to me a lot.

2. How To Get Around in Nusa Penida

Depending on the type of flexibility and comfort you’re looking for, there are several ways to get around:

🛵 Renting a Scooter: The most flexible option to explore the island. However, keep in mind that roads and distances — especially toward the east side — can be challenging.

🚗 Private Car Hire: A balance between full independence and a fixed itinerary. By hiring a driver, you can customize your route without the stress of driving yourself (though you might still get stuck in traffic). If that’s your option, you can hire a driver by booking this car service.

📸 Joining a Tour: If you find a tour that includes all your must-see spots, it’s an easy, budget-friendly way to explore without worrying about logistics.

3. Average Cost for A Day Trip to Nusa Penida

Here’s a rough breakdown of what a Nusa Penida day trip might cost, depending on whether you book a tour or go on your own.

100% DIY Day Trip	Prices
Ferry Ticket	From Bali, the cost is around IDR 100,000 ($6) for online bookings, and it can be higher depending on the operator and if booked on site. From Nusa Lembongan, they may be even higher based on what I saw.
Scooter rental	IDR 80,000–100,000 ($5–6) per day.
Entrance fees	IDR 10,000–35,000 ($0.60–$2.20) per location, though some beaches only charge a small parking fee.
Lunch & Drinks	Around IDR 50,000–100,000 ($5–8) depending on where you eat.
Fuel and extras	Around IDR 50,000 ($3) for a full day
TOTAL	IDR 450,000–600,000 ($30–$38) per person

Booking a Tour: What’s Included?	Hire A Driver (IDR 480K): What’s Left to Pay
Pick up & Drop Off from Hotel in Sanur	Taxi to Sanur Harbor: IDR 100,000 ($6) for one-way journey
Return Ferry Tickets	Ferry Tickets: IDR 100,000 ($6) for online bookings or more
Sights Entrance Fees	Entrance Fees if any: IDR 10,000–35,000 ($0.60–$2.20) per location, though some beaches only charge a small parking fee.
Car Transportation	Lunch & Drinks: IDR 50,000–100,000 ($5–8)
Lunch (not always)
TOTAL: For a guided tour, the average total is: IDR 625,000–940,000 ($40–$60) per person	TOTAL: Hiring a driver can cost around 700K–800K IDR per person

4. What Can You See In One Day?

This is where some compromises come in — it’s absolutely not possible to see everything of Nusa Penida in a single day trip. You’ll need to decide whether to focus on one side only or include just a couple of sights from each part of the island.

Here’s what to consider:

🌇 West Side: Closer to the harbor, which makes it more crowded. The short travel times mean you can explore more spots (and spend more time there) without spending too long on the road.

🌅 Eastern Side: Much farther from the harbor (around 1.5–2 hours away) with rougher roads, but it’s quieter, wilder, and gives you a real sense of the island’s untouched side. (Plus, for me, Diamond Beach was a priority.)

🌏 Both Sides: Expect to spend more time in the car and less time actually exploring. You might need to skip going all the way down to the beach and enjoy the views from above — but it’s a good option if you already know exactly which spots you don’t want to miss.

5. Tour VS. DIY Day Trip: Pros & Cons

I personally joined a tour (I was with my parents and couldn’t let the adventurous me take over 100% of the time), but after being there, I actually started thinking about what a DIY trip would involve — especially if you’re a solo traveler.

🛵 DIY Trip

Pros: Full flexibility to explore by scooter and stop wherever (and for as long as) you want. Less time stuck in traffic on those narrow roads where two lines of cars often block each other.

Cons: The travel time to reach the East side by scooter is very long. Some roads are extremely bumpy — not ideal if you’re not used to driving on rough terrain.

📸 Tour

Pros: You don’t have to worry about driving yourself, and it’s easier to reach the opposite side of the island, even if the journey isn’t shorter. Almost everything is included in the ticket price, so you won’t need to carry too much cash for entrance fees or transport.

Cons: No flexibility — your route and timing are fixed, so once your time at a stop is up, you have to move on. You’re likely to get stuck in traffic, especially near the port or on narrow inland roads.

🚗 Hiring A Driver

Pros: You can customize your itinerary without the hassle of driving yourself.

Cons: Travel time can be longer due to traffic, and despite the flexibility, your schedule is still limited by the car hire duration. Overall, it’s more expensive than the previous two options.

6. Best Time To Plan Your Day Trip

I’d usually say the best time for a Nusa Penida day trip is during the dry season, roughly from April to September. However, this year the weather has been quite unpredictable — with heavy rain even from April to June — so there isn’t really a fixed rule anymore.

Before planning your trip, check the weather from the previous days. All boat transfers depend on sea and weather conditions, and harbors may close when the sea gets too rough. You definitely don’t want to end up stuck on Nusa Penida (unless you don’t mind extending your stay!).

As for the time of day, I highly recommend catching the first ferry around 7:00 a.m., especially if you’re not joining a tour. That way, you can rent your scooter and start exploring at least an hour before the tours arrive.

East Nusa Penida: The Hidden Gems Side

Let me start with my favorite side of the island — the East Coast. Located about 1.5 to 2 hours from the harbor, getting there is a real adventure in itself.

You’ll cross the inland of Nusa Penida, which is wildly untouched: long stretches of palm trees as far as you can see, roads that rise and fall so steeply you’ll wish you were sitting at the front of the car, and — honestly — some of the worst roads I’ve ever experienced in Bali.

But it feels as if the island is saving its best for those willing to take this not-so-relaxing journey. Because once you arrive, the reward is breathtaking.

1. Diamond Beach

Entry ticket: IDR 35,000

Diamond Beach was my top priority during this day trip, and it ended up being the place that stayed with me the most.

Nothing quite prepares you for the moment you first see it — those diamond-shaped limestone rocks rising from the turquoise sea, waves crashing against them, and cliffs that seem to drop straight into the blue. In front of you, the rugged coastline stretches out, cliffs plunging straight into the ocean.

The beach itself seems incredibly far away — but honestly, taking the stairs down is the only way to escape the crowd of tourists who stop just long enough to take a photo and leave.

Even though it’s definitely less crowded than Kelingking Beach, you’ll still have to be a bit patient to get a photo without someone in the background.

Once you start the descent, though, it’s actually quite manageable — just a lot of steps, some of them a little steep.

But the moment I set foot on the sand, I knew it was worth every step. Swimming isn’t really recommended here because of the huge waves, but you can sit by the shore and let the water rush over you.

If you don’t have time to go all the way down, don’t worry. The real highlight of Diamond Beach is the breathtaking view from the top of the cliff.

2. Atuh Beach

With Atuh Beach, I made the biggest mistake of the day — I thought we’d have time to go down and take some photos, but in the end, I only managed to see it from the top of the cliff (and didn’t even take a picture).

To make things worse, it was low tide, so swimming wasn’t possible either.

That said, Atuh Beach is located just on the other side of Diamond Beach, and once you park, you can easily walk to both spots without having to drive again.

From above, you can see the natural arch that curves out into the sea, the dramatic drop of the cliffs, and the stretch of white sand at the base — it’s absolutely breathtaking.

When the tide is high and the water fills the bay, it becomes a perfect spot for swimming. During low tide, though, you’ll see the rocky seabed exposed for several meters before the waves start again.

The best time to visit is definitely during high tide, when the beach is at its full beauty.

3. Rumah Pohon Tree House

The Rumah Pohon Tree House left me a bit disappointed. It’s a very touristy experience, designed mainly for that one photo of you climbing the stairs of a treehouse — yes, with an incredible view, but still a little overhyped.

To take the photo, you need to pay an additional fee of IDR 75,000. Unless you arrive right at opening time, you can expect a queue of around two hours.

The tree house is located along the trail leading to the Thousand Island Viewpoint, a path made of tiny, steep steps that you’ll definitely feel on your way back up.

Along the same trail, you’ll also find other viewpoints — some free, some paid — offering different angles of the same scenery.

For many visitors, Rumah Pohon is the highlight of the area: a picturesque treehouse overlooking the dramatic cliffs of the East Coast and a handful of rocky islets scattered across the turquoise sea. This view gives this spot its name, Thousand Island Viewpoint.

For me, though, the two-hour queue just wasn’t worth it, especially on a day trip. You can enjoy the same breathtaking view from the viewpoint slightly higher up, without the wait.

4. A Thousand Island Viewpoint

What truly left me in awe at this stop was the view from what’s called the Thousand Island Viewpoint — and the funny thing is, almost no one actually makes it there from the tree house.

And I get it — the way back up is long and steep — but the view that rewards the few who do is nothing short of magical.

After passing the tree house (and the line of people sitting on the stairs waiting for their turn to take a picture), you keep climbing until the view opens up to what really looks like a thousand tiny islands scattered across turquoise waters.

From up there, the cliffs drop into the ocean, and the sea shifts from deep blue to clear emerald tones.

You can spot Diamond Beach in the distance, framed by the limestone cliffs, and if the light is right, the whole coastline seems to glow.

This, for me, was the second highlight of the East Coast. The challenge, of course, is the climb back up — especially after you’ve already gone down to Diamond Beach and walked around Atuh Beach. But the view from the top makes every bit of it worth it.

Things to Know About the East Side of Nusa Penida

General Vibe

The East Coast is much quieter than the western side, though definitely not empty. The landscape feels raw and untamed, with long stretches of nature and fewer hotels or guesthouses. You can immediately tell it’s the less touristy side of the island.

Sunrise Views

If you’re chasing sunrise spots, this is your side of Nusa Penida. The morning sun rises directly in front of these viewpoints, and places like Diamond Beach, Atuh Beach, and Thousand Island Viewpoint are among the best sunrise locations on the island.

Travel Times & Roads

The east is about 1.5–2 hours from the main harbor. The route takes you through the heart of the island, with constant ups and downs — and roads that are often bumpy, full of potholes, and uneven in some sections.

West Nusa Penida: Instagram-Famous Route

From West Nusa Penida, I’ve only had the chance to visit Kelingking Beach. The photos and insights in this post come from a friend of mine who recently took the trip.

1. Kelinking Beach

I wasn’t planning on visiting Kelingking Beach, but I made the mistake of mentioning to my mom that it was “the popular T-rex-shaped coastline everyone goes to — crowded but beautiful.” I think she only heard “popular” and “beautiful”, so here we were, arriving at Kelingking Beach.

The moment I got there, I immediately reframed my thoughts from “Diamond Beach was crowded” to “Diamond Beach was actually not crowded at all.” Because the situation was out of control here.

Maybe it was because we visited in the afternoon, or perhaps because I was already tired (and didn’t have time to hike down to the beach), but the crowds were unreal — probably the most crowded place I’ve seen in Bali.

Crowds aside, the view is, of course, breathtaking. With a bit of elbowing, you’ll manage to glimpse the iconic T. rex-shaped rock formation covered in greenery, and the stretch of white sand lying just below.

That beach calls your name — and if you’re feeling adventurous enough, you can escape the crowds by following the narrow stairs leading down toward the main rock formation.

The water colours are unbelievable: the clearest turquoise gradually deepens into a darker blue that seems to hide rocks and marine life beneath the surface.

2. Angel’s Billabong

Compared to Kelingking, the crowds here were more spread out, which made the experience feel a bit better.

Angel’s Billabong is a crystal-clear infinity pool that has formed over the years between two rock formations due to water erosion. This natural infinity pool overlooks the ocean.

Visitors can admire it from above, where the water below shines in shades of turquoise and green — when you look at it, it genuinely feels like nature’s own infinity pool.

My friend’s guide mentioned that many people swim there during low tide, but it’s not really recommended — the waves can be unexpectedly strong, and there have been times when they’ve crashed straight into the pool.

During high tide, though, there’s no pool at all — it completely disappears under the sea.

The view is just as beautiful during high tide; however, to truly witness the beauty of the infinity pool with the ocean as its backdrop, it’s best to visit during low tide in the morning — sea levels in that area start to rise from around 10 a.m.

3. Broken Beach

Broken Beach is actually something I’d go back and add to my itinerary if I had more time — I honestly regret not going. It’s in the same area as Angel’s Billabong, just a few steps away, so you can easily visit both sights without getting back in the car.

Broken Beach is a circular, closed-in cove where the ocean has eroded one side, forming a huge carved-out hole and a natural bridge that allows the sea to flow in and out.

From above, you can watch the waves crash against the rocks and then gently flow through the opening, creating mesmerizing shades of deep blue and turquoise.

The contrast between the rugged cliffs and the vivid water below is breathtaking.

Here again, there were crowds, but they were more spread out, making it much easier to take pictures.

At Broken Beach, you can walk to the other side and explore the area by “crossing” the natural bridge — though swimming is absolutely forbidden.

4. Crystal Bay

Last but not least, Crystal Bay. I’m sure you’ve heard of it — it’s one of the go-to stops for snorkeling tours on Nusa Penida, but it’s also a lovely bay where you can swim, unwind, and enjoy a bit of that relaxing “beach life” even on a day trip.

It’s one of the few beaches on the island facing the west side, which makes it one of the best sunset spots — perfect if you’re staying overnight and want to watch the sun melt into the ocean.

It’s also located right along the main road in Nusa Penida and close to most accommodations, so getting back in the dark afterward is easy, and the streets aren’t too rough.

Here you can bring your own snorkeling gear and explore for free, or enjoy the view of the bay and the small rocky island Pulau Batumejinong just in front.

The best time to visit Crystal Bay for swimming, snorkeling, and soaking up beach life is during the day. By sunset, you’ll notice the low tide setting in, revealing parts of the sea floor as the water slowly pulls back.

Things to Know About the West Side of Nusa Penida

General Atmosphere

The West side of Nusa Penida is the most developed part of the island, with most of the hotels, bars, restaurants, and tourist infrastructure located here.

The area feels lively and far less remote than the East side — perfect if you’re looking for a bit more comfort and plenty of options.

Travel Times & Roads

The area where most sights are located on the west side of Nusa Penida is around 45 minutes from the port (Kelingking Beach), with Crystal Bay being even closer — about 25 minutes away.

Road conditions to Kelingking Beach and the Broken Beach area have improved from the past, though the final stretches are still quite bumpy and may have a few potholes.

Crowds

Being closer to the port, the west side is definitely more crowded than the east — and for good reason. It’s much easier for day-trippers to reach, allowing them to spend less time in the car and more time exploring.

Is A Day Trip to Nusa Penida Worth It?

In my personal opinion, yes, it absolutely is.

The landscapes, beaches, and views are truly one of a kind; you won’t find anything quite like them anywhere else in Bali. Getting there is also easy, whether you’re coming from Bali or Nusa Lembongan — that’s definitely a plus.

However, it’s essential to set the right expectations. The more you try to fit into your schedule, the more rushed your day will feel.

You can either plan a relaxed itinerary — choosing fewer stops that are close to each other so you have time to really experience them— or you can try to see it all, visiting more spots briefly from the top.

If I could give just one piece of advice, it would be to stay overnight if you can. Most day-trippers leave around 4 p.m., which means that once they’re gone, you’ll have the island almost to yourself.

Best Nusa Penida Tours

Here are a couple of tours you can consider joining if you don’t want to ride the scooter yourself:

🌅 East Side All-Inclusive Tour: This tour covers the main sights on the east side of Nusa Penida mentioned in this post, plus Teletubbies Hill — a landscape of stunning half-spherical green hills stretching for kilometers.

🌴 West Side All-Inclusive Tour: This experience covers all the sights mentioned above (those located on the west side), and includes pick-up and drop-off in Sanur, the ferry ticket, and even lunch.

🌏 East & West Side Tour: This is a very packed itinerary that includes Diamond and Atuh Beach on the east side, and Broken Beach, Angel’s Billabong, and Kelingking Beach on the west. Everything is included in the tour except for meals and optional photo fees.

🧭 Nusa Penida Off-The-Beaten-Path (Ideal for Second-Time Visitors): This tour takes you to the Goa Giri Putri Temple (the most sacred on the island), Teletubbies Hill, Semaya Village and its traditional seaweed farms, and the stunning Beaches on the east side.

🛏️ 2-Day Nusa Penida Tour: If I could do it all over again, I’d definitely stay overnight in Nusa Penida. This is 100% the tour I’d book: it’s a slow travel experience covering hidden-path locations and allowing you to get to know the island beyond the most touristy spots.

Here it is — my take on planning a day trip to Nusa Penida.

To sum it up, if you’re comfortable driving yourself (even for longer distances and on rough roads), renting a scooter is definitely the best option.

If you’re not, or if you’re particular about your itinerary, hiring a driver and customizing the trip around your top priority is the way to go.

No matter which side you choose, visiting Nusa Penida is a must and a fantastic addition to any Bali itinerary. And if you’re still planning your trip and looking for more tips, make sure to check out my Bali Travel Guide — it has everything you need to fill in the missing pieces.

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