Hotels in Nusa Penida

Nusa Penida: Bali's Rugged Island Southeast

Nusa Penida sits 20 km southeast of Bali's Sanur coast in the Lesser Sunda Islands, separated by the Badung Strait. At 202 km², it is the largest of three Nusa islands — alongside Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan. Cliffs up to 200 metres drop to turquoise water at viewpoints like Kelingking Beach and Angel's Billabong, making the island one of Indonesia's most photographed coastlines without being a conventional resort destination. The interior plateau reaches 529 metres and holds traditional Balinese Hindu temples, including Pura Ped on the northern shore.

Where to Stay

Accommodation concentrates around Toyapakeh in the north and Ped, with guesthouses and small eco-lodges replacing large resort chains. A handful of cliff-edge villas near Atuh Beach in the southeast offer seclusion at higher price points. Roads are steep and narrow, so staying close to a target beach saves significant travel time on the island's hilly terrain.

Practical Tips

• Getting there: Fast boats from Sanur (45 min) or Padangbai (30 min) run multiple daily departures.
• Transport on island: Rent a scooter or hire a local driver — public transport is limited.
• Best season: April to October brings calmer seas and clearer visibility for diving with manta rays at Manta Point.
• Currency: Cash (IDR) is essential; ATMs are scarce outside Toyapakeh.