May is the best time to go island hopping on Nusa Penida. It is dry season and you’ll get to see the stunning cliffs, coastline views, and temples without the crowds!
Start your journey by heading to Broken Beach and Angel’s Billabong. Be sure to arrive early morning to avoid the crowds.
Broken Beach
Broken beach is a pretty cove where the sea from the ocean comes in under a rock arch. It’s one of the most popular spots for snorkelers to see manta rays. It’s also a cool spot to go for a walk or swim.
The beach is a pretty white sandy beach with gorgeous turquoise water. The rock arch makes it look like a little corner of paradise. It is a must-see place to visit when you’re on Nusa Penida. The best time to visit it is during low tide. Otherwise, it will be a lot harder to walk and the views won’t be as spectacular.
If you want to visit Broken Beach, you’ll need to rent a scooter or motorbike. You can book one in the capital of Nusa Penida, or ask your tour operator to arrange it for you.
While the roads on Nusa Penida are slowly improving, you’ll still have to be prepared for a bumpy ride. Be sure to wear a helmet.
The tour will include a visit to Broken Beach, Kelingking Beach, and Angel Billabong. You’ll have the chance to take amazing photos of these beautiful beaches and natural pools. You’ll also get to enjoy a relaxing lunch at an incredible white sandy beach before heading back to Bali. You can even book a night at one of the famous Instagram tree houses, but they sell out months in advance!
Angel’s Billabong
Located on the southwest side of the island, Angel’s Billabong is a beautiful rock pool between cliffs that looks like an infinity pool. This spot has become a hotspot thanks to Instagram and TikTok posts, but swimmers are warned to be careful here as rogue waves can wash people onto nearby rocks or even out to sea. The best time to visit is at low tide – pre 8AM or just before sunset. This also prevents the crowds from arriving when most group tours from Bali are descending on Nusa Penida.
Getting there is relatively easy and can be done on the same day trip as Broken Beach and Kelingking Cliff Beach. Check the weather and the tide forecast before you head out, as some months or seasons can have more favourable conditions than others. It’s also a good idea to bring anti-nausea pills in case of rough seas, especially on the catamaran ferry that takes you between islands.
If you aren’t planning on renting a scooter to explore the island on your own, consider booking one of the many tours that visit all of the top spots. These tours will usually include a hassle-free pickup and drop off from your hotel, return boat transfers from Bali, a hearty lunch, and all entrance fees. It’s a bit more expensive than going on your own, but it saves you the hassle of worrying about the logistics of transport and getting all the photos you want.
Suwehan Beach
Unlike Bali, most locals on Nusa Penida don’t speak much English. It is a good idea to have some basic Indonesian phrases handy, and to bring your own snorkeling gear, as the rentals on the boat can be pricey. Having a guide book is also helpful. Fortunately, there are a number of convenient stores throughout the island that sell inexpensive snacks, drinks, water, and sunscreen.
One of the most unique attractions on the island is Suwehan Beach, a pristine cliff beach that looks like something straight out of a fairy tale. The beach isn’t included in many tours, so you will likely have this entire gorgeous secluded beach to yourself!
It takes a bit more effort to get here than some of the other popular Nusa Penida attractions, but it is well worth it. It is best to come here in the morning (to avoid crowds) and at low tide (so that you can actually walk on the beach).
Everyone goes to Kelingking cliff (nicknamed T-Rex), but there is another spot nearby with stunning views, called Paluang Cliff. It is a great place to take photos and avoid the crowds at Kelingking. There is also a cute car shrine here that makes for some fun pictures! It is a good idea to visit both spots in the same day if possible.
Manta Point Overlook
The final stop on the tour will be Manta Point, one of the best places in the world to see manta rays. You will be able to spot them from the surface, but it’s even better to snorkel and swim with them. This is a must-do on any nusa penida tour! There are a variety of tours that offer this experience, so it’s important to check the availability before booking.
You can book this tour online, but it’s also possible to wing it and show up at the port in Sanur to buy a ticket. This option is not as stress-free, but it’s still worth considering. When you arrive, you can also hire a scooter to explore the island. This is the most affordable and flexible way to get around the island. You’ll be able to avoid traffic, pass through narrow roads easily, and get some great photos along the way.
If you’re staying for more than a day, I highly recommend choosing accommodation near the ferry port. It will save you a lot of time when you’re ready to board the boat back to Bali. I recommend Sunrise Cottage, which offers amazing views of the water and is located right next to a beautiful restaurant. Their staff is patient and friendly, and they can help you arrange drivers, tours, etc.