A Day Trip to Nusa Penida
We booked our Nusa Penida trip through Bersantai Villas, and they arranged everything for us – from the boat over to the island, to a driver who was waiting when we arrived. When we arrived our captain introduced us to him, we agreed on a pick-up time, and off we went. The only catch? He didn’t speak a word of English. It made for some funny situations, lots of hand gestures, and a bit of guesswork, but luckily he had clear instructions on where to take us. No chance of changing the plan, but that was fine – we were along for the ride.
He drove us from one spot to the next, the car bouncing along some of the bumpiest roads we’ve ever been on. It quickly became clear we were part of a kind of tourist “carousel” – car after car with drivers taking visitors around the exact same route, everyone piling out for photos before moving on again. Still, the places we saw were absolutely stunning:
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Kelingking Beach (T-Rex Bay) – The iconic view of the dinosaur-shaped cliff is even more impressive in real life. Getting down to the beach is a serious hike, but the view from the top alone is worth it.
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Broken Beach – A natural archway carved by the sea, with turquoise water crashing below. You can’t swim here, but it’s an incredible spot for photos.
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Angel’s Billabong – A natural infinity pool where the rock formations create small pools at low tide. It looks magical but can be dangerous if the tide is high. Broken beach and Angel’s Billabong are located right next to each other with only a short walk between them.
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Crystal Bay – A beautiful sandy beach, perfect for a swim or just relaxing with a cold drink. This was also where we had lunch at a little food truck, serving freshly prepared dishes – a simple but delicious spot the kids loved.
For us adults, the scenery was unforgettable – the kind of landscapes you see in travel magazines. For the kids (six and eight at the time), not so much. They found the long drives, the queues of cars, and the endless photo stops a bit dull. Looking back, I will say it was not the most interesting day trip for younger children. Teenagers or couples renting scooters would definitely get more out of it – you can explore at your own pace, maybe hike down to a beach, and escape the tourist convoy.
That said, it was still a memorable day. The boat waited for us as planned, and the ride back to Nusa Lembongan was smooth – the children actually enjoyed the boat trip more than anything else! We also had some time on a beach, which was another highlight for them.
Since 2018, Nusa Penida has changed a lot. New hotels and homestays have popped up, and the roads between the main attractions have reportedly been widened and improved. I’d love to go back one day, hire a scooter, and explore the island on my own terms.
Quick Tips for Visiting Nusa Penida with Kids
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Book the trip through your hotel or Get your Guide – it makes everything smoother, from boat to driver.
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Expect bumpy roads and long drives between sights – not ideal for younger children.
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The main highlights are stunning, but often crowded: think photo stops more than long visits.
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Bring snacks, water, and patience – especially with kids.
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A scooter could be a nice way to explore if you’re a couple or family with older children.
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The boat ride itself can be the biggest highlight for younger ones.
Another easy way to see Nusa Penida is with GetYourGuide
Taking a guided tour to Nusa Penida is a great way to see the island’s most iconic spots without any hassle. With GetYourGuide, you can choose from a variety of tours that include transport, a guide, and access to the must-see attractions. This makes planning simple and gives you more time to enjoy your trip.
Here are three highly recommended tours:
1. Bali: Best of Nusa Penida Full-Day Tour by Fast Boat
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Duration: 8–10 hours
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Includes: Transport from Bali, guide, boat transfer, visits to Kelingking Beach, Broken Beach, Angel’s Billabong, and Crystal Bay
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Price: From $25
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Reviews: 4.3 out of 5 stars (1,640 reviews)
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Link: See this tour
2. Nusa Penida: Snorkeling 3 Spots with GoPro & West Land Tour
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Duration: Around 8 hours
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Includes: Snorkeling at Manta Bay, Crystal Bay, and Gamat Bay, GoPro to capture photos, visits to Kelingking Beach and Angel’s Billabong
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Price: From $17
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Reviews: 4.6 out of 5 stars (3,352 reviews)
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Link: See this tour
3. From Bali: Private Full Day West Nusa Penida Tour
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Duration: 8 hours
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Includes: Private transport from Bali, guide, visits to Kelingking Beach, Broken Beach, Angel’s Billabong, and Crystal Bay
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Price: From $78
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Reviews: 4.5 out of 5 stars (93 reviews)
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Link: See this tour
Whether you prefer a guided snorkeling tour, a private trip, or a fast boat excursion, GetYourGuide has options to explore Nusa Penida comfortably and conveniently. These tours let you experience the island’s natural beauty and iconic sights without the stress of planning.
Nusa Penida with Children – Pros & Cons
Pros:
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Stunning scenery you won’t find anywhere else on Bali
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Easy to arrange via hotels or booking sites like GetYourGuide
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A fun boat trip that younger kids might enjoy
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Great for photos and seeing iconic landmarks in a single day
Cons:
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Very bumpy roads and long drives between stops
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Fixed itineraries with little flexibility (especially with non-English speaking drivers)
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Crowded attractions, with lots of cars doing the same loop
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Can be boring or tiring for younger children (ours were 6 and 8 and didn’t love it, but they enjoyed the day together and the beach
Staying Longer on Nusa Penida
Instead of squeezing everything into a single day trip, it’s worth considering staying a night or two on Nusa Penida. The island is big enough to keep you busy for several days, and slowing down means you can catch sunrise or sunset, explore a few hikes, and enjoy the quieter side away from the main tourist loop.
Family-Friendly Hotels on Nusa Penida
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Adiwana Warnakali Resort – A comfortable resort with great facilities, stunning views, and a rooftop pool. A relaxing base for families who want a little extra comfort. Check availability…
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The Mesare Eco Resort – Set in peaceful surroundings, this eco-friendly resort has a calm atmosphere, making it a lovely spot for families who enjoy nature. Check availability…
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Ss Pangket Bungalow – Simple but spacious bungalows close to the water and local warungs. A budget-friendly option that still works well for families. Read more and check availability…
Restaurants the family will enjoy
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Penida Colada – A laid-back beachfront café with great food and a friendly vibe. There’s something on the menu for everyone, and kids are very welcome.
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The Chill Penida – Popular and relaxed, with plenty of choice and a nice atmosphere. A safe bet for an easy family meal.
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Warung Tu Pande – A small local spot serving authentic Balinese food at great prices. Perfect if you want to try something traditional in a casual setting.
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