Day Trip Vs Staying a few Days in Nusa Penida
There’s no shortage of things to do on the Indonesian island of Nusa Penida. From diving and snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters to hiking up ancient temples, there’s something for everyone. Which makes you probably trying to decide if you want to take a Nusa Penida Day Trip or Stay a few days!
Nusa Penida is stunning with its dramatic cliffs, secluded beaches, and lush jungle scenery. I’ve been to Bali and currently am planning a second trip – this time we’re planning it a bit differently and you get to learn from my mistakes so your trip is even better.
How do I get to Nusa Penida?
Nusa Penida is a beautiful island off the coast of Bali. You’ll want to fly to the DPS airport in Bali then plan on your trip from there! If you still haven’t booked your flights to Bali yet you should go set price alerts through my favorite site Kayak.com – their price alert tools are fantastic because they email you once the price has hit the point where you should buy!
Things to do on Nusa Penida
One of the most popular activities on Nusa Penida is diving and snorkeling. The island is home to some of the best dive sites in the world, including Manta Point and Crystal Bay. The waters are teeming with colorful fish, turtles, and other marine life, making for an unforgettable underwater experience. If you’re not a certified diver, don’t worry – there are plenty of Snorkeling spots that are just as beautiful. When we visited Nusa Penida
For those looking for a bit of adventure, there’s no shortage of hiking trails on Nusa Penida. Head to Kelingking Beach for stunning views of the cliffs, or trek up to the ancient Pura Dalem temple for a glimpse into the island’s history. For an even more challenges hike, make your way to Atuh Beach – considered one of the most difficult hikes on the island. But trust us, it’s worth it for the incredible views at the end
No matter what your interests are, you’re sure to find plenty of things to do on Nusa Penida. From diving and snorkeling to hiking and exploring ancient temples, this Indonesian island has something for everyone. So start planning your trip today – you won’t regret it!
The Best Day Trip to Nusa Penida
A day trip to Nusa Penida is a great way to see the island without having to stay overnight, especially if your list of places to see on the mainland of Bali is extensive. You can see A LOT in a Day especially if you pick a tour that combines a boating tour with a land tour. There are a ton of tours but This 5-Star Full Day Tour on Viator.com is an actual private tour so you’ll have the whole boat & car for your group! They have options for shared space at a lower price too. The company is excellent and takes great care of you plus if you are looking for a second opinion – check out their reviews! They have literally ALL 5 Star Reviews!
Expect to be out the door by about 6:30am when you take a day trip to Nusa Penida then down to the docks by 7:30am and at your first snorkel spot by 9am. It’ll be a full day but a FUN one. Snorkeling with Manta Rays was one of the highlights of our trip.
Planning the Best Day Trip to Nusa Penida
If you plan a tour other then the one I suggested above there are a few things you should keep in mind before you go! First, take note of the tides. Nusa Penida is known for its dramatic cliffs, and during high tide, some of the viewing areas may be inaccessible. Make sure to check the tide schedule in advance and plan your trip accordingly.
Regardless of the tour you pick – pack plenty of sunscreen and water. There is little shade on the island, so you’ll want to make sure you stay hydrated and protected from the sun. Finally, be prepared for some crowds. Nusa Penida is becoming increasingly popular with tourists, so certain areas may be quite crowded. However, if you’re willing to venture off the beaten path, you can find plenty of quiet spots to enjoy the island’s natural beauty.
If you’re in Bali for 7-8 Nights then I think a day trip is PERFECT – more then 8 nights? Maybe a lot 2 of your nights to an overnight stay on the island. Otherwise, enjoy your busy day trip and all the fantastic view points.
Stay a few Nights in Nusa Penida – If you Can!
There are plenty of reasons to visit the Indonesian island of Nusa Penida on just a day trip – but if time allows, you should definitely stay for a few nights rather than just doing a day trip. Here are three reasons why:
First, Nusa Penida is home to some truly stunning scenery, from towering cliffs and pristine beaches to lush forests and Crystal clear waters. If you want to make the most of your time on the island, you’ll need more than just a few hours to explore all it has to offer.
Second, there’s more to Nusa Penida than just its natural beauty. The island is also home to a number of unique cultural experiences, from traditional dances and ceremonies to delicious local cuisine. Spending a few nights on Nusa Penida will give you a chance to really immerse yourself in the Island’s culture.Staying on Nusa Penida will allow you to really relax and unwind. With so much to see and do, day trips can be quite rushed at times. If you give yourself a few days, you can really take your time and enjoy everything that this special place has to offer.
Where to eat on Nusa Penida
The food scene on Nusa while good is limited. I think we ate at all the “popular” spots we found on different internet websites during our 3 day stay. I loved them all and definitely recommend them.
Green Kubu is the most popular restaurant and it has a fantastic viewpoint for sunset too. I highly recommend reservations for this place if you’re going at dinner.
Amok Sunset is a nice place with a decent happy hour. They have actually also have a pool and some spectacular views plus these tree houses that you can reserve for dinner too!
If its brunch you desire then definitely check out Penida Colada or The Chill Penida. I’ve eaten at both and they’re delicious!
Obviously this is above and beyond just eating at a Warung if you’re looking for local food too. There are a ton of Warungs (local eateries) on Nusa Penida too.
Where to stay in Nusa Penida
If you decide to stay, I recommend 2 nights at most – more then this and you might find yourself looking for things to do. We stayed at Semabu Hills Hotel and absolutely loved it. Everyday breakfast was delicious and they even had a shuttle service from the beach up to the hotel once our ferry landed.
How do I get to Nusa Penida if Im staying 2 Nights?
Thats probably your next question! Take a ferry from Sanur. I highly recommend not taking all your luggage, if you have that luxury. If your hotel on the mainland will store your luggage for you while you visit then just bring a duffle. Why? Well, the landings for the ferry are wet landings – there are no docks involved, just sand and water. Rolling a big 22KG/50lb suitcase through sand at the beach is not something I’d ever recommend and I wish I had known this before we went. I would have arranged luggage storage, you live and you learn though!
