Best Nusa Penida Beaches (2026 Guide + Swimming Safety Tips)

Why Nusa Penida Beaches Are So Spectacular

Nusa Penida is still pretty unspoilt as a destination (especially compared to its neighbour, Bali!), and its lack of overdevelopment plays a huge role in the island's charm. The slight downside to this is that things require a bit more planning and research, and visiting beaches on Nusa Penida requires both. Some beaches are tricky to access, some have dangerous sea conditions, and some are better viewed from a clifftop than visited on foot. 

Unlike Bali’s long sandy stretches, Nusa Penida beaches are carved into cliffs by powerful Indian Ocean swells. The result is pretty epic: the island's coastline is made up of towering limestone headlands flanked by cobalt water. You’ll find hidden coves that can only be reached by steep staircases and epic viewpoints that feel like something out of a travel magazine. The contrast between the gleaming white sand and the incredibly blue water never gets old, no matter how much time you spend on Nusa Penida.  

The swells that have shaped Nusa Penida's beaches and made them so special come with a downside, though; many beaches on the island have incredibly strong currents and unpredictable waves. This means safe swimming spots are limited on Nusa Penida, and unfortunately, every year there are stories of tourists getting into trouble in the island's waters. There have been a handful of fatalities in the past couple of years, and the Indonesian government urges travelers to follow no-swimming rules where they are in place. 

Road Conditions 

While roads on the island have improved in recent years, routes to many of the best beaches in Nusa Penida are still narrow, steep, and rough. Expect to come across plenty of potholes and loose gravel, and if it’s been raining heavily, road conditions are often impacted. 

It’s very common to hire a scooter to get around Nusa Penida, but road conditions on the island mean this is only a good idea for experienced drivers. Steep, gravel roads are tricky to drive on, even with experience - but with no experience at all, they can be downright dangerous. Hiring a driver is a much safer option, and it’s a lot less stressful too. 

Driving times are often longer than distances suggest, and you should always take the time your map app suggests with a pinch of salt on Nusa Penida. When planning what Nusa Penida beaches you want to visit each day, it’s wise to build in buffer time and be generous with this. 

Kelingking Beach 

This is probably the most famous beach in Nusa Penida. Its T-Rex shaped limestone cliff that overlooks a perfect crescent of white sand has become something of a poster-child for the island, and it’s one of the most visited spots on Nusa Penida. 

Can you swim here?: Swimming is forbidden at Kelingking Beach, Nusa Penida. The waves and currents are extremely dangerous, and there have been multiple drownings here. There aren’t any lifeguards to enforce the swimming ban on the beach - but it’s really not worth the risk. 

Access difficulty: Pretty hard! The path is in much better shape than it was when I first visited Nusa Penida in 2019, as there are steps now. Still, it’s dusty, there’s quite a bit of loose gravel, and it’s very steep. The journey usually takes 30 - 45 minutes each way, and it’s fairly challenging on the way back up.  

Crowd level: Very high at the viewpoint, moderate on the beach. Visit early in the morning to avoid the worst of the crowds. 

The view alone is worth the visit - Kelingking Beach is a must on any Nusa Penida itinerary. However, the descent is pretty physically demanding, especially in the heat. A lot of travelers are happy skipping the climb and enjoying the lookout; it’s completely down to personal preference. If you’re planning to tackle the descent, we've written a full Kelingking Beach guide with updated stair conditions and photography tips.

Broken Beach (Pasih Uug)

Broken Beach is located on the west coast of Nusa Penida. It’s definitely more of a viewpoint than a beach, but it’s a really cool stop consisting of a circular cove with a natural stone arch, which was formed by a collapsed sea cave.   

Can you swim here?: There’s no access to the water at Broken Beach - the waves are very fierce within the cove. 

Access difficulty: Very easy - it’s a short walk from the parking area. 

Crowd level: High - it gets pretty busy here throughout the day. 

You can combine the stop with Angel’s Billabong, as the two locations are super close. We've outlined how to visit both efficiently in our Angel’s Billabong and Broken Beach guide.

Angel’s Billabong is a natural infinity pool carved into rocky cliffs. If you visit at low tide, you’ll see a shallow, perfectly still rock pool and at high tide, you can watch as the waves crash into the channel with huge force. 

Can you swim here?: It’s not recommended - but some people do. If you do choose to swim here, make sure to only enter the water at very low tide. Rogue waves have swept people out to sea here, so swim at Angels Billabong at your own risk. 

Access difficulty: Easy - it’s a short walk, but the rocks can be slippery. 

Crowd level: It can be busy here, especially around low tide. 

This is easily one of the most beautiful beaches on Nusa Penida, with postcard-worthy views of jagged limestone cliffs, bright sand, and intense blue water. It’s located on the east coast of the island, and is right next to Atuh Beach, so lots of travelers choose to visit the neighbouring beaches together. There’s a pretty long descent to the beach, but it’s worth making the trip -  it's such a beautiful spot.

If you’re wondering what the staircase is actually like and whether it’s worth the descent, check out our full Diamond Beach guide. 

Can you swim here?: Swimming is prohibited at Diamond Beach, Nusa Penida, due to the strong currents. Sadly, there have been multiple fatalities in recent years, so it’s really important to obey the no swimming rule. 

Access difficulty: Moderate - it takes between 15 and 25 minutes each way, and the steps are very steep. 

Crowd level: High - it gets pretty busy here throughout the day. A lot of people only view the beach from above, so it’s not too crowded on the beach. 

Crystal Bay

Crystal Bay is renowned as one of the best beaches in Nusa Penida. The water is super calm and clear, it’s a soft, sandy beach, and it's a fantastic beach to catch the sunset. There are places to buy food and drink here too, so it’s a great spot for a proper beach day. 

Can you swim here?: Yes - but there aren’t usually lifeguards, so always swim with caution. 

Access difficulty: One of the easiest on the island - there’s road access right to the beach, and plenty of parking. 

Crowd level: Busy around midday, but quieter in mornings and evenings. 

This dramatic beach is located on the east coast of the island. Atuh Beach is set into a beautiful cove with towering rock formations on each end, and its sand is gleamingly white - it’s incredibly picturesque. This is one of Nusa Penida's most balanced beaches - beautiful, accessible, and swimmable. One of the reasons I love it so much is all of the small warungs along the beach selling food, drinks, and hiring parasols - everything you need for a true beach day. 

Can you swim here?: Yes, because Atuh is in a bay, the water isn’t too rough, and it’s usually much calmer than the west coast beaches.

Access difficulty: Moderate - there are roughly 160 steps to get down to the beach, which should usually take between 15 and 20 minutes each way. The stairs are sturdy and pretty well-maintained, so it isn’t too challenging. 

Crowd level: Moderate - this side of Nusa Penida isn’t included in a lot of day trip itineraries, so the beaches draw less of a crowd. You won’t have the beach completely to yourself, but it shouldn’t be too busy. 

Gamat Bay

This small beach is a real hidden gem, and it’s great for snorkeling. There’s a quiet, reef-filled bay here, and dive boats often anchor in the area because of the vibrant coral and large amount of marine life.

The waters are pretty calm, so it’s a good spot for less confident swimmers and beginner snorkelers. 

Access difficulty: Moderate - there’s a fairly rough dirt road to reach the beach, and it’s quite steep. If you’re driving yourself, park at Gamat Garden Sunset, as the dirt road gets very bumpy after this point. 

Crowd level: Low

• Start early to beat the crowds at popular spots like Kelingking Beach. 
• Bring cash - ATMs on the island are limited.
• Pack plenty of sunscreen - it’s expensive to buy on the island. 
• Don’t underestimate stair climbs! Always make sure you have water with you, and take the stairs at your own pace.
• Respect warning signs and locals’ advice when it comes to swimming. 

Frequently Asked Questions