Is Nusa Penida Still Worth Visiting in 2026? Here’s My Take

One question I get asked a lot from travelers going to Bali: is Nusa Penida worth it?

In my opinion, Nusa Penida is certainly worth visiting, especially if you love raw nature and adventure. In fact, I prefer Nusa Penida to visiting Bali! However, the truth is that the island may not be for everyone, especially if you prefer beach bars to viewpoints.

In this quick review, I’ll hope to leave you with a better understanding of whether you should visit the island on your trip, with personal insights and recommendations for every type of travel.

What's Changed on Nusa Penida (Latest Updates)

• Bali Tourism Surge: In 2024, Bali welcomed 6.33 million international visitors, surpassing pre-pandemic levels, and continued to grow to 6.95 million visitors in 2025. I've noticed this surge is spilling over to Nusa Penida, making popular spots like Kelingking Beach, Broken Beach, and Diamond Beach noticeably busier.
• Improved Access: Transport options from Bali to Nusa Penida have expanded. There are new, cheaper day trips and other established operators like Semabu Hills Fast Boat and Dwi Manunggal Fast Cruise offering more frequent and reliable trips, reducing wait times and enhancing convenience.
• Halted Developments: We previously wrote about a concrete cliff walkway and glass lift under construction at Kelingking Beach, aiming to replace the old dirt path and improve safety for the increasing number of visitors, and we personally weren't a fan on this. We weren't alone; the controversial project was ordered to be demolished in late 2025.
• Emerging Spots: New establishments have opened up, such as Warung Tu Pande near Toya Pakeh for local food, and accommodations like Kompyang Cottage and Penida Bambu Green offering nice new boutique stays in tranquil settings.

Why Visit Nusa Penida?

With its stunning views and crystal-clear waters, Nusa Penida has become one of the most Instagrammable places in the world. With that comes great positives, like amazing viewpoints, crystal-clear water beaches, and epic snorkeling locations.

Here are some reasons why I would recommend travelers to make the trip.

1. Breathtaking Scenery

Nusa Penida is renowned for its dramatic coastal cliffs, pristine beaches, and unique rock formations. The iconic Kelingking Beach, with its T-Rex-shaped cliff, is one of the most photographed views in Indonesia and one of my personal favorites.

The island's rugged terrain and untouched beauty provide a stark contrast to the more developed areas of Bali, and I believe it is far more beautiful. Although there is currently a development happening to install a concrete walkway down to the beach, sad really.

2. Adventure Opportunities

If you read this blog regularly, you know that it's all about the adventure. And, Nusa Penida offers just that. You'll find awesome hikes to secluded beaches, hidden caves, and diving or snorkeling opportunities over vibrant coral reefs.

The island's challenging terrain was once much harder to explore. However, recent road developments have made getting around much easier.

3. Rich Marine Life

The waters surrounding Nusa Penida are home to diverse marine life, including manta rays, sea turtles, and colorful coral reefs.

Popular dive sites like Manta Point and Crystal Bay attract divers from around the world, offering a chance to witness these majestic creatures up close. However, these are often cancelled due to bad weather and big seas.

4. Tranquility and Escape

I've visited Bali many times, and most of those occassions were to get to Lombok, the Gili Islands, or Nusa Penida.

Truthfully, I don't like what's happened to Bali. Overtourism and development has really changed the island in recent years.

The good news is that despite its growing popularity, parts of Nusa Penida remain relatively untouched and less crowded than mainland Bali. For those seeking a peaceful retreat, the island's remote beaches and quiet villages provide a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of tourist hotspots and the constant drumming club music and drunk tourists.

5. Accessibility

While it feels like a remote island in the middle of Indonesia. Nusa Penida is easily accessible from Bali, with regular speed boats departing from Sanur and other coastal towns. The short boat ride, typically around 45 minutes, makes it a convenient day trip or multi-day trip for travelers looking to explore beyond Bali's main attractions.

The Reality of Tourism on Nusa Penida

From my perspective, when I first visited the island in 2018, it was very raw and untouched. Adventure was around every corner, spots like Diamond Beach had just opened up, and there were no tourists around places like Peguyangan Waterfall.

It felt like a hidden gem, a place where you could truly escape and immerse yourself in nature's beauty.

The thing is, getting to Nusa Penida used to be more difficult. Boats would often flip in the Lombok Strait (though this still happens occasionally, it's much rarer now). Nowadays, there are so many ferries, day trips, and convenient ways to get to the island. This increased accessibility is great in many ways, but it also means that Bali's tourist floodgates have opened, and many travelers are spilling over into Nusa Penida.

This influx of tourists isn't necessarily a bad thing. It has brought more attention and infrastructure to the island, making it easier for travelers to explore and enjoy. However, it also means that tourism is growing very quickly. For example, at Kelingking Beach, if you don't arrive at sunrise, you'll likely be waiting in line for a photo of the T-Rex viewpoint.

In 2026, Nusa Penida sits somewhere between ‘wild island’ and ‘mini Bali.’ It’s not overdeveloped yet, but the transformation is clearly underway. The once serene and secluded spots are now bustling with visitors, and the untouched charm of Nusa Penida is slowly fading.

Who is Nusa Penida Not For?

While Nusa Penida is a stunning destination that offers a lot to travelers, it might not be the ideal spot for everyone. Here are a few reasons why Nusa Penida might not be the best choice for some travelers:

1. Luxury travelers: If your idea of a perfect vacation includes luxurious resorts, fine dining, and pampering spa treatments, stay in Bali. Nusa Penida is still relatively undeveloped compared to Bali, with limited high-end accommodations and amenities.
2. Inexperienced Drivers: The roads on Nusa Penida are notoriously challenging, with steep inclines, sharp turns, and uneven surfaces. Yeah, the roads are much better these days but if you're not confident in your driving skills, especially on a motorcycle, navigating the island can be daunting and potentially dangerous.
3. Travelers Who Dislike Crowds: Popular spots like Kelingking Beach, Broken Beach, and Angel’s Billabong can get extremely crowded, especially during peak tourist seasons. If you prefer solitude and quiet, head to Lombok.
4. Those Sensitive to Bumpy Rides: The journey to and around Nusa Penida can be rough. Boat rides can be choppy, and the island’s roads are often bumpy and unpaved. If you get seasick or easily motion-sick, this could impact your enjoyment of the trip.
5. Party Travelers: If you'd prefer to drink cocktails at a beach bar than chasing views and getting up early for sunrise, then stay in Bali or go to Gili Trawangan. Yeah, there are a few bars around but overall the island is more about natural beauty and tranquility than parties.

Best Way to Visit Nusa Penida in 2026

• Stay at Least A Few Nights - A day trip can work logistically, but it rarely does Nusa Penida justice anymore. With busier ferries, traffic around the west-coast highlights, and longer lines at viewpoints, you’ll spend a lot of time moving and waiting rather than enjoying the island. Two or three nights give you the flexibility to visit the most popular spots at sunrise or sunset, and explore quieter areas.
• Visit Kelingking, Diamond Beach, and Broken Beach Early - These viewpoints are still among the most spectacular in Indonesia, but among the most crowded. If you want a calmer experience and better photos, aim to arrive right at sunrise or in the late afternoon after most day-trippers have left.
• Plan Ahead for Tricky Roads - Main roads are better than they were in 2018, but many routes remain steep, uneven, and full of tight turns. Traffic around popular sites can also feel chaotic. If you're unsure about your scooter-driving skills, hiring a local driver removes a lot of stress.
• Plan for Choppy Seas - If you’re prone to seasickness, take a morning ferry when conditions are typically calmer, sit toward the back of the boat, and bring motion-sickness medication.

Verdict: Is Nusa Penida Still Worth It in 2026?

Absolutely, Nusa Penida is worth visiting for its breathtaking scenery, adventure opportunities, and tranquility (in some locations). I'll be going back yet again for sure.

While the increase in tourism has made it busier and more accessible, the island still offers a unique and raw experience compared to Bali. If you love nature, adventure, and don't mind a few crowds, Nusa Penida is a must-see. However, for those seeking luxury, nightlife, or solitude, you might want to consider other destinations.

Tip: If you've always wanted to visit Nusa Penida and want to do it before it gets overdeveloped like Bali, do it now!