Where to Stay in Nusa Penida: Everything You Need to Know
Are you excited about your trip to Bali and think you'll head to Nusa Penida as part of your Bali itinerary? It can be time-consuming to research all the beautiful places where to stay in Nusa Penida.
Here is my unsolicited advice: forget everything about the bling-bling of luxury resorts and chic beach clubs of Canggu and Uluwatu and tune into the island vibe of Penida Island: raw, humble, and authentic.
Despite the increasing number of people visiting Nusa Penida and road conditions improving significantly over the last few years, some parts of the island are still quite undeveloped. Therefore Nusa Penida retains its rugged charm with pockets of unspoiled beauty, making it a true hidden gem for adventurous travellers.
There's no ONE best area, but below I'll show you a variety of area choices (depending on your needs) as well as the best hotels in Nusa Penida. Whether you're seeking a luxurious resort with private pools and personalized service or a cozy, family-run guesthouse, I'll show you all the options to suit every travellers' preferences and budget.
Best Hotels in Nusa Penida: My Top Picks
Is It Worth Staying in Nusa Penida? Or Should I Rather Do a Day Trip There?
The question I get asked most! In short: Yes, it's worth staying on the island if you have the time!
To get to Nusa Penida, you'll have to hop on a speed boat from Sanur on mainland Bali, which will take a short 30 to 45 minutes and I found it goes really fast.
If you have limited time, taking a day trip to Nusa Penida is an excellent way to explore the island. There are many different tour companies that run their Nusa Penida day trips with a focus on either the Western part of the island (most popular part! + therefore also most crowded) or the East part, while others focus on snorkelling with Manta Rays only.
Most Nusa Penida day trips usually include pick up and drop off from and to your hotel in Bali. I recommend this full-day tour of Nusa Penida you can take from Bali, which covers the highlights on the West coast of the island, including the most famous Kelingking Beach and T-Rex-shaped cliff.
But honestly, Nusa Penida has so much beauty that it deserves more time and I can highly recommend you stay at least a few days on the island. You won't regret it because Nusa Penida is absolutely worth visiting!
Main Areas to Stay in Nusa Penida
Nusa Penida is notably bigger compared to its popular sister island, Nusa Lembongan.
It comprises of three main areas where you will find most Nusa Penida hotels and that I highly recommend for a stay, each offering unique sights to explore.
📍 1. Toyapakeh Harbour & Batununggul (North East)
- Convenient location for easy Bali ferry access
- Main area, most developed infrastructure with restaurants and bars
- Best for a comfortable, hassle-free stay
- Perfect for families, couples and solo travelers
- Great for a short stay
🌟 My hotel pick near the harbour: Sea La Vie Resort Nusa Penida
📍 2. Crystal Bay (West Coast)
- Best snorkeling spot on the island & seeing manta rays
- Palm tree-lined roads & amazing sunsets
- Close to Kelingking Beach and Angel’s Billabong
- Best for relaxing getaways and short-term stays
- Great for couples
🌟 My hotel pick in Crystal Bay: Autentik Penida
📍 3. Diamond Beach & Atuh Beach (South East)
- More remote, quiet location
- White sandy beaches and crystal clear waters
- Secluded beaches, green hills and cliffs
- Best if you want to stay at the famous Rumah Pohon Treehouse
- Best enjoyed with your own transport
🌟 My hotel pick near Diamond & Atuh Beach: Atuh Forest Cottage
Where to Stay in Nusa Penida Area Map
1. Where to Stay in Nusa Penida for First-Time Visitors: North East Penida (Around Toya Pakeh Harbour & Batununggul)
Best area for:
What area to stay in Nusa Penida for first-time visitors? Let’s start with the North and East sides of the island. In the North, two harbors welcome tourists on arrival: Toyah Pakeh Harbour and Buyuk Harbour.
The Northeast around Toya Pakeh Harbour is the most urbanized and developed area of Nusa Penida and is picked by the majority of tourists. Toya Pakeh is the name of the main town of the island – chilled, pleasant, and with great vibes at the same time.
If cool bars and restaurants are your thing, you are in search of quality diving schools and being close to the main famous attractions of the island while having easy access to isaldn hopping – the Northern side of Nusa Penida definitely has it all.
Distances:
- From Toya Pakeh Harbour to Angel's Billabong it takes about 30-40 minutes by car or scooter.
- From Toya Pakeh Harbour to the famous Kelingking Beach, it takes around 45 minutes by car or scooter (easiest explored on a day trip)
The Toya Pakeh area caters to all budgets, offering accommodations from affordable hostels to luxurious resorts. Whether you're seeking a typical Nusa Penida-style guesthouse or a high-end resort, you'll find options to suit your preferences.
Compared to Bali, Nusa Penida generally offers more budget-friendly choices, with accommodations often priced lower across all categories. This makes it an attractive destination for both budget-conscious travellers and those looking for luxury at more competitive rates.
Best Hotels to Stay Around Toya Pakeh Harbour
Immerse yourself in authentic island living with a stay in a traditional Indonesian hut or go boujee and stay in a luxury resort without the price tag.
The accommodation options around Toya Pakeh Harbour and Batununggul offer a unique blend of comfort and island experience. With their thatched roofs, natural materials, and rustic elegance, I absolutely loved staying in small huts that capture the essence of Nusa Penida's laid-back island atmosphere.
Luxury: Sea La Vie Resort Nusa Penida
Sea La Vie Resort Nusa Penida, a luxury 4-star hotel at a really reasonable price, situated in Nusa Penida, boasts a stunning beachfront location and offers an array of amenities, including an outdoor swimming pool, garden, terrace, and restaurant. The air-conditioned rooms are equipped with free Wi-Fi, a private bathroom, and a kettle, with some rooms also featuring sea views and a balcony.
Location: Jalan Raya Toya Pakeh
Price from: US$114 per night
Sleeps: Bungalow style accommodation, sleeps 2 people
What makes it unique? One of the best luxury hotels in Nusa Penida, with a stunning infinity pool and amazing service.
Mid-Range: Semabu Hills Hotel Nusa Penida
Perched on the tranquil hills of Nusa Penida, Semabu Hills Hotel Nusa Penida offers elegantly decorated suites with modern amenities, including air conditioning and a flat-screen TV, with some featuring sea or garden views. Featuring an infinity pool, an on-site Asian restaurant with local dishes, and practical amenities such as free private parking and free WiFi available in all areas.
Location: Jalan Raya Toya Pakeh
Price from: US$94 per night
Sleeps: Various room options, sleeps 2 people
What makes it unique? The Semabu Hills Hotel is a great place to stay for couples who want to have seclusion but still be close to the action.
Boutique Bungalows: The Valgary Vibes
Palm trees frame the small paths that lead you to your lovely hut. Each one features two single beds, a bathroom, a terrace to chill, and AC. Great bonus: is it only 1 min walk away from Prapat Beach – needless to say, the location is fantastic and we also highly rate this accommodation for solo travelers.
Location: Jalan Ped – Buyuk
Price from: US$25 per night
Sleeps: Twin room, up to 2 people
What makes it unique? The (almost) beachfront location! The staff and the family who run the business are sweet and welcoming people.
Budget: Abasan Hill Hotel and Spa
This guesthouse has beautiful double rooms, big and comfortable, with AC, a TV, a terrace, a tea and coffee maker, with a private bathroom. After a swim in the big shared pool, head to the restaurant serving delicious local and international food. Breakfast is also included.
Location: Jalan Tanjung Akuh
Price from: US$46 per night
Sleeps: Double room, up to 2 people
What makes it unique? Straight from your room, you can enjoy the view of the island's raw jungle. I’ve got to say, it doesn't get that wild in Seminyak… Be ready for a proper Balinese experience!
Best Hotels to Stay Around Batununggul
Luxury: Ocean Terrace Suite And Spa
These beautiful bungalows are furnished with large double beds, an elegant bathroom with a bathtub, a terrace with a small sofa, and a pool view. A full restaurant is available, where you can enjoy your meals while looking at the ocean. Previous guests enjoyed the food very much! It is also close to Atuh Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches of Nusa Penida.
Location: Jalan Raya Batumulapan
Price from: US$90 per night
Sleeps: Family suite, up to 3 people
What makes it unique? The surreal setting of this upscale resort faces the ocean and view of the sacred Mount Agung.
Check availability & best rates
Mid-Range: Akusara Jungle Resort And Spa
Slightly more inland, this funky resort has modern and spacious bungalows with a double bed, a TV, a kettle, a private bathroom, a balcony, and AC. After your breakfast (included in the price!), you can relax in the lovely gazebo available for guests around the pool.
Location: Jalan Ped-Buyuk
Price from: US$51 per night
Sleeps: One-bedroom villa, up to 2 people
What makes it unique? The resort is in the middle of the jungle!
Check availability & best rates
Stunning Inland Option: The Mesare Resort
In my opinion, this is the best place to stay in Nusa Penida! Even if this resort dwells in the heart of the island and is technically not located in Toya Pakeh, you won't miss a second to be next to the beach.
Each cottage has a bamboo interior, a big bed, a view of the jungle, an adorable bathroom, and a terrace. Then, you have a large pool to enjoy during the hottest hours and sunbeds where you can unwind and relax in the privacy of a beautiful garden. The small village in the wild also features a yoga studio and is very close to magical waterfalls.
Location: Dusun Batuguling
Price from: US$71 per night
Sleeps: One-bedroom cottage, up to 2 people
What makes it unique? Affordable luxury! This dreamy boho-chic resort is so stylish and amidst misty greenery, that you might not even feel like leaving the hotel.
Check availability & best rates
Other Accommodation near Batununggul Rastafara Beach:
Best 3-star wooden bungalows: La Roja Bungalows
Best cliff-front hotel near Tamarind Beach: Ogix Cliff Paradise
Best 4-star beachfront hotel: Pradana Beach Inn Luxury
2. Where to Stay in Nusa Penida for Beaches & Snorkelling: Crystal Bay Beach
Best area for:
Crystal Bay Beach is an excellent location to stay in Nusa Penida if you like snorkelling, diving and amazing sunset views. It's also a prime spot if you're wanting to swim with Manta Rays.
A couple of great value accommodations are nearby, providing easy access to the beach and diving spots. Start your day with a snorkel in Crystal Bay, surrounded by white sandy beaches, then visit Broken Beach and Angel's Billabong, and finish with a sunset at Gamat Bay. Additionally, Kelingking Beach is easy to access when staying in Crystal Bay.
Also, read my full guide on Crystal Bay.
Best Hotels to Stay in Crystal Bay Beach
Luxury: Autentik Penida
Nestled near Crystal Bay Beach, Autentik Penida offers an exquisite glamping abode with a balcony and free WiFi, an outdoor swimming pool, and a lush garden. This stunning glamping accommodation in Nusa Penida provides a charming terrace with a jungle or valley view to fully unwind and bask in the beauty of Nusa Penida.
Location: Jalan Crystal Bay
Price from: US$195 per night
Sleeps: Glamping tents, up to 2 people
What makes it unique? There's nothing like it in all of Penida, a luxury tent like no other, you will love waking up to those jungle or valley views.
Mid-Range: Mahaloka Valley
Tired of googling “where to stay in Nusa Penida” without finding a truly special place? Down a valley, the bungalows are secluded and literally surrounded by pure wilderness. The cabins are entirely made out of wood in an unusual triangular shape. They feature a double bed, a terrace, and a very cute bathroom. Your bungalow will be a short walk away from Crystal Bay Beach.
Location: Jalan Crystal Bay
Price from: US$88 per night
Sleeps: Double room, up to 2 people
What makes it unique? While you enjoy a tranquil swim in the pool with epic views of the mountain, you might even see monkeys roaming around and doing their thing! It doesn't get better than this.
Boutique Hotel: Coco Resort Penida
Wake up with the sound of the cocks at Coco Resort Penida. Nestled in a beautiful setting, this resort offers an elegant style of accommodation: white and thatched-roof huts, surrounded by a tropical garden with a multitude of shades of green.
The stylish bungalows all have AC, a TV, a private bathroom, and a spacious terrace. There is a big pool available for guests only, breakfast included, a restaurant on-site, and the possibility to enjoy typical Balinese massages and treatments.
Location: Jalan Crystal Bay
Price from: US$93 per night
Sleeps: Quadruple bungalow, up to 4 people
What makes it unique? Get a packed lunch from the resort, and enjoy the day at the beach (10 minutes by scooter), or go to Crystal Bay, perfect for diving and snorkelling.
Budget: The Tinsi
The Tinsi offers affordable and friendly lodging right near the beachfront in Crystal Bay on Nusa Penida Island. The hotel provides guests with comfortable 1-bedroom bungalows equipped with free WiFi, air conditioning, and access to a garden with a terrace.
Location: Jalan Raya Crystal Bay
Price from: US$39 per night
Sleeps: One-bedroom bungalow, sleeps 2 people
What makes it unique? The closest you can get to staying at Crystal Bay Beach!
Other Accommodation near Crystal Bay Beach:
Best 3-Star Hotel in Crystal Bay: Penida Bay Village
Best Accommodation with Outdoor Swimming Pool in Crystal Bay: Crystal Bay Bungalows
Best Villas in Crystal Bay Beach: Crystal Bay Villa & Residence
3. Where to Stay in Nusa Penida off the Beaten Path: East Side, Close to Diamond Beach & Atuh Beach
Best area for:
Now let's have a look at what the East side of Nusa Penida can offer!
The island of Nusa Penida is already considered a hidden gem island in Indonesia and kinda off the beaten track, however, the eastern part of the island is even more for all adventurous souls.
Travel Tip: Be aware that traveling from the Northwest area to the East can be a lengthy and rough journey. However, a new road from the East Coast now makes reaching Atuh Beach more convenient, taking approximately one hour.
That's why staying in different spots of Nusa Penida is convenient, and at least for a day or two, especially if you want to get to Diamond Beach.
The East is pretty secluded but offers splendid views and activities: there are two main beaches, Diamond Beach and Atuh Beach. They both have long stretches of white sand beach surrounded by cliffs, rock formations, and turquoise blue water.
Another spot to visit is the Thousands Islands viewpoint, along with the Insta-famous Rumah Pohon Treehouse. Needless to say, the mysterious cavern temple Pura Goa Giri Putri Temple should be on top of your list!
Insta-Famous: Rumah Pohon Tree House
Oh, you probably heard about the famous tree house of Nusa Penida. The Rumah Pohon guest house has several cabins located on a cliff overlooking the ocean and is located near Atuh Beach. This type of accommodation is not for the faint-hearted! Yes, it is the most Insta-famous spot in Nusa Penida, but the huts are extremely rudimentary. A mattress, a small terrace, and a shared bathroom… And that’s pretty much it!
Obviously, people don't go there for comfort but for the experience of waking up in an incredible location. And so, that is for those who are happy to give up on their comfort for a breathtaking view! The road to get there is not one for a comfy ride, and there are a lot of stairs to reach this unique hut.
Location: Banjar Pelilit
Price from: US$40 per night
Sleeps: Cabin, up to 2 people
What makes it unique? I love the rough style of adventure! And it's also hard to beat the sunrise, the view and the sound of the ocean while waking up.
Ocean View Accommodation: Atuh Forest Cottage
These forest cottages are for people who really fancy being in the middle of nature! The wooden cottages are entirely made of local materials, each featuring a double bed, a private bathroom, and AC.
They have a terrace overlooking the forest, from where to contemplate the wild. The nice on-site restaurant serves local, cheap, but excellent food. You have to drive only 10 minutes to get to Atuh Beach, one of the most astonishing beaches in Bali.
Location: Pejukutan
Price from: US$50 per night
Sleeps: Double room, up to 2 people
What makes it unique? At night, you can hear the jungle come alive.
Budget: Lempeh Jungle Cottage
If you're wondering where to stay in Nusa Penida as a backpacker, that might be the right one for you. Lempeh Jungle Cottage offers a traditional type of hut with all the essentials: a double bed, AC, a bathroom with hot water, and a TV. These cottages are set in a spacious garden surrounded by palm trees. It is located within 10-minute walking distance of Diamond Beach.
Location: Jalan Raya Pelilit
Price from: US$39 per night
Sleeps: Bungalow, up to 2 people
What makes it unique? Very affordable room price and casual island life experience.
Where To Stay In Nusa Penida: Comparison Table
Hotel Name | Location | Budget |
Adiwana Warnakali Resort | Toyapakeh Harbour | $$$ |
Santen Beach Bungalows | Toyapakeh Harbour | $$ |
Atalaya Villas Nusa Penida | Toyapakeh Harbour | $$ |
The Vagary Vibes | Toyapakeh Harbour | $ |
Authentik Penida Glamping | Crystal Bay | $$$ |
The Tinsi | Crystal Bay | $$ |
Penida Bay Village | Crystal Bay | $ |
The Kama | Batununggeaul Area | $$$ |
Ogix Cliff Paradise | Batununggeaul Area | $$ |
La Roja Bungalows | Batununggeaul Area | $ |
The Mesare Eco Resort | Kelingking Beach | $$$ |
Kelingking Mesari Villa and Spa | Kelingking Beach | $$ |
Rumah Pohon Treehouse | Atuh Beach | $ |
Diamond Beach Villas | Diamond Beach | $$ |
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Where to Stay in Nusa Penida – Frequently Asked Questions
⭐ Is It Worth Staying In Nusa Penida?
Staying in Nusa Penida is undoubtedly worth it for those seeking an off-the-beaten-path paradise. With its stunning coastal landscapes, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant marine life, Nusa Penida offers natural beauty, adventure as well as beautiful sunsets paired with laid-back accommodations that make it well worth the visit.
📍 Where Is Nusa Penida?
If you look at a map of Bali, Nusa Penida lies between the islands of Bali and Lombok. Geographically, there is a total of three islands that belong to Bali: Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Ceningan and Nusa Penida. Each one of those islands bubbles with its unique atmosphere and personality. Nusa Penida is the largest and most pristine of these three Nusa islands!
Altogether, they sit on the southeast coast of mainland Bali – easily accessible from Sanur via ferry.
Despite its proximity to the hyper-popular but sometimes a little overcrowded Bali, it's only since 2015 that tourism truly emerged on the island, and travellers from all around the world started flowing.
One of the reasons for Penida’s lack of development is the unwelcoming cliffs in its surroundings, unlike its neighbours, Nusa Lembongan, Lombok and Bali. Funnily enough, the Balinese associate the island with black magic, witchery and demons. Maybe that explains why Nusa Penida stayed a well-kept secret for so long.
Locals say that the modern culture that developed on the island is reminiscent of ancient Bali. Another reason to visit this beautiful island, right?
🏖️ What Are the Best Things To Do In Nusa Penida
Let me list some activities that will keep you busy during your stay:
Kelingking Beach: the most Insta-famous spot on the island! It's a viewpoint overlooking a white sand beach and cliffs of incredible beauty. The staircase leading to the beach is not the safest to walk on. Although, some brave ones eventually make it to the bottom (count for at least 30 minutes), and are rewarded with total privacy on this dreamy beach.
Swimming and snorkeling with Manta Rays: Are you a passionate swimmer? Crystal Bay is the most popular beach as it's easy to reach and is suitable for swimming.
You can enjoy calm waters, a quite rare condition for the shores of Bali! Another gem on the island is Atuh Beach: one of the best beaches I have seen in my life.
Swimming with Manta Rays? You can do this here too!
Head to the Manta Point, there is a multitude of diving schools that can organize full package trips if you’re thirsty for adventure.
In high season, you need to book your Manta Rays Snorkelling Tour ahead to not miss out.
Snorkelling and diving: you can snorkel on Crystal Bay (also suitable for diving) and Gamat Bay. Lots of shops can assist you in choosing your gear.
Cliffs viewpoints: Broken Beach (which is not an actual beach) and Angel's Billabong are the spots to capture epic sunrises and romantic sunsets.
Pepuyangan and Seganing waterfalls: will project you into a misty wilderness to cool you off during the hottest part of the day.
Tembeling Forest and Tembeling Springs: a natural freshwater swimming pool and isolated beach that can only be accessed through dense forest.
Last but not least, you can check out local temples. According to local beliefs, some priests banished evil spirits to the island long ago.
To keep them in peace and maintain a balance between good and evil, the Balinese worship the dark spirits in the temple called Pura Dalem Ped. The other special temple is Pura Goa Giri Putri (Giri Princess Cave), nestled in a dark cave!
Many spots on the cliffs are not the safest regarding trails and security features. Always listen to locals when they give you advice. They know their island the best!
📅 How Many Nights To Stay In Nusa Penida?
Nusa Penida is truly a hidden gem where you can experience local life, nature and a relaxing time. If you like this kind of island vibe, then I recommend you spend at least three days on this untouched island and slowly sync in with the local slow pace of life.
Otherwise, there are plenty of day tours that will allow you to visit the best spots of Nusa Penida, such as Kelingking Beach, Broken Beach, Angel's Billabong, and Crystal Bay, with the option of doing a full day of diving and snorkelling with Manta Rays.
🪩 Where Should I Stay in Nusa Penida to experience Nightlife?
Overall, Nusa Penida is more known for its beaches and natural beauty than a buzzing nightlife. However, the Toya Pakeh area does have some nice bars but most shut by midnight.
❓ Is It Better To Stay On Nusa Penida Or Nusa Lembongan?
The main difference between these two beautiful islands is that the first one, Nusa Penida, has remained untouched by the waves of mass tourism and is less developed in terms of basic infrastructure. The sure thing is that you can have a taste of what Bali was like before the crowds discovered it.
Nusa Penida is definitely off the beaten track and the wild one! Another reason why you should pack your bags and explore the island while it is still authentic.
Compared to Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan is rather small and more touristic. Even though it is very quiet compared to any other destination in Bali, Lembongan is the most lively of the Nusa Islands. It features more cafes, restaurants, and nightlife going on.
At first, Lembongan was mainly known for its great surfing spots. It has white sand and turquoise blue beaches that are also good for swimming. You will hear a lot about Dream Beach and Mushroom Bay, which are also great spots to have some local food and drinks.
If you're more of an adventurer, head to some great cliff viewpoints, such as the Devil's Tears!
Nusa Lembongan is also known for its relatively lively nightlife. There are regular live music events in a good few bars on the island, a lot of them being on Jalan Raya Jungut Batu or in the beachfront area. You can visit a mangrove forest on a dugout, offering a different and fascinating perspective of the island.
🚤 How To Get To Nusa Penida From Bali?
Most boat companies operate from mainland Bali. To be more precise, you can leave from the ports of Sanur, Kusamba, Padang Bai or Serangan – which are all on Bali’s East Coast.
Generally, Sanur is the most convenient port because it is within easy reach from Seminyak, Kuta, Canggu, and the international airport. Boats depart in the morning as well as in the afternoon.
In the port of Sanur, you can buy your ticket directly from several offices or simply get it online. Booking ahead is advised, but if you leave it to the last minute, your Bali hotel can also organise transfers for you. Usually, it's at the price of a small commission for the extra service.
The price for a single boat trip can vary between US$20 and US$40 per person (280,000 to 550,000 IDR) – depending on the company.
Buying a round-trip ticket can be significantly cheaper, so plan your stay, and if not sure, pay some extra to get the option to change the return date by purchasing an open ticket.
Leaving from Padang Bai can be better for those staying in the East of Bali, such as Sidemen, and Amed.
If you like to travel like the locals (and for a cheaper rate!), you can catch the public ferry departing from Padang Bai. The ticket is around 30,000 IDR (US$2). The catch? It can take up to 1.5 hours and might not be the most comfortable ride.
If you choose this option, be ready to be flexible with your schedule. Just roll with the Bali flow! Curiously, the perception of time is so particular in Indonesia that they have an expression for it: “jam karet”, which means “rubber time”! So, don’t be surprised if you encounter delays of any sort; it all comes included in the package!
As part of their services, some boat companies can also organise to pick you up from the harbour and take you to your hotel in Nusa Penida. Be sure to check out my comprehensive guide on how to get to Nusa Penida.
🛵 How To Get Around Nusa Penida?
After the boat trip from Bali, you will either arrive at Buyuk, Toya Pakeh, or Sampalan ports.
There is no public transport on Nusa Penida, so you will need to hire a scooter or a private driver to roam around the island during your stay.
You can do this either at the harbor, where locals will offer you their services, such as a personal driver or scooter rental, among other things.
Otherwise, just ask the staff at your hotel, they will take care of everything. The scooter will generally be delivered the next day to your hotel, which can be super convenient!
I like to go with a secure provider and can recommend using the Nusa Penida Scooter Rental via Klook!
Klook.comThe price of a scooter rental is slightly more pricey than in Bali.
Count at least 70,000 to 80,000 IDR (around US$5) per day. To get a full petrol tank, you should budget around 50,000 IDR (US$3,5), depending on your driving style.
Additional Tips for Driving a Scooter in Nusa Penida
One thing to bear in mind is that Nusa Penida is still a pretty wild destination, not as developed as other Indonesian islands in terms of tourism infrastructure.
This implies that the roads are not the greatest (not to say bad), so make sure you wear safety gear like long pants and a helmet, and mindful driving is ticked on your list. For me, this kind of makes traveling around all the spots a real adventure!
You can also hire a driver and go in the comfort of a car with air-con. The average cost is around 500,000 IDR per day (US$35) and includes unlimited smiles!
Whatever you decide to do, I highly recommend you get travel insurance for your trip, because you never know what may happen on the road!
Final Words on Where To Stay in Nusa Penida
So, where to stay in Nusa Penida? In a nutshell, the island's North and West coast parts tend to be the busiest.
That is where the ports are and plenty of popular attractions, such as viewpoints, beaches, diving and snorkeling spots, cafes and restaurants. Consequently, it is a bit more lively. Stay here if you like infrastructure and convenience.
But in terms of beauty and viewpoints, the East has nothing to envy to the rest of the island. It is merely a bit quieter.
Why not stay a few days in each area of Nusa Penida?
I can tell you that traveling to Nusa Penida is a super cool experience if you like nature, adventure, local culture, and when you're not looking for nightlife. The island has a lot to offer due to its wild beauty.
However, transferring from A to B is a bit more challenging due to the conditions of the roads, and it all gets worse during the wet season.
What I like about Nusa Penida is that you can book your stay with a local family, sleep in a traditional Indonesian hut, and enjoy life at a slow pace, free from any worries.
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