Bali Nusa Penida: West Island Day Trip & Fast Boat Pickup

Summary

Kelingking Beach cliffs, Broken Beach arch and Crystal Bay waves in one wild day

You’ll start before sunrise for a full day on Nusa Penida’s wild west coast—standing above Kelingking Beach’s cliffs, hearing old legends at Broken Beach, cooling off at Crystal Bay and sharing lunch with new friends before heading back across the water.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit, I almost bailed when my alarm went off at 5:15. But there was something about the promise of Nusa Penida — that mysterious chunk of island off Bali — that got me moving. The driver met me outside my Ubud guesthouse while it was still dark, and we drove quietly to Sanur Harbor. There’s this salty smell in the air by the docks, mixed with coffee from a cart nearby. I watched locals loading baskets onto other boats and wondered where they were all headed. Our guide Wayan handled the fast boat tickets (thankfully — I never know which window to go to), so we just waited and tried not to look too sleepy.

The ride over was bumpy enough that I clutched my seat, but we made it in under an hour. Nusa Penida feels different right away: more rugged, less crowded than mainland Bali. We piled into a van with Wayan and another couple from Jakarta who kept joking about “dinosaur beach.” First stop was Kelingking Beach — you know that cliff everyone photographs? It really does look like a T-Rex head from above (though apparently it’s supposed to be a pinkie finger). Standing there, wind whipping my hair into my mouth, I felt tiny looking down at those turquoise waves smashing the rocks. Some people hiked all the way down but honestly, just staring from the top was enough for me.

After that came Broken Beach — Pasih Uug — with its wild archway carved by the sea. Wayan told us a story about angry gods turning a village upside down here; he laughed when I tried repeating “Pasih Uug” back to him (I definitely butchered it). The sun was getting fierce by then and everything smelled like salt and dry grass. At Angel Billabong, some folks braved the rocks to swim in this weirdly perfect natural pool — but only because tide was low. The water looked clear enough to drink, not that I’d try it.

Lunch was simple nasi goreng at a small restaurant inland; nothing fancy but after sweating half the morning it tasted pretty great. Last stop: Crystal Bay. There were coconut trees everywhere and local kids playing on the sand while tourists floated lazily in the shallows. The water really does sparkle if you catch it at the right angle — little flecks of light everywhere. By then I was sunburned and tired in that good way you get after a long day outside. On the boat back to Sanur I kept replaying those views in my head; even now, weeks later, they haven’t faded much.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Nusa Penida island highlights

• Check in at Sanur Harbor fast boat
• Travel by fast boat to Nusa Penida
• Visit Kelingking Beach and take photos
• Visit Broken Beach (Pasih Uug) viewpoint
• Explore Angel Billabong rock lagoon
• Enjoy lunch with Indonesian food
• Relax and snorkel at Crystal Bay
• Return by fast boat to Sanur Harbor
• Transfer back to hotel from Sanur

Top questions

How long is the Bali Nusa Penida West day trip?

The tour lasts roughly 10-12 hours including transfers from your hotel in Bali to Sanur Harbor and back.

Is hotel pickup included for Nusa Penida tours?

Yes, round trip hotel transfer is included from most areas in Bali including Ubud (earlier pickup).

Can you swim at Angel Billabong or Crystal Bay?

You can swim at Angel Billabong only if tide is low; Crystal Bay is suitable for swimming or snorkeling most times.

What’s included in lunch on this tour?

A traditional Indonesian meal is provided with vegetarian options available if requested in advance.

How do you get from Bali to Nusa Penida?

You’ll take a public fast boat from Sanur Harbor arranged by your guide as part of the package.

Are entry fees covered for attractions like Kelingking Beach?

Yes, all entrance fees are included in your booking price.

Is this tour suitable for kids or elderly travelers?

The tour involves some walking on uneven ground; not recommended for travelers with mobility issues or certain health conditions.

What’s included

Your day includes early morning hotel pickup anywhere in Bali (even Ubud), round-trip fast boat tickets between Sanur and Nusa Penida, private vehicle transport around the island with an English-speaking local guide who handles all entry fees, bottled water along the way and a traditional Indonesian lunch before returning by boat and car in late afternoon or evening.