Nusa Penida Day Trip: Kelingking, Broken Beach & Fast Boat

Summary

Speedboat to Nusa Penida for wild cliffs, quiet beaches and local flavors

You’ll start your Nusa Penida day trip with a fast boat from Sanur Harbor, then ride with a local driver to Broken Beach and Angel’s Billabong before lunch overlooking the cliffs. Take in Kelingking Beach’s wild views and relax at Crystal Bay before heading back—expect salt air, laughter with locals, and moments that stick with you long after.

What’s the experience like?

The morning started with me almost missing the fast boat at Sanur Harbor — I swear the guy in front of me was negotiating his ticket for ages. Our driver Wayan just grinned and said “island time,” which felt about right once we finally got moving. The ride over was choppy but kind of thrilling, salty spray everywhere, and I could already see that weird blue-green color in the water you don’t get on Bali’s main beaches.

Nusa Penida itself feels like a different planet. The roads are bumpy (I’m still not sure my spine has forgiven me), but our guide kept pointing out little shrines tucked into the cliffs. At Broken Beach, I didn’t expect it to be so quiet — just wind and the sound of waves echoing through that huge stone arch. There were a few other travelers taking photos but mostly it was locals selling coconuts, one woman laughing as her toddler chased chickens around. I tried to say thank you in Bahasa Indonesia; she smiled politely but I probably butchered it.

Lunch was simple — nasi campur with sambal that nearly blew my head off, eaten at a plastic table overlooking Angel’s Billabong. That spot is wild: clear water swirling between sharp rocks, sunlight flickering on the surface. Some people went down for a swim but honestly I chickened out after seeing how slippery those stones looked. Kelingking Beach was next — that famous T-Rex cliff really does look like its namesake from above. We didn’t go all the way down (it’s steep!), just hung onto the bamboo railing and watched the waves crash below. I still think about that view sometimes.

We ended at Crystal Bay where you can swim or snorkel if you want (gear’s extra). By then my legs were jelly and I mostly just sat under a palm tree watching kids play football in the sand until it was time for the boat back. The day trip from Bali to Nusa Penida isn’t exactly relaxing — there’s dust and sweat and you’ll probably get sunburned — but there’s something honest about it all, you know?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Full day Nusa Penida island tour

• Depart Sanur Beach harbor by fast boat
• Visit Pasih Uug (Broken Beach)
• Swim and photograph Angel's Billabong
• Enjoy views at Kelingking Beach platform
• Relax and snorkel at Crystal Bay Beach
• Return to Nusa Penida harbor for boat back

Top questions

How long is the fast boat ride from Bali to Nusa Penida?

About 45 minutes from Sanur Harbor to Nusa Penida Island.

Is lunch included on this Nusa Penida day trip?

Yes, an Indonesian lunch is included during your visit on Nusa Penida.

Are entrance fees covered in this tour?

All entry fees for attractions like Kelingking Beach and Angel's Billabong are included.

Is hotel pickup available for this tour?

Yes, pickup and drop-off are included from areas like Ubud, Seminyak, Kuta, Sanur and more.

Can I swim or snorkel at Crystal Bay?

You can swim or snorkel at Crystal Bay; snorkeling gear can be rented on site for an extra fee.

Will there be an English-speaking guide or driver?

A private driver who speaks English will accompany you throughout the tour.

How physically demanding is this day trip?

The roads are bumpy and some walks are steep; it's not recommended for travelers with mobility issues or certain health conditions.

What happens if the weather is bad?

If poor weather cancels your trip, you'll be offered another date or a full refund.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off from major Bali areas, round-trip fast boat tickets between Sanur Harbor and Nusa Penida Island, entrance fees to all main attractions like Kelingking Beach and Angel's Billabong, a private car tour around Nusa Penida with an English-speaking driver, plus an Indonesian lunch before heading back in the afternoon.