Nusa Penida: Private Day Trip to Diamond & Kelingking Beaches

Summary

Island cliffs, turquoise water, and the quiet thrill of nusa penida

You’ll wake up early for this Nusa Penida day trip from Bali — but watching sunlight spill over Diamond Beach makes up for lost sleep fast. Climb steep stairs down white cliffs, taste real coconut water above Atuh Beach, and catch your breath at Kelingking’s edge before heading back by boat. It’s less about perfect photos than feeling that wild island air.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit it — I almost missed the boat. My phone alarm was useless against that 5:30am Bali darkness, but somehow I made it to the Sanur port in time, clutching coffee like a lifeline. The speedboat ride to Nusa Penida was loud and a little bumpy (the woman next to me just laughed every time we hit a wave), but when we docked, everything slowed down. Our guide, Wayan, greeted us with this easy smile and a joke about “island time” — which really is a thing here. First stop: Diamond Beach. The steps are steeper than they look in photos (my legs still remember), but the sand is cool and soft at the bottom, and there’s this salty breeze that makes you want to just sit for a while. I tried to take one of those famous Instagram shots but mostly ended up with hair in my face — so yeah, not quite influencer material.

Atuh Beach was next — we watched local kids climbing rocks barefoot like it was nothing. The cliffs are massive up close; you can hear the sea crashing below even before you see it. Wayan pointed out some tiny warungs selling coconut water (I got one — cold and sweet) before leading us up to Thousand Islands Viewpoint. That spot honestly feels unreal: sharp blue water everywhere you look, islands scattered like someone just tossed them into the ocean. There’s an old treehouse up there too — apparently people sleep in it sometimes? Not sure I’d manage with all those bugs at night.

Lunch was simple but good — nasi campur with spicy sambal that nearly made me tear up (Wayan laughed at my attempt to play it cool). Then came Kelingking Beach, which is even more dramatic than any photo can show. Standing at the edge looking down at that T-Rex cliff… I don’t know how to describe it without sounding cheesy, but it’s one of those places where you forget about your phone for a minute. The sun was brutal by then; my sunscreen melted off ages ago. We didn’t hike down (it’s steep!), just soaked in the view with everyone else quietly staring out over the ocean.

The ride back on the speedboat felt slower somehow — maybe because I was tired or maybe because I didn’t really want to leave yet. Still think about that light on the cliffs as we pulled away from Nusa Penida. If you’re after perfect photos or just want to feel small next to something wild, this day trip from Bali is worth every early-morning yawn.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Nusa Penida island tour and sightseeing

• Pick up at hotel
• Travel to Sanur Port
• Take speed boat to Nusa Penida
• Arrive at Nusa Penida
• Visit Diamond Beach and Atuh Beach
• Visit Thousand Islands Viewpoint
• Lunch time
• Visit Kelingking Beach
• Return to Nusa Penida port
• Take speed boat to Sanur port
• Travel back to hotel
• Arrive back at hotel

Top questions

How long is the Nusa Penida day trip from Bali?

The tour lasts around 12 hours including hotel pickup in Bali, speedboat transfers, sightseeing on Nusa Penida, lunch, and return drop-off.

Are lunch and entry fees included on this tour?

Yes, your private day trip includes lunch and all entrance fees for attractions on Nusa Penida.

What beaches do you visit on the Nusa Penida tour?

You’ll visit Diamond Beach, Atuh Beach, Thousand Islands Viewpoint, and Kelingking Beach during the day trip.

Is hotel pickup included for this Nusa Penida trip?

Yes, round-trip transportation from your Bali hotel is included in your booking.

How do you get from Bali to Nusa Penida?

You’ll take a high-speed boat from Sanur Port in Bali directly to Nusa Penida island as part of the tour.

Is there a guide during the Nusa Penida day trip?

An English-speaking local guide accompanies you throughout your private tour of Nusa Penida.

Can infants join this tour?

Infants and small children can join; prams or strollers are allowed on board transport.

How difficult are the walks or hikes on this tour?

The stairs down to Diamond Beach are steep; moderate fitness is recommended but most stops involve short walks rather than long hikes.

What’s included

Your day includes private round-trip transportation from your hotel in Bali with pickup and drop-off times arranged by location; high-speed boat tickets between Sanur Port and Nusa Penida; an English-speaking driver-guide; all entrance fees for beaches and viewpoints; bottled water along the way; WiFi onboard your car; plus a simple lunch before heading back across the water in late afternoon.