Nusa Penida: Private island tour with local guide

Summary

Real moments from a private Nusa Penida tour

Set your own pace exploring Nusa Penida’s wild beaches and cliff views with a local guide who’ll help you pick your favorite spots — from Kelingking’s famous ridge to Diamond Beach’s soft sand and quiet surf. Includes pickup near the port and entry fees, plus plenty of time for unplanned stops or just soaking up island life you’ll remember long after leaving.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the boat ride from Bali to Nusa Penida to be so bumpy — my coffee nearly flew out of my cup. But stepping onto the island, there was this salty breeze and a kind of hush, like everyone was just waking up. Our guide, Wayan, greeted us with a grin and asked if we wanted to start with the west or east side. I blurted out “Diamond Beach!” because I’d seen it on Instagram, but honestly, I had no idea what else was in store.

We bumped along in his minivan (air conditioning working overtime), windows open just enough to catch whiffs of frangipani and seaweed drying somewhere nearby. At Kelingking Beach, Wayan pointed out the T-Rex shape in the cliffs — I squinted and finally saw it. There were a few other travelers taking photos but mostly it felt quiet, except for the wind whipping my hair into my mouth. We stopped at Angel’s Billabong too; the water was so clear you could see tiny fish darting around. Wayan told us not to swim unless the tide was low — he’s seen people get swept off their feet here.

Lunch was simple — nasi goreng at a roadside stall where an old woman smiled every time we tried to say thank you in Bahasa. After that, Broken Beach looked almost unreal with its archway over turquoise water. The sun was sharp but there was shade under some scraggly trees where locals sat chatting softly. By the time we reached Diamond Beach on the east side, my legs were jelly from all those stairs (I lost count). The sand really is that white, but what stuck with me most was how quiet it got once you reached the bottom — just waves and a couple of kids chasing each other.

I still think about that view from Thousand Island lookout — all those little cliffs jutting out into blue nothingness. Wayan waited patiently while we took too many photos (he even offered to take one where I didn’t look awkward… didn’t quite work). It wasn’t rushed at all; we could choose where to linger or skip something if we wanted. So yeah, if you want a day trip around Nusa Penida with someone who actually lives here and knows which warung has cold drinks, this is it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Nusa Penida Highlights

• Visit Diamond Beach
• See the iconic west part of Nusa Penida
• Swim at Angel's Billabong natural infinity pool
• Explore Broken Beach cove
• Relax again at Diamond Beach

Top questions

How long does the Nusa Penida private tour last?

The private tour lasts around 8 hours on Nusa Penida.

Is hotel pickup included for this Nusa Penida day trip?

Yes, pickup is included for hotels near the port area on Nusa Penida.

Can I customize which places we visit on this tour?

Yes, you can discuss your preferred itinerary with your guide before booking.

Are entrance fees included in the price?

Yes, entrance fees for chosen attractions are included in the tour price.

Is lunch provided during the tour?

No set lunch is included but there are stops at local eateries where you can buy food.

Is this tour suitable for solo travelers?

Solo travelers can join but will pay an extra fee as listed in the details.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup near Nusa Penida port, transport by air-conditioned minivan with an English-speaking local guide, entrance fees to all selected sites like Diamond Beach or Kelingking Beach, and plenty of flexibility to choose your own route before setting off together.