If you’re looking for an amazing and exotic getaway spot with your family, consider Nusa Penida. Just a short boat ride from Bali, this island is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world – and plenty of activities to keep kids entertained!
Since we currently live in Bali we have been able to make several trips to Nusa. We learn so much each time we go and are excited to share! Stay with us to the end and we’ll share our top tips for visiting Nusa Penida including how to get there and what to bring.
But first, here are eleven of our favorite things to do on Nusa Penida with kids.
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1. Snorkel Manta Point
Nusa Penida is home to a large population of manta rays and Manta Point is THE place to almost be guaranteed to see this majestic creature. Manta rays can get up to 29 feet wide – though the largest one we saw was only about 13 feet. But still, 13 feet is like the length of a car!
We did a scuba dive at Manta Point without kids and were so stoked with our experience that we planned a trip to bring the kids back to snorkel. I have to say that our snorkel experience was even more epic. Even our 6-year-old was sharing the water and spotting these beauties.
2. Kelingking Beach View Point
Kelingking beach is one of the most stunning spots on Nusa Penida – you’ve probably seen it all over the socials. Located at the southern tip of the island, this white sand beach is framed by towering limestone cliffs that jut out into the turquoise sea. From a distance, the cliffs resemble a giant T-Rex head – hence why it’s been affectionately dubbed the T-Rex viewpoint.
The best part about Kelingking is that there are several places to explore and view this natural wonder. Be advised though that the trail down to the beach is not advised for kids and there are very few safety rails on the cliff edge on the overlook. Be mindful but don’t let this stop you from visiting Kelingking view point.
3. Diamond Beach
If you’re looking for a breathtaking beach to relax on during your visit to Nusa Penida, look no further than Diamond Beach. With its white sand and crystal clear waters, Diamond Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches on the island.
What makes Diamond Beach so unique is not only the beauty but the diamond shape rock from whence it gets its name.
*However, another disclaimer for the kids. The trail down to the beach was made more secure in 2018 but it is still steep in parts and not recommended for young kids. Also, the currents can be strong here so it is not advisable to swim too far out.
4. Broken Beach
Broken Beach, or Pasih Uug as it is known in Indonesian, is one of the most popular and stunning spots on the island of Nusa Penida. This natural wonder is made up of a large limestone arch that has been broken off from the main cliff face and lies in the ocean below.
The view from Broken Beach is simply breathtaking with the bright blue ocean stretching out before you and the green cliffs rising up behind. It’s no wonder this spot is a favorite for visitors to Nusa Penida.
Our kids loved walking over the bridge which is wide and safe but again be careful around the cliffs.
5. Tembeling Beach & Natural Pool
Tembeling Beach and Natural Pool is one of the most unique spots on Nusa Penida. The beach itself is a white sand beach with crystal-clear waters, but what makes this location truly special is the natural pool that sits in the middle of it. This pool is surrounded by towering cliffs, which gives it a secluded, tropical vibe that can’t be experienced anywhere else.
Our kids loved playing in the water here and jumping off the cliffs surrounding the pool. Just be sure to stay close to your kids as there are no guard rails or fences, and watch out for strong currents if you’re swimming in the ocean!
6. Angel’s Billabong
Angel’s Billabong is a natural infinity pool that is located near Broken Beach. It is known for its strikingly blue waters and beautiful surroundings.
The best way to experience Angel’s Billabong is by swimming in it. The water is cool and refreshing, and the views are simply breathtaking. It is a bit rocky so make sure that you have water shoes or hiking sandals. It’s definitely worth a visit if you’re in the area!
7. Rumah Pohon Treehouse
This unique attraction is a treehouse that has been built into the branches of a large banyan tree and offers stunning views of the surrounding jungle and ocean.
The best part about Rumah Pohon Treehouse is that it is free to visit and open to the public. But, if you are looking for one of those Instagram photos-there is a nominal fee involved.
The steps out are steep and exposed so it is best to visit in the morning or evening to avoid the heat of the afternoon.
8. Penida Colada
Our favorite restaurant on the island. Penida Colada serves up some of the freshest and most delicious seafood around. It’s also a great spot to wind down after a day at the beach with a signature colada in hand.
The restaurant itself is situated right on the beach, so you get an incredible view with your meal. Plus, they have a play area for kids to keep them occupied while you enjoy your food. We highly recommend it if you’re looking for a delicious meal and some great vibes on Nusa Penida!
9. Atuh Beach
Atuh Beach is a great spot for families looking to relax and spend a day at the beach. The beach access is not as steep as most of the other beaches on the island. The sand is white and its crystal clear waters provide the perfect place for kids to swim and explore.
There are plenty of sun loungers and umbrellas available for rent and food and drinks are on hand.
Atuh Beach is also a great spot for snorkeling, as the marine life is abundant and colorful – just make sure to bring your own equipment!
10. Teletubbies Hill
Teletubbies Hill is a fun stop for visitors on Nusa Penida. It’s located on the eastern edge of the island and offers some of the most breathtaking views in all of Indonesia. The hill itself is made up of tall boulders, colorful shrubs, and lush green vegetation and looks out onto an ocean filled with islands.
There is plenty of room for kids to run around and explore Teletubbies Hill.
We recommend bringing plenty of water and snacks to keep them hydrated and energized.
11. Amok Sunset
Amok Sunset is a stunning hidden gem located at the western tip of Nusa Penida Island. It’s known for its breathtaking sunsets, which turn the sky into shades of orange, pink, and red. The best way to experience this incredible view is to find a spot on one of the many cliffs that overlook the sea.
The area is relatively quiet and peaceful, making it the perfect spot for a sunset dinner. There is a cool pool for the kids to play in which is a bonus!
If you make reservations ahead of time you may be able to reserve one of the private nests that overlook Mount Agung and the sunset.
Planning a Bali Trip? Check out this perfect 10 day Bali itinerary.
Best Nusa Penida Tours With Kids
You can book tours through your accommodations when you arrive or arrange them beforehand. We have done both with success.
Some are better than others. If you don’t want to leave much to chance, here are three of our favorite tours.
Pro tip: With kids, you may want to, at the very least, arrange a driver in advance. The last time we were there, we found it difficult to find transportation last minute.
Now that we’ve covered the top things to do on Nusa Penida with kids let’s move to our travel tips!
Things You Should Know When Traveling to Nusa Penida with Kids
How to Get to Nusa Penida
Getting to Nusa Penida from Bali is relatively easy and there are a few different methods of transportation to choose from.
One of the most popular ways to get to Nusa Penida is by taking a fast boat from Sanur Beach in Bali. Several companies offer daily crossings, with journey times ranging from 45 minutes to 1 hour depending on the weather and sea conditions. We recommend Angkal Fast Boat or Maruti Fast Boat. The round trip cost is generally about 400k (25 USD) for adults and 200k (12.50 USD) for kids 2-11 years old.
Another option is taking a speedboat from Benoa Harbour or Serangan Harbour in Bali. This will take around one hour and also need to be booked ahead of time.
Where to Stay in Nusa Penida
Unlike Bali and its island neighbor Nusa Lembongan, the lodging options on Nusa Penida are not plentiful. Most visitors opt to stay in the main town of Toyapakeh, which has a few guesthouses and homestays.
The best way to experience Nusa Penida is by renting a villa or staying at one of the resorts or hotels further away from the main town. These are generally more expensive than the guesthouses, but they offer a more luxurious experience with stunning views.
We have stayed at several resorts and hotels on Nusa and 2 of our favorites with kids are Ring Sameton (more budget friendly) and the Angkal Resort (nicer but a little further away from main town).
How Much Time to Stay on Nusa Penida
Nusa Penida is quite big and can take some time to navigate around, especially with kids.
You can see a lot in one day but we recommend spending at least 2-3 days so that you don’t feel rushed and have enough time to really explore the island and all its amazing attractions.
Best Way to Get Around the Island
The best way to get around Nusa Penida is by renting a scooter. As the island is quite spread out and public transport is limited, this is one of the easiest and most convenient ways to explore. Scooters are available for rent in practically every corner of the island, including Toyapakeh, Sampalan, and Ped.
That being said, if you have young children or don’t feel comfortable riding a scooter then you can also rent a car and/or hire a driver to take you around. Just remember that distances between points are often long so it’s important to plan your route ahead of time in order to avoid any delays.
*Also note that the roads are in pretty bad shape so I highly recommend that if you have back problems or are not experienced with scooters to hire a car to drive you around. The hotel/resort can make these arrangements for you.
What to Pack for Nusa Penida
When packing for a trip to Nusa Penida, you will want to make sure that you have all the essentials. Nusa Penida is not as well developed as Bali and it can be difficult to find certain items. Here are some things to consider bringing:
Lightweight Clothing
The average high temp is about 84 degrees year-round. Bring lightweight clothing that is breathable and comfortable, such as shorts, t-shirts, and light jackets or sweaters. The rainy season is from November to March so it’s a good idea to bring rain jackets or ponchos, especially during this time. Here is a detailed guide about the weather in Bali by month.
Sun Hat or Cap
Make sure to bring a wide-brimmed hat or cap to protect you from the sun. It will be a life-saver since shade is not in abundance.
Water Bottle
Stay hydrated on your adventures by bringing a reusable water bottle. We love our insulated Runaway Water Bottles – great for keeping drinks cold all day. Most resorts or hotels will be able to refill them for you no problem. (If you can please avoid the use of one-time plastics, they are piling up here in Indonesia).
Sunscreen
Sunscreen is essential for any trip to Nusa Penida as there is no shade on many of its beaches. It is available for purchase at many of the mini-marts but the cost is super expensive.
Sunglasses
Don’t forget your shades! Polarized sunglasses are great for protecting your eyes from the sun and reflecting any glare from the water.
Swimwear
Make sure to bring a swimsuit (maybe 2) or rash guard that is comfortable enough to wear on all day adventures.
Water Shoes
Water shoes or sturdy sandals will come in handy when hiking to and exploring tide pools and rocky beaches.
Medications and Other Essentials
There are a few pharmacies on the island (and even a hospital) but if you need specific medications don’t forget to bring them along since pharmacy stock is limited.
Mosquito Repellant
As Nusa Penida (like Bali) is quite tropical, it can get pretty buggy in the evenings and mosquitoes can become a bother. If you forget most mini marts will sell a spray or a lotion called Soffell it works really well and doesn’t smell too bad!
Snacks
Bring some snacks and drinks with you on your journey around Nusa Penida – there are several convenience stores on the island, but it’s always nice to have something familiar with you when you explore with the kids.
Cash
Be sure to bring enough cash for the duration of your trip, as some places may not accept credit cards and ATM’s are few and far between and often out of service.
These are just a few items that you should consider packing for Nusa Penida – but make sure to check the weather forecast and any other specific needs beforehand so that you can be fully prepared for your trip!
Backpacks Instead of Large Suitcases
The new port at Sanur is beautiful and well-designed and much more luggage-friendly. However, there are still many fast boat companies that still use the beach for the boarding process. And, the port on Nusa Penida island is still under construction so all boats are boarding on the beach.
The whole process is much easier if you have backpacks versus large hard suitcases. But, if not the boat companies will accommodate if necessary.
*Note: Strollers will not be very useful on Nusa Penida since there are no sidewalks and the roads are very narrow. Opt for a baby carrier instead.
Plan to Get Wet When Boarding or Deboarding the Boat
As mentioned above, there is a good chance that you will be wading in and out of the water for the boarding processes-sometimes the water can ever go over the knee so skip those Gucci shoes and plan to dress accordingly!
Bonus Nusa Penida Travel Tip
We have visited most of the items above on our ‘Nusa Penida best things to do list’ a couple of times at least. What we found is it is best to do all of the activities we mentioned either in the morning before 10am or after 4pm.
Many tour companies arrive from Bali daily for a 1-day Nusa Penida tour. The crowds can be intense almost to the point where it can take away from your experience. So it’s best to get out and explore before they all arrive and after they go back. Plus, you’ll have cooler temperatures!
Conclusion: Nusa Penida With Kids
If you’re looking for an amazing tropical getaway that the whole family will love, look no further than Nusa Penida. This beautiful island is still relatively untouched by tourism and offers a wealth of natural wonders to explore. With a little preparation, your trip can be safe, fun, and affordable – so what are you waiting for? Get out and explore!
Let us know in the comments below if we missed anything or if you have any questions that we can help with!
Kirby
Friday 14th of April 2023
Hi, my family and I are wanting to snorkel with manta rays. But we have a 3 year old who most likely won’t snorkel. And our 7 year old will snorkel. But I am a bit overwhelmed with all the different tours and have no idea which one to go with. I would really like to just go to Nusa penida, do a bit of snorkelling and head back to explore the island ourselves. What company did you do the snorkelling with? I’m just worried about doing a huge full day tour with small children!! Haha. Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated! Thanks
Griff
Friday 14th of April 2023
Snorkeling on Nusa Penida is amazing! You will love it. Honestly all of the companies take you to the same spot, and they all help each other keep track of the mantas. So I don't think it matters too much who you go with! We prefer to do private snorkeling tours with kids when possible, because then we can take our time and not feel rushed or in the way. Plus, the boat drivers will usually watch your kids in the boat if the kids don't want to snorkel. It is pretty easy to set up a snorkeling excursions with any hotel on Nusa Penida when you get there or there are plenty of people everywhere offering it too! Our best experience to date was with Pure Dive Resort. We had a mixed group with some snorkeling and some diving. But all the snorkeling tours we've done have been similar. Also, I would bring water wings or a toddler tube for your kids. The boats do not reliably have kids life jackets, and we've found our kids don't have as much fun when they are fighting a life jacket that is way too big.