After spending two weeks in Bali, we’ve visited Hindu temples, swum with dolphins, soaked in hot springs, wandered through terraced rice fields, watched traditional dance performances and climbed active volcanoes. But what about the paradise beaches Bali is so famous for? Turquoise waters, white sand, palm trees and breathtaking viewpoints? It’s high time we did something about that and headed to the paradise island of Nusa Penida, southeast of Bali. Nusa Penida is one of the most beautiful islands to visit from Bali. Located just 30 minutes by boat from Sanur, it is famous for its spectacular cliffs, stunning beaches such as Diamond Beach and Kelingking Beach, and snorkeling trips to see manta rays. Here’s what to see and do in Nusa Penida over 3 days!
A day of rest in Denpasar after our 3-day trip to Java
Monday, February 16, 2026
After an intense 3-day trip exploring Java’s impressive volcanoes, Kawah Ijen, with its sulfur mine and acidic lake, and Mount Bromo, with its spectacular rumbling, smoking crater, we’re back in Denpasar, Bali. We’ve regained a little comfort and peace and quiet at a comfortable hotel in the Balinese capital after an 11-hour drive from Bromo that left us exhausted. In the morning, a sad farewell awaits us: it’s time for Lucas to return to Hong Kong. One last delicious breakfast, one last family photo by the pool, and off he goes in a taxi heading for the airport 😢. There were five of us, and now there are just three.
Lucas’s departure marks the end of our family trip to Bali. We’ve had an incredible two weeks, made all the more special because Lucas and Yarana live in Hong Kong, Mom is in France, and Rémi and I are in Montreal, so we don’t get to spend time together very often. Mom’s 60th birthday was the perfect opportunity for a family reunion in Indonesia and an unforgettable trip ❤️. But for Mom, Rémi and me, the journey isn’t over yet! We fully intend to make the most of the remaining days of our time in Indonesia. For now, though, we need some rest. Those three days in Java have worn us out. So we decide to extend our stay in Denpasar by one night, giving us a chance to relax and enjoy the pool.
That evening, we take advantage of being in the large, touristy city of Denpasar to treat ourselves to an excellent pizza. The city is buzzing with life: restaurants are packed, music fills the streets, traffic is heavy and karaoke bars are everywhere. As for us, we’re taking it easy before heading to Nusa Penida the next day.
From Bali to Nusa Penida by fast boat
Tuesday, February 17
The port of Sanur, near Denpasar, looks like an airport, with its waiting rooms, boarding gates and announcements over the loudspeaker. Our boat leaves at 11 a.m. It’s a fast boat, which makes us a little nervous. Mom and I tend to get seasick on these small boats that skim across the water, bouncing from wave to wave. Apparently we’re not the only ones, as sick bags are thoughtfully provided in the cabin 🤢. Fortunately, the sea is calm during the crossing. It’s the freezing air conditioning, rather than seasickness, that ends up causing us trouble.
After just 30 minutes on the water from Sanur, Nusa Penida comes into view. Nusa Penida is the largest island in an archipelago of three islands southeast of Bali, along with Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan. Back in 2017, we stayed on Nusa Lembongan, which was the most developed island at the time. Nusa Penida had very few places to stay, and most of the island still had no electricity! Things have certainly changed since then. Nusa Penida has experienced an incredible boom in tourism. The island now offers a huge range of accommodation options for all the tourists who want to stay there.
Where to stay in Nusa Penida: our bungalow in a lush garden
When we arrive on the island, we’re greeted by a whole crowd of taxi drivers. One of them takes us to The Palms Penida, our hotel just five minutes from the port. Once there, nobody is around. It’s scorching hot, so we settle down at reception. After 30 minutes, Rémi starts getting impatient and goes to check out the eight bungalows that make up the property. He eventually finds the receptionist taking a nap in one of them! She serves us some freshly squeezed orange juice, opens our bungalows for us, then heads back to her nap. The place is beautiful.
Nusa Penida tours: exploring the island
There are two main excursions for exploring Nusa Penida in Bali. The West Nusa Penida tour takes you to some of the island’s highlights, including Bali’s most famous beach: Kelingking Beach. Meanwhile, the East Nusa Penida tour features the magnificent Diamond Beach. Although the afternoon is already well underway, we decide to head out and explore the island’s eastern coast anyway.
Our driver picks us up at the hotel and speeds along Nusa Penida’s narrow roads. Why are Indonesian drivers always in such a hurry? We’re on vacation! We just want to take our time discovering Nusa Penida’s hidden gems and enjoying the breathtaking views over the Indian Ocean. But our driver has other ideas and keeps racing along. His worn-out tires skid around the hairpin bends and spin on the steep uphill sections. We start wondering whether we’ll survive an 11-hour drive with our crazy driver in Java only to end up dying in a ditch in Nusa Penida 😆.
Visiting Diamond Beach in Nusa Penida: a stunning panorama
After an hour and a half on the road, we arrive at Diamond Beach. Famous for its stunning panoramic views, Diamond Beach is one of Nusa Penida’s most popular attractions, especially at sunrise. No wonder, since we’re on the eastern side of the island! As we arrive in the late afternoon, the place is almost deserted. Finally, a tourist attraction in Bali that we can enjoy in peace and quiet! That’s quite rare in Bali, even during the low season. After paying the entrance fee, we make our way to the viewpoint and take in the spectacular sight of the endless Indian Ocean and the rocky islets that broke away from the cliff thousands of years ago. One of them, shaped like a diamond, gave the beach its name.
From our incredible viewpoint high above the cliff, we spot the dark shapes of a few rays swimming just beneath the surface. We can also see fishermen making their way down the cliff along a steep, precarious path to fish from a rocky outcrop overlooking the ocean.
Diamond Beach: the most beautiful beach in Bali?
At the foot of the cliff, Diamond Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Bali. Warm water, palm trees, white sand and a sheltered bay: it has everything it takes to deserve that prestigious title. We could happily spend the whole day lounging here. There’s just one problem: getting down to the beach! The only access is via a narrow staircase carved into the cliff. It takes some motivation to make your way down in such scorching heat… and then climb all the way back up.
Visit Diamond Beach at sunset to avoid the crowds
Visiting Diamond Beach in the late afternoon is a great way to avoid the crowds. Most visitors come in the morning, when the light is better. But we’re glad we came in the evening. It gives us the chance to enjoy the different viewpoints in peace and quiet and wander around the site once it has settled down again, among the monkeys that have reclaimed their territory and the now-deserted tourist attractions.
On the other side of Diamond Beach lies Atuh Beach, deserted at this time of day. But it’s easy to imagine how lively this beautiful beach must get during the busiest hours, with its easier access and more inviting swimming conditions.
We end the evening at a Vietnamese restaurant
Diamond Beach and Atuh Beach are two stunning beaches to visit on Nusa Penida. We’re really glad we went in the late afternoon, as it allowed us to avoid the crowds. We know that tourism has exploded on Nusa Penida in recent years, and that these beautiful but very popular spots can quickly become packed with visitors. It’s already dark by the time we get back to our hotel on the other side of the island. Our driver drops us off in the village, and we end the evening at an excellent Vietnamese restaurant by the sea. Not exactly local cuisine, but delicious!
After exploring Diamond Beach on the eastern side of Nusa Penida, tomorrow we’re heading to the west of the island, home to Bali’s most famous and most beautiful beach: Kelingking Beach. But first, we’re going to enjoy one of the must-do activities on Nusa Penida: swimming with manta rays!
