Duration: 12 hours 30 minutes (approximately)
Highlights: West Nusa Penida area
Language: The tour is originally in Indonesian and English

If you've ever dream of exploring pristine beaches, rugged cliffs, and crystal-clear waters, a day trip to West Nusa Penida is one of those adventures that will stick with you for a lifetime. I remember my first time visiting this little gem just off the coast of Bali. To be honest, I didn’t realize how quickly the day would fly by—and how much there is to see in just a few short hours! From the moment I hopped on the fast boat at Sanur, the anticipation was already bubbling inside me. Little did I know, Nusa Penida would have me awe-struck from start to finish.

Early Start, But Worth It
I know, I know. A 6:30 AM pick-up sounds brutal, especially when you're on vacation. Who wants to wake up that early, right? But trust me, you'll want to beat the crowds. By the time we arrived at Sanur Port around 8:00 AM, the sunrise views made the early start feel worth it. Watching Bali’s coast fade into the distance as we zipped across the waters toward Nusa Penida felt surreal.

If you're prone to seasickness, this is one part of the journey you'll want to prepare for. Fast boats aren't exactly the smoothest rides—especially if the waters are a bit choppy. Grab a seat near the back of the boat. It's less bumpy there (learned this the hard way when I sat at the front once and regretted it the whole time).

First Stop: Angel’s Billabong
As soon as we hit Nusa Penida’s shores at 9:00 AM, the real adventure began. Our first stop was Angel’s Billabong, a natural infinity pool that overlooks the Indian Ocean. And let me tell you, this place looks just as magical in real life as it does in all those Instagram posts.

The water was crystal clear, and the jagged rocks surrounding the pool gave it this mystical, untouched vibe.
Now, if you’re thinking of swimming here, take a good look at the tide before you dive in. The waves can crash in unpredictably, and, while it’s tempting to jump in, safety should always come first. When I visited, the tide was high, so our guide advised against getting too close to the edge (thank goodness for local knowledge).

Broken Beach: Nature’s Masterpiece
A quick 15-minute ride later, we found ourselves at Broken Beach. The name sounds tragic, but it’s actually one of the most breathtaking places I’ve ever seen. Picture this: a massive archway carved into the cliffs with turquoise water swirling underneath. The water doesn’t exactly reach the beach, but that’s what makes this spot so unique.

I remember standing there, feeling tiny in comparison to the towering cliffs around me. It’s one of those moments where you can’t help but feel connected to nature in a big way. A word of advice: bring a good camera. I made the mistake of thinking my phone would be enough, but the wide landscape really calls for something with a bit more zoom and quality. That being said, even phone pictures come out pretty incredible here!

Kelingking Beach: The Icon of Nusa Penida
Next up, Kelingking Beach—or as many people call it, "T-Rex Beach" (because it looks like a dinosaur head from above). If there’s one spot you’ve probably seen all over social media, it’s this one. The viewpoint is phenomenal, but be prepared—this place can get busy. Everyone’s trying to capture that perfect shot from the top of the cliff.

I’m not going to lie, the steep hike down to the beach itself is no joke. The trail is narrow, and if you have a fear of heights, it might not be for you. But if you’re up for a challenge and have enough time, it’s one of the most beautiful beaches you’ll ever set foot on. White sands, crashing waves, and very few people—Kelingking is an absolute paradise. Unfortunately, during our day trip, we didn’t have enough time to make the descent, but just the view from the top is worth every second.

Lunch Break: Refueling for the Rest of the Day
After all that exploring, we stopped for lunch around 1:00 PM. We ate at a little local warung (a small, family-owned restaurant), and let me just say, nothing beats a good plate of Nasi Goreng (fried rice) after a morning of adventure. You don’t really realize how hungry you are until you sit down to eat. Plus, it's a great opportunity to rest and recharge for the second half of the day. If you’re not a fan of spicy food, definitely ask for “sedikit pedas,” which means "a little spicy" in Bahasa. Trust me, Indonesian spices pack a punch!

Crystal Bay: The Perfect End to the Day
The last stop of the tour was Crystal Bay, and it’s the ideal place to end the day. The moment I stepped onto the sand, I was tempted to just lay out and soak in the sun for hours. The water here is calm and perfect for swimming. If you’re into snorkeling, Crystal Bay is famous for its vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life. I didn’t get a chance to snorkel this time around (we were short on time), but I’ve heard people say it’s one of the best spots in the area.

Wrapping It Up: The Journey Back
By 4:00 PM, it was time to head back to the port. I felt a mix of exhaustion and exhilaration as we made our way to the boat. The ride back was much calmer than the ride over—probably because everyone was too tired to care about the bumps! As the sun started to set, I looked back at Nusa Penida fading into the horizon, already thinking about when I’d come back to explore more.

By the time we got back to the hotel around 7:00 PM, I was ready to crash, but it was one of those days where you fall asleep with a smile on your face. If you’re thinking about booking a tour to West Nusa Penida, I can’t recommend it enough. Just be prepared for an early morning and a lot of walking—but I promise, it’s all worth it.