Ultimate 3 Day Nusa Islands Itinerary [Penida & Lembongan]

Just a 30 minute ferry ride from mainland Bali, the Nusa Islands (Penida, Lembongan, and Ceningan) offer incredible white sand beaches, chilled island vibes, and some of Bali's best snorkelling spots.

While you can certainly see the highlights on a day trip, if your itinerary allows, we recommend spending at least 3 days to explore them properly.

If you're wondering how to spend your time, we've created this whistle-stop Nusa Islands 3 day itinerary which includes the highlights of all three islands and a few hidden gems.

About This Itinerary

We've designed this to be a 3 day - 3 night itinerary so you'll only catch morning ferries when the sea conditions are better. The itinerary assumes you'll arrive early on day 1, stay for 3 nights, and leave early on day 4.

With 3 days to play with, we recommend basing yourself on Nusa Penida where there's more to see and do. But the final day will include a trip to Lembongan and Ceningan.

Getting To Nusa Penida

The best way to reach Nusa Penida is by taking a ferry from Sanur Port on Bali mainland. While the journey itself is around 30-40 minutes, it typically takes closer to an hour including waiting, boarding, and disembarking at the other end.

Here’s a quick summary of the steps involved:

• Pre-book your ferry at 12go.asia

• Go to Sanur Port

• Check-in at the correct office (detailed on your booking confirmation)

• Board via the ferry terminal

• Arrive on Nusa Penida and pay the arrival tax (cash required)

The boats from Bali to Nusa Penida are pretty similar so it doesn’t matter which company you choose. We tend to use Angels Billabong or Semabu Hills and have always had a good experience.

Choose a ferry that docks at Penida's main harbour called Banjar Nyuh (also known as Toyapakeh). A few ferries drop off elsewhere on the island so double check this detail.

Most ferry companies advise checking-in 60 minutes before departure, but this is excessive. We'd suggest 30 minutes is plenty. On one occasion, we managed with 10 minutes to go, but this was cutting it fine.

Where To Base Yourself?

For this itinerary, we recommend staying on the northwest corner of Nusa Penida. This is where you’ll find Toyapakeh Harbour (the main harbour where you'll arrive) and many of the islands' best bars and restaurants.

There are plenty of accommodation options around here, ranging from beachfront hotels to budget-friendly hostels and some incredible hilltop resorts. Here are a few we recommend:

How To Get Around Nusa Penida

As there's no Grab or Gojek on Nusa Penida, the two main ways to get around are by hiring a private driver or renting a scooter and driving yourself.

Private Driver – Your hotel should be able to arrange a private driver for you or you can pre-book one yourself using this booking form. Let them know which boat you’re arriving on and send them your proposed itinerary in advance.

Renting a Scooter – This is our preferred method as we like the freedom (and it’s more affordable). We hire a scooter from Doel Hadi Scooter Rentals which is only a few minutes walk from the ferry port. We usually pay on arrival but you can also pre-book on their website to guarantee the model you want.

Our Three Day Itinerary

Day One: Explore East Penida

Overview

9am – Catch a ferry to Penida

To make the most of your short stay on Penida, we recommend setting off at a reasonable time. We'll assume you'll catch one of the 9am boats from Sanur, although you can amend the timings of the itinerary accordingly.

Pre-arrange a transfer with your accommodation on Penida. The two hotels we've recommended both offer free transfers, just let them know what time you'll arrive on the island for pick-up.

It might be too early to check-in and access your room, but you can drop off your luggage ready for a day of exploring.

11am - Goa Giri Putri

For your first stop, head to Goa Giri Putri Temple, a larger-than-expected cave that contains a series of Hindu and Buddhist shrines.

Despite being a popular pilgrimage for Balinese Hindus who believe its spring water has healing powers, the temple remains somewhat a hidden gem among tourists.

When you first reach the entrance, everything seems normal. But after making a donation (50,000 IDR per person is recommended), you’re directed to climb through a small hole in the rocks to reach the cave and temples.

The first few metres of the passage is narrow and low so you need to duck to get through. But it soon opens up into an enormous underground cavern with a dimly lit path down the middle that seems to go on as far as the eye can see.

Following the path leads you to several shrines, including the main Hindu shrine where we were lucky enough to witness a purification ceremony taking place.

A one-way system leads through the 300m long cave and out of the back exit, taking us around 35 minutes in total to get back to the parking area again.

Along the route, look out for the stalagmites and stalactites, sacred items draped in checkered cloths, and the unique species of crab that is endemic to the cave (we didn’t spot any unfortunately).

This is one of the few temples in Bali where a sarong is required but isn’t included in the ticket price. You can hire one from a small shop in the parking area for around 10,000 IDR.

12:15pm - Diamond Beach & Atuh Beach

Next, head across to the most easterly part of the island where you’ll find Diamond Beach and Atuh Beach, two of the most beautiful beaches in Bali.

Both share a parking area and an entry ticket so are easy to visit together. You’ll have a couple of hours here, so decide whether you’d like to spend the entire time at one of the beaches (we’d recommend Atuh) or split it between the two if you’re feeling fit enough to tackle two sets of steep steps.

Diamond Beach

Named after the diamond-shaped rock that pokes out of the turquoise blue water, Diamond Beach has quickly become one of Penida’s most popular destinations.

The beach has only been accessible since 2018 when a staircase was carved into the cliffside. And with several hundred steps down to the bottom, it’s hard work getting there. But the journey is worthwhile and the picturesque views along the way are a great distraction.

At the bottom, you’ll find a stunning untouched white sand beach. There are no sun beds, no warungs or cafes, and no annoying vendors here – just a small slice of paradise that’s perfect for relaxing in the sun. However, the waves can get pretty strong, so swimming is prohibited.

Atuh Beach

Adjacent to Diamond Beach is Atuh Beach, which is most notable for the small limestone arch that sits just offshore.

The picturesque white sand beach has a row of sunbeds and parasols and a few tiny warungs selling cold drinks and snacks. But don’t expect any fancy or modern facilities.

Like Diamond Beach, you’ll have to conquer a steep descent down a long staircase to reach the beach. But unlike its neighbour, you can cool down with a dip in the water after your trek down. The beach sits within a sheltered bay and the waves are usually pretty calm, making it a popular spot for swimming.

Watch out for the mischievous monkeys that sometimes hang out near the steps. They’ve never caused us any problems but hold your valuables tightly to be safe.

2pm - Lunch at Eastside Penida

Eastside Penida is a small eatery not far from Atuh/Diamond Beach. The brand-new spot is already one of the top-rated places to eat on this side of the island. It has tropical-themed decor and a menu containing both local and Western dishes including sandwiches, burgers, and poke bowls.

3pm - Thousand Islands Viewpoint

After lunch, make a stop at the Thousand Islands Viewpoint which offers amazing panoramic views across the ocean and a glimpse at the handful of tiny islands sitting just offshore.

The viewpoint entrance fee is 15,000 IDR, which can be paid near the parking area. You’ll then have to descend a short set of steep steps to the main viewpoint which takes about 10 minutes. It’s an easy walk by Penida standards but still requires moderate fitness and mobility.

Along the route are a handful of photo opportunities, including the Instagram-famous Rumah Pohon Treehouse. Some of these photo spots are free and some you have to pay to use.

Unfortunately, there won’t be time for a photo at the main treehouse (you could wait 2-3 hours on busy days so we’re told). However, there’s another treehouse opposite that doesn’t have the same dramatic backdrop but still makes a cool photo without too much of a wait.

4.45pm - Check-in to your hotel

Next head back to your hotel to properly check-in and get some downtime. If you're staying near the harbour as we recommended, the return journey should take around an hour.

Evening - Mambo Beach Cafe

Spend the evening at Mambo Beach Cafe (right on your doorstep if you're staying at Mambo Beach Resort).

It can get busy in the evenings, so aim to arrive before 6pm to guarantee a spot on the beachfront beanbags. Enjoy the ocean views and glow of the sunset while you dine.

The food was good but the vibe is really what makes Mambo worth visiting. After dark, cute fairy lights illuminated the venue and a live band performed an excellent acoustic set.

Day Two: Snorkelling & West Penida

Overview

9am - Snorkelling trip

Start your second day on Nusa Penida by visiting some of Bali's top snorkelling spots. The waters are teeming with life and you’ll have the chance to swim with unique underwater species such as Manta Rays.

These majestic giants can reach up to 9m in diameter and can be spotted swimming just a few metres beneath the surface. They are present year-round and tend to congregate around Manta Bay or Manta Point, so your chances of encountering one are quite high.

Emily and I went on separate days and both managed to see them, but it’s never 100% guaranteed.

We recommend booking this snorkelling trip and selecting a start time of 9am (on the checkout page). The meeting point is their office on Virgin Beach as detailed in the confirmation. If you're staying at Mambo Beach Resort, it's basically next door.

Snorkelling tours last around 2hrs30. You’ll visit several snorkelling spots including Manta Bay. The guides are all equipped with a GoPro to capture footage and share it with you afterwards for free.

After the trip, you'll probably be feeling a bit salty so pop back to your accommodation for a quick shower. Alternatively, the next stop, Penida Colada, has an outdoor shower you can use.

Midday - Lunch at Penida Colada

After your snorkelling trip, head to Penida Colada, an aesthetic bar and restaurant overlooking the ocean.

It’s a great spot to relax and enjoy some of the best food on the island. They have an extensive brunch menu, as well as burgers, salads, pastas, and some local dishes.

True to its name, the décor is reminiscent of a tropical beach hut with pineapples everywhere you look. Even the coconuts are shaped like pineapples!

2pm - Angels Billabong & Broken Beach

After lunch, you’ll drive for an hour or so across to the western tip of the island. Here, you’ll find Angels Billabong and Broken Beach.

Angel’s Billabong is an iconic natural infinity pool along the coast of Nusa Penida. It’s formed where the strong tides surge over the cliff, filling a small crater formed by erosion in the volcanic rocks around the cliffside.

When the water is still, Angels Billabong blends seamlessly with the ocean making it almost impossible to distinguish one from the other.

Next to Angels Billabong is Pelinggih Beach, a white sand beach at the bottom of a giant cove. It’s more commonly known as Broken Beach because of the ‘broken’ hole in the side of the cove which forms a natural land bridge.

The beach is inaccessible on foot, but you can enjoy a walk around the top of the cove and over the bridge.

Angels Billabong and Broken Beach are right next to Manta Bay where you went snorkelling earlier in the day. Head over to the cliff edge to see if you can spot the giant Manta Rays from a different angle.

Visiting Angels Billabong and Broken Beach is free, but you might need to pay for parking if you have your own scooter. We recommend allowing around 30 minutes here.

3pm - Kelingking Beach & Paluang Cliff

The next stop is Kelingking Beach, one of Bali’s most iconic attractions. Here, a giant limestone headland protrudes out into the ocean resembling a T-rex with its mouth wide open. Once you’ve seen the dinosaur, you can’t unsee it!

At the bottom of the headland is a beautiful secluded cove with yet another untouched white sand beach. And this beach really is untouched as the path leading down to it is probably the hardest of all of Nusa Penida.

The hike down to the beach includes hundreds of steep and uneven steps winding their way down the cliff, with some parts where you actually have to climb down with the help of a rope. Emily has done this and described it as “one of the toughest things she’s ever done!”.

Most people visiting Kelingking don’t venture down to the beach but come to enjoy the iconic view from the clifftop. If you do decide to give it a go, allow 30 minutes each way for the hike.

After seeing Kelinking, walk around to Paluang Cliff, which takes 10 minutes on foot (or you can drive). This is another stunning viewpoint that’s a little less busy than Kelinking. It costs 30,000 IDR.

Look out for the small local temple near the viewpoint called Pura Paluang. It’s nicknamed the Car Temple because there’s an unusual shrine in the shape of a car.

Evening - AMARTA Penida

Spend the rest of your day at Amarta, an oceanfront restaurant with an infinity pool perfectly positioned for watching the sunset. Don't forget your swimwear!

You can choose from a table in their main restaurant, a cosy day bed on the grass, or tiered seating where you can enjoy a scenic view over Nusa Lembongan and mainland Bali.

Although the menu doesn’t have the widest choice, the dishes they serve are fantastic and it’s easily among the best restaurants on Penida. If you have a sweet tooth like me, finish off your meal with their heavenly Basque cheesecake!

Amarta has recently installed a set of traditional Balinese split gates complete with a view of Mount Agung on mainland Bali perfectly positioned in the background.

It’s a fantastic photo spot and a great alternative to the Gates of Heaven for those who don’t want to wait in line. Although it was a bit too cloudy to see the volcano on the day we visited as you can see in the photo.

Day Three: Visit Nusa Lembongan

Overview

8.30am - Take a Local Boat Across to Lembongan

For your final day on the Nusa Islands, take a day trip to Nusa Lembongan using the frequent local boats. They cost 50,000 IDR per person and it only takes 15 minutes or so. However, they operate on a 'leave when full' basis so waiting times can vary.

The ticket office on Nusa Penida is here. If you don't have a scooter, you'll probably want to arrange transport to the office as it's down the south end of the harbour.

When you reach Lembongan, the boats will drop you off on the shore near the Yellow Bridge. As there are no jettys, expect to get your feet wet on both sides.

How To Get Around on Lembongan

The best way to explore Lembongan is by hiring your own transport. Cars aren't too common due to the road conditions, so the most popular options are scooters or golf buggies.

As you get off the boat at the Yellow Bridge, you'll be bombarded with offers for scooter hire. You can negotiate on the spot but we prefer to pre-arrange transport. Reach out to Lembongan Cheerful Rental (for scooters) or Ricky Raja Buggy (for golf buggies) and they can meet you when you arrive.

If you'd rather not drive yourself, you can also take a tour. We recommend this private guided tour of Lembongan as the meeting point is right near the Yellow Bridge where you'll arrive. You can stick to their planned itinerary or set your own based on this guide.

9:30am - Lembongan Mangrove Tour

For the first stop of the trip, head to the island's famous mangroves.

Spanning the northeast coast, Lembongan's mangroves are vital for protecting the small island from strong waves and coastal erosion. The dense coastal forest is also home to many amazing plant and animal species.

You can take a 30 minute guided tour of the mangrove forest on a small gondola-style boat. Or you can rent a kayak/stand-up paddleboard to explore the peaceful waterways yourself.

There's no need to pre-book a boat trip at the mangroves. You can simply turn up and you'll find plenty straight away. You will need to negotiate on price. As a guide, you should pay around 100,000 IDR per person for a 30 minute trip.

10:30am - Brunch on Jungutbatu Beach

Next, head to the beautiful Jungutbatu Beach, Lembongan's longest and most popular beach. There are several great bars and cafes along the beachfront that are ideal for grabbing a laid-back brunch overlooking the ocean.

A few restaurants we'd recommend on Jungutbatu:

11:45am - Devils Tears

After lunch, drive around 10-15 minutes to Lembongan's southeast coast and the popular tourist attraction known as Devil's Tears.

Devil's Tears is a unique coastal formation where many caves and blowholes line rugged cliffs, causing the waves to spray metres in the air when they slam against them. The huge crashing waves are quite the spectacle and often cause natural infinity pools and rainbows to form.

Standing close to the spray is a great way to cool down on a hot day in Nusa Lembongan. But don't cross the rope barriers. Standing too close to the cliff edge can be dangerous as you never know when a huge wave will hit.

As of early 2024, it now costs 25,000 IDR per person to enter the area. Make sure you have cash with you. You could spend around 20-30 minutes here exploring the stretch of coastline.

12:20pm - Dream Beach

Next door to the Devil's Tears, you'll also find the picturesque Dream Beach. Its powdery white sand, turquoise waters, and dramatic coastal backdrop make it one of the most popular beaches on Lembongan.

You can climb down the stone staircase to take a stroll or relax on the beach. Just be careful when swimming as the waves can get strong. Or head to one of the clifftop restaurants for a coconut or cocktail overlooking the scenic bay.

1:30pm - Yellow Bridge & Seaweed Farms

Finish your day by crossing over the iconic Yellow Bridge to visit Nusa Ceningan, a tiny island right next door to Lembongan. The bridge is the only thing connecting the two islands.

The bright yellow bridge offers a stark contrast to the blue skies and turquoise waters that surround it, making it a great focal point for photos.

You can only cross the bridge by foot or on a scooter. If you are crossing by scooter, make sure to drive slowly and watch out for pedestrians coming the opposite way.

Look for the many seaweed farms that make up the small channel between the two islands. If you're lucky, you may even spot a seaweed farmer at work. Seaweed farming has long been an important agricultural practice on the islands, providing a crucial source of livelihood for the locals

1:45pm - Blue Lagoon

On Nusa Ceningan, drive along the coast to reach the Blue Lagoon, the tiny island's most iconic landmark. The huge lagoon is a stunning coastal formation with some of the bluest waters you’ll find anywhere in Bali!

You can view the amazing panorama from the surrounding clifftop for free. The area is a popular spot for cliff jumping. However, the rocky coast and rough waters can be extremely dangerous. It’s best to leave this area to the professionals.

If you have a little extra time, you could head into the brand-new Klyf Beach Club above the lagoon. The modern club is free entry and has no minimum spend, so you can grab a drink or a bite for lunch.

Once you've finished here, head back to the Yellow Bridge to catch your return boat to Penida. The final boats tend to depart around 4pm, but try to return before this just to be safe.

Evening - Dinner on Penida

For your final evening on Nusa Penida, here are a few dinner recommendations: