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Spending the night on Nusa Penida offers a unique opportunity to experience the island in a way that day-trippers often miss. You'll have the chance to explore Penida's top attractions without the usual crowds, while also soaking in its relaxed bar scene and breathtaking sunsets.
But being an island almost twice the size of Bali's Bukit Peninsula, choosing where to stay can make a big difference to your visit.
In a rush? The best area to stay on Nusa Penida is the northwest corner of the island, close to the main port. Mambo Beach Resort and The Sankara Beach Resort are conveniently located along the main road with many restaurants and bars. For great views, consider Semabu Hills.
After several visits to Nusa Penida, we've put together a guide to the main areas we'd suggest staying in and we'll share some of our favourite hotels.
Quick Summary
Here's a map of the areas with a description of each below:
Top Pick: Northwest Penida (orange) – This is where our favourite restaurants and bars are found. It's convenient if you don’t have your own transport as it's near the harbour and many tours pick up here. You'll also find live music in the area most evenings.
Recommeded Hotels: Mambo Beach Resort, The Sankara Beach Resort, Hotel Arsa Santhi
Beautiful Views: Northwest Penida - Hills (green) – Experience the best of both worlds by staying up in the hills. Enjoy panoramic views while still being just a short drive from the harbour and the main road. Find some great value 3* and 4* resorts.
Recommeded Hotels: Semabu Hills, Penida Bambu Green Suites, Mambo Hill Resort
The Rest of Penida – If you’re willing to venture beyond the main area, Penida has some breathtaking accommodation in more remote areas, ranging from luxury 5* hotels to relaxing eco-friendly resorts.
Recommeded Hotels: Maua Penida, The Angkal Resort, The Mesare Eco Resort, Tropical Glamping
Area and Accommodation Guide
Top Pick: Northwest Penida
The best area to stay on Nusa Penida is the northwest corner of the island, in the region called Ped.
Staying here puts you within easy reach of the main ferry port, Tokapakeh, where most ferries from Bali arrive. Many snorkelling trips pick up near here and it's where you'll find the island's top dive stores. It's also home to some of the best restaurants and cafes on the island.
If you don’t have your own transport, we recommend choosing a hotel along the main road. This will put you within walking distance of the beachfront and plenty of amenities. In the evenings, many restaurants along the road host live music.
If you split your itinerary into east and west (this is how we'd recommend planning your trip), you'll be well positioned for visiting the two halves. Kelingking Beach is 45 minutes away in one direction, while Diamond Beach is around 1 hour the other way. See our 3 day Nusa Islands guide for a pre-made itinerary.
Keep in mind that Penida’s only mosque is next to the port so it’s best not to stay too close if you’d rather not be woken up by the early morning call to prayer.
Hotels in Northwest Penida
Top Pick: Mambo Beach Resort – This cute resort has spacious beach-hut style villas, complete with balconies overlooking a shared pool. Onsite is the Mambo Beach Cafe which serves good food and has a nice vibe into the evening. The resort also has a dive shop where you can organise snorkelling and diving trips. A free shuttle is available to and from the main harbour.
Premium Pick: The Sankara Beach Resort - A beautiful 4-star hotel with stylish rooms and suites overlooking the ocean. The suites are worth the upgrade. It has an outdoor pool and direct beach access. Onsite restaurant or several great alternatives within a 10-15 minute walk.
Affordable Pick: Hotel Arsa Santhi - If you're looking for something simple, affordable, and in a great location, this is a good pick. It's walkable from the ferry port and has some good restaurants nearby (we love Sunny Cafe!). There's a nice garden area with two pools and loungers for relaxing.
Where To Eat in Northwest Penida
Penida Colada - A cute beachfront bar and restaurant reminiscent of a tropical beach hut with pineapples everywhere you look. They have an extensive brunch menu, as well as burgers, salads, pastas, and local dishes. Gets busy in the evening with a great vibe and live music most nights.
ㅤMambo Beach Café - Part of the Mambo Beach Resort, this beachfront spot has a beach club vibe with spacious daybeds or beachfront beanbags. The food was good but the vibe makes it worth visiting. After dark, cute fairy lights illuminated the venue and a live band performed an excellent acoustic set.
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Beautiful Views: Northwest Penida -Hills
As you move inland, Penida's terrain rises to form hills covered with lush green jungle. Hidden among the trees are some beautiful resorts offering beautiful panoramic views across the ocean towards mainland Bali.
The accommodations in the hills tend to be more secluded, offering a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere. You'll be further from the main road, so a vehicle would be helpful. But it's still in a convenient part of the island in terms of proximity to restaurants and the main attractions.
If you’re staying in the hills but don’t have your own vehicle, it would be worth choosing accommodation with an onsite restaurant or good kitchen facilities.
You can find some very reasonable 3* and 4* resorts in the hills and several boutique accommodations with cute bungalows or bamboo houses.
Hotels in Northwest Penida - Hills
Top Pick: Semabu Hills – An excellent 4* hotel with reasonably priced rooms and suites. Their infinity pool overlooks the ocean and as far as Mount Agung. The road to get there is well-paved and easy to reach from the harbour, you could just about walk if you wanted (around 20 mins). Their onsite restaurant serves good western and local cuisine.
Luxury Pick: Penida Bambu Green Suites – A new resort with 5 luxury bamboo villas already proving popular thanks to its hilltop location and aesthetic appeal. Enjoy hot tubs, hammock nets, flower baths, and even air conditioning! While pricier than other options, it's still more affordable than bamboo villas on mainland Bali.
Great Alternative: Mambo Hill Resort – Similar beach-hut style accommodation to their Mambo Beach Resort, only your balcony opens up to beautiful panoramic sea views. Has an onsite restaurant and pool with sunbeds right outside the rooms. They offer a shuttle between the hill resort, the harbour, and their beach resort.
The Rest of Penida
Although the northwest corner of the island is the best area to stay, Penida has dozens of amazing resorts across the island that are still worth considering.
Some of these resorts are so exceptional that their luxury amenities and picturesque views outweigh the slightly less convenient locations.
If you’re staying elsewhere on Penida, it’s a good idea to consider places to eat nearby. Look for accommodation that has an onsite restaurant or cooking facilities and that offers help with transfers from the port as these are the main challenges you’ll face.
Luxury Pick: Maua Penida – Maua is Nusa Penida’s only 5-star resort, sitting on top of Gamat Hill, around 30 minutes from the main harbour. Inspired by New Zealand's Maori culture, the resort emphasises tranquillity, wellness, and a deep connection with nature. Each villa has a private pool and uninterrupted island views. Guests can enjoy the on-site restaurant, bar, lounge, library, gym, and spa.
Hidden Gem: The Angkal Resort - A hidden gem near Goa Giri Putri temple, The Angkal Resort offers spacious rooms with nice homely decor. Enjoy the ocean views from your private terrace or the infinity pool. Although in a quiet area, next door is their Angkal bar and restaurant and behind the resort is a small spa.
Eco Pick: The Mesare Eco Resort – Right at the heart of the island, The Mesare Eco Resort is the perfect place to switch off, relax, and enjoy the sounds of nature. The resort has fourteen rustic cottages, a pool surrounded by greenery, a bamboo yoga shala with daily classes, and an open-air restaurant serving local and Western dishes made with homegrown organic ingredients.
Wildcard: Tropical Glamping – This Insta-famous glamping villa is perched right on the cliff near Diamond Beach. It’s not cheap and you’ll need to book way ahead, but it will be worth it when you’re spending evenings on the hammock net, watching the Manta Rays and turtles swim below. This secluded spot is the perfect place to switch off and enjoy nature.
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