Is Nusa Penida Worth Visiting? A Day Tour from Seminyak Guide

So, can you do a day trip to Nusa Penida from Seminyak, and is it worth it?

Yes, Nusa Penida is worth visiting—if you’re after dramatic coastal views, hidden beaches, and an adventurous escape from Bali’s crowds. But it’s not for everyone.

This Indonesian island is home to some of the most beautiful cliffs, white-sand beaches, and clear, blue waters teeming with sea life.

I know how overwhelming planning a trip to Bali can be when you don’t want to miss out but also don’t want to blow your budget.

When I learnt that you could take a day trip to Nusa Penida from Bali, I felt it was the perfect opportunity to combine my love of natural beauty’s landscapes with a place to explore. Yes! Bali was a must-see on my bucket list.

That’s why I put together my honest, firsthand experience—a no-fluff guide to help you see the best of Nusa Penida in just one day.

From epic viewpoints to helpful ferry and tour tips, I’ve got you covered. This guide will help you decide if visiting Nusa Penida is worth your time, money, and energy.

Ready to find out what a day tour on this island usually includes? Let’s find out!

Nusa Penida Exact Location

The exact location is situated just outside the southeast of Bali Island in the Klungkung Regency district. It’s part of a group of three islands—Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan, and Nusa Ceningan—but Penida is the biggest and wildest of them all.

Here’s what you should know:

• Close to Bali: It takes about 40–50 minutes by speedboat from Bali (usually from Sanur Harbour). You can go there and back in one day.

• Nusa Penida feels very different from Bali; while Bali is busy and full of cafes, shops, and crowds, Nusa Penida has a more untouched and natural atmosphere.

• Nature is the star: Think tall cliffs, hidden beaches, crystal-clear water, and jaw-dropping views at every turn

• Less crowded: It’s perfect if you want to escape the tourist buzz and enjoy a quiet, scenic spot. Note: The only areas you’ll find a few crowds are in the Instagrammable spots like Kelingking or Broken Beach

• Great for adventurers: Some roads are bumpy and rough, but it’s all part of the adventure, in my opinion. The experience of raw and authentic Balinese life contributes to its charm.

So if you’re dreaming of unspoiled beaches, dramatic cliffs, and fewer people, Nusa Penida is your kind of place.

How to Get to Nusa Penida from Seminyak

Getting to Nusa Penida from Seminyak is pretty easy once you know where to go. Most people take a speedboat from Sanur Harbour, which is the fastest and most direct way.

Here’s what you need to know:

• Sanur Harbour is the best spot to leave from. It’s about 45–60 minutes from Seminyak by car or taxi (leave early to avoid traffic).

• Speedboats run daily, starting from around 7:00 AM. The boat ride is about 40–50

• Ferries also leave from Padang Bai and Kusamba, but they take longer and aren’t great for day trips.

• Book your tickets online for peace of mind. You can also buy tickets at the harbour, but it’s riskier during busy seasons. Popular booking sites: 12Go Asia and DirectFerries.

• Expect to pay around 150,000 to 250,000 IDR (£7–£13) one-way. You can buy ferry tickets at the harbour, but I don’t think it’s a good idea. It looked really busy when we were there.

• The boat ride can be bumpy! If you get seasick, bring ginger sweets or take something before the ride. You’ll be sitting inside a small speedboat with basic seats and no frills.

• Wear flip-flops or sandals. When getting on and off the boat, you’ll likely have to walk through shallow water. There isn’t a fancy dock!

Best Nusa Penida Day Trip Tours

These are the two most well-known Nusa Penida tours. We took the Bali Nusa Penida Tour, meeting at Sanur Harbour.

Please keep in mind that this only includes the ferry ride from Sanur to Nusa Penida. You will need to rent a motorcycle or a private car to get around the island on your own.

Here are the two best options for day trip tours:

• Nusa Penida from Bali (meet up at Sanur Harbour): It is a popular day trip from Bali to Penida, with all the highlights. If you take this tour, you can explore the island on your own using a motorbike or a private car, which makes things easier. I wouldn’t encourage riding a motorbike without experience, though. The roads aren’t very smooth. We toured with a private car from the area.

• Swim with Manta Rays in Nusa Penida: Swim with Manta Rays is a popular day trip from Bali to Nusa Penida. With this tour, you’ll take a boat, snorkel in clear water, and have the chance to see huge manta rays swimming around you.

PRO TIP: As long as you arrive at Sanur Harbour on time, getting on the ferry is easy.
We booked our ferry tickets two days in advance, eliminating the stress of scrambling to find a last-minute tour provider. We just went straight to the tour company to get our tickets.

This tour was a bit different—you don’t show a QR code like in other places. Instead, you’ll get a bracelet or paper ticket. Keep it safe because you’ll need it for the return trip to Sanur.

Also, our day trip tour didn’t include a ride to or from our hotel. I'd suggest that you arrange your transportation to the location. I recommend using a Grab taxi or riding a scooter to Sanur Harbour.

If you’re staying in places like Canggu, Seminyak, or Kuta, it’s easy to visit Nusa Penida for the day. We were staying in Ubud, so we left an hour early to get to the harbour on time.

Locations You’ll Visit & What to Expect on Your Day Trip

If you’re visiting Nusa Penida from Seminyak just for the day, it’s best to stick to the west coast—this is where most of the famous spots are, and they’re easier to reach in one trip.

Here’s what a typical day tour looks like:

1. Kelingking Beach (West side)

This is probably the most iconic viewpoint! And I’m sure you’ve seen it a lot on Instagram. It looks like a T-Rex. You can hike down to the beach, but it’s very steep and takes time. Sadly, we didn’t have time to go down— to be honest, we’re not a pro-fit hiking couple. 😅

2. Angel’s Billabong (west side)

This unique rock formation on the island’s southwest coast creates a tranquil natural infinity pool, offering a breathtaking view of the vast Indian Ocean.

The pool’s clear water makes it a safe and peaceful place to swim at low tide, revealing a fascinating underwater world. It’s close to Broken Beach.

3. Broken Beach (west side)

This cliffside view resembles a round pond, with the ocean rushing beneath a rock bridge. You can’t swim here, but the photos are amazing.

4. Crystal Bay (optional)

This beach is ideal for those who conclude their tour early. But to be honest, it wasn’t very interesting. It was super crowded, and we didn’t enjoy it.

There was no natural shade, but you could rent sunbeds with umbrellas. We didn’t stay long because we had to go back to the harbour for the Sunar tour.

It was too hot, so we went for a swim to cool down. There were also small shower rooms you could use for under £1 or $1.50.

5. Snorkelling (optional)

You can add a quick snorkel trip to see colourful fish and maybe manta rays—but you’ll have less time for sightseeing.

Tour Options & Costs

• Guided Day Tour: Easiest for first-timers. The tour package includes transportation from Seminyak or nearby towns to the Sanur harbour, a boat ride, a driver on the island, and lunch. You just relax and enjoy the views.

• Private Driver: Gives you more flexibility to go at your pace. You can stop where you want, but make sure to plan your route.

• Scooter Rental: Only if you’re very confident! Roads are rough and narrow. It’s the cheapest option.

Costs of a Day Trip to Nusa Penida:

A visit to Nusa Penida for a day doesn’t have to cost a lot, but there are a few things to keep in mind. Here’s a quick breakdown:

Ferry Ticket Prices (Return)

From Sanur Harbour:
Around IDR 150,000–200,000 one way (about £8–10 / $10–13)
Return fare is roughly IDR 300,000–400,000 total
Tip: Book online in advance to avoid morning queues

Tour Costs

• Group Day Tour: From IDR 700,000–1,000,000 per person (about £30 to 50). The package includes hotel pickup, ferry transportation, a driver, lunch, and entrance fees. Please verify the updated prices with your preferred tour operator. This is an approximation of how much it cost at the time we visited (2 years ago).

• Private Day Tour: Around IDR 1,200,000–1,600,000+ for 2 people (over £50) per person. This tour offers greater flexibility, albeit at a slightly higher cost.

• The approximate cost for the DIY activity is about IDR 400,000–600,000 (approximately £20 to £27) per person. The price includes ferry, scooter and entrance fees.

If it’s your first time, a tour is easier and more relaxing. But if you’re confident with planning and riding a scooter, DIY can save money.

Time Tips for One Day:

• Leave Seminyak early (around 6:00 AM): Boats leave Sanur starting at 7:00 AM.

• Stick to 3–4 main spots: Nusa Penida is big and the roads are slow, so don’t try to see everything.

• Be back at the harbour by 4:30 p.m. Most boats return to Bali between 4:30–5:30 PM. Don’t miss the last one!

Tip: Even though it’s a long day, the views are worth it—just pack light, stay flexible, and bring water and sunscreen.

Is a Day Trip Enough? Pros and Cons

Doing Nusa Penida from Seminyak in just one day can be amazing, but it depends on your travel style. Here’s a quick look at the good and the not-so-good:

Pros:

• Fits easily into your Bali itinerary: Great if you’re short on time but still want to see something special.

• You’ll see the most famous spots: Kelingking Beach, Angel’s Billabong, and Broken Beach—all in one day. Seeing these iconic sites makes it worth visiting, especially if you travel from Europe or Africa. Bali is quite far from these locations.

• No need to pack for an overnight: You’ll be back in Seminyak by dinner. Easy!

Cons:

• It’s a long and tiring day: You’ll wake up early and spend lots of time in transport.

• Roads can be rough: Some parts of the island have bumpy, narrow roads, which slow everything down.

• Popular spots get crowded: Since everyone visits the same places, you might not get those quiet, dreamy moments.

Final Thoughts: Is Nusa Penida Worth Visiting?

If you’re still thinking about whether to visit Nusa Penida from Seminyak, here’s my honest advice—yes, it’s absolutely worth it.

Even if you only have one day, you can still see the island’s most beautiful spots, like Kelingking Beach, Broken Beach, and Angel’s Billabong. It’s a fun way to escape the busy streets of Bali and enjoy something more natural and peaceful.

Sure, it’s a long day, and some roads are a bit rough, but the views are amazing, and the trip feels like a real adventure.

Are you considering visiting Nusa Penida?

I’d recommend this Day Trip Tour to make everything super easy. I’d suggest booking your tour in advance today, ensuring that all you need to do is arrive and enjoy the island.

Read more Bali Travel Guides

• One Week Bali Itinerary: 3 Dreamy Places in 7 Days
• 10 Things You Should Know Before Visiting Bali