Nusa Penida is an island located southeast of Bali, Indonesia. It is one of three islands that make up the Nusa Islands, along with Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan. Nusa Penida is the largest and most rugged of the three islands, known for its dramatic cliffs, stunning beaches, and crystal-clear waters.
One of the most iconic and recognizable beaches in Nusa Penida is Kelingking Beach. The towering cliff of Kelingking resembles the shape of a T-Rex.
This detailed travel guide will help to provide you with all the information you need to plan an unforgettable visit to Kelingking Beach.
GETTING TO NUSA PENIDA
To reach Nusa Penida, you have a few transportation options:
- Ferry: The most common way to reach Nusa Penida is by taking a ferry from Sanur in Bali. The ferry ride takes around 30 to 45 minutes and costs 100,000 IDR/ticket (6 USD). Ensure you book your tickets in advance, particularly during peak seasons, to secure your spot.
Guided Tours from Bali: There are many tour operators that operate daily tours to Nusa Penida from Bali. There are many different packages available, depending on what you’re interested in. There are even day trips available. There vary in cost depending on the package, so shop around to find the best deal!
GETTING TO KELINGKING BEACH
Kelingking Beach is situated on the southwestern coast of Nusa Penida. After arriving at the main harbour of Nusa Penida, Banjar Nyuh, you have a few options to reach the beach:
- Scooter Rental: Renting a scooter is a popular and affordable choice. Many rental services are available near the harbour. Scooters rent for around 80,000 to 150,000 IDR/day ($5-10USD) depending on the model. The roads in Nusa Penida are very narrow, windy, and filled with potholes. Only rent a scooter if you feel confident driving in these conditions. Expect a one-hour ride to Kelingking, and be prepared for some challenging road conditions. Always prioritize safety by wearing a helmet and driving cautiously.
Tour Package: If driving a scooter on the narrow windy roads isn’t your thing, joining a guided tour is a hassle-free (though more expensive) option. Numerous tour operators in Nusa Penida offer guided trips to Kelingking. They typically include transportation, a guide, and visits to other attractions on the island. Head down to Crystal Bay and shop around for the best deals.
WHEN TO GO
Kelingking is a very popular destination, so it can get quite crowded. We recommend arriving early to avoid the crowds. We arrived at the trailhead around 7 am and had it practically to ourselves. The tour groups generally arrive around 9 am, so by the time we hiked back up around 10:30 am it was completely packed.
If you get there early, you’re able to capture the panoramic views from the cliff, take pictures with the iconic T-Rex rock formation, or capture photos of the turquoise ocean against the pristine sandy beach with little to no distractions in the background!
Since it is western facing, Kelingking is also an amazing place to watch the sunset. However, keep in mind if you’re at the beach for sunset, you will have to hike back up the cliff face and drive home in the dark, and the narrow mountain roads at night are not for the faint of heart.
WHAT TO BRING
Pack essential items such as sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, insect repellent, and a beach towel if you plan to hike all the way down. There is a small stall set up on the beach selling water, snacks, and beers, but the prices are very marked up. Bring enough water and snacks to keep yourself hydrated and energized for the hike back up.
WHAT TO EXPECT AT KELINGKING BEACH
FEES
The parking area of Kelingking Beach is located here. When we went, early in the morning, there was no entrance fee or parking fee.
However, some have said there can be entrance fees of 10,000 IDR (0.70 USD), and parking fees of 5,000 IDR (0.35 USD) at Kelingking Beach, so be prepared with cash either way.
THE HIKE
After parking, walk 2 minutes down the short path to the trailhead. The trailhead gives an incredible view of the magnificent cliff that resembles the shape of a T-Rex. There is a clearly marked trail down the cliff to reach the beach. The beginning of the hike is a well built stairwell, but the sections below are much more perilous.
This hike is not for the faint of heart – it can be really scary and dangerous if you come unprepared. Wear proper shoes and avoid wearing sandals or flip-flops, and bring lots of water as there is little to no shade on the hike down.
The trail is very steep, with lots of loose rocks and questionable guard rails. A lot of the guard rails have eroded or come loose out of the ground, so be very careful in relying on them for support. We didn’t take pictures at some of the more intense spots. Pay attention to safety signs, stay on designated paths, and be cautious while exploring the cliff and descending to the beach. For us, it took around 40 minutes to descend, and we were hyper-focussed the entire way making sure we didn’t misstep. The way up is honestly easier because you can see the footholes much easier, and gravity is working in your favor. We ascended in around 30 minutes.
THE BEACH
The beach is an amazing reward after the steep and scary hike down. The white sand is so soft, and there are benches and shady areas that you can relax in.
While swimming is permitted, the waves and currents at Kelingking are very strong. You should only enter the water if you are a very strong swimmer and have good water safety knowledge. Especially after a strenuous hike down, you’ll want to be aware of your energy levels. For everybody else, it’s still amazing to enjoy the beach from the shore and sunbathe, relax, and admire the mesmerizing turquoise waters.
We were incredibly lucky to see a giant manta ray at Kelingking Beach the day we went, so keep an eye out to see if you can spot any of the magnificent creatures!
NEARBY ATTRACTIONS
There are other amazing attractions in Nusa Penida, such as Angel’s Billabong, Broken Beach, Manta Cliff, and Diamond Beach. You can extend your adventure day by visiting a couple other sites after Kelingking!
Kelingking Beach was one of our favourite things to see in Nusa Penida, and an extraordinary destination that will leave you in awe of its natural beauty. By following this travel guide, you’ll be well-prepared to explore the stunning cliff and turquoise waters of Kelingking.
