Skip to Content

Kelingking Beach In Nusa Penida – A Complete Guide

Kelingking Beach Nusa Penida Bali is up there with one of the most amazing views and beaches we’ve seen. So here’s all you need to know for your visit.

How To Get To Kelingking Beach Nusa Penida

Kelingking Beach is located on the South West coast of Nusa Penida.

The easiest way to explore the island is by scooter. They cost around 70,000 IDR per day, and can be hired directly from the harbour port.

Alternatively you can take Best of Nusa Penida Full-Day Tour by Fast Boat, which covers all the iconic spots with ease.

So if you’d rather visit with a car and a driver, we can highly recommend this option.

For those short on time, or that prefer everything to be organised for them, there are some awesome tours on Get Your Guide available to book in advance.

Kelingking Beach Entrance Fee

Entrance – 10,000 IDR

Mie Goreng – 20,000 IDR

Kelingking Beach Opening Times

Daily: 24 hours.

Technically there is no opening time on the beach. However we wouldn’t advise visiting before or after dark, as the trek can be difficult and tide unpredictable.

Mie Goreng Nusa Penida Bali
Grab a cheap Mie Goreng at Kelingking Beach

Best Time To Visit + Tips

The best time to visit Bali is between April and October, the island’s dry season.

The best time to visit Kelingking Beach is first thing in the morning, or late in the afternoon, to avoid the peak heat of the day.

The trek up and down can take over an hour one way, and is in direct view of the sun. So we recommend trying to outsmart the sunrays to avoid getting badly burnt or dehydrated.

Another reason to head down as early as possible is to avoid the crowds. Kelingking Beach is one of the most popular destinations in Bali, and certainly the most popular on Nusa Penida.

So if you have a scooter set off at sunrise, and if you have a driver see if they can pick you up first thing.

Tourist vans will begin arriving at around 10:00am, so be sure to arrive before them.

WHAT TO PACK

DSLR Camera: Canon EOS 90D

Tripod: Zomei Z666 Tripod

Day Bag: Manfrotto Manhattan Mover-50

Waterproof Phone Case: LifeProof Fre Waterproof Phone Case

Sunscreen: Banana Boat Sunscreen SPF-50

Microfibre Towel: Microfibre Quick Dry Towel

Reusable Water Bottle: Hydro Flask Water Bottle

Rain Jacket: Columbia Lightweight Rain Jacket

Kelingking Beach Nusa Penida Beaches Nusa Penida Tour
The hike back up to the top is a tough one!

What To Expect At Kelingking Beach Nusa Penida

The T-Rex shaped cliff overlooking Kelingking Beach has rocketed the number of tourists visiting Nusa Penida during the past few years. And after visiting the crystal beach located beneath it, it’s not hard to see why.

Thanks to social media, Instagram especially, this viewpoint is now top of most people’s lists of attractions when heading over to Bali.

Many people catch the boat over to Nusa Penida for the photos of the T-Rex head from above, and some even queue to grab a selfie with the dinosaur like rock formation. However, the beach itself is the real gem!

It can get pretty strenuous, and the heat and the sun can be brutal, but it’s a must on your Bali bucket list!

Kelingking Beach Nusa Penida Things To Do On Nusa Penida
A birds eye view of the tropical blue Kelingking Beach

The Notorious Trail

Infamous for it’s rickety bamboo trail, the trek down to the beach takes roughly 1 hour one way, and is secured by not much more than bamboo railings.

They stairway is not greatly maintained, so please don’t put 100% of your weight on the railings, and be safe as you venture down!

Also make sure to take some comfortable shoes. We took flip flops and we had to be very careful.

What you will be rewarded with at the end though, is a secluded, white sandy haven, surrounded by turquoise waters. Just watch out for the waves, as they are very strong and they can pull you in.

Truly one of the most beautiful beaches we have seen, it looks amazing from the top, and is beautiful from down the bottom.

The beach is completely enclosed by high cliffs and due to the tricky trek is usually far from crowded.

Take plenty of water, because as you can imagine there are no shacks or supplies down at the beach. However there are plenty of cliff edges to find some shade amongst.

Just be sure to save some energy for the climb back up, because it’s pretty tough, especially on a hot day!

Kelingking Beach Nusa Penida Beaches Best Beaches Bali
Kelingking Beach Nusa Penida from the bottom
Kelingking Beach Nusa Penida Beaches Best Beaches Bali
They even have the awesome cave at the beach if you want to catch some shade

Kelingking Beach Photo Opportunities

1. The Viewing Platform

This is the spot where the majority of tourists queue to capture their famous Kelingking Beach postcard shot.

As you walk towards the trail, before you hit the steps to begin the trek down, there is a flat piece of concrete where you can sit and take your photo.

This area cannot be missed, as tourists will be queuing up waiting in line to capture the beauty of the Dinosaur head from above.

Kelingking Beach Nusa Penida Beaches Nusa Penida Tour
The most photographed spot on the whole island of Nusa Penida

2. The Stairway

If you’re venturing down then this makes for an epic adventure shot, to capture a memory that you may (or may not) want to remember.

Please be mindful of other people using the stairway and try to be as quick as possible. Also, the stairs going down are very narrow so you have to watch your step.

We managed to snap this quick shot easily enough on our way down using our GoPro.

Kelingking Beach Nusa Penida Beaches Bali
Exploring down the very rocky stairway to Kelingking Beach

3. Beyond The Touristy Area

Back towards the entrance of Kelingking Beach, located behind the cafes and restaurants, is another epic viewpoint.

If you carry on round the back of the restaurants, you will find a walkway that will eventually lead you out up onto the hills.

From here you get a non restricted side on view of the T-Rex head. Plus not many tourists know about this spot.

This was definitely one of our favourite angles, and is a great spot to sit down and take a rest away from the crowds.

Kelingking Beach Nusa Penida Beaches Bali
Kelingking Beach Nusa Penida from a side on view!

Where To Stay In Nusa Penida

Luxury – Crystal Bay Villa & Residence

Boasting a restaurant, free bikes, and a garden, Crystal Bay Villa & Residence features accommodation in Nusa Penida with free WiFi and pool views.

With garden views also available, this accommodation provides a balcony and a swimming pool. 

The air-conditioned villa consists of 1 separate bedroom, 1 bathroom with a hairdryer, free toiletries, a seating area and a flat-screen TV. 

Guests at the villa can enjoy an à la carte or an American breakfast. 

Languages spoken at the 24-hour front desk include English and Indonesian. Bicycle rental service is also available at the accommodation.

Mid-Budget – Singable Bungalows

Situated in Nusa Penida, Singabu Bungalows offers air-conditioned accommodation and landscaped tropical gardens.

It has an outdoor pool with a shallow end and free WiFi in all areas. 

At the property, each room comes with a wardrobe and a flat-screen TV. The rooms have a terrace with views of the pool or the garden. Private bathrooms all come with a shower.

Coco Leaf restaurant serves a variety of international dishes, and room service is also available.

Budget – Deva Devi Beach Inn

Set in Nusa Penida just 0.7 miles from Sampalan Harbour, Deva Devi Beach Inn offers express check-in and check-out, non-smoking rooms, a restaurant, free WiFi and a garden.

The property features a bar and a terrace. The accommodation provides a 24-hour front desk, room service and currency exchange for guests. 

All guest rooms at the guest house come with a seating area.

At Deva Devi Beach Inn all rooms also come with a desk, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom.

For more places to stay in Nusa Penida, you can check the latest prices on Booking.com.

More Nusa Penida Blogs

Backpacking Bali Itinerary – The Best Bali Route

The Only Nusa Islands Bali Guide You’ll Ever Need

Top 11 Things To Do On Nusa Penida – The Ultimate List

The 4 Best Nusa Penida Beaches You MUST Visit


Pin It For Later!

Kelingking Beach In Nusa Penida Guide

Ahmed

Sunday 14th of October 2018

Hello! your blog has really provided me with enough knowledge and it very well written with beautiful pictures. Bless you both for the detailed knowledge you have showered us with :). I have a small question though if you could please answer, what is the cheapest means of transport that go from Sanur harbor to Nesu Penida, what are the timings and the cost per person?

Thanks!

Charlie Pauly

Monday 15th of October 2018

Heyyy. Thanks so much! We have all the details of transportation in this blog...

Pau

Friday 3rd of August 2018

Hello! This is a very helpful blog! ☺️ I'd like to ask, what time did you start your Kelingking-Angel's Billabong-Crystal Beach trip?

Charlie Pauly

Friday 3rd of August 2018

Hey Pau! Thanks so much. We got an early ferry at around 7.30am so think the trip started around 9am and we were done around 3/4pm.

Cat

Sunday 29th of July 2018

Hi, came across your blog. Nice guide you have here!

is the hike down to the beach an hour? That seems like a long way, and a hike back up would probably take over an hour? so in total, it would be at least 3 hours to spend there?

Charlie Pauly

Monday 30th of July 2018

Hey Cat! Thanks very much :) yes that’s right because of the dangerous steps it takes around an hour to get down but is much quicker on the way up!

Astawa Bali Tours

Thursday 5th of July 2018

Hi Charlie & Lauren, Thank for sharing a great post and photo. We believe your the things to do and tips of Nusa Penida will help much people who want to visit our island, and our island will become most popular so can make local people in Nusa Penida Island get better life

Best Regards from Nusa Penida Island Bali

Magali Bechet

Tuesday 26th of June 2018

Hi guys, I discover your blog via instagram and what a gem ! Full of incredible pictures and advices ! Thank you ! I have a quick question regarding this beach, since it's a very touristic spot, at what time should we camr to avoid crowds, and get a great light to take picture ? Many thanks ! Have a great day :)

Charlie Pauly

Tuesday 26th of June 2018

Hey Magali! Thanks so much ? it’s actually quite quiet at the beach because of how hard the trek down and up is. The earlier the better for the lighting though! ??