Kelingking Beach

The basics

The most popular way of visiting Kelingking Beach is on a day trip from mainland Bali. Fast boats run to and from the east coast port of Sanur from early morning until late afternoon. Nusa Penida is larger than most travelers realize—it takes well over an hour to drive from Kelingking Beach in the west to Diamond Beach in the east.

That said, many day tours focus on the west coast attractions. Typical Nusa Penida tours visit Pasih Uug Beach (Broken Beach), Angel’s Billabong, Kelingking Beach, and Crystal Bay, sometimes with a stop to snorkel with manta rays.

Things to know before you go

• Kelingking Beach is a good choice for photographers, social media mavens, and intrepid hikers.

• There’s a small entrance fee to visit Kelingking Beach, which also covers the viewpoint.

• There's paid parking at the attraction.

• There are plenty of food, drink, and shopping options plus bathrooms at the top of the cliffs. The beach itself has no facilities or lifeguards.

• Nusa Penida drivers set rates on a cartel basis, so there’s little point in shopping around when arranging a private driver.

• Neither the steps to the beach nor the viewpoint itself are wheelchair friendly; parents of young kids will want to use back carriers rather than strollers on Nusa Penida.

How to get there

Most travelers reach Nusa Penida by fast boat from Sanur to Toya Pakeh or Buyuk ports; self-drivers can catch car ferries from Kusamba to Sampalan. There’s no public transit on Nusa Penida, so most travelers opt for a private driver or rent a motorbike, although the narrow, winding cliff-top roads are dangerous and cars often come around wide. Kelingking Beach is on Nusa Penida’s southwest coast, about a 10-mile (15-kilometer) drive south of Toya Pakeh.

When to get there

Kelingking Beach is at the top of most travelers’ Nusa Penida bucket list so there are generally crowds at the viewpoint. For less traffic and smaller crowds, stay overnight on Nusa Penida then visit early in the morning, before the first fast boats arrive from mainland Bali. Clear days for photography are more likely during the dry season (May–October), with shoulder seasons (April–May and September–October) a better bet than the July–August peak.

Hiking Kelingking Beach

With its shady cave plus pristine sands, Kelingking Beach looks very inviting. Allow at least two hours for your visit if you plan to hike; however, don’t swim as it isn’t safe. The steep, poorly fenced, often slippery path is only suitable for travelers with a high level of fitness, zero fear of heights, and good shoes (sneakers or hiking boots): Carry plenty of water. During the high season, the path can be extremely crowded. Stay on Nusa Penida overnight and visit in the early morning before the Bali boats arrive to beat the heat and the crowds.