Searching for Where to Stay on Nusa Penida? We’ve Got You Covered!
Before heading to Nusa Penida, we spent a lot of time researching accommodations—scouring Reddit, travel reviews, and forums for the best options. Honestly, for all the travel we’ve done, Nusa Penida was one of the toughest places to narrow down where to stay.
With a population of just 45,000 people spread across 41 villages, the island is larger than neighboring Nusa Lembongan. Its size, combined with winding and often indirect roads, can make travel times much longer than you’d expect.
Inland, the island is hilly, with altitudes reaching 524 meters. While infrastructure is improving, getting from one part of the island to another can still be time-consuming, especially during peak season when day tours flood the island.
Because of this, we wanted to find a central area with walkable food and accommodation options. But even with those criteria in mind, we found a lot of conflicting advice about where to stay. After our time on the island, we still don’t have one area we’d call “the best”—and that’s part of the charm of Nusa Penida. There are incredible places to stay all over, each with its own pros and cons that we will discuss below.
When choosing your accommodation, think about what you want to see and keep the travel distances in mind.
As mentioned in our Bali Guide, we recommend early morning tours or heading out later in the afternoon when day tours from mainland Bali are gone.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the different regions of Nusa Penida and share our top hotel and resort recommendations, helping you find the best place to stay based on your travel style.
Now, let’s dive in and explore where to stay on this incredible island!
Our Top Picks:
Nusa Penida Region Overview:
Batoemoenggoel & Buyuk Top Pick:
Nusa Penida Region Overview
Where To Stay on Nusa Penida
Crystal Bay Beach
Crystal Bay is one of the most popular areas to stay in Nusa Penida, and for good reason. You’ll follow the palm tree-lined road down to a beautiful white sand beach, crystal clear waters, and vibrant coral reefs. It’s the picturesque island landscape you’d imagine for an island vacation.
Unlike most other beaches on the island, Crystal Bay Beach is easy to get to, so you can swim and snorkel without hiking down a cliff like you do at Diamond Beach or other popular hard-to-reach beaches.
Whether you want to chill on the beach, swim in the calm waters, or have a cocktail while watching the sunset, Crystal Bay is the place you’ll want to stay on Nusa Penida.
Crystal Bay Beach is just 30 minutes from the main Nusa Penida port in Toyapakeh. It is conveniently located near other must-see spots like Kelingking Beach and Angel’s Billabong, making it an ideal base for exploring Nusa Penida.
Why stay near Crystal Bay?
- Easily accessible to Crystal Bay Beach
- Snorkel from shore
- Convenient location to reach Kelkingking Beach and Angels Billabong
Recommended hotels near Crystal Bay Beach
Atalaya Villas Nusa Penida
Autentik Penida "Glamping" - Adults only
Mahaloka Valley Nusa Penida
Coco Resort Penida
The Tinsi Nusa Penida
Crystal Bay Villa & Residence
Bali Accommodation Guides:
- Where to Stay in Ubud (coming soon)
- Where to Stay on Nusa Lembongan
- Where to Stay on Nusa Penida
- Where to Stay in Seminyak (coming soon)
Toya Pakeh Harbor
Staying near Toya Pakeh Harbor offers unbeatable convenience, as it’s one of the main arrival points for ferries coming from Bali. This area is the most developed on Nusa Penida, bustling with activity and offering plenty of restaurants, shops, and local businesses that cater to the constant flow of tourists.
Also Read
The Ultimate Guide to Bali
Plan an unforgettable Bali Vacation with our Ultimate Guide to Bali.
If you’re looking for easy access from the ferry, this is the perfect spot, especially if you plan on island hopping to nearby Nusa Lembongan.
Why stay near Toya Pakeh Harbor?
- Convenient access: Easy ferry access to and from Bali and Nusa Lembongan.
- Close to the action: Beach clubs, bars, and restaurants nearby.
- Great for families: calmer waters and no steep stairs, unlike Atuh or Diamond Beach.
- Most developed area: Plenty of dining options and amenities.
- Easy access to transport: Ideal for island hopping and snorkel trips
Recommended hotels near Toya Pakeh Harbor
Pramana Natura Nusa Penida
Adiwana Warnakali Resort
Semabu Hills Hotel Nusa Penida
Abasan Hill hotel
Looking for Budget Friendly Accommodations near Toya Pakeh Harbour?
Check out: Banana House | Sawit Garden Cottages | Wahyu Masari Homestay
Buyuk Harbor & Batoemoenggoel (North East)
Just a 10-minute drive from Toya Pakeh Harbor, you’ll find Ped Village and Buyuk Harbor, offering a more laid-back atmosphere compared to Toya Pakeh but still with plenty of amenities for visitors. This area is perfect for those wanting to be close to the ocean while enjoying a more relaxed vibe.
A little further along, you’ll discover Batoemoenggoel, which boasts a great variety of accommodations, restaurants, and beach clubs.
This area is home to popular spots like Batununggal Rasafara Beach, Chill Penida, Lonto, and Cactus Beach Club. Additionally, you’ll be just a short distance from the famous underground Goa Giri Putri Temple.
Why Stay Near Batoemoenggoel or Buyuk Harbor?
- Beautiful beaches with a charming, local town feel
- A secluded experience perfect for travelers seeking to escape the crowds
- A variety of accommodation options, from boutique hotels and budget-friendly choices to more luxurious stays
- Diverse dining options with restaurants and cafes
- Close to Goa Giri Putri Temple and popular beach clubs like Penida Colada Beach Bar and Cactus Beach Club
Recommended hotels near Batoemoenggoel and Buyuk Harbor
Blue Harbor Beachfront Villas & Resto
Mertasari Bungalows
Alana Penida Hotel
Ocean Terrace Suite And Spa Luxury
Diamond Atuh Beach South East
Staying near Diamond Atuh Beach offers stunning views, dramatic cliffs, and crystal-clear waters. The area is more remote, with a few boutique accommodations, making it perfect for couples or anyone seeking a tranquil, off-the-beaten-path experience.
While Diamond and Atuh Beaches require navigating a steep path down to the beach, the breathtaking scenery is well worth the effort.
If you prefer viewing these beaches from the cliffs (which is also incredible!), staying nearby gives you quick access to beautiful sunrises or sunsets at Atuh or Diamond Beach without the crowds of day trippers.
It’s also worth noting that the amenities on this side of the island are limited. There are a few beachside warungs (cafes), but for more options, you’ll have to go more into town.
Why Stay Near Diamond and Atuh Beach?
- Quiet, local area of the island
- Close proximity to the best beaches in Nusa Penida
- Ideal for a peaceful, relaxing vacation away from the beach clubs
- Perfect for adventure seekers who spend more time making the trek down Diamond Beach
- Snorkel and swim in crystal clear turquoise water at Atuh Beach (but be prepared for all the 15-minute stair walk down)
Recommended hotels near Diamond and Atuh Beach
Tropical Glamping Nusa Penida Diamond Beach - Cliff Side Edge
Forest Cottage Nusa Penida
Lempeh Jungle Cottage Nusa Penida
No matter where you stay on Nusa Penida, each area offers a distinct experience, whether you’re seeking a peaceful retreat, jungle vibes, or a beachfront homestay. With a variety of great options, you’re bound to find the ideal spot to fully enjoy the island’s beauty.
FAQ
How much time should I spend on Nusa Penida?
Although it’s possible to see the island’s top spots in a day, we highly recommend staying a few nights to truly experience Nusa Penida at your own pace. Staying on the island allows you to get an early start, beating the crowds and fully appreciating its breathtaking locations.
What language do they speak on Nusa Penida?
On Nusa Penida, the locals primarily speak Basa Nosa, a dialect of Balinese. However, most tour guides, restaurant staff, and hotel employees also speak Indonesian and English, especially in areas that cater to tourists. So, communication is generally not an issue for visitors, even if you’re unfamiliar with the local language!
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