The biggest of the three Nusa islands, Nusa Penida is an untamed paradise located just south-east of Bali. Despite changing drastically in recent years, the island still lacks the infrastructure that can be found on its neighbouring island, Nusa Lembongan, and as a result, many people opt to stay on Nusa Lembongan and do a Nusa Penida day trip. However, because Nusa Penida is so vast, it’s a good idea to spend a few nights on the island itself in order to have time to properly explore all of its beautiful beaches and attractions. You’ll be able to hire a scooter from the ferry port or your accommodation and many companies run snorkelling tours and island tours directly from Nusa Penida.
Where to stay on Nusa Penida: The north-west coast
Many of Nusa Penida’s attractions are on opposite sides of the island; Atuh Beach and Diamond Beach are on the east coast, Kelingking Beach and Broken Beach are on the south coast, and the ferry ports offering access to Bali and the other Nusa island are on the west coast. This can make choosing where to stay a difficult task, and for a while I thought staying in the middle of the island would be the best idea, giving easy access to all directions.
In fact, the best place to stay on Nusa Penida is the west or north coast. By staying here, you are within easy reach of the ferry ports and near to most of the restaurants, bars and tourist offices. It will also mean you’ll be more likely to get a drop off service included in your fast boat transfer (read more on travelling to Nusa Penida here) and you’ll be located on the main ring road found on the circumference of the island. Lots of Nusa Penida’s roads are still unfinished, particularly the small roads leading to the beaches. The main ring road, however, is completely tarmacked and a good size, making it the best way to travel around the perimeter of the island.
Toya Pakeh Harbour is located on the north-west corner of the island, so if you aim for a guest house within ten to fifteen minutes from there you’ll be based in a good spot to explore. A couple of the island’s popular eateries, including Penida Espresso and Penida Colada, are also located on this part of the island.
Where to stay on Nusa Penida: Suggested hotels and guest houses
All of these accommodation options are located on the north-west corner of the island and have excellent ratings on Booking.com. The guest houses are small, budget options that provide a basic but comfortable stay while the hotels offer a bit more luxury with added bonuses like swimming pools.
Hotels:
Semabu Hills Hotel Nusa Penida
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