Penida Island (solo trip)
How Solo-Friendly is Penida Island?
What makes it 86% Solo-Friendly: Solo travelers enjoy affordable dives, scooter freedom, hostels, and meeting others on boat tours; the main drawback is rough roads and limited medical help if accidents occur.
Positives:
- Remote-island solitude: Fewer crowds allow peaceful sunrise views at key spots.
- Wildlife encounters: High chance to spot manta rays and tropical fish up close.
Challenges:
- Rough roads: Many routes are unpaved; expect slow scooter rides and bumps.
- Limited transport: Schedule boat transfers and tours ahead—no regular ferries.
What is Penida Island?
- An island in the Bali Sea east of Bali’s main island, forming the largest member of the Nusa Islands group
- Covers about 203 square kilometers with a dramatic landscape of rugged limestone cliffs, rainforested hills and coastal mangrove forests
- Features significant Hindu temple sites such as the cave sanctuary at Goa Giri Putri and the historic Pura Dalem Ped
What is so special about Penida Island for solo trip?
- Snorkel with manta rays in clear Indian Ocean waters
- Hike to the iconic T-Rex cliff at Kelingking Beach
- Visit natural pools at Angel’s Billabong and Broken Beach
- Relax and snorkel among colorful reefs at Crystal Bay
- Capture cliff-top views at Rumah Pohon tree house
Recommended visit duration: 1-2 days
Why 1-2 days visit duration is ideal for solo trip: Allows time to snorkel at Manta Point, hike Kelingking viewpoint and explore east-coast beaches without rushing.
Solo-Friendly Activities in Penida Island
Snorkel with manta rays at Manta Point:
Join a small-group early boat tour from Sanur at 07:00.
Tip: Book in advance and bring seasickness tablets; guides provide mask and fins.
Hike to Kelingking Beach viewpoint:
Climb 20–30 minutes to the T-Rex cliff edge.
Tip: Arrive by 08:00 to avoid motorbike tours; wear sturdy shoes for loose gravel.
Explore Angel’s Billabong & Broken Beach:
Walk the short coastal paths to natural tide pools and sea arches.
Tip: Visit at low tide for the best photos; bring sun protection and water.
Swim and snorkel at Crystal Bay:
Relax on white sand and snorkel among colorful reefs.
Tip: Rent gear onsite; go in the morning when currents are calm.
Photo stop at Rumah Pohon & Thousand Island Viewpoint:
Climb wooden stairs to the cliff-top tree house for panoramic shots.
Tip: Pay IDR 15 000 for entry; arrive early to beat the queue.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Penida Island
- Download offline map: Cell service is spotty; save routes and landmark pins before arrival.
- Start early: Begin at sunrise to avoid heat and busy midday tours.
Reviews of Penida Island
Phuong Nguyen
Don’t make a mistake like me and stay only one night. This island is such a gem, and you should stay for a few days to explore it.
NotLΣD
Amazing place, try to be there by 9 am, past 10 is already way too crowded. Going down the stairs is not for anyone, so unless you train often, I would recommend to stay away, unless you use the crane and go down together with them.
Cao Duc Qui
This island has some of the best spots when you go to Bali. Do not miss this place. But keep in mind that the road condition is bad, very very bad that will take you longer to reach each point around the island than estimated. Do not miss Kelingking beach, Diamond beach, tree house, Suwehan beach… they are superb.
Edrea Panugan
Great views, you'll have to ride a boat from Bali. Bring umbrella as it's either too hot or it rains suddenly. It's nice to have a private transportation so you can visit famous attractions if you're short of time. Good for dayntrip!
Sunil Kumar
Nusa Penida is like Bali’s little sibling – smaller, quieter, but oh-so-stunning. It’s the Instagram model of the Bali province, with views so breathtaking they might just knock your flip-flops off. Only 25 kilometers from Bali (basically a stone's throw if you have a really good arm), this exotic island offers scenery so good you’ll forget how many stairs you’ve climbed to get those perfect photo...
When is the best time to visit Penida Island (Bali, Indonesia)?
Visit in dry season (April–October) for calm seas and clear skies. Boat services may pause during rainy months (Nov–Mar).
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for Solo Traveler (1 Adult)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Round-trip speedboat from Sanur | IDR 500,000 |
| One-day scooter rental | IDR 100,000 |
| Kelingking parking and donation | IDR 10,000 |
| Snorkel gear rental | IDR 150,000 |
| Lunch and drinks | IDR 100,000 |
| Total Estimated | IDR 860,000 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve
Map of Penida Island
Address: Penida Island, Nusa Penida, Klungkung Regency, Bali, Indonesia
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