The Nusa Islands, Indonesia: a 4-day itinerary

Just a short boat ride from Bali’s shores lies a trio of islands that feel like a world away — welcome to the Nusa Islands. Made up of Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Ceningan and Nusa Penida, this island cluster offers everything from crystal-clear waters and hidden beaches to cliffs. Each island is unique in its own special way. The Nusa Islands can best be explored in one trip from Bali. But what is the best Nusa Islands itinerary for travellers? In this 4-day itinerary, I’ll show you how to make the most of your time exploring these island gems. From discovering incredible beaches and driving across the iconic Yellow Bridge to catching epic sunsets and discovering secret coves, this guide has all the must-see spots, travel tips, and local highlights to turn your Nusa trip into an unforgettable escape.

Travelling to the Nusa Islands from Bali

From Bali, you can easily reach the three islands by speed boat. This is probably the most popular route. Of course, there are also boats arriving from the Gili Islands or Lombok, but the shortest and most comfortable journey is to go from Bali.

The boat will leave from Sanur Harbor on Bali’s East coast. You can either book your ticket in advance or on arrival. There are different agencies selling the tickets in basic huts directly at the beach. Depending on when you arrive, you might need to wait for an hour until the next boat is ready to leave. Make sure to check the time tables in advance. If you book a private boat, you can even leave to the Nusa Islands from Uluwatu, or rather from Nusa Dua.

Your first stop on the Nusa Islands itinerary is Nusa Penida, the biggest of the three islands. It is best if you take an early ferry around nine in the morning to get the most of your first day.

Depending on how wild or calm the ocean is on that day, you will reach the small harbour of Nusa Penida in 30 to 40 minutes. “Harbour” might actually be a bit of an overstatement; as it is more like a single jetty.

First stop on the itinerary: The famous Nusa Penida

How long to stay on the island: two nights

Where to stay: Most of the hotels, homestays and restaurants are located in the North of the island along the main road. To be close to the center, you should book an accommodation in the area.

Arriving on Nusa Penida, you will need a pick-up from the harbor. Most of the accommodation offers a pick-up service for the guests, which you should definitely book prior to your arrival. Some of them are for free and others will cost you a few euros. As there is barely no other way to reach your accommodation, it is the best and only choice.

As tourism is the number one priority on the island and the locals are very welcoming, you won’t have to wait long until you get picked up. But what’s next?

After checking in, it is time to explore the island. The best way to do so is to hire your own scooter. Even though, you might have heard some horror stories on driving a scooter on Nusa Penida, this is the best way to experience the island. The roads have become much better and if you avoid some remote places, you will not have any problems. Of course, you always need to drive carefully though!

You can hire a scooter with your hotel or guest house. They either have their own rentals or can organize you a vehicle in a short amount of time. They should normally cost between 60 and 90 k Rupiah per day. To be sure, ask before you arrive about a scooter rental and they might organize something if they have them not available directly.

What to do on Nusa Penida

Day one:

• visit the Diamond Beach
• spend some time at the Atuh Beach
• enjoy the sunset in the Crystal Bay

Nusa Penida is all about beautiful beaches with incredible views. One of the most popular beaches on the island is the Diamond Beach. For some travellers, this is one of the most beautiful beaches in all of Asia. The ideal spot to visit on your first day!

Directly next to the Diamond Beach, you will find the Atuh Beach. As swimming is not allowed (or at least not recommended) on Diamond Beach, you can go for a dip to the neighbor beach and as well enjoy a delicious lunch at the beach.

Probably the best beach to enjoy a beautiful sunset is the Crystal Bay. A small bay located in the middle of an impressive palm tree forest. Crystal Bay can be quite busy, especially shortly before the sun sets, but it still is worth the visit.

And of course, do not forget to end your first day with a delicious meal and a drink in one of the bars and restaurants.

Day two:

• visit the Kelingking Beach early in the morning
• stop by the Angel’s Billabong
• explore the Seganing Waterfall

Of course, you could never travel to Nusa Penida without visiting the famous Kelingking Beach, also known as the T-Rex. The incredible beach has become a hotspot for many tourists. Due to the day tours from Bali, it gets busy from the morning on. To escape the crowds and to get your own experience, it is recommended to hike down to the beach.

The hike can be pretty exhausting and you should definitely bring some good shoes and a lot of water to drink. The beach itself is much quieter than the top of the cliff and you will be able to enjoy some unforgettable moments. Make sure to hike up before the midday sun shows off her power!

Good to know: There are now plans for an elevator down to the beach. However, if your fitness allows it: Hike on your own. It’s the real Kelingking experience.

After you can continue your journey to the Angel’s Billabong and the Broken Beach. Both are quite famous places but not as spectacular. Stopping by shortly won’t hurt your second day, but don’t expect too much.

Next you will explore of the most beautiful waterfalls of the island. The Seganing Waterfall is one of Nusa Penida’s hidden gems.

Second stop is Nusa Lembongan

How long to stay on the island: two nights (you can easily explore Nusa Ceningan and Nusa Lembongan together)

Where to stay: Depending on your budget, you can find a great hotel at the beach or a smaller guest house along the main road. Most of the hotels are located in the Northwest of the island, close to the official harbour.

The ticket to Nusa Lembongan can be booked directly at the harbor. Make sure to leave after breakfast as a new island on the Nusa Islands itinerary is waiting for you. As the drive to Nusa Lembongan is quite short, you will be going in a smaller boat which only takes a few minutes.

Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan are connected over a yellow bridge which you will see as soon as you arrive (depending on the harbor where you arrive). Again, it is advised to book a pick-up from your hotel or homestay. Most of the accommodation is located close to the beach or even directly at the beach with a beautiful view!

Compared to Nusa Penida, both the other Nusa Islands are much smaller and can be explored in just a few hours. To still be able to enjoy your trip and not run from one beach to the other, two nights should be a great choice.

Nusa Lembogan is an extraordinary mix between beautiful beaches, remote local homes and quiet mangrove forests. From budget travellers to luxury travellers – almost anybody can find its own place to be on the island.

Last stop on the itinerary: Nusa Ceningan

How long to stay on the island: visit for a day trip from Nusa Lembongan

You do not need to book a third accommodation for your trip to Nusa Ceningan. Thanks to the Yellow Bridge connecting both islands, you can easily plan to explore it as a day trip before returning to Nusa Lembongan in the evening. This stop on the Nusa Islands itinerary can easily be adapted to your plans and liking. For some travellers, Nusa Ceningan is only a stop for a few hours.

Nusa Ceningan is the smallest of the three Nusa Islands and you can drive around in a few minutes. The island is very quiet and you will mostly find small local villages and a few hotels along the beach. But how do you best explore the island?

• visit the Blue Lagoon
• take some pictures at Bias Munjul
• enjoy a drink at the Song Tepo Beach

The list of things to do on Nusa Ceningan is short. The Blue Lagoon is the most popular place on the island. You can as well take a little walk in the area or enjoy the afternoon at the main beach, the Song Tepo Beach. Along the beach, there are a few restaurants which serve good food and a place to enjoy the sun.

Nusa Ceningan is all about relaxing and enjoying the moment. After an adventurous and exciting time on Nusa Penida, this might be exactly what you need. And if you feel more like going on another adventure, you can drive back to Nusa Lembongan and book yourself a boat or diving trip!