Why Honeymoon on Nusa Penida Island?

Escape Bali during your honeymoon? Consider Nusa Penida Island - especially if the both of you love nature! Only 30 minutes away by fast ferry from Sanur harbour in Bali, it is a spectacular island to visit, known for its spectacular displays of nature. Nusa Penida has many beautiful cliffs and beaches to explore with your partner, including the famous Kelingking beach.

Nusa Penida is good for diving too - it’s the only place near Bali where you can see manta rays up close. Lately, a few fancy hotels have been developed on Nusa Penida, so there’s some luxury options for couples visiting Nusa Penida now! But if you don’t want to stay overnight, why not do a Nusa Penida day-trip by (private) yacht?

Explore Nusa Penida

Nusa Penida is culturally very close to Bali, being part of the Bali province and Hinduism as largest religion. However, since it is less overwhelmed by tourism, some people claim Nusa Penida resembles the way Bali used to be many years ago.

Olivia watching the sun set over Crystal Bay on Nusa Penida island. Olivia watching the sun set over Crystal Bay on Nusa Penida island.

Like Bali, Nusa Penida has tranquil beaches in the northern part of the island and a wild ocean with large waves and spectacular rock formations in the southern part. Most of the hotels are located on the quiet north side of the island, while the most popular tourist attractions are concentrated in the south and southeast.

It is preferable to hire a driver with a car to navigate around because many of the roads are in poor condition and are not great for travel on a rental scooter (many people still try though!). Despite the small size of the island, it takes approximately 1 hour to drive from one side of the island to the other.

The famous Keling King Beach on the south side of Nusa Penida. The famous Keling King Beach on the south side of Nusa Penida.

Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan are two smaller islands between Bali and Nusa Penida. While we believe Nusa Penida is the most intriguing of the Nusa islands to visit, if you are interested in diving, it may be worthwhile to look into the other islands as well. However, even though the islands are close, it is difficult to go via ferry from one to the other. Most ferries run from Bali to either Penida or Lembongan, but not between the two islands themselves.

While we recommend everyone to stay a couple of nights in Nusa Penida, another great way to visit Nusa Penida is by luxury yacht from Bali. We can help arrange this as a private yacht charter, but you can also join the daily shared yacht that heads to Nusa Penida. Check this link for more information.

Honeymoon Hotels in Nusa Penida

Nusa Penida has a limited number of resort-style accommodations. The level of luxury is definitely less than you would find in South Bali. However check the list below for some good options: resorts, hotels and even tents(!) for honeymooners to stay in Nusa Penida.

What are you looking for?

All Hotels
3 star
4 star
5 star
Affordable luxury
Beachfront
Nature views
On a budget
Private villas
  • Adiwana Warnikali Resort

    4 starBeachfrontClose to harbour, Nusa Penida

    Conveniently located close to Nusa Penida Harbour. Beautiful views over the ocean, with Bali and Mount Agung in the distance. For a romantic stay, make sure to book an ocean view room! The Adiwana Warnakali Resort has a restaurant, outdoor rooftop pool, and bar.

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    Rated 8.4 at Booking. →
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  • Coco Resort Penida

    4 starAffordable luxuryWest Nusa Penida, Near Crystal Bay

    Walking distance from Crystal Bay Beach. A great affordable option at a strategic location: between the harbor and most sights. Guests stay in separate cabins in typical Indonesian style, around a large pool.

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    Rated 9.5 at Booking. →
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  • Kabeh Jati Garden

    3 starAffordable luxuryNorth-east Nusa Penida

    Beautiful 3-star hotel on the north-east side of Nusa Penida Island. From the pool area you can overlook the Indian Ocean with your partner. The location of the Kabeh Jati hotel is close to the famous Diamond Beach and Thousand...

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    Rated 9.2 at Booking. →
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  • Mahaloka Valley

    3 starOn a budgetBeachfrontCrystal Bay Beach

    The Mahaloka Valley is a highly rated affordable option in Nusa Penida. It offers decent cabins and is conveniently located right next to the beautiful Crystal Bay beach, which has the best sunsets on the island.

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    Rated 9.0 at Booking. →
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  • MAUA Villas

    5 starAffordable luxuryNature viewsPrivate villasWest Nusa Penida, near Crystal Bay

    While most accomodation in Nusa Penida is pretty simple, MAUA Villas are definitely a high-end exception! If you stay in a private villa here you will have a wide view overlooking Gamat Bay, which you can enjoy from your very...

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    Rated 9.4 at Booking. →
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  • The Mesare Resort

    4 starCenter of the island

    The Mesare Resort is located in the center of Nusa Penida island, in a beautiful area - but far away from most sights. It has an open-air garden and a terrace with chairs. At The Mesare Resort, all rooms have...

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    Rated 8.7 at Booking. →
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Honeymoon Activities in Nusa Penida

Get ready for some breathtaking views while exploring this island. Nusa Penida has a plethora of romantic settings for you to explore with your sweetheart, especially if the both of you love nature!

What type of activities would you like to do in Nusa Penida?

All Activities
Active
Bhg original
Beach
Daytrip
Group tour
Nature
Relaxing & wellness
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    Yacht Snorkeling Day Trip to Nusa Penida Island from Bali

    NatureBeachDaytripGroup tourBhg originalHotel pickup from Canggu/Seminyak/Ubud.

    Explore the best of Nusa Penida Island by yacht. We can organize a private yacht just for the two of you, or have you share a yacht with a small group of up to ten other people (more affordable). Your...

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    Kelingking Beach

    ActiveNatureBeachSouth Nusa Penida

    Kelingking Beach is the main attraction on Nusa Penida. The unique shape of a ridge surrounded by the ocean makes it looks like a T-Rex. When you get to the top, you can see a fantastic view of this land...

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  • Broken Beach and Angel Billabong

    ActiveNatureWest Nusa Penida

    Broken Beach and Angel Billabong are two popular natural sights, and they can be found next to each other. The road to reach Broken Beach is very bad (locals joke that the road is broken too), consider twice before taking a rental scooter.

  • Crystal Bay Beach

    Relaxing & wellnessBeachWest Nuas Penida

    For a honeymoon, Crystal Bay Beach is a beautiful and romantic destination that you should consider visiting. A blue bay overlooking a small island with a beautiful sunset view.

  • Diamond Beach

    ActiveNatureBeachSouth-east Nusa Penida

    Diamond Beach, named after the sharp diamond-shaped rock on the beach, is a spectacular "cliff beach" on the southeastern coast of Nusa Penida. A path down to the beach was dug into the side of the cliffs in late 2018...

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  • Diving with Manta Rays

    ActiveNatureManta Point, Nusa Penida

    Manta Point is on the island's south coast and the only place near Bali where you can dive with Manta Rays. They are enormous and beautiful. Most dive schools are in the northwest near the harbor, and take you by boat to Manta Point.

Romantic Dining in Nusa Penida

On the island of Nusa Penida, there is no such thing as fine dining. However that might be part of its charm. A few recommendations that we enjoyed are listed below. Besides, good quality Indonesian food can be found throughout the island.

What are you craving?

All Restaurants
Beach club
Casual dining
Indonesian
Viewpoint
  • Green Kubu

    Casual diningViewpointWest Nusa Penida

    Green Kubu Nusa Penida is a restaurant that offers casual dining, but with a spectacular views. Both Indonesian and Western dishes are on offer. Their fish is recommended.

  • Penida Colada Beachbar

    Casual diningViewpointBeach clubNorth Nusa Penida

    Whatever you think of the pun... this is our favorite beach bar in Nusa Penida. Simple but good food, and even better cocktails.

  • Warung Jungle

    IndonesianWest Nusa Penida, near the harbour

    A very simple local place, but worth a stop as it offers delicious grilled fish served with Balinese spicy sambal matah.

How to get to Nusa Penida

From the airport, take a taxi to Sanur Harbour. From there, many ferries can bring you to Nusa Penida Island. During busy times tickets get sold out, so it is adviced to book a ferry ticket in advance.

The ferry trip takes around 30 to 45 minutes, and boats land on the north-west side of Nusa Penida. Be aware that there are a few ferry companies, and they might not all dock in the exact same area.

From most hotels in Bali, you can book a convenient ferry ticket with a car transfer from your hotel to Sanur Harbour included. This is super convenient, as you won’t have to search for your ferry company’s ticket office once you get to Sanur.

If the waves are too high, boats might get cancelled. This might mean you can’t make it back to Bali. Plan your trip accordingly - keep some margin between your ferry back to bali and your flight out of the country!

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Nusa Penida Island?

Nusa Penida is a small island off the eastern coast of Bali. It can be reached by ferry from Sanur Harbour in around 30 minutes.

How to get around in Nusa Penida?

It is preferable to rent a car with a local driver because the road conditions are not great. Alternative is to rent a motor scooter or use taxi's.

Is Nusa Penida or Nusa Lembongan better for a Honeymoon?

As a result of its distinct natural beauty, romantic beaches, fewer tourists, and larger size, we believe Nusa Penida is a superior option to Nusa Lembongan if you have to choose between the two.

How far is Nusa Penida from Bali Airport?

It takes 30 minutes by car to Sanur Harbour from Denpasar Bali Airport. From there you will need another 30-45 to reach Nusa Penida Island by fast ferry.

Is Nusa Penida a good honeymoon destination?

Yes, Nusa Penida is a beautiful island with beautiful cliffs and hidden beaches. However it doesn't offer the luxurious resorts and restaurants some might desire during their honeymoon.

How long should we stay in Nusa Penida?

It should take around 2 to 3 nights to see the entirety of Nusa Penida island.

Next destinations

Map with regions of Bali. Bali Regions Map. When you return to Sanur Harbour, you have various options on where to go next. As you’ve probably seen many beaches in Nusa Penida, the inland jungle town of Ubud might be a welcome change! If you are looking for more cliffs and beaches but with some luxury hotel options, consider Uluwatu. Time to enjoy some nightlife with your partner? Canggu or Seminyak are your best bet. Continuing to stay away from the crowds is possible too: have a look at Lovina or Amed.

Find your next destination after Nusa Penida!

All Regions
Luxury
Beach
Culture
Nature
Nightlife
Surfing
Diving
Off the beaten path
Beyond bali
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    Ubud

    LuxuryCultureNatureNightlife

    Made famous by Eat Pray Love. Jungle, art, rice fields, monkeys and spirituality.

    Read our Ubud Honeymoon Guide
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    Uluwatu

    LuxuryBeachNatureSurfing

    Peninsula with cliffs, caves, surf and hidden beaches. Luxury resorts nearby.

    Read our Uluwatu Honeymoon Guide
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    Munduk

    NatureOff the beaten path

    Hidden gem with spectacular views. Explore crater lakes, waterfalls and temples.

    Read our Munduk Honeymoon Guide
  • Seminyak

    LuxuryBeachNightlifeSurfing

    Upscale area with wide sandy beach, great restaurants and fancy beachclubs.

    Read our Seminyak Honeymoon Guide
  • Amed

    BeachCultureNatureDivingOff the beaten path

    Tranquil fishing villages, famous dive spots.

    Read our Amed Honeymoon Guide
  • Canggu

    LuxuryBeachNightlifeSurfing

    Surf Beach, Party, Hipsters & Foodies.

    Read our Canggu Honeymoon Guide
  • Candidasa

    BeachCultureNatureOff the beaten path

    Beautiful calm East Bali beach town.

    Read our Candidasa Honeymoon Guide
  • Lovina

    BeachCultureNatureDivingOff the beaten path

    Calm ocean away from the crowds. Watch dolphins and hike to waterfalls.

    Read our Lovina Honeymoon Guide
  • Nusa Dua

    BeachLuxury

    Luxury hotels and (all-inclusive) resorts facing white sand beach with all the comforts you could wish for.

    Read our Nusa Dua Honeymoon Guide
  • Sidemen

    NatureCultureOff the beaten path

    Off the beaten path nature destination between rice fields and mountains.

    Read our Sidemen Honeymoon Guide
  • Sanur

    BeachCulture

    Long stretch of calm ocean beach close to Bali airport. Spectacular sunrise.

    Read our Sidemen Honeymoon Guide
  • Nusa Penida Island

    BeachNatureDivingBeyond bali

    Hilly island of the coast of Bali with spectacular cliffs and rock formations.

    Read our Nusa Penida Honeymoon Guide
  • Gili Islands

    BeachNatureDivingNightlifeBeyond bali

    Real tropical island vibes! Three small islands great for diving, beach and party.

    Read our Gili Islands Honeymoon Guide
  • Lombok Island

    NatureOff the beaten pathSurfBeachBeyond bali

    The large island West of Bali. Famous for surf, spectacular beaches and Mount Rinjani.

    Read our Lombok Honeymoon Guide

Written by Olivia & Dirk

Hi! We have put together this guide with a lot of care, based on our own experiences. As a couple, we have lived in Bali for the past 5 years, and we fell in love with the island. We have visited every corner of Bali, especially the romantic places ;-). While our articles do contain affiliate links, you can trust us to recommend only the experiences that we love.

Read more about us or let us help you organize your honeymoon for you!