If there is one place that has to be on your travel radar, it is Kelingking Beach on Nusa Penida Island!
Located just a skip and a jump from Bali, Kelingking Beach is one of the most popular places to visit in Nusa Penida. And it’s not hard to see why! Nestled along the island’s western shores, Kelingking Beach is an impressive cliff shaped like the spine of T-Rex. It offers epic views and features a unique coastline fringed by soft ivory-white sand and dreamy turquoise water.
Here’s everything you need to know about visiting Kelingking Beach! I’ve included lots of useful information in this guide, including how to get there, what to expect, and much more!
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Table of Contents
Kelingking Beach Essentials
- Find the best hotel deals in Nusa Penida, or see my top picks below.
- For a stress-free trip, pre-book a ferry ride with a pick-up at your hotel in Bali.
- Bring cash. You’ll need it to pay the parking fee (IDR 10,000), use the bathroom (IDR 5000), and stock up on water and snacks.
- Wear proper footwear. The trail down to Kelingking Beach is not the safest. If you plan to tackle this hike, please do not wear flip-flops! Instead, wear sturdy, non-slip shoes or sneakers.
- You’ll need transport to get to Kelingking Beach. Rent a scooter, hire a private car with a driver, or join this day tour if you’d rather not plan a thing!
- Remember your shades, a hat, sunscreen, and most importantly, your camera! Throw them all into a small backpack to make things easier.
- Bring extra water for the hike!
How to Get to Kelingking Beach
To get to Kelingking Beach, you’ll first need to take a boat from the main island of Bali to Nusa Penida. Nusa Penida is the largest of the three Nusa Island and located just southeast of Bali.
The fastest way to get to Nusa Penida from Bali is to hop on a fast boat from Sanur Harbour. Most speed boats sail to Toya Pakeh Harbor, the main tourist harbor in Nusa Penida. However, Nusa Penida has several ports, so checking which one your boat sails to is important.
The journey from Sanur to Toya Pakeh takes about 35 minutes. Since Nusa Penida is quite a popular day trip from Bali, booking a seat in advance is best. Take one of the earlier boats to maximize your time on the island.
Once you’re on the island, you can hire a scooter at one of the shops near the main harbor or pre-book a scooter for pick-up here in advance. While renting a scooter is a fun and convenient way to get to Kelinking Beach, self-driving in Nusa Penida is not for everyone. The roads have some serious rough patches, and the traffic to Kelingking Beach is quite hectic. If you don’t have an IDP for a scooter or not comfortable navigating the roads alone, arranging a private charter with a driver is best.
Travel tip: You can also get to Nusa Penida from Serangan Harbour in Bali. The ride takes 50 minutes. You have the option to add on scooter rental, private car hire with a driver, and even adding on tours of the east or west coast of Nusa Penida. Book ferry tickets or get more deets here.
Kelingking Beach Entrance Fee
To access Kelingking Beach, you must pay a small parking fee of IDR 10,000 per vehicle. Bring cash, as the guards won’t accept cards. If you’re visiting as part of an organized group tour, this fee should be included in your tour package.
What to Expect When Visiting Kelingking Beach Nusa Penida
Kelingking cliff hike
The main lookout point for Nusa Penida’s T-Rex beach is about a 5-minute walk from the parking lot. The path is lined with warungs, and it’s a good idea to stock up on some snacks and grab some water if you didn’t bring any with you.
At the main viewpoint, you’ll be greeted with an incredible view over the T-Rex-shaped cliff, the turquoise waters, and the secluded beach below.
Most people opt to admire the views from here, but if you’re up for it, wearing proper footwear, and not afraid of heights, it’s worth tackling the walk down the ridge.
The first section of the T-Rex spine consists of concrete stairs lined with wooden railings, but this turns into a rocky dirt path after a while. The trail turns steeper and narrower, so be prepared for a challenging descent. Make sure to slow down because it’s easy to slip here. I saw at least five girls crying along the way because they got seriously hurt!
Depending on your pace and photo stops, hiking down the spine takes 30-40 minutes.
Getting to the beach
To get to the beach, you’ll need to go all the way down the T-Rex’s spine until the dirt path ends. You’ll notice a small pathway to the right; this is the trailhead to the beach. But just a heads-up, if you thought the trail down the ridge was tough, you’ll probably not like the last bit!
The pathway is steep and rocky, and some scrambling will be required. Make sure your hands are free to help you balance and grip the handrail, rock face, or vegetation along the way.
Once you’ve reached the bottom, you can relish the beauty of this secluded oasis with its steep rising cliffs, azure waters, and soft sand. You’ll be tempted to swim, but please don’t unless you’re confident you can handle the waves. They build up super quickly, and the currents are incredibly strong. There are also no lifeguards stationed at the beach, and several accidents have happened here.
While descending to the beach below is an adventure in itself, it’s definitely not for everyone. Make sure you’ve got extra water, and really only attempt this part of the hike if you’re confident you can return to the top again. Oh, and only go during low tide!
Getting back to the top
If you’ve had your fill of sun and sand, it’s time to tackle the hike back up the ridge. Depending on your fitness level, this will take at least 45-60 minutes. It’s a tough climb, so pace yourself. Doing this in the dark is not advisable, so time management is key.
Once you’re at the top, snap a few last pics of this gorgeous place before heading to one of the warungs for a well-deserved Bintang!
Where to Stay in Nusa Penida
While it’s possible to visit Nusa Penida on a day trip, it’s worth staying a few days to explore the island’s other gems. Here are some of the best places to stay in Nusa Penida.
- Luxe: MĀUA Nusa Penida is a stunning 5-star resort nestled on the hilltop of Gamat Bay. The property features 25 beautifully decorated villas, each with a private pool. Check prices/availability here.
- Affordable Luxe: The Kama is a beautiful 4-star boutique hotel offering incredible views over the ocean and Mount Agung in the distance. Clean, spacious rooms, amazing staff, and a dreamy infinity pool make it the pefect upscale stay without the hefty price tag. Check prices/availability here.
- Glamping: Check yourself in at Autentik Penida for the ultimate jungle stay. These well-equipped luxury tents are nestled amidst a jungle, allowing you to really immerse yourself in nature. There’s also a lovely pool to relax in, and if you want to hit the beach, Crystal Bay is only 5 minutes drive away. Check prices/availability here.
- Mid-Range: If you want to stay within walking distance of Kelingking Beach, Kelingking Sunset Point is for you. This cute hotel features clean, spacious rooms, a pool, and a lovely communal area where you can mingle with other travelers. Check prices/availability here.
Still need a few more options? Find the best hotel deals here on Agoda.
Klook.comBest Time to Visit Kelingking Beach
Kelingking Beach is a great spot to visit throughout the day. But since it’s one of the most popular places to visit in Nusa Penida, it gets crowded quickly – especially between 11 am and 2 pm. If crowds aren’t your vibe, try to time your visit before 10 am or after 3 pm.
If you want to hike down to the beach, keep an eye on the tides, as it’s not recommended to be down there during high tide. While sunset is a magical time at Kelingking Beach, it’s best not to hike down or up the cliff in the dark. If you want to catch the sunset here, stick to the main lookout point at the top. Another great view is from Paluang Cliff, about a 5-minute drive away.
Nusa Penida Kelingking Beach in Conclusion
Even though Kelingking Beach is one of the most touristy places in Nusa Penida, it’s definitely worth all the hype! I hope this guide has helped you prep your visit to Kelingking Beach!
Well, there you have it – everything you need to know about visiting Nusa Penida’s T-Rex Beach! If you have any tips or questions about visiting Pantai Kelingking, drop me a line in the comments below!
Don’t forget to save this post for your trip to Kelingking Beach!
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