How to Get the Best Views of Nusa Penida Coastline
Nusa Penida, an island paradise off the southeastern coast of Bali, is renowned for its dramatic coastline, crystal-clear waters, and towering cliffs that plunge into the ocean below. The island’s rugged beauty, from its white-sand beaches to its striking rock formations, offers some of the most breathtaking vistas in Bali. If you’re a lover of stunning landscapes and dramatic scenery, Nusa Penida’s coastline is a must-visit destination.
In this article, we’ll guide you through the best spots on the island to take in panoramic views of Nusa Penida’s iconic coastline. Whether you're hiking to the top of a cliff, relaxing at a viewpoint, or exploring hidden beaches, the views in Nusa Penida will leave you in awe. Here are the best places to get the most spectacular views of Nusa Penida’s coastline, along with tips for capturing the perfect shot.
1. Keling King Beach: The Iconic T-Rex Cliff View
Keling King Beach, often regarded as the most famous viewpoint on Nusa Penida, offers one of the most iconic views on the island. The massive T-Rex-shaped cliff formation, which juts out dramatically from the ocean, has become a symbol of Nusa Penida. The views from the top are nothing short of spectacular, with turquoise waters and a secluded beach below.
What to Expect:
The viewpoint offers a sweeping panoramic view of the coastline, with lush greenery surrounding the cliffs. The view from the top of the T-Rex formation is truly a sight to behold, especially when the sun casts golden light over the scene. For the adventurous, there is a steep and challenging hike down to the beach, but the view from above is the real highlight.
Best Time to Visit:
The best time to visit Keling King Beach is early in the morning or late in the afternoon when the light is soft, and the crowds are fewer. The clear skies and perfect visibility during these times allow for the best photos.
Pro Tip:
To get the best photo of the T-Rex cliff, try to position yourself at the viewpoint and zoom in on the unique shape. A drone shot can also capture the full extent of the coastline.
2. Broken Beach (Pasih Uug): A Natural Archway
Broken Beach (locally known as Pasih Uug) is another stunning spot on Nusa Penida’s coastline. Known for its natural rock arch that spans over a turquoise lagoon, Broken Beach offers a unique and dramatic perspective of the island's coast. The clear waters below the arch are home to marine life, and the entire area is a natural wonder.
What to Expect:
From the viewpoint, you can look down at the rock arch, where waves crash into the lagoon, creating a mesmerizing view. The surrounding cliffs and rugged landscape add to the charm of this coastal attraction. While you can't go down to the beach beneath the arch due to the steep cliffs, the viewpoint offers one of the best views of the island’s coastline.
Best Time to Visit:
Visit Broken Beach in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the crowds. This is when the lighting is the most flattering for photos, and you can enjoy the serenity of the place.
Pro Tip:
A wide-angle lens will help you capture the entire arch in one frame, showcasing the magnificence of this natural formation.
3. Atuh Beach: A Hidden Gem with Stunning Cliffs
Located on the eastern coast of Nusa Penida, Atuh Beach is one of the island’s best-kept secrets. Surrounded by towering cliffs and rocky outcrops, the beach is a hidden paradise that offers some of the most breathtaking views of the coastline. The turquoise waters and dramatic rock formations make it one of the most picturesque spots on the island.
What to Expect:
Atuh Beach is nestled between two towering cliffs, with a small, secluded beach below. The cliffs surrounding the beach create a perfect vantage point for panoramic views of the coastline and the crystal-clear ocean. The hike down to the beach is a bit steep, but the view from the top is worth every step.
Best Time to Visit:
The best time to visit Atuh Beach is in the morning when the beach is quiet and the water is calm. This is also the best time for taking photos with soft natural light.
Pro Tip:
Climb up the hill above Atuh Beach to reach a higher vantage point that overlooks the bay, offering a unique perspective of the coastline.
4. Suwehan Beach: Seclusion and Stunning Views
Suwehan Beach is one of Nusa Penida’s most beautiful and secluded beaches, offering dramatic cliffside views and a pristine stretch of sand. The beach is surrounded by steep cliffs, making it a hidden gem that is less frequented by tourists. The rugged terrain and clear waters make it a great spot for photography.
What to Expect:
The view from the top of the cliffs surrounding Suwehan Beach is absolutely breathtaking. The rocky cliffs and crystal-clear waters make for a stunning scene, and the beach below is peaceful and relatively untouched. The hike down to the beach is challenging but rewarding, and the entire area offers a sense of tranquility and natural beauty.
Best Time to Visit:
Visiting Suwehan Beach in the early morning or late afternoon allows for the best lighting conditions and fewer crowds. This is the perfect time to capture the stunning cliffs and beach below.
Pro Tip:
Use a drone to capture the vastness of the coastline, as it allows you to photograph both the cliffs and the beach from unique angles.
5. Teletubbies Hill: Rolling Hills with Ocean Views
For a more off-the-beaten-path experience, head to Teletubbies Hill in the southern part of Nusa Penida. This unique spot offers a different perspective of the island’s coastline, with lush green rolling hills that resemble the landscape from the TV show "Teletubbies." From the top, you can see sweeping views of the ocean and the coastline.
What to Expect:
The rolling hills offer a contrast to the island's rugged cliffs, providing an opportunity for scenic views of the coastline with the backdrop of gentle green hills. While the area isn’t as well-known as some other viewpoints on the island, it offers a peaceful and beautiful setting for visitors.
Best Time to Visit:
The best time to visit Teletubbies Hill is at sunrise or sunset. The soft light during these times enhances the green landscape and the view of the coastline, making it ideal for photography.
Pro Tip:
The hills are best photographed from above, so consider using a drone for a bird’s-eye view of the entire area.
6. Best Time to Visit Nusa Penida for Coastal Views
To get the best views of Nusa Penida’s coastline, timing is essential. The best time to visit the island for optimal visibility and light conditions is during the dry season (April to October). During this period, the skies are clear, and the seas are calm, providing the best conditions for sightseeing and photography.
The wet season (November to March) often brings rain, rough seas, and poor visibility, which can hinder your experience. However, if you prefer a quieter time to visit, the shoulder months (April and November) still offer good conditions with fewer tourists.
7. How to Get Around Nusa Penida to See the Coastline
While Nusa Penida may be small, getting around the island to explore its best coastal views requires some planning. Renting a scooter is the most popular way to get around, as it gives you the flexibility to visit the various viewpoints and beaches at your own pace. Alternatively, you can hire a driver to take you on a private tour of the island’s top sights, including the best viewpoints.
It’s important to note that some of the roads leading to the viewpoints are quite steep and bumpy, so be prepared for an adventurous ride.
Nusa Penida’s coastline is a paradise for nature lovers, offering dramatic cliffs, pristine beaches, and crystal-clear waters that create unforgettable vistas. Whether you’re visiting the iconic Keling King Beach, exploring the secluded Suwehan Beach, or enjoying panoramic views from Teletubbies Hill, there are countless spots to take in the breathtaking beauty of this island.
By visiting these incredible viewpoints and beaches, you’ll not only be treated to some of the most stunning landscapes in Bali but also get to experience the raw, untouched beauty of Nusa Penida. So pack your camera, put on your hiking boots, and get ready to discover the best views of Nusa Penida’s coastline.
