The Best Hiking Trails in Nusa Penida - Exploring Bali Dramatic Landscape

Waruna Darma Express

24 May 2025

News & Blogs

Nusa Penida, a stunning island located off the southeastern coast of Bali, is not just a destination for beach lovers and underwater enthusiasts. It also boasts some of the most breathtaking hiking trails in Bali, offering visitors a chance to explore the island’s rugged landscapes, towering cliffs, lush jungles, and panoramic coastal views. For adventure seekers and nature lovers, hiking in Nusa Penida is one of the best ways to immerse yourself in the island’s natural beauty and experience its dramatic landscape.

Whether you’re an experienced hiker or someone looking to enjoy a more leisurely stroll through stunning scenery, Nusa Penida has hiking trails for every level. From the iconic viewpoints of Keling King Beach to the secluded paradise of Suwehan Beach, the island offers hikes that take you to some of Bali’s most awe-inspiring spots. In this guide, we’ll take you through the best hiking trails in Nusa Penida, with details on what to expect, difficulty levels, and tips to make your hiking adventure even more memorable.

1. Why Nusa Penida is a Hiker’s Paradise

Nusa Penida is a hiker’s dream. The island is a unique blend of dramatic cliffs, untouched beaches, verdant hills, and natural rock formations, all waiting to be explored by foot. Hiking on Nusa Penida offers:

Breathtaking Viewpoints: The island’s high cliffs offer some of the most picturesque viewpoints in Bali, providing expansive vistas of the ocean, surrounding islands, and lush greenery.
Diverse Terrain: Nusa Penida’s hiking trails offer a range of terrain types, from steep ascents to more leisurely walks through tropical forests and along the coastline. Whether you prefer a challenging trek or a scenic stroll, the island’s diverse landscape caters to all hiking preferences.
Seclusion and Serenity: Compared to Bali’s more tourist-heavy spots, Nusa Penida offers a quieter and more peaceful experience, allowing you to enjoy nature in solitude. Many of the island’s trails lead to secluded beaches or quiet spots that are perfect for reflection and relaxation.
Natural Wonders: The island is home to unique natural features, such as cliffs shaped like dinosaurs (the famous T-Rex cliff at Keling King), lush jungles, and pristine waterfalls, all of which are best experienced on foot.

2. Best Hiking Trails in Nusa Penida

Whether you’re after a challenging hike or a leisurely walk through lush landscapes, Nusa Penida offers trails for all levels. Here are the top hiking trails on the island:

Keling King Beach (T-Rex Viewpoint)
One of Nusa Penida’s most iconic spots, Keling King Beach is known for its T-Rex-shaped cliff formation. The hike to the viewpoint is steep and can be challenging, but the panoramic view at the top is truly spectacular. From the viewpoint, you can look out over the ocean and the lush coastline, with the T-Rex cliff forming a dramatic backdrop.

What to Expect:
The hike to the viewpoint is steep but manageable, and the views are absolutely worth the effort. The iconic T-Rex-shaped cliff and the surrounding coast make this a must-see for any hiker visiting Nusa Penida. You can also hike down to the beach, though it’s a much more challenging descent.

Difficulty Level: Moderate to challenging.

Pro Tip:
Wear sturdy hiking shoes and be prepared for a steep, rocky trail. The view from the top is best in the early morning or late afternoon for softer light and fewer crowds.
Suwehan Beach Hike
Suwehan Beach is a hidden gem located on the southern coast of Nusa Penida. The hike to the beach is relatively challenging, with steep stairs leading you down to the secluded shoreline. Once you arrive, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the beach, surrounded by towering cliffs and crystal-clear waters.

What to Expect:
The hike to Suwehan Beach is challenging but incredibly rewarding. The beach is quiet and tranquil, perfect for a peaceful retreat. The surrounding cliffs and rock formations make for a dramatic landscape, and the calm waters are ideal for a relaxing swim.

Difficulty Level: Moderate to challenging.

Pro Tip:
The hike down to the beach can be slippery, so make sure to wear proper footwear. Plan to visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon for a quieter experience.
Atuh Beach Hike
Atuh Beach is another beautiful and secluded beach on Nusa Penida, accessible by a short but steep hike through lush vegetation. The beach is framed by towering cliffs and is known for its calm waters, making it ideal for swimming and relaxation.

What to Expect:
The hike to Atuh Beach is relatively short, though the path can be steep in places. Once you reach the beach, you’ll be rewarded with a beautiful, tranquil setting where you can relax by the turquoise waters. The view from the top of the cliffs is also worth a stop, offering a panoramic view of the coastline.

Difficulty Level: Moderate.

Pro Tip:
Wear comfortable shoes and bring plenty of water. Early mornings are the best time to visit for a peaceful and serene experience.
Teletubbies Hill (Bukit Teletubbies)
Known for its rolling hills and panoramic views, Teletubbies Hill offers one of the most picturesque hikes on Nusa Penida. The hill is named after the iconic Teletubbies TV show due to its lush, green, rolling hills that resemble the show’s landscape. The gentle hike leads to a viewpoint offering sweeping views of the island’s interior, making it perfect for landscape photography.

What to Expect:
A leisurely walk through rolling hills with stunning views of Nusa Penida’s lush greenery and coastline. The hike is easy and suitable for all levels, making it an excellent option for those looking for a more relaxed hike with incredible views.

Difficulty Level: Easy to moderate.

Pro Tip:
Visit during the golden hour (early morning or late afternoon) for the best lighting and fewer tourists.
Seganing Waterfall Hike
One of the more challenging hikes on Nusa Penida, the Seganing Waterfall hike takes you through dense jungle and steep terrain to reach the beautiful waterfall. The waterfall cascades into a natural pool, offering a refreshing spot to cool off after your hike. The trail is more rugged, making it a great choice for adventurous hikers.

What to Expect:
The hike to the waterfall is tough and requires good physical fitness. However, once you reach the waterfall, you’ll be greeted with a serene and beautiful spot to relax. The surrounding jungle and rock formations make it a stunning location for photography.

Difficulty Level: Challenging.

Pro Tip:
Wear appropriate footwear for rough terrain and be prepared to get wet if you plan to swim in the waterfall’s pool. It’s also advisable to bring a local guide for this hike.

3. Best Time to Hike in Nusa Penida

The best time to hike in Nusa Penida is during the dry season, which runs from April to October. During this time, the weather is sunny and the trails are dry, making it easier to navigate. The wet season (November to March) can bring heavy rain and slippery conditions, making hiking more challenging and less enjoyable.

For the best experience, it’s recommended to start your hikes early in the morning, especially for popular spots like Keling King Beach and Teletubbies Hill. This way, you’ll avoid the midday heat and the crowds, giving you a more peaceful and enjoyable hike.

4. Tips for Hiking in Nusa Penida

To ensure a safe and enjoyable hiking experience, here are some tips to keep in mind:

Wear Comfortable Footwear: Many of Nusa Penida’s trails are steep and uneven, so make sure to wear sturdy, comfortable shoes with good grip.
Bring Water and Snacks: Some of the hikes can be strenuous, so it’s important to stay hydrated and have some snacks on hand to keep your energy up.
Use Sunscreen: The sun can be intense, especially on the island’s exposed viewpoints. Be sure to apply sunscreen and wear a hat to protect yourself from sunburn.
Respect the Environment: Stay on marked trails to avoid disturbing the island’s ecosystems. Avoid picking plants or disturbing wildlife, and always dispose of trash properly.
Consider a Guide: For some of the more challenging hikes, such as the Seganing Waterfall trek, it’s a good idea to hire a local guide who is familiar with the terrain and can ensure your safety.

Embrace Nusa Penida’s Natural Beauty

Nusa Penida offers some of the most stunning and diverse hiking trails in Bali. Whether you're scaling the cliffs at Keling King Beach, exploring the peaceful beauty of Teletubbies Hill, or hiking to the secluded Suwehan Beach, the island’s dramatic landscapes will leave you in awe. The diverse terrain, from rugged cliffs to lush jungles and pristine beaches, provides a perfect backdrop for outdoor adventures.

By following the tips in this guide and respecting the island’s natural environment, you’ll not only enjoy Nusa Penida’s breathtaking beauty but also help preserve it for future generations. So, lace up your hiking boots, grab your camera, and set out on an unforgettable journey through Bali’s most scenic island.