WHY NUSA PENIDA’S EAST COAST FEELS DIFFERENT

When travellers talk about Nusa Penida, the conversation often jumps straight to Kelingking Beach on the island’s west coast. Its Instagram-famous T-Rex headland has put Penida on the map, but it is far from the whole story. On the island’s quieter east coast, dramatic cliffs, hidden beaches, and wide-open views wait for those willing to venture a little further.

The east side feels wilder. Roads are quieter, villages smaller, and the pace slower. Here, the landscapes are just as striking but without the heavy foot traffic. If you want to see Penida’s raw beauty while escaping the busiest photo spots, the east coast delivers.

GETTING THERE AND AROUND

Nusa Penida is reached by fast boat from Sanur, Kusamba, or Padangbai in Bali, with crossings taking 30 to 45 minutes. Boats also run from Nusa Lembongan.

Once on Penida, the main harbour towns are Toyapakeh and Sampalan. From either, it takes about 40 or 50 minutes by scooter or car to reach the first of the east coast highlights. Roads in this part of the island can be narrow, winding, and bumpy in sections, so extra care is needed. Hiring a local driver is the most comfortable option, but experienced riders may prefer the freedom of a scooter.

THE EAST COAST’S MUST-SEE SPOTS

Atuh Beach

One of the east coast’s best-known spots, Atuh Beach is framed by high cliffs and has a long arc of soft sand. Access is via steep concrete steps that zig-zag down the cliffside – the walk down is scenic, but you will want to save some energy for the climb back up.

At low tide, rock pools form along the shore, and the water shifts from turquoise to deep blue as the tide rises. Small warungs at the back of the beach serve coconut water, grilled fish, and simple nasi goreng.

Pro tip: Come early in the morning when the tide is mid-to-high for the most photogenic colours.

Diamond Beach

Just south of Atuh, Diamond Beach has become an east coast icon in its own right. From the cliff-top viewpoint, you see a sweep of white sand, turquoise waves, and the sharp limestone “diamonds” rising from the sea that give the beach its name.

The path down is carved into the cliff and includes a narrow staircase with a rope handrail – not for the faint-hearted, but the reward is standing barefoot on a stretch of sand that still feels untouched. The currents here can be strong, so swimming is best left to calm days.

Thousand Islands Viewpoint

A short drive from Diamond Beach, this viewpoint offers one of the most expansive panoramas on Nusa Penida. From the top of the cliffs, you can see multiple rocky islets scattered in the ocean below, waves crashing at their base.

Nearby is Rumah Pohon Treehouse, a simple wooden hut perched on the cliffside that has become a popular photo spot. You can stay overnight here for a rustic experience, but most visitors come for the view.

Teletubbies Hill

Inland from the coast, rolling green hills stretch in all directions. Locals call this area Teletubbies Hill because its round, grassy slopes resemble the children’s TV set. In the wet season, the grass is a vivid green; in the dry season, it shifts to golden brown. It is a peaceful spot for a short walk and a picnic, especially in the late afternoon light.

Suwehan Beach

For those who like hidden gems, Suwehan Beach is one of Penida’s most secluded. It takes a steep descent to reach, but the reward is a quiet strip of sand framed by cliffs and a distinctive triangular rock just offshore. It is less developed than Atuh or Diamond, so bring water and snacks.

HOW TO PLAN YOUR DAY ON THE EAST COAST

Because of the distances and road conditions, most travellers visit the east coast as part of a full-day tour or itinerary. Assuming already staying on Nusa Penida, a suggested day may be:

Sample East Coast Route

·       Sunrise at Atuh Beach.

·       Diamond Beach for mid-morning photos and a short walk down.

·       Thousand Islands Viewpoint & Rumah Pohon.

·       Lunch at a local warung near Diamond or in Sampalan town.

·       Afternoon at Teletubbies Hill or Suwehan Beach.

If you have two days on Penida, you can pair the east coast with the less-touristed northeast spots like Tanglad Village (known for weaving) and Batu Abah viewpoint.

WHERE TO STAY

While many visitors base themselves on the west coast or central Penida, there are a few good options near the east. Staying closer means quieter evenings and easier access to sunrise spots.

·       Luxury: Sea La Vie Resort Nusa Penida – Cliff-edge villas with private pools and ocean views.

·       Mid-Range: Kabeh Jati Garden Villa & Restaurant – Surrounded by gardens, short drive to Atuh Beach.

·       Budget: La Roja Bungalows – Simple bamboo-style bungalows with a relaxed vibe.

FOOD AND DRINK

The east coast is more rural, so you will not find as many restaurants as the west. Most eateries are small, family-run warungs serving classic Indonesian dishes.

·       Warung Atuh Beach: Right on the sand; grilled fish and coconuts.

·       Warung Diamond: Good nasi campur (rice with mixed sides) before or after your beach visit.

Pro tip: If you are staying overnight, some guesthouses offer home-cooked dinners.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

Dry Season (April to October): Best for clear skies, calm seas, and green hills in early months.

Wet Season (November to March): Hotter, with greener landscapes, but road conditions can be slippery.

Sunrise is particularly special on the east coast, as the first light hits the cliffs and beaches directly.

TRAVEL TIPS

·       Footwear: Wear comfortable shoes for staircases and steep paths.

·       Cash: Bring enough for food, drinks, and small entrance fees – there are few ATMs.

·       Swimming: Be cautious; many beaches have strong currents.

·       Transport: A driver who knows the east coast saves time and keeps you safer on rougher roads.

WHY CHOOSE THE EAST COAST OVER THE WEST

While the west coast has more famous landmarks, the east coast offers:

·       Fewer crowds at most spots.

·       Easier access to sunrise beaches.

·       A mix of coastal and inland scenery.

·       Opportunities to combine with cultural stops like weaving villages.

If you have already seen Kelingking and Crystal Bay, or you simply want to avoid the busiest routes, the east coast is a refreshing alternative.

TWO-DAY EAST COAST & NORTHEAST ITINERARY

Day 1 – East Coast Icons

·       Sunrise at Atuh Beach.

·       Diamond Beach climb.

·       Thousand Islands Viewpoint & Rumah Pohon Treehouse.

·       Lunch in Sampalan.

·       Late afternoon at Teletubbies Hill.

Day 2 – Off the Beaten Track

·       Morning in Tanglad Village (watch weaving).

·       Suwehan Beach trek.

·       Batu Abah viewpoint for dramatic cliff views.

·       Sunset back near Sampalan or along the quiet northeast coast.

PAIRING WITH OTHER ISLANDS

The east coast of Penida is also a good base if you are heading to Nusa Lembongan or Nusa Ceningan next. Boats between Penida and Lembongan take only 15 to 20 minutes, making it easy to hop between islands for different experiences – Penida for raw landscapes, Lembongan for laid-back beaches, and Ceningan for cliff jumping and lagoon views.

Nusa Penida’s east coast is the island’s unpolished treasure. Here, the cliffs seem taller, the beaches feel wilder, and the pace of life is dictated by the tides rather than tour bus schedules. It is a place for travellers who like a little adventure in their day, who do not mind a steep staircase if it means having a beach almost to themselves.

If you plan your Bali trip with both the popular west and the quieter east of Nusa Penida, you will see the island in full – both its postcard-perfect fame and its quieter, more rugged charm. Wander Beyond Ordinary!