Kelingking Secret Point Beach is located on the beautiful Nusa Penida Island. For that reason everyone dreams of vacating here, whether you’re on holiday or backpacking it is a truly mesmerising part of the planet. Kelingking Secret Point Beach is possibly the most famous beach associated with Indonesia, it’s just a short boat trip away from Bali and tourists swarm here being drawn in by its charm.
Kelingking Secret Point Beach has towering cliffs situated next to it which is in the shape of a Tyrannosaurus Rex. So, this is probably the main reason it has become so popular with tourists and a phenomenon on Instagram, however, beautiful scenery and spectacular views also help.
Are you willing to go through the struggle to experience the beach itself though? Read on for more info.
How to get to Nusa Penida from Bali
Price: 150,000 – 350,000 IDR Depending on public or private transport
Transportation time: 40 min (speed boat) – 2h (public ferry)
The transport from Bali to Nusa Penida is quite straight forward
You can arrange and pay for a public or private speedboat to and from the Island. Stepping out of our taxi near Sanur Beach we were immediately swamped by people trying to sell us speed boat tickets. We decided to carry on down the main strip of the beach and try our luck. It worked out as we found a public boat ticket booth.
We booked a one-way public speed boat from Sanur Beach in Bali for 200,000 IDR each.
We bought a one way ticket as we wasn’t sure how many days we were going to spend on Nusa Penida, you can book a return and possibly get it cheaper. The price is set the same for everyone regarding the public speed boat. Furthermore the public speed boat also has a set amount of times it operates and on certain days. Sanur Beach is one of the main spots to get transport form Bali to the Nusa Islands.
There is also the option of a private speed boat
The advantage of this is that the operating times are more frequent compared to the public speed boat, on the other hand, it’s more expensive. Prices can vary a lot but expect to pay anything from 250,000 – 350,000 IDR per person each way. Haggling skills are key here so make sure you use them to your advantage and slash the price.
On the way back we paid 150,000 IDR each and there are set times via public boat.
07:30, 09:00 & 15:30 so keep this in mind!
Of course you bypass the stress and the small details by booking a tour guide
This is great if you wish to visit for the day, the tour company will take you to and from the Island making Kelingking Secret Point Beach on Nusa Penida a main destination. Tour guides will certainly be available through your accommodation and vendors on Sanur Beach.
One final thing to note is when you arrive on Nusa Penida Island
Expect to be hassled to buy a scooter. This may be good or bad for you depending on your situation but remember to not accept a scooter without a helmet and double check any papers you may be asked to sign. We didn’t purchase a scooter when we got off the boat; our accommodation was only 10 min walk away so we opted to rent one from there.
Getting to Kelingking Secret Point Beach once you’re on Nusa Penida
Whether you have booked a tour, arranged to get there by taxi or taking the extra adventurous route of getting there yourself on a scooter like we did, this is where the REAL fun starts. Strap in because it’s going to be a bumpy ride, quite literally. The roads on Nusa Penida to the main attractions and especially Kelingking Beach are awful. They have gotten better over the years but still need a lot of improvements. If you have ever complained about potholes in your own countries and wondered why you pay your taxes, you will not complain again after experiencing these roads.
We would provide extra caution for those, like us, getting there by yourself on a scooter, be extra vigilant due to the many holes in the road and it can get quite frustrating. It is a good job the views on the way there are astonishing. It’s safe to say, car or scooter, your ass will get a nice workout!
If you’re getting there by yourself just follow Google Maps (remember to download the offline maps as internet may not be available in some parts of the Island) and it will take you straight there.
Kelingking Secret Point Beach costs
Entrance: 10,000 IDR per person
Parking: 5,000 IDR
Make sure you have a small amount of cash on you. If you have booked a tour all the fees should be part of the price.
Kelingking Beach Viewpoint
Head straight forward towards the cliff edge for some jaw dropping views. Can you see the shape of the Tyrannosaurs Rex? There is a main point where people queue up to take photos just before you take a decent down to the beach. Feel free to do this and queue, however, we would urge you to walk around the opposite way for some different angles and alternative photo opportunities.
Whilst we were posing for photos, we suddenly spotted dolphins. We watched in awe as we tried capturing them as detailed as possibly on our mobile phones. Were dolphins there when you went? Comment below.
The hike down to the beach
Now you have seen why everyone hypes about Kelingking Secret Point Beach on Nusa Penida but what about the actual beach? It’s not for the faint hearted and shouldn’t be underestimated so stock up on a few snacks, plenty of water and an extra layer of sunscreen.
Queues climbing down can form due to people taking extra time, moving slower than others. It was so busy the time we decided to climb down it added on an extra 20 min just waiting for people. The reason we recommend extra sunscreen is because you could be standing in the sun waiting for people. Due to this, we would also recommend coming before 10am to avoid the crowds. Total time to get down to the beach was approximately 35-45 min.
In spite of all this, the hike is doable for most people but we would not recommend it for the fragile as it can be quite steep and exhausting.
Kelingking Secret Point Beach
Once we reached the beach it was hands down the softest sand we have stood on in our lives. The sand is clear white and so soft it’s like you are walking on clouds. The sea was quite wavy but glistening a deep turquoise colour. Whilst we were there the waves were ok to swim in but be cautious as they can get quite strong and suck you in. We spent around 2-3 hours on the beach which can be easily done because of how beautiful it is.
There are vendors at the bottom selling water and snacks at an inflated price so make sure you bring your own, although it’s nice and handy in case you have forgotten or run low on supplies.
The climb back up was shorter, they were less people and it only took us 20 min. There was no waiting on people. Again, take your time and don’t be in a rush. Safety first.
Where to stay in Nusa Penida
Deciding where to stay on Nusa Penida requires a little more research than usual. This is because not every accommodation has hot water. So, unless you enjoy a cold shower, just make sure you read the reviews or check with the accommodation whether they have hot water or not. Have no worries though, as we have done some of that hard work for you with some suggestions below.
Luxury: Penida Lacasa Cottage
Couple budget: Visual Inn
Backpacker: Nuansa Penida Hostel
Best time to visit Nusa Penida
Dry season: May – September
Wet season: October – April
Peak season: July – August
Ideally you want to visit during the dry season as there is less chance of rain ruining the day. If it rains on Nusa Penida there isn’t much you can do but sit in your accommodation room. We visited just inside the peak season at the beginning of July and we only had half a day of rain with the majority of time being spoiled with gorgeous sunny days, it was relatively quiet on the Island too. Most people take a day tour and don’t stay on the Island.
We would highly recommend visiting just outside the peak season for fewer crowds and cheaper deals on accommodation.
TOP TIPS
- Bring plenty of water!
- Rent a scooter to explore the Island yourself with amazing views, however the roads are very bumpy
- Double check your accommodation provides hot water
- Visit Kelingking Secret Point Beach as early as possible and avoid the tourists arriving on a day trip, they peak around 11am – 12pm
- Leave yourself plenty of time to climb down/up the cliff of Kelingking beach as queues can form
Have more time and wish to explore Bali? Check out our Bali blogs.
