Why This Hidden Stone Archway View in Bali Is One of the Most Underrated Places on Nusa Penida
It’s no secret that Nusa Penida is one of the most beautiful places in Bali, but let’s be honest, it’s no longer a secret. Except, this hidden stone archway view is one of the most underrated hidden places on the whole island.
Banah Cliff Point is a lesser-visited Nusa Penida landmark often overshadowed by other popular attractions, like Broken Beach, Angel’s Billabong, or Kelingking Beach. With crazy views, panoramic scenery, a pretty scary cliffside hike, and great photo-ops – this is a fantastic sunset spot!
Plus, unlike the rest of Nusa Penida’s points of interest, I only saw maybe 5 other people while water coloring there for over two hours!
After reading this article, you will have all the information needed to visit Banah Cliff. We’ll cover directions on how to get there, general information, and what to expect.
Don’t get FOMO!
Banah Cliff is a highlight viewpoint in Nusa Penida, Bali. Most tours don’t include this site, so if you’re looking to go, you will either need to rent your own scooter or hire a private driver that will bring you on a customized itinerary around the island all day!
Where Is It Located?
Banah Cliff Point is located on the west coast of Nusa Penida Island, an island just east of Bali.
It is approximately 17 kilometers from the Toya Pakeh Harbour, where you most likely got dropped off by your speedboat and where most accommodations are. The cliff point can be reached via a scooter or car ride and is less than an hour’s drive away, depending on how good you are riding over hilly roads.
Click here to go to the exact Google Maps location.
How to Get There?
Getting to Nusa Penida From Bali
First, you will have to take get to Nusa Penida. You can take a speedboat from Sanur, Padang Bai, or Kusamba to Toyo Pakeh Harbour. You can book your seat online here.
While planning this route may involve a little effort, a more affordable alternative to speed boats is to take the public ferry from Kusamba that goes straight to Buyuk Harbor in Penida.
There are also ferry options that often run from Nusa Lembongan which leaves whenever it’s full.
Tip! Don’t believe the people who tell you the ferry doesn’t run, because that happened to me and it was a lie. They just want to sell you their speedboat ticket.
Getting to Banah Cliff Point
The best and cheapest way to get to the Banah Cliffs is by scooter, which can be rented for as little as 60,000 IDR from many rental services or your accommodation. If you rent directly from the pier, they may ask for 70,000 IDR.
Note! The island roads here can be rough, but the final stretch of the road to get to the cliffs is especially terrible.
Got Travel Insurance?
Taking out travel insurance when traveling in Asia is a smart move. At least you don’t want to be financially crippled, even if you’re walking around with bandages on your knees and elbows. It’s inevitable in SEA.
I use Safety Wings – which offers auto-charge options, and you pay as little as $10 per week.
Find out more information about Safety Wings here.
Unfortunately, the public transportation on this island is severely lacking even in populated areas, so you’re out of luck trying here.
If you aren’t confident with riding a scooter, you can hire a private driver for the day for around 500,000 IDR or reserve a private driver online here.
Tip! If you are diving at Manta Point, you will actually take a boat right by Banah Cliff! If you haven’t already, book your two-dive adventure here.
Tours to Banah Cliffs
Visiting Banah Cliff Point does not require a tour, nor do most tours even go here. If you don’t have your own transportation, hire a private driver and make your own customized itinerary for the day is the move.
This package includes a full-day tour on Penida for 1 to 5 passengers, from sunrise to sunset. The van and driver will follow your plan and wait at any location, with fuel expenses included!
I recommend this Private Driver by Bali Private Tours, which has stellar reviews with perfect ratings of 5 out of 5 stars. Check out one of the reviews below:
The views were amazing😍 The driver was very good , not only with driving but also for photos. He took very cool pictures and videos like he was a pro. Totally recommend!
– Bleona (Read More reviews)
General Information
Entrance Fee
Unlike some of the other must-see sights in Nusa Penida, there are no entrance fees at Banah Cliff Point. There’s not even a parking fee, nor any facilities around really.
Opening Times
This spot is open all day, but the best times to visit are late in the afternoon.
Best Time to Visit
Best Time of Year
The best time to visit Banah Cliff Point is from May through October. This is the dry season when the weather tends to be the most pleasant. You can enjoy views of the turquoise waters and white cliffs without worrying about the humidity and wetness of the rainy season.
Check the weather forecast here.
Best Time of Day
The best time to visit Banah Cliff Point is in the late afternoon when the sun is at its best angle. Golden hour, the actual sunset, and the purple post-sunset time are the best since this perfectly faces west, but do think about whether you would like to drive back in the dark.
In the early mornings, the west side is engulfed in shadow due to the height of the towering cliffs, so not the most impressive.
What Should I Bring?
Bring plenty of water, snacks, and sunscreen – you’ll be in the sun for a while and there are no facilities here at all. Also, make sure to wear comfortable shoes, as some steep paths lead down to the viewpoint of the epic archway.
What to Expect: Things to Do & Tips
Before you park, a sign will direct you to Banah Cliffs Point to the left and the Panoramic Sunset View on the right. There is a parking area just beyond that sign.
Banah Cliff Point
Go closer to the edge, and you’ll realize you’re at the top of some immense rocky cliffs. An old-looking gate leads down a set of very steep stairs.
Descend until you reach a lookout, a beautiful spot where an impressive stone archway awaits in the middle of the ocean.
From here, take in the remarkable view of the breathtaking cliff face and keep your eyes peeled for some majestic manta rays! You never know – if you’re fortunate enough, they might just be swimming by.
After that, a path continues but is very obviously overgrown and unmaintained. Undeterred by any potential danger, I kept going, and after 5-10 minutes of a bit scary narrow trails; it abruptly ended with no real payoff in sight.
Panoramic Sunset Point
Facing westward, you can see amazing sunsets with colossal cliffs above the sapphire sea’s sparkle. On clear days, you can see hints of Kelingking Beach’s unique T-Rex tail.
Where to Stay in Nusa Penida, Bali
Nusa Penida has plenty of accommodations available for all types of travelers, from one of the best and cheapest hostels I have ever stayed in and couldn’t recommend enough to insane cliff view-infinity pool resorts.
I suggest staying on the northwest side of the island for the best accessibility to food and general amenities. Below are options for each budget.
LUXURY WITH AN OVER-CANOPY INFINITY POOL – Atalaya Villas
⭐ RATING: 9.6 out of 10 Stars (236+ reviews) | $$$
Stay at Atalaya Villa, a luxurious 4 star hotel with brand-new facilities designed with incredible attention to detail. From the stunning views from the infinity pool overlooking the sunset and treetops to the cozy and clean boutique villas, no expense has been spared.
The food is some of the best you’ll find in Bali – big props to the chef! The staff also goes above and beyond for their guests, providing attentive and responsive service throughout.
INIFITIY POOL ISLAND VILLA – NG Sweet Home
⭐ RATING: 9.7 out of 10 Stars (128+ reviews) | $$
Book a stay at NG Sweet Home, located just a short 10 minutes away from the harbor, a perfect basecamp for exploring the stunning destinations that await you. Here you will find hospitable staff and immaculate facilities –including cozy rooms and an infinity pool– all at a great value!
BEST HOSTEL VIBE & OWNER EVER – Hostel Bukit Sangcure
⭐ RATING: 9.3 out of 10 Stars (362+ reviews) | $
Stay at Bukit Sancure Hostel, just do it! The place attracts the most amazing travelers. It reinvigorated my travel burnout, so much so that I returned a second time months later.
Not only are the owner, his wife, and their staff incredibly welcoming – they will even provide you with a Google Map of nearby attractions when you check-in! Additionally, if your travels bring you to/from Toya Pakeh Harbour, he’ll pick you up for free. Plus, this place offers the best deal on scooter rentals and dorm beds in all of Nusa Penida.
Bucket List Worthy: Is Banah Cliffs Point Worth Visiting?
As much as I loved visiting here, I prioritized Banah Cliffs pretty low on my Nusa Penida itinerary and wouldn’t change a thing.
On its own, this destination is extraordinary; however, there are too many other remarkable attractions located in Nusa Penida that one should see first when on a time crunch. Plus, this place is pretty far out of the way and not so easily accessible.
| TRAVEL RESOURCES |
| ✈️ Find the best tours and activities with Viator to cross off your bucket list and create unforgettable memories 🏘️ Book your accommodation with Booking.com in advance and check availability on the days of your travels. 🧾 Rent a car in advance with Discovercars for those epic road trips at the best price. |
Where Next in Bali?
I spent almost two months going around all of Bali. Check out these other posts to see if any of these destinations pique your interest.
- How To See Tegalalang Rice Terrace, Bali
- Pura Besakih Temple, Indonesia: Bali’s Best Temple
- Lempuyang Temple, Bali
- Northern Bali Itinerary: 21 Best Things To Do In North Bali, Indonesia
- East Bali Itinerary: 25 Best Things To Do In Eastern Bali, Indonesia
- 17 No FOMO Things To Do In Nusa Lembongan & Ceningan, Bali
Have Travel Questions About Bali? Maybe I’ve Answered Them
Catherine Xu is the founder and author of Nomadicated, an adventure travel blog that helps travelers cross off their bucket list. Since discovering traveling in 2015, she has lived and journeyed to 65 countries across 5 continents and vanlifed the west coast USA for 2+ years. These days, she splits her time in Southeast Asia and California while sharing her travel stories and resources based on first-hand experiences. Catherine's other works has been referenced in major publications like MSN, Self, and TripSavvy.