Kelingking Beach, Nusa Penida (T-Rex Beach): A No FOMO Bali Guide
You haven’t seen Nusa Penida if you haven’t seen the famous Indonesian landmark, Kelingking Beach. I’ve been to Nusa Penida three times now, and I have returned to this spot every time thus far! If those epic photos all over Instagram didn’t convince you, I’m here to say a visit here should actually be at the top of your list of things to do in Bali.
Why is Kelingking Beach famous?
Nicknamed ‘T-Rex Beach’, you’ll find yourself looking over a limestone formation vaguely resembling that of a giant dinosaur head with cerulean blue waves crashing onto it. To make this an even more extraordinary SEA landmark, one of Bali’s hardest and most rewarding hikes awaits you.
I’m not kidding, get ready to be amazed! This Kelingking Beach travel guide will provide everything you need to know to visit. From how to get here, what to see, how to hike to the bottom, and all the must-know details – we’ve got you covered!
Don’t get FOMO!
Don’t miss out on the incredible Kelingking Beach! Join this Best Of Nusa Penida all-day tour from Bali, one of the highest-rated of its kind, with hundreds of positive reviews. OR, if you’re already on Nusa Penida, book this Instagram Tour that brings together all the best East & West attractions.
Kelingking Beach Overview
Seeing Kelingking Beach is one of the best things to do on a Nusa Penida Itinerary. At 200 meters high, the view of the T-rex head and beach below will astound even seasoned travelers.
Unfortunately, you will almost certainly not be by yourself due to this place’s popularity. Fortunately, many people only go to the main lookout, so even if it is crowded at the top, walk a few minutes, and you’ll be able to find a quieter spot.
If you’re looking for an adventure, there’s also a steep hike that goes down to the bottom – just make sure you’re prepared because this trek requires some serious rock climbing!
Top Tips for Visiting
Don’t want to read the whole article, here are my top tips!
- For better pictures, follow the hiking path for a few minutes to find yourself in an area with way fewer tourists.
- Watch out for the monkeys; they can and will steal your stuff.
- Get there earlier, like before 9 am to beat the tour group crowds.
- If you have time to be flexible, it’s way nicer when it’s sunny.
If you’re hiking to the bottom:
- Don’t wear flip-flops!
- Go at lower tides, the waves here are huge (and people have died before).
- Do not stay on the beach for the sunset! It’s a dangerously steep cliff to hike the trail in the dark.
Ok, first, here are the logistics.
Where Is It Located?
Kelingking Beach is located on the west side of Nusa Penida, a small island situated east of Bali.
It’s a 15 kilometer journey from Toya Pakeh Harbour, where travelers often arrive by speedboat and stay at accommodations nearby. The trip takes around 40 minutes one way on a scooter or car, depending on one’s ability to navigate through the hilly terrain.
The road takes you to a parking area, almost directly at the viewpoint.
Click here to go to the exact Google Maps location.
How to Get There?
Getting to Nusa Penida From Bali
To get to Nusa Penida, you first need to 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 require extra effort, a more cost-effective alternative to speed boats is taking the public ferry from Kusamba directly to Buyuk Harbor in Penida.
Ferry options also often run from Nusa Lembongan, which leaves whenever it’s full.
Getting to Kelingking Beach
The best and most affordable way to reach Kelingking Beach is to rent a scooter, although Nusa Penida’s roads are notoriously bumpy. You can find rentals at many services or your accommodation starting from 60,000 IDR. Renting one directly from the pier may cost 70,000 IDR – 80,000 IDR.
Got Travel Insurance?
It pays to invest in travel insurance when embarking on your Asian adventure. If you take a tumble, honestly, it’s inevitable if you’re in SEA long enough. Still, at least you won’t be financially crippled. I use Safety Wings – they offer coverage for as low as $10 per week!
Find out more information about Safety Wings here.
Unfortunately, public transportation is not the best option – it’s lacking even in populated areas. If scooter riding isn’t your speed, you can always hire a private driver for around 500,000 IDR or book one online here!
Tours to Kelingking Beach
You don’t need a tour to visit, but if you:
- Don’t have your own transportation
- Are on a time crunch
- Coming for a day trip from Bali
Here are two tour options for you. Both include a comfortable AC vehicle and an English-speaking guide. And, you get to check out some of the island’s top attractions, including Kelingking Beach, Broken Beach, Angel’s Billabong, and Crystal Bay.
🏖️ If you’re already on Nusa Penida: Consider booking the very affordable Nusa Penida Instagram Tour – it covers both West and East Nusa Penida in one day, so you can marvel at amazing spots like Diamond Beach & Treehouse viewpoint too!
🏖️ If you’re looking to leave from Bali: Experience the best of the west coast, book this Best of Nusa Penida Tour. It’s tough to fit in both the east and the west due to their long-distance apart, so this tour is a great way to explore what the island’s west coast has to offer in just one day!
The Best of Nusa Penida Full-Day Tour has been reviewed over 1800 times, receiving an outstanding average rating of 5 stars out of 5. Read one of the reviews below to see why so many travelers love this tour:
All the site seeing and views are amazing. The tour guide is also very friendly and are good with all the routes
– Weilin (Read more reviews)
General Information
Entrance Fee
There is no entrance fee to enter. There was a 5,000 IDR parking fee for a motorbike and 10,000 IDR for a car.
Opening Times
Kelingking beach is open all day, every day. But there are definitely relatively better times to visit.
Best Time to Visit
Best Time of Year
The optimal time to plan a trip to Nusa Penida is May until October. During this time, the weather forecast tends to be more pleasant, and you can admire the dazzling turquoise waters and stunning cliffs without little concern about rain or humidity.
Best Time of Day
Viewpoint
If you want to avoid the big crowds at the main viewpoint, aim for a pre-9 am early morning arrival. Keep in mind that it can get very hot in the middle of the day, so plan accordingly if you want to wait to take pictures or go on the hike. In peak season, getting that perfect shot can take up to an hour!
The late afternoon allows you to watch the sunset and appreciate the beauty of the golden hour. Make sure you’re comfortable driving back in the dark if you choose this option.
Ridge Hike
The ideal time to visit the beach is between 12 pm and 3 pm. Give yourself plenty of time to go back up before sunset because the trail leading down is super steep. It’s really not safe to do so after dark, no matter how much you want to see the sunset from the beach.
Check the tide schedule too; a lower tide is preferable since then allows you to access the coves on either side of the beach and provides extra sandy areas for lounging.
What to Expect: Things to Do & Tips
The Kelingking Beach Viewpoint
From the parking lot, you’ll pass a few restaurants perched on the mountain. Go a bit further, and you’ll come to the main view: the incredible T-Rex cliff hundreds of meters tall, jutting out over the ocean with perfect turquoise water lapping at its base. The first time you catch sight of this stunning panorama is truly breathtaking!
This is the best place to capture the full image of the T-Rex beach shape and of you climbing down the stairs. While you’re there, try spotting manta rays in the waters.
Warning! Although there are some areas of bamboo railing, sometimes the cliff continues with no guardrail to protect you from toppling over. Be careful when walking along the cliff edge.
Kelingking Beach Hike
If you spot people on the shorelines beneath, then do a double-take at the vertical cliff drop – that’s right, there is actually a path down, but it’s not easy. Hike along the ridge of the T-Rex dinosaur to reach the destination below.
If at any moment during your journey, you realize that the trail has just kind of ended then it means you have missed the turn for the stairs. (This is exactly what happened to us!)
The descent is really steep, but the journey should only take about half an hour with reliable railings the whole way. The ridge may be steep but manageable; however, the last leg of this “stairs” involves basically rock climbing.
Cat’s Travel Tip! Seriously, don’t wear flip-flops. Wear hiking shoes or at least sneakers.
Kelingking the Actual Beach
Yay! You’re in the minority who has made it to the bottom. Sink your toes into the powdery white sand and take a dip in its crystal clear waters. Rejoice in what’s probably one of the best beaches in the world.
On each side of the shore, a shallow cove provides refuge from the sun and offers an alluring view of the azure, crashing waves.
Tip! No amenities or vendors can be found at the bottom, so bring all drinks and snacks with you, and remember to pack your trash when you leave.
Can you swim at Kelingking Beach?
Yes, you can swim, but it is highly hazardous for those who lack experience or confidence in the water due to its shore break and unpredictable wave sets. Many have been swept out by the strong current or injured, having been smacked by the larger swells.
As you descend the mountain, you can see people frantically running from these massive turquoise waves. But until you reach the shoreline yourself, you can’t really behold their true enormity.
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 mostly recommend staying on the northwest side of the island for the best accessibility to food and general amenities. Here is an option to stay 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 Kelingking Beach worth visiting?
Absolutely, Kelingking Beach, Nusa Penida, is worth visiting on your Bali bucket list! Undoubtedly, it is one of my favorite places I’ve ever been–it offers an unparalleled and one-of-a-kind natural beauty that is uncommon in the world.
Experience the breathtaking cliffs of this Indonesian paradise. After a tiring trek, relax on its velvety white sand beach and plunge into its powerful, crystalline waters. Finally, if you have time, admire the scenery as the sun sets over the horizon.
| 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.