10 Unique Places To Stay In Nusa Penida
If you want to experience something different from the usual, Nusa Penida is the perfect place to try it out! There are many accommodation types to choose from and the most amazing backdrop! This island is row and it comes with beautiful cliffs dropping right in the ocean. In this blog post, I will give you the list of 10 unique places to stay in Nusa Penida so that all you have to do is book and pack!
If that sounds good keep reading!
Are you in a rush? Here is the best pick!
Book Atalaya Villas
✅ Best Location, pool, breakfast and Ocean views!
✅ Booking.com score 9+!
Best Area To Stay In Nusa Penida
The northwestern part is definitely the best place to stay in Nusa Penida. That’s because it’s near the main harbour and key attractions. You can also easily find nice restaurants with a view and breathtaking places to stay! It’s also a great base if you would like to go out for snorkelling trips. This area will also be the busiest on the island. Most of the 1-day trips from Bali would include a quick tour and lunch near the harbour.
If you want some more peace and quiet, choose the east coast (Atuh and Diamond Beach area). You won’t get sunsets here but you will see beautiful sunrises! Choose the centre part of the island instead if you want to have a deep cultural experience, that’s where most of the locals would be!
Top 10 Unique Places To Stay In Nusa Penida
As mentioned before, there are quite a few unique places to stay in Nusa Penida (similarly to Gili Trawangan). Here is a list of places dotted around the island, so you can pick and choose them based on which area suits you best.
The Overview:
| Stay | Price | Why I Loved It |
|---|---|---|
|
Atalaya Villas 👉 Book Now |
From $140 | Adult-only, modern design, spacious rooms with panoramic views, near Crystal Bay |
|
Dolce Vita Nusa Penida 👉 Book Now |
From $500 | 4-bedroom airy wooden villa, perfect for groups, close to harbour and shops |
|
Penida Bambu Green Suites 👉 Book Now |
From $170 | Eco-friendly bamboo suites, outdoor showers, near hiking trails and coast |
|
Umah Ilu – Island Retreat 👉 Book Now |
From $40 | Traditional Balinese style, beautiful pool, close to the beach, budget-friendly |
|
Alana Penida Hotel 👉 Book Now |
From $50 | Beachfront bungalows, powerful WIFI, pool, restaurant, near harbour |
|
The Dewi Premier 👉 Book Now |
From $40 | Beach bungalows, strong wifi, breakfast in room, tour booking help |
|
Mambo Hill Resort 👉 Book Now |
From $80 | Colourful resort, sea views from private balconies, northwest island location |
|
Exotic Private Glamping 👉 Book Now |
From $100 | Luxurious tents with en-suite, outdoor seating, glamping with modern comfort |
|
Deep Roots Dive & Yoga Resort 👉 Book Now |
From $120 | Diving packages, daily yoga, healthy meals, community focus, great for solo travellers |
|
Sentulan Garden 👉 Book Now |
From $20 | Affordable, nature-immersed, swimming pool, breakfast served in room |
#1 Atalaya Villas
This is probably one of the best ones on the list. Atalaya Villas are adult-only (yeyyyy no children screaming at the pool!) and have a modern design. The predominant colour inside and outside the villas is white—the same as the tents by the pool.
The rooms are spacious and come with panoramic views! The property is well-suited for couples or solo travellers who value some peace and quiet! The location is perfect, just on the northwest side of the island. With its location near Crystal Bay, guests can enjoy easy access to one of the island’s most beautiful beaches.
Starting Price: $140
#2 Dolce Vita Nusa Penida
The second option is a beautiful 4-bedroom wooden villa. When we think of wooden Balinese villas it comes to mind a heavy and traditional building – this is not the case here! The villa is super airy and modern. Definitely different from the norm! Ideal for when you are visiting Bali with a big group of friends! Dolce Vita‘s rooms are bright and spacious. The service here is outstanding and you will love the delicious breakfast options, which include both local and international dishes.
If you want to go on boat excursions, you can easily do it from there – this place is close to the harbour! There are also quite a few shops and restaurants in the area!
Starting Price: $500
👉 Check Updated Price For The Villa Here
#3 Penida Bambu Green Suites
If you’ve never been to a bamboo house before, now it’s your chance! Penida Bambu Green Suites is eco-friendly and offers a unique stay in bamboo-constructed accommodations. Each suite features outdoor showers, spacious balconies, and stunning views of the surrounding jungle.
The property’s location is near hiking trails and natural landmarks which is great if you like these sorts of things. Guests can also participate in eco-friendly activities, such as guided nature walks and local conservation projects. Location? Northwest of the island only a few minutes drive to the coast!
Starting Price: $170
#4 Umah Ilu – Island Retreat
As you can see, this is another peculiar accommodation. It comes with a beautiful pool and it’s located on the north side of the island, super close to the beach! Umah Ilu provides a unique experience of traditional Balinese-style property. Rooms are comfortable and equipped with basic amenities, making this a great option if you’re on a budget.
Starting Price: $40
#5 Alana Penida Hotel
The bungalows of Alana Penida Hotel are right on the beach and they are stunning! The rooms are super spacious and stylish. One of the best things about this place is the WIFI, it’s super powerful compared to other accommodations on the island – perfect if you have to get some work done! Amenities include a swimming pool, an on-site restaurant, and a tour desk to help guests plan their adventures. Its location near the harbour is perfect for travellers with packed itineraries. Again, if you’re on a budget, this place has great value for money.
Starting Price: $50
#6 The Dewi Premier
The Dewi Premier provides unique bungalows right on the beach. It’s in the best location (Northwest and close to key amenities), has strong wifi for remote work and a delicious breakfast served in your room. If you haven’t organised your tours yet (see below my recommendations) you can still ask the staff to help you book anything you like!
Starting Price: $40
👉 Check Bungalows On The Beach
#7 Mambo Hill Resort
Mambo Hill Resort is a colourful and fun place to be! As you can see above, the property doesn’t look ordinary at all! Also, each room comes with a private bathroom, balcony and a beautiful sea view! Location? The northwest part of the island.
Starting Price: $80
#8 Exotic Private Glamping
For a more adventurous experience, Exotic Private Glamping offers luxurious tents equipped with comfortable beds, en-suite bathrooms, and outdoor seating areas. Glamping is an excellent choice for those who want to experience the outdoors while enjoying modern amenities.
Starting Price: $100
#9 Deep Roots Dive & Yoga Resort
Deep Roots Dive & Yoga Resort is a perfect choice if you want to relax! The resort offers diving packages for all skill levels, as well as daily yoga sessions led by experienced instructors. The property is spacious and looks stunning!!!
The resort’s focus on community and wellness makes it a favourite among solo travellers and groups. Guests can enjoy healthy meals at the on-site cafe and connect with like-minded individuals during their stay.
Starting Price: $120
#10 Sentulan Garden
Sentulan Garden is the most affordable option on this list. The property is completely immersed in nature and provides a beautiful swimming pool.
Breakfast would be included and served in your room! Definitely a great option if you want to relax and spend the minimum amount.
Starting Price: $20
Best Things To Do In Nusa Penida
Now that you know the most unique places to stay In Nusa Penida, here is a list of activities you can reserve for your trip to the island! Note that all these experiences would start from Nusa Penida rather than Bali. So you will meet the guide on the island before starting the tours 🙂
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Nusa Penida Snorkeling Trip Manta Point Gamat Bay and Wall Bay
✅ Swim with manta rays at Manta Point.
✅ Explore the marine life at Gamat Bay.
✅ Enjoy clear waters and coral reefs at Wall Bay.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Nusa Penida Two Dives Trip for Certified Divers
✅ Dive into world-class dive sites with professional guides.
✅ Encounter marine species.
✅ Suitable for certified divers of all levels.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
✅ Learn the basics of freediving with expert instructors.
✅ Discover the island’s underwater beauty.
✅ Develop breathing techniques for better underwater exploration.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Reef Rehabilitation Course and Snorkeling
✅ Participate in coral restoration efforts.
✅ Learn about marine conservation
✅ Enjoy snorkelling while contributing to sustainability.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Mangrove Reforestation and Exploration
✅ Plant mangroves to support the local ecosystem.
✅ Explore the mangrove forests by kayak.
✅ Learn about the importance of mangroves to marine life.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Seaweed Farming Activity and Sightseeing at Diamond Beach
✅ Visit local farms and learn about seaweed cultivation.
✅ Enjoy views of Diamond Beach.
✅ Gain insights into local livelihoods and traditions.
How To Get To Nusa Penida
The easiest way to reach Nusa Penida is by speedboat from Sanur Harbour in Bali. Boats typically run multiple times a day, with the journey taking approximately 45 minutes. It’s advisable to book tickets in advance, you can easily get them here on Viator.
In case you are travelling from other parts of Bali, such as Ubud or Canggu, private transfers or shuttle services can be arranged to Sanur Harbour. Most of the time your accommodation would be able to arrange transfers for you!
Tips For Your Stay In Nusa Penida
💲 Bring cash: ATMs can be hard to find and many establishments only accept cash.
👩🏽 If you are a female solo traveller, bring Tampons or purchase this detailed guide to finding tampons in Bali, which includes a list of sellers and Google Maps link!
🛵 Rent a scooter: The best way to get around the island is by scooter. Make sure you have a valid license and experience riding on uneven terrain.
🧳Pack light: A lighter luggage is more practical for the boat ride and reaching some up-hill accommodations!
📅 Book tours in advance: Popular activities like snorkelling and diving can fill up quickly, so secure your spot early.
🚰 Stay hydrated: The tropical climate can be intense; always carry a refillable water bottle. If you are experiencing fatigue from the heat, I would recommend buying a drink called Pocari Sweat at the supermarket! It contains electrolytes – a real pick-me-up!
🗺️Download offline maps: Mobile coverage can be spotty in some areas. Apps like Google Maps or Maps.me allow you to download the local maps so you can see where you are at all times!
Best Time To Visit Nusa Penida
The best time to visit Nusa Penida is during the dry season, from April to October. This period offers sunny days and calm waters, ideal for outdoor activities like snorkelling and diving. The rainy season, from November to March, can bring heavy rainfall and rough seas, not ideal for water sports!
FAQs On Unique places to stay In Nusa Penida
Is Nusa Penida worth visiting?
Absolutely! It’s a great destination for water sports, amazing sunsets, hikes and learn Balinese culture.
Is Nusa Penida safe?
Yes, but take standard travel precautions and be mindful of road conditions.
Can you stay in Nusa Penida?
Yes of course! See all the places suggested above 🙂
How long to stay in Nusa Penida?
A 2-3 day trip is ideal for covering the main attractions and tours.
I’m a solo traveller; how should I plan a trip to Nusa Penida?
Book guided tours or join group activities for a safe and exciting experience.
Which destination is better: Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan, or Nusa Ceningan?
Nusa Penida is best for adventure; Nusa Lembongan and Ceningan are more relaxed options.
Where would you stay in Bali?
Sanur or Seminyak for access to Nusa Penida.
What are some less touristy places in Bali?
Consider Amed or Lovina for quieter alternatives.
What Else?
Now that you booked your accommodation in Nusa Penida, consider visiting Nusa Lembongan and Ceningan as well. They are beautiful and less crowded than Nusa Penida! If you haven’t left your country yet, download this free travel checklist. It’s a list of things you have to remember when planning your trip to Bali. Feel free to print it as well and just check everything has been done already.
Ciao for now,
Silvia x
✍️ Bali Travel Planning Guide 🌴
Before you start your unforgettable journey to Bali here are the essential tips every female solo traveller should know:
📱 Do I need an eSIM for Bali?
✅ Yes. Having data from the moment you land makes your trip so much easier. I recommend Ubigi eSIM, which connects instantly without queuing at the airport for a SIM card and works better than other eSIMs I have tested. 👉 Get your Indonesia plan now
🚑 Should I buy travel insurance for Bali?
✅ 100% YES! — My #1 safety tip for all travellers is to buy travel insurance for every trip in case anything happens during their visit (and yes, Bali belly is a thing!). I highly recommend HeyMondo – you get 24/7 support and it’s budget-friendly!
💧Can you drink the water in Bali?
🚱 No — It’s recommended to drink filtered or bottled water in Bali (I even brush my teeth with filtered water).
🏩 What’s the best way to book my Bali accommodations?
My go-to for Bali hotels is Booking.com. For hostels, I normally go for Hostelworld (you can also filter by private rooms if you want!). If you love pets you should consider Trusted Housesitters, you would get free accommodation in exchange for looking after amazing pets ❤️
🐒 What’s the best way to book my Bali activities?
Get Your Guide and Viator are the best ones. You can go through the reviews to learn more about each activity and they have amazing customer support!
🛒 Will I find tampons in Bali?
Yes! However, they are hard to find! Get the guide with the list of sellers and Google Map here!
🚕 How can I book my taxi in advance from the airport to my accommodation?
I always recommend reserving your taxi in advance via Klook. This is because it will ask you for flight details and the driver will be able to track your flight in real time. I would book my taxi especially when I fly to new places or get there at night time! If you want to rent a car, Klook is still your best bet. They have cars available to pick up right at the airport! For scooter rental in Bali, go to BikAgo.
🏄🏽 Where can I book surf camps or yoga retreats?
Booksurfcamps.com is the best for surf camps all over the world. Use Bookyogaretreats.com for the best yoga retreats in Bali and worldwide.
✈️ What’s the best site to book my flight?
Skyscanner is definitely the best one out there! I love their “explore everywhere” function for when I need inspiration on where to go next! If you will embark on a long flight and you love showering in between flights or just using the lounges in airports all over the world, check out Lounge Passes on Klook, GetYourGuide or get a lounge membership on Priority Pass!
🎫 Do I need a visa for Bali?
👍 Yes — US, UK, and EU passport holders can get the Visa On Arrival (Tourist Visa) valid for 30 days in Bali. Read more here)
💰 𝗖𝘂𝗿𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆: The currency here is the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR), and there are plenty of ATMs if you need cash. I always withdraw from ATMs to get the best rates (select “no” when it asks you if you accept the conversion rate). The best debit card to use when travelling to Bali is Wise!
🚕 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Getting around Bali is easy peasy! Rent your scooter on BikAgo. The alternative would be getting a scooter taxi using Grab or Gojek which are safe and cheap in major places like Ubud, Canggu and Uluwatu. You can also book your private driver!
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