Kelingking Beach, Nusa Penida: Complete Guide & Tips for Visiting

I bet you’ve already seen thousands of pictures already from the T-Rex-shaped cliff on Instagram. It’s officially called Kelingking Beach and it’s located on the island of Nusa Penida, just off the coast of Bali.

Visiting this stunning place is a real must-have on your Nusa Islands itinerary! However, there are a few things you need to be aware of before visiting Kelingking Beach, such as how to get there, when to visit to avoid the crowds (the place gets crazy crowded during the day), and most importantly, where to find the best photo spots.

To help you make the most out of your trip to Kelingking Beach, I’ve put together a comprehensive guide with all the info you need to visit this breathtaking place. Let’s dive in!

*Disclosure: This post contains a few affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through my link.*

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How to Visit Kelingking Beach

Best group tours to Kelingking Beach

Although I would absolutely recommend spending at least two full days in Nusa Penida, I understand that not every one of you has the time for that. Bali has so many amazing places to visit and not everybody can stay for weeks so trust me, I get it!

In this case, the best option is to join a group tour from Bali. It’s the most convenient way to visit Nusa Penida as you don’t need to worry about transportation, boat tickets, or accommodation.

As Kelingking Beach is the most famous place in Nusa Penida, typically every Nusa Penida day tour includes Kelingking Beach in the itinerary.

Here are the tours I would recommend for you to check out:

• Nusa Penida Small Group Tour by Speed Boat – This is the top-rated day trip to Nusa Penida and also the one I would recommend the most. The tour includes a visit to Kelingking Beach, Broken Beach, Angel’s Billabong, and Crystal Bay, and you can also include hotel transfers or opt for a completely private tour.

• Best of Nusa Penida Full-Day Tour by Fast Boat – If you’re only priority is to visit Kelingking Beach and you want it to be as budget-friendly as possible, this is the tour for you. You’ll get to visit Angel’s Billabong, Broken Beach, and Kelingking Beach for half the price of the first tour.

• West Nusa Penida & Snorkeling Small Group Tour – Nusa Penida is quite famous for snorkeling and on this tour, you can explore the best snorkeling spots in the West of Nusa Penida and also visit Kelingking Beach at the same time!

• 2-Day Nusa Penida and Lembongan Complete Tour – For those of you who have more time but would rather skip the pain of organizing everything yourself, this tour is well worth the investment. You’ll get to spend two full days in Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan, visiting Kelingking Beach, the Devil’s Tear, and many more places. Plus, this tour also includes many snorkeling spots!

Visiting Kelingking Beach without a tour

If you’re an experienced traveler and don’t mind going through the hassle of organizing everything yourself, then you can absolutely visit Kelingking Beach without a tour.

First, you’ll need to catch a boat at Sanur Harbor that takes you to Nusa Penida. After arriving on the island, you’ll either need to rent a scooter or book a private driver to get around. In the below section, I’ll go into more detail about everything so keep reading!

How to Get to Kelingking Beach

How to get to Nusa Penida from Bali

First things first, you’ll need to get to Nusa Penida from the main island of Bali. There are many companies offering boat rides to Nusa Penida from Sanur Harbor, ticket prices vary between $11-16 US depending on which company you choose. Taking a fast boat to Nusa Penida is usually the most popular choice because the boat ride only takes like 45 minutes in total.

I recommend checking the schedule and booking the boat tickets via 12Go Asia. Their website is super easy to use, you just have to type in your origin and your destination and it collects all the available transportation methods.

For instance, you just have to click ‘Find tickets’ in the below widget and you can instantly see all the options for traveling to Nusa Penida from Bali! Super convenient, right?

There is a newly built harbor in Sanur which includes proper piers for boarding and also a two-story building where you can check in and wait in an air-conditioned room. This is a huge improvement because it means you’ll no longer have to wade through knee-deep water to board a boat (yes, it was really like this before 2022!).

Make sure to arrive at least 30 minutes before departure and if you can, leave your big suitcases on the main island. With the new harbor, it’s easier to bring your luggage now but it’s still really impractical and since you’ll only be visiting the islands for a few days, a small backpack is more than enough.

The boats from Sanur Harbor arrive at Banjar Nyuh Harbor, on the northwest side of Nusa Penida.

How to reach Kelkingking Beach from the harbor

Kelingking Beach is located on the southwest coast of Nusa Penida. The nearby attractions are Angel’s Billabong and Broken Beach on the east and Banah Cliff Point on the west.

It’s roughly a 45-minute drive from Banjar Nyuh so you have two options if you want to visit the beach individually: you can either rent a scooter or hire a private driver.

The cheapest way to get around Nusa Penida is to rent a scooter at the harbor as they usually cost around 70-100k IDR ($5-7 US) for a day.

The roads in Nusa Penida have improved quite a lot in recent years but you can still come across some very bumpy roads so make sure to have the proper skills for driving on road conditions like this if you want to rent a scooter.

If you’re planning to rent a scooter (and even if you don’t), please don’t forget about travel insurance! Unfortunately, accidents can happen anytime and it’s better to be prepared for that. We always use SafetyWing and can only recommend them. They are really affordable and they pay up without any hassles if you have any issues (yes, we’ve tested it!).

If you don’t have experience in scooter riding, I would recommend hiring a private driver instead. It’s a lot safer thanks to the experienced drivers and also having air-con is a huge advantage too. It’s also quite affordable as a full-day private tour usually costs about $60 US per car which is not too bad, especially if you’re sharing the cost with other people.

Best Time to Visit Kelingking Beach

Kelingking Beach doesn’t have opening hours so you can technically visit anytime.

As the most famous spot on Nusa Penida, Kelingking Beach is a part of every organized day tour. Since this is usually the main attraction, it can get really crowded during the day.

If you want to avoid the crowds and you’re visiting individually, try to visit outside the operating hours of the tours. That means either early in the morning (the first tour arrives around 9 am) or late afternoon when most of the tours are already finished (after 4 pm).

In my opinion, sunset is the perfect time to visit Kelingking Beach as it won’t be that crowded anymore and the lights are just fantastic. Another great time to visit is sunrise but due to the position of the sun, the cliff will be in the shadows in the morning hours which is not so favorable for photography.

Also, don’t be discouraged if you can only visit during the day, you’ll still have a fantastic experience! There are many viewpoints where you can take amazing photos without anyone else in it and the view of the T-Rex shaped cliff is very unique regardless of the time of day.

What to Expect at Kelingking Beach

Kelingking Beach was only discovered in 2003 by a few backpackers who traveled through Nusa Penida. The place was still untouched back then but since it became more and more popular, they started to build out the area.

Fun fact: Kelingking means “Pinkie” in English, as the smallest finger on the hand. I’m not so sure why did they come up with that name because the shape of the cliff looks rather like a T-Rex than a little finger.

When we first visited Kelingking Beach back in 2018, the area was still pretty undeveloped, there was only a parking lot and no facilities at all. Back then there were not even proper stairs built on the cliff so it was even more dangerous to climb down to the beach than it is now.

After revisiting the beach in 2023, I must say I’m very impressed with how much the area has changed. There is now an even bigger and better-organized parking lot, public toilets (they do charge 5k IDR/$0.3 US per use), and also a few food stalls and restaurants.

The biggest improvement, however, is the newly built stairs on the cliff which make it a bit easier and safer to get down to the beach.

Kelingking Beach doesn’t have an entrance fee but you do need to pay for parking, which is 5k IDR ($0.3 US) for a scooter and 10k IDR ($0.6 US) for a car.

After parking your scooter/car, you only need to walk a few minutes to finally get a glimpse of the famous T-Rex shaped cliff. If you follow the road on the right side, you’ll come across a few very cool viewpoints along the cliffside while on the left, you will soon arrive at the start of the staircase leading down to the beach.

Best Kelingking Beach Viewpoints

Concrete platform in front of the cliff

This is probably the most iconic viewpoint and the one you’ll see in almost all photographs of Kelingking Beach.

Right after you arrive at Kelingking Beach, you’ll see a small concrete platform in front of the cliff with plenty of spots for taking photos. This is hands down the most popular viewpoint and it’s also the easiest to access.

If you’re visiting during the day, chances are you’ll have to stay in line for a few minutes until you can take your shot but trust me, it’s well worth the wait.

One thing to note though is that the platform is located right in front of the cliff, so it might not be suitable for people with a fear of heights as there is a pretty big drop right in front of you.

Also, make sure to bring a wide-angle lens with you as you’ll struggle to fit the whole view into your frame if you’re using a regular lens.

Stairs leading down to the beach

If you want to get a different perspective of the cliff, make sure to check out the stairs leading down to Kelingking Beach.

The staircases are located on the left side of the concrete platform and it’s really easy to find them. The good news is that you don’t have to climb all the way down to the beach to get a good view since there are plenty of spots with great views along the way.

This viewpoint is really unique, however, it will be a challenge to shoot here if you’re visiting during the day. I suggest coming here during the golden hour before sunset when the light is really magical and there are not that many people around.

Hidden viewpoints on the right

Most people only concentrate on the left side of Kelingking Beach but if you’re looking for a more unique perspective, make sure to explore the right side too.

There are several hidden viewpoints that offer a really amazing view of the cliff and the beach below. The best part is, they’re usually not crowded so you can take all the time to get the perfect shot without having to hurry up.

One of the viewpoints has a tree and our driver was really enthusiastic and climbed up here to take a drone-like photo of us. Apparently, all guides and drivers do that so if you’re lucky enough, you might be able to get a really cool shot like this too.

Speaking of drones, if you have one, I think this is the best spot to fly from. I always prefer taking off away from people to avoid any accidents and this spot is perfect for that. Just make sure to watch out for the monkeys as the little thieves can easily steal your drone!

How to Get Down to Kelingking Beach

Although the view from the top is jaw-dropping, you can decide to hike down to the beach as well. If you wish to do that, be prepared for a really hard hike! First, you have to hike down on the spine of the T-Rex and then venture all the way down to the beach.

As I mentioned before, proper stairs on the cliff were built in the last few years so it’s now much easier and safer to get down. Before that, there were only some hand-made bamboo stairs and railings but they were not very well maintained.

However, new stairs or not, I still recommend being extra careful when climbing down the cliff. The staircase is really steep and it’s a very challenging hike overall, so make sure you only attempt it if you’re in a very good physical condition.

Also, when climbing down, don’t forget to wear proper shoes and bring plenty of sun protection, water, and snacks. Please, don’t even think about doing the hike in flip-flops or sandals!

The hike is quite long and it gets really hot during the day so make sure you’re well prepared. And don’t forget: climbing down is one thing but you’ll also need to climb back up which is a lot harder and longer.

If you manage to hike all the way down to the bottom, you will be rewarded with an incredible white sandy beach and turquoise water. However, the waves are usually very strong and unpredictable so swimming is not really an option here.

In fact, the authorities announced that swimming at Kelingking Beach is no longer allowed from January 2023 due to safety reasons. It’s just too dangerous and people have been swept away by the waves, so please don’t even attempt it!

If you still want to climb down to the beach, make sure to start the hike as early as possible. This way you can avoid the midday heat and the majority of the crowds. Climbing up is a challenge in itself, so it’s better to do that when the stairs are not crowded.

Also, please forget about climbing down to the beach for sunset! You won’t get a better view than from the top and you will need to climb back up in pitch black which is incredibly dangerous.

Where to Stay Near Kelingking Beach

Although Kelingking Beach is located in a somewhat rural area, you can still find some accommodation options nearby. If you are planning to visit early in the morning or late in the evening, it’s practical to stay nearby and not make the journey from the harbor.

Here are the three closest hotels to Kelingking Beach.

If staying close to Kelingking Beach is not a priority, take a look at my recommendations below when it comes to the best hotels in Nusa Penida for different budgets.

Kelingking Beach Nusa Penida FAQs

What is Kelingking Beach famous for?

Kelingking Beach is famous for its unique cliff formation that looks like a T-Rex. It’s probably the most popular tourist attraction on the island and has become one of the most photographed places in Bali.

Why is it called Kelkingking Beach?

It’s believed that the name of the beach comes from the word “Kelingking” which means little finger in Indonesian. When you look at the cliff, you can see that it really resembles a little finger pointing down towards the beach.

How to go to Kelingking Beach from Bali?

To reach Kelingking Beach, you need to travel to Nusa Penida, an island located southeast of Bali, Indonesia. From Bali, you can take a fast boat from Sanur Harbor to Nusa Penida. Once you arrive on the island, you can rent a scooter or hire a private driver to reach Kelingking Beach. The beach is situated on the southwestern coast of Nusa Penida, roughly 45 minutes from the harbor.

Is it possible to visit Kelingking Beach as a day trip from Bali?

Yes, it is possible to visit Kelingking Beach as a day trip from Bali. It will be quite a long and busy day but it is doable. There are many different day trips departing from Bali, this tour is the highest-rated one which includes a visit to Kelingking Beach, Angel’s Billabong, Broken Beach, and Crystal Bay.

What is the best time for Kelingking Beach?

The best time for Kelingking Beach is during the golden hour before sunset. This is when the light is really magical and there are fewer people. The beach is usually very crowded during the day and the sun can be really harsh so I suggest coming here before sunset for a better experience. Sunrise is also a great time to visit Kelingking Beach if you don’t mind waking up early.

How much is the entrance to Kelingking Beach?

Entrance to Kelingking Beach is free and the beach is open 24/7. However, you need to pay for parking which is 5k IDR ($0.3 US) per scooter or 10k IDR ($0.6 US) per car.

Are there any amenities available at Kelingking Beach?

Yes, there are some basic amenities available at Kelingking Beach. There’s a parking lot, public toilets, and a few small food stalls where you can buy snacks and drinks. Keep in mind that the beach is located in a rural area so don’t expect too many amenities.

Are there any accommodations near Kelingking Beach?

Yes, there are a few accommodations located near Kelingking Beach. The closest one is the Kelingking Mesari Villa and Spa which is only a few minutes walk from Kelingking Beach. Other nearby accommodations include Kelingking Sunset Point Hotel & Spa and Kelingking Tatakan Bungalow.

Is Kelingking Beach worth it?

Definitely! The view from the top is absolutely breathtaking and it’s really worth a visit. Even if you don’t make it all the way down to the beach, it’s still worth coming here for the incredible views.

How much time do you need at Kelingking Beach?

It depends on what you want to do. If you just want to take some photos from the top, then an hour is enough. However, if you want to hike down to the beach and spend some time there, then plan for at least 3-4 hours. Keep in mind that it’s a very long and challenging hike so make sure you have enough time and energy to do it.

How long is the walk to Kelingking Beach?

The walk from the parking lot to the Kelingking Beach viewpoint takes roughly 5-10 minutes. However, if you want to go down to the beach, then it’s a different story. The hike down takes around 45 minutes but the hike back up will take much longer, typically 1.5-2 hours.

Is it possible to hike down to Kelingking Beach?

Yes, it’s possible to hike down to Kelingking Beach. There is a steep and challenging trail that leads from the viewpoint down to the beach. However, the hike can be physically demanding and not suitable for everyone. It’s important to be in good physical condition and wear appropriate shoes.

Can you swim in Kelingking?

No, swimming at Kelingking Beach is no longer allowed from January 2023 due to safety reasons. The waves are usually very strong and unpredictable so it’s just too dangerous. Even if you’re not swimming, it’s important to exercise caution and admire the beach from a safe distance.

Are there monkeys at Kelingking Beach Nusa Penida?

Yes, there are many monkeys at Kelingking Beach so make sure to keep your belongings safe. The monkeys can be quite naughty and sometimes they snatch food or other items from tourists, so watch out!

Can I fly my drone at Kelingking Beach?

Yes, it is allowed to fly drones at Kelingking Beach. However, make sure to follow the drone laws of Indonesia and be aware of other drone users. Also, don’t forget to be respectful of other visitors who want to enjoy the beach without drones buzzing around them.

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