Nusa Penida, Indonesia. Why everyone’s going there, and what to know before you travel (with kids)!
You might have seen this beautiful picture on your socials. It’s Nusa Penida, and it’s a must-see for Bali lovers!
With stunning natural beauty, crystal-clear blue seas and palm trees galore, this island paradise has everyone flocking there, and for good reason.
However, if you’re planning a Nusa Penida trip with kids, there are a few things worth knowing before you go. Here are our top tips for visiting Nusa Penida Island with little ones.
Short on time? Read this:
- Stay a night or two. A day trip to Nusa Penida is too much with kids.
- Leave your suitcase in Bali and take a small overnight backpack.
- Coco Resort Penida is our favourite family-friendly accomodation on the island.
- Hire a scooter if you have an Aussie motorbike license.
- Get travel insurance through SCTI. Kids are insured for free, and they cover scooters.
- Admire Kelingking Beach from the top only, and head to Crystal Bay for swimming.
- Pack a Bali Travel Diary & Activity Book. They're a great way to keep the kids busy on the ferry and at restaurants while you wait for meals.
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Getting to and from Nusa Penida:
Ferry tickets from Bali to Nusa Penida Island are relatively cheap, and there are several boat companies with different departure and return times, all leaving from Sanur, Bali.
The trip takes up to an hour each way, so a day trip is too much to manage with kids. I recommend you stay for a night or two instead! You’ll also get to enjoy the island without the crowds.
P.S. You can buy your tickets beforehand, or directly at Sanur Harbour. Opt for an open ticket to keep your plans flexible. If you’re buying at the pier, allow plenty of time to line up as it gets busy!
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We have found Rocky, D’Star and Dwi Manunggal reliable.
Leave the suitcase in Bali:
All you’ll need is an overnight bag. A backpack with the essentials (like nappies, formula, medication and toilet paper) will do.
While Sanur Harbour now has a jetty, Nusa Penida does not. To get off the ferry, you’ll be wading through knee-deep water and lifting kids off the boat, so travelling light makes a whole lot of sense.
If budget allows, keep your hotel room in Bali so you don’t need to check in and out. Otherwise, check out and ask the hotel to look after your larger luggage until you get back. Most hotels in Bali are happy to help and have storage facilities.
Nusa Penida accommodation:
There are many beautiful Nusa Penida accommodation options with amazing views, but if you’re taking little ones, you’ll want to stay a bit further back from the cliff edge.
We've found Coco Resort Penida to be the most family-friendly place to stay on Nusa Penida. The price for a family bungalow is incredibly reasonable at $120 AUD per night, and the rooms are clean and spacious.
They have a fantastic kid-friendly pool and restaurant on site, and you can hire scooters from reception if you’d like to explore the island in more depth.
When you arrive, it’s a short 10-minute taxi ride from the ferry to the resort. It really is one of the best places to stay in Nusa Penida.
More Nusa Penida hotels:
HOTEL, HOTEL, or HOTEL are also popular accommodation options.
Scooter hire:
Scooters are the best way to get around the island if you feel confident riding one.
My hubby’s an experienced rider, so the three of us feel really safe scooting around Nusa Penida. We only travel at around 30kph, and traffic is VERY light on the island anyway.
If you don’t feel comfortable riding a scooter with your kids, you can hire a driver for the day. That way you’ll see a lot more than you would on foot. Nusa Penida isn’t really set up for walking, as the distances between sites are too great.
NOTE: Check whether your travel insurance will cover you and your family if you ride a scooter. Many policies only cover you if you hold an Australian motorbike licence or equivalent.
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SCTI offers travel insurance if you choose to hire a scooter and have an Aussie motorbike licence. Plus, they insure kids for free, which is a nice money-saving hack.
Scooters can be hired from Coco Penida Resort
Kelingking Beach pronounced Cling King:
Kelingking Beach is the beach that put Nusa Penida on the tourism map. It’s an absolute must-see, and you’ll understand why Instagrammers flock here.
The walk down to the beach, however, isn’t suitable for children. Don’t worry, the views from the top are incredible. Go before 10.00 am to avoid the crowds, and stand back from the edge.
Safety harnesses and toddler carriers:
There are minimal safety barriers, particularly at the viewing points of Kelingking Beach, so consider bringing a safety harness or a toddler carrier if you're travelling with young children who may wander off.
The best beach for swimming:
If you’re after a swim, Crystal Bay is breathtaking and much more suitable for families than Nusa Penida's iconic Kelingking Beach.
Eating out:
Nusa Penida doesn’t have the variety you get in Bali, like fine dining or kids’ menus. It’s a lot of Indonesian, Indonesian and more Indonesian. We love that about the island, but you or your kids might not.
If you’re travelling with picky eaters, head to Penida Colada Beach Bar. It has all the classic favourites like burgers and fish and chips.
And don’t forget to pack a My Big Adventure Bali Travel Diary. It’s filled with fun, educational activities about Indonesia, so the kids won’t get bored while you wait for meals. Plus, journalling the day's adventures makes for a great wind-down activity in the evening.
Order your kids a Bali Travel Diary & Activity Book here!
Don't expect Bali prices, credit card facilities or ATMs in Nusa Penida:
Expect to pay a bit more than usual while staying on the island. Everything from food to fuel is more expensive because almost everything needs to be imported. (Locals aren’t ripping you off, I promise.)
Take cash with you, as ATMs are rare (and sometimes out of cash). Also, keep a few smaller notes on hand, as you’ll often be expected to pay to use a public bathroom. Carry some toilet paper or baby wipes with you too.
WIFI & Netflix:
WIFI is very hit and miss on the island. That can be a lovely chance to disconnect, but make sure you download and save any info or shows you might need. I know it’s handy to have a few episodes of Bluey saved for the little people.
The Bali Travel Diary is also great for those times you want something screen-free for the kids. With plenty of Indonesian-themed activities and space to document their holiday, they won’t be bored (or even notice the lack of WIFI).
So, there you have it: my top tips for getting the most out of a trip to Nusa Penida with kids.
It’s a great place to visit, and if you have a chance to see it before it gets overdeveloped, do it. It makes the perfect side trip to a Bali holiday, and being prepared will make your time on the island even more enjoyable.
Happy travelling!
Kindest,
Kirstin
Kirstin
