8 Secrets You Need to Know About Kelingking Beach

Visit the Most Popular Beach on the Island of Nusa Penida

the nusa penida's hidden treasure

kelingking beach view

NUSA PENIDA

Kelingking beach

"THE PINKIE FINGER"

When we are asked to close our eyes and picture a dream vacation, we visualize transparent blue water accentuated by a border of white, untouched sand, the breeze blowing ever so slightly as we relax on a tranquil coast. Sound familiar? If I just described your fantasy holiday, then I’ve got news for you: this place doesn’t just live in your consciousness. In fact, over 200,000 tourists visit this destination per year. Its name? Kelingking Beach, located on a small, Indonesian island called Nusa Penida. 


Now, before you hop on a plane to live out your wildest dreams and finally see the beach you’ve always wanted to revel in, consult the 8 secrets below as I divulge what they won’t tell you about this famous location.

The Traveling Twin at Kelingking Beach

1. PEAK HOURS ARE FROM 9:00AM- 4:00PM

There are multiple boat companies that take can travelers from Bali to Nusa Penida and back each day. Typically, each company’s first ride is around 7:00am and their last is at approximately 4:30 pm. Once tourists arrive by boat, it takes about 30-45 minutes to drive to Kelingking Beach. This means if you are someone who is staying for more than a day on Nusa Penida, it is best to arrive around sunrise or sunset. If you are only going for a day trip, like my friends and I did, you can expect crowds from 9:00am - 4:00pm. 

2. The Top Is Almost Always Crowded

When arriving at Kelingking Beach, visitors will typically park in a parking lot and walk about 10 minutes to the scenic spot. Upon arrival, you will likely notice a number of people at the top overlooking the beach, and possibly a few others venturing their way down the steep path towards the actual beach. 

3. Streets on the Way Are Very Narrow and Not as Suitable for Motorcycles

One thing many tourists don’t know prior to visiting Nusa Penida is that while the island is near Bali, it is not comparable when it comes to transportation. Traveling by motorcycle is a very popular and easy type of transportation in Bali. While you can travel by motorcycle on the island of Nusa Penida as well, many of the roads are not paved. This means that unless you are an experienced motorcyclist, you may have trouble navigating the rocky, twisted, and narrow streets to the beaches. Instead, we traveled via car, which I would recommend in this case anyway!

4. The Hike to the Bottom Is Over an Hour

The hike from the scenic overlook at Kelingking Beach to the bottom is approximately 0.7 miles with an elevation gain of 446 ft. While less than a mile may sound like a breeze, it is far from it. This hike is considered generally challenging due to the steepness, narrowness, and the fact that all hand rails are made of bamboo. Though the hike is undoubtedly worth it once you get to the bottom, I believe it is important for visitors to understand that this trek will take about 40-60 minutes to navigate down, and another 60-80 minutes to ascend back to the top. This doesn’t include the chunk of time you decide to stay at the actual beach at the bottom which means that if you are planning on visiting Kelingking Beach, it is best to decide beforehand whether or not you will do the hike. If so, I advise packing plenty of water, sunscreen, and a lightweight hiking backpack with your towel and/or any cameras! 

5. The Beach Doesn’t Have as Many People as You Would Think 

WHAT? One of the most popular and beautiful beaches in the world is sometimes…EMPTY?!? Though a handful of tourists will come and stay on the island for a few days, many boat in from Bali for a day trip. This means that a lot of visitors opt out of the hike down to the beach and back up, since it is very time consuming. Tourists typically want to see as much of the island as they can in a day which is why they’ll stop at the scenic spot overlooking the Kelingking Beach, snap a few pictures, take a moment or two to stare in awe, and keep moving. Fortunately for you, if you are one of those few with the time and stamina to make the trek, the beach is all yours! 

6. You Can Swim, but You May Not Want To

When glancing from the top of the beach and getting that rare bird's eye view, you may think that the beach would be the optimal place to tan, swim, and spend the day. Even though it is a beautiful location, many hikers will descend and notice that the water is a little choppier then it seems to be from above. This means that even though you should definitely take a dip after such a long hike and enjoy the fruits of your labor, I wouldn’t advise going in too deep. 

viewpoint at Kelingking Beach

7. You'll Have to Wait in Line for a Picture

This was probably the most surprising thing to me when I visited Kelingking Beach. I had seen countless photos of influencers sitting at what seems to be the very edge of a cliff overlooking the stunning beach, and I was determined to get a similar picture (pictured above). When I arrived, I saw why all the pictures I had seen seemed to be from the same spot. They were! This spot is so popular that you have to stand in line to get a picture there! Fortunately, it is a self-regulated line which means that there is nothing stopping you from taking 10 minutes to catch all the angles, but I would take into consideration that if a line of people are waiting for you, they might not be too thrilled. The upside is there are PLENTY of people willing to take your picture and then ask you to do the same, which is great news for solo travelers or you tourists with photo-challenged friends. 

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8. It Is SO Worth the Trip!

When I think of Nusa Penida, the first thing I visualize is this view. I think of this popular tourist spot that takes your breath away every time you visit. It is a simple, natural beauty that millions visit each year, and there is a good reason as to why. While I don’t always think that the main tourist attractions are worth it, there’s no doubt in my mind that this one is. Even if you stop for 10 minutes and take a picture at the top, it’s a view you will regret not seeing if you don’t visit. If you plan it right and have the energy, a couple hours spent completing the hike and laying on the beach is even more worth it! It’s like a right of passage on Nusa Penida, and something every visitor should add into their itinerary. Make sure to add it! 

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You Ask & I Answer

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is Kelingking Beach?

    Kelingking Beach is a beautiful and stunning beach located on the Nusa Penida Island. 

  • How do you get to Kelingking Beach?

    The best way to get to Kelingking Beach is by boat from Sanur Beach in Bali. The journey takes around 45 minutes and there are many tour operators that offer this trip. You can also take a fast boat from Bali to Nusa Penida Island which takes around 30 minutes. Once you are on the island, it is a short 10-15 minute walk from the port to Kelingking Beach.

  • What should you bring to Kelingking Beach?

    When visiting Kelingking Beach, you should bring along sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat or other sun protection, as well as comfortable walking shoes. You may also want to pack some snacks and water to enjoy during your visit.

  • Is Kelingking Beach safe for swimming?

    While the waters at Kelingking Beach are generally calm and clear, it is important to always be aware of your surroundings and follow all safety precautions when swimming in the ocean. There may also be currents and tides that can make swimming more difficult, so it is best to exercise caution when entering the water.

  • When is the best time to visit Kelingking Beach?

    The best time to visit Kelingking Beach is during the dry season, which generally falls between April and October. If you are looking to avoid large crowds, it is best to visit during the weekdays or early in the morning. However, be prepared for occasional rain showers at any time of year on Nusa Penida Island!

  • Does it cost money to visit Kelingking Beach?

    No, there is no fee to visit Kelingking Beach. However, you may need to pay for parking if you are driving to the beach. There are also several warungs (local cafes) and restaurants in the area where you can buy refreshments.

  • What are some other things to do near Kelingking Beach?

    If you are looking for things to do near Kelingking Beach, there are plenty of options! You can visit nearby beaches such as Atuh Beach or Crystal Bay, go snorkeling or diving at one of the many spots on Nusa Penida Island, or take a hike up to Teletubbies Hill for an amazing view of the surrounding area. There are also plenty of local markets and shops on Nusa Penida where you can find unique souvenirs to take home with you. 

  • How long is the hike down to Kelingking Beach?

    The hike down to Kelingking Beach takes around 40-60 minutes depending on your fitness level. The trail is steep and can be slippery, so be sure to take your time and follow all safety signs. Once you reach the bottom, you will be rewarded with a stunning beach! 

  • Does Kelingking Beach get crowded?

    Kelingking Beach can be quite crowded at times, especially during the busy season from April to October. If you are looking for a more peaceful and relaxing visit, it may be best to come on a weekday or early in the morning before most tourists arrive. However, even with crowds, Kelingking Beach is still an incredibly beautiful and enjoyable place to visit!