Of course by now, you’ve seen pictures of the famous “T-Rex Bay” on Nusa Penida.
Who hasn’t?
Framed by towering limestone cliffs and incredible turquoise blue water, it is certainly a sight to behold!
Since being “discovered” by tourists a few years ago, Kelingking beach and viewpoint has become a firm favourite for anyone visiting Bali.
The distinct T-Rex shape of the peninsula is definitely part of why it’s become so popular. I think more people know it as T-Rex Bay than its actual name! (Although, honestly? I think it looks more like a whale than a dinosaur… Who’s with me?!)
Either way, it’s definitely a top place to visit on your Nusa Penida trip!
Check out everything you need to know about visiting the iconic Kelingking beach and viewpoint – aka T-Rex Bay – on Nusa Penida below!
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Where is Kelingking Beach and Viewpoint?
While Kelingking beach and viewpoint is often listed as a “thing to do” on Bali, it is actually located on Nusa Penida. There are three Nusa islands. Nusa Penida is the largest and arguably the one with the most beautiful sights to see!
Located just off the southeast coast of Bali, Nusa Penida is easily reachable by fast ferry from Sanur. It costs around IDR200,000 per person (you can haggle this down though!) and takes about 40minutes to reach Banjar Nyuh harbour on Nusa Penida.
There is also a public slow ferry from Padang Bai in east Bali, which is much cheaper (IDR30,000 per person). But, it takes around 2 hours to reach Nusa Penida this way. And of course you have to get to Padang Bai first.
It’s also important to note that the Roro slow ferry arrives at Sampalan Harbour on Nusa Penida’s north coast.
Get more important tips like this about Nusa Penida here!
The famous T-Rex Bay is located on the southwest coast of Nusa Penida. To reach it, you’ll have to either book a tour, rent a scooter or organise a car and driver.
If you’re planning on heading to Nusa Penida, make sure you check out my 2 day Nusa Penida Itinerary for all the top things to do!
Is It Possible To Visit Kelingking Beach As A Day Trip From Bali?
Yes, absolutely!
Although if you have the time, I’d recommend staying on Nusa Penida for a couple of days to cover everything there is to see.
But, if getting that famous picture of you at T-Rex Bay is the primary goal, you can definitely visit Kelingking Beach on a day trip from Bali.
You can do this either as part of an organised tour, or on your own.
A tour will obviously be more expensive but also easier in the sense that everything will be organised for you. You’ll likely be picked up and dropped back off at your hotel in Bali and lunch might even be included.
If you’re looking to save a few bucks though, getting the fast ferry across from Sanur and renting a scooter is the other option.
Just make sure you head back to the ferry point on Nusa Penida in time so you don’t miss your ride back!
How To Get To Kelingking Viewpoint
My personal preference for getting around Nusa Penida is on scooter. It is cheap (around IDR70,000 a day) and gives you the flexibility to go when it suits you and to stay as long as you want.
It also means that you can add in one or two additional stops if you so choose.
From Banjar Nyuh harbour on Nusa Penida’s northwestern coast, it is a 45 minute drive to Kelingking viewpoint.
Most of the road is actually in quite good condition although it is narrow and windy.
I would highly recommend that you download Maps.Me and the offline map for Nusa Penida to help you navigate your way to Kelingking viewpoint. Although there are some signs around, I like having the reassurance that I’m on the right path!
Want more tips for your Nusa Penida Trip?
Check out my full Nusa Penida Guide for everything you need to know before you go.
How To Get To Kelingking Beach
Getting to Kelingking viewpoint is one thing.
Getting down to Kelingking beach is quite another!
Make sure you wear proper, closed shoes for your trip to Kelingking beach. Also have plenty of water with you because you are going to get hot and sweaty!!
The beautiful, secluded Kelingking beach is a steep 400 meter climb down a rugged cliffside. Part of the hike down is laid out in proper concrete stairs. Once you hit the sharp turn off the ridge though, you’ll realise why I’m recommending shoes.
Kelingking Beach Hike
The hike down to Kelingking beach should definitely not be underestimated!
It is tough!
For me, the way down was actually harder than going back up. But, both will leave you breathless (and not just from the spectacular view!)
It took us about half an hour to get down, and half an hour to get back up again. But, during the busier times it might take longer as you’ll be waiting for others.
There isn’t much room to pass so be patient!
Once the concrete stairs end, you will essentially be doing rock climbing down a steep cliff with the help of some bamboo railing and ropes.
The further down you get, the less support you’ll have.
But, if you take your time, you will be rewarded with a stunning stretch of secluded white sandy beach and you’ll agree that it was well worth the effort!
Swimming At Kelingking Beach
The first thing I wanted to do once we got down to Kelingking beach (well, besides having a drink of cold water and sitting down in the shade to get my breath back!) was to dive into that beautiful deep turquoise blue water.
However, please note that while you can swim at Kelingking beach, the undercurrents are very strong and the waves on the day we visited were a few meters high at times!
Being as remote as it is, there are no lifeguards around and so you swim at your own risk.
Unless you’re a strong swimmer, I’d suggest sticking to the shallows. Although, even there, you might get pushed around by the crashing waves.
If you do decide to go swimming, be very careful and don’t go too far out.
Timing your entry and exit from the sea will be very important because the sheer power of those massive waves will pull you under and tumble you around!
Entrance and Parking Fees
This one is a bit of a difficult one… There is slightly contradictory information out there about the entrance and parking fees for Kelingking viewpoint.
All I know is that we didn’t pay a cent!
But, we also decided to park our scooter down the road slightly, rather than with the hoards of people at the top of Kelingking viewpoint.
As far as I could make out, parking at Kelingking beach was charged at IDR5000 per bike.
There didn’t seem to be an entry fee although I have read others saying they were charged anywhere between IDR1,000 and IDR10,000…
A Final Thing To Note
At the risk of sounding like a bit of a nag – please, please, please be extremely careful when visiting Kelingking beach and viewpoint!
Although Kelingking beach and viewpoint is one of the most stunning places you’ll see in Indonesia, it is also extremely dangerous.
Sadly, multiple people have died here over the years, both from falling down the cliffs and being dragged out to sea in the undercurrent.
I really can’t stress this enough.
Don’t take any unnecessary risks.
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