4 Things to Know about Visiting Kelingking Beach (T-Rex Beach)

Looking for an adventure in Bali that’s off the beaten path? Kelingking Beach, famously known as T-Rex Beach, is your answer. 

This is the most beautiful and awe-inspiring beach in Bali by far! It’s a stunning display of natural beauty with turquoise waters, unspoiled sands, and dramatic thousand-foot cliffs. 

But to get to this secluded paradise, you must venture beyond Bali’s mainland to the smaller island of Nusa Penida. Most visitors opt for a day trip, but we’ll show you how if you want to get there before the crowds or have a more immersive experience on Nusa Penida Island, enjoying its tourist attractions.

This guide will walk you through everything from getting to Nusa Penida, what to expect at the viewpoint, where to get the best photo, how to hike down the cliffs to the beach, plus more time for making the most out of your visit to Kelingking Beach.

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Kelingking Beach (T-Rex Beach): Everything You Need To Know

Kelingking Beach is the most beautiful place to visit in Nusa Penida, but it’s not the most accessible area in Bali. 

So we’ll start with how to get to Kelingking Beach since there are a couple of options to get to the island, and then another decision on how to get from the port to Kelingking Beach viewpoint.

1. How do you get to Kelingking Beach?

Getting to Kelingking Beach involves a bit of travel, but it’s worth the trip to see the cove for yourself for the first time and also get to explore the most rugged part of South Bali. 

As the introduction mentions, Nusa Penida is roughly 25 kilometers from Bali’s east coast. 

The easiest way to get to Nusa Penida is by fast boat from Sanur. 

Sanur to Nusa Penida

You can easily book a ticket online or purchase one directly at the Sanur Port, but checking the schedule in advance is always a good idea. The best time to arrive is early so you can secure your spot. There are nearly 100 departures per day between 6:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. 

The trip only takes 30-40 minutes, and you’ll arrive at Toya Pakeh Harbour or Buyuk Harbour (depending on the fast boat company). 

Nusa Penida Port to Kelingking Beach

Unfortunately, you still have an overland journey ahead of you. It’s 20 kilometers from either harbor to Kelingking Beach, but the roads are rough, so it can take up to an hour to get to the best option for the cliff lookout. 

Many people hire a taxi or a private driver in Nusa Penida, but the most affordable option is to rent a motorbike at the port. You can usually find a scooter for less than 100k Indonesian Rupiah ($8) in the port parking lot and have the freedom and flexibility of your own ride throughout the day! 

All-Inclusive Day Tour to Nusa Penida (with Kelingking Beach and Kelingking Cliff)

Also, if you’d rather not deal with any of the hassles, there are all-inclusive day trips from Bali to Nusa Penida. Many of these tours offer hotel transportation, meals, and stops at multiple destinations in Nusa Penida, including Kelingking Beach and Atuh Beach. Some also stop in Nusa Lembongan or at Sanur Beach.

So, whether you are staying in Uluwatu, Kuta, Canggu, or Ubud, you just have to worry about when to be ready for your driver when you take a Nusa Penida day tour.

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2. Kelingking/T-Rex Bay Viewpoint

Once you get to the parking area, it’s a 10-minute walk through a small village with a couple of local warungs before the road opens to the viewpoint. 

The insta-famous viewpoint is the first thing you see, and there will probably be a lot of people at the edge of the lookout, waiting their turn to take a photo with the scenery. There is no entrance fee.

The best way to photograph the spectacular views and rock formations is to get there before 10 a.m. or after 3 p.m., it will be significantly less crowded. Either way, The cliff is a great spot for jaw-dropping views. Photos simply can’t do T-Rex Beach justice. It’s important to leave with memories, and you should snag a couple of pictures, but be intentional to take this view outside your camera lens. 

There are also a few restaurants and shops around the outlook, making it the perfect spot to grab some water or a quick bite before heading down to the beach.

You should also be extra cautious around the cliff. You can walk along the path, but most of it does not have a railing between you and a 1000-foot drop to the shoreline below. 

3. How to Hike Down To Kelingking Beach

To the left of the viewpoint is a small path leading down the cliff. This is the start of the hike to T-Rex Beach. The trail winds back and forth all the way to the beach and gets progressively steeper as you go. 

After reaching the halfway point, it becomes more of a guided rock climb than a hike. This section is not for the faint at heart, and it’s wild that they could even build a path along such a steep cliff. 

Go slow along the makeshift path and try not to put all your weight on the fence. Also, don’t be afraid to stop and catch your breath/calm your nerves. 

You should also wear sturdy footwear. Every day, hundreds of tourists try to descend to the beach in flip-flops, which puts them at risk of falling, slipping, and injuring themselves on the trail. Chacos or Hiking sandals work fine, but hiking boots or tennis shoes are better! 

Also, the hike can take about 1 hour each way, so bring plenty of water. 

At the bottom, you’ll be rewarded with an entirely new perspective of Kelingking Beach (and hardly any people). It’s a dream!

Bring a Sarung with you and chill out on the shore for a while! You may not be able to tell from the top, but it’s commonly unsafe to swim due to strong currents and 6-10-foot waves breaking on the shore. Only brave these strong waves if you are a good swimmer and always follow the guidance signs on the beach.

4. More Things To Do In Nusa Penida

You only need about 1-3 hours at Kelingking Beach, depending on whether you take the hike down to the shoreline. Once you’re done, here are some other great things to do in Nusa Penida.

Rumah Pohon

Rumah Pohon is an iconic tree house built onto a cliff outcropping in eastern Nusa Penida, thousands of feet over the ocean.

Every day, tourists come for the famous “thousand-islands view” and take a picture on the treehouse ladder. If you’re lucky, you can stay the night in it for less than $50! It’s typically booked up months in advance, so make your reservation well in advance!

Angel’s Billabong

Just a short drive from Kelingking Beach is Angel’s Billabong, a natural phenomenon that creates an infinity pool overlooking the ocean. It can be hectic sometimes, but most people are only there for a few pictures. The real fun is getting into the pool, which is only possible during low tide.

Broken Beach

Broken Beach is a small cove created by a breach in the cliff where water flows through and onto the beach. The beach is inaccessible, so this is a bit of a hidden gem, but you can walk around the entirety of the pool, including the overpass where the water comes and goes out to the ocean.

Snorkeling at Manta Point

Manta Point is a snorkeling spot southeast of Nusa Penida. It’s a must-visit for diving and snorkeling enthusiasts since it’s the only place in Bali where you can swim alongside manta rays in their natural habitat. Don’t miss beautiful Crystal Bay.

There are quite a few options for restaurants in Nusa Penida. Make sure you try local favorites like mie goreng or nasi goreng.

You might enjoy reading some of my other articles on Bali: Best Beaches in Bali, Bali Boutique Hotels, Bali Retreats for Singles, 10 Day Bali Itinerary and Where to Stay in Bali.

Final Thoughts on Kelingking Beach, Nusa Penida

Kelingking Beach should really be considered one of the wonders of the world. 

Whether you take the entire hike down to the beautiful beach or simply admire the view from the top of the cliff, you don’t want to miss it while spending time in Bali, whether you’re staying in Bali for two weeks or just a few days! 

Keep in mind that Nusa Penida has become extremely popular over the past decade, so if you visit Kelingking Beach, expect crowds, particularly if you visit during the dry season.

If you want a more peaceful experience, stay the night in Nusa Penida and get there early in the morning.

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