The amazing Kelingking beach hike and cliff point is easily the most famous location in Nusa Penida, and probably one of the most iconic pictures in all of Bali.
This spot has been nicknamed the Kelingking โT-Rexโ because of how the uniquely-shaped cliff looks like a giant rock dinosaur with jaws wide open.
Itโs hard to browse Instagram without seeing epic photos of this natural wonder. Recently it was even named the 2nd best beach in Asia by TripAdvisor.
If youโre planning a trip to Bali, you should definitely go see the Kelingking T-Rex! Itโs possible to visit it on a day trip from Bali, or you can spend several days seeing all of the other amazing sights in Nusa Penida island, which is located near Bali.
This travel guide will explain how to get to Kelingking Beach, where itโs located, how to hike down to the bottom of the cliff safely, and everything else you need to know before you go!
Where To Stay In Nusa Penida
Kelingking Cliff Point
The main view at Kelingking Cliff is an incredible dinosaur shaped rock sticking out over the ocean, with perfect turquoise water splashing around it.
The first time you look over the edge of the cliff and see this view, it really is breathtaking! The Kelingking โT-Rexโ is quite a bit bigger than it looks in photos, and the steep cliffs here are hundreds of meters tall.
The view from this cliff reminds me a little bit of the Navagio shipwreck beach in Zakynthos Greece. You could think of Kelingking as kind of like a tropical version of Navagio.
A band of cheeky monkeys (Balinese macaques) has started to hang out here every day by the edge of the cliff, in hopes of getting free food handouts from tourists.
Since Kelingking Beach is located on the west side of Nusa Penida, that also makes it a great spot to watch the sunset!
The famous โT-Rexโ cliff viewpoint at Kelingking Beach Nusa Penida
When I first visited Kelingking in 2017, me and my guide were completely alone here. There was no bamboo safety fence and no monkeys, and the path down to the beach hadnโt been built yet.
Back then, Kelingking Cliff was called Karang Dawa, and it wasnโt possible to reach the beach at the bottom of the cliff unless you landed there with a boat.
Nowadays, this spot is extremely popular and crowded with day-trippers from Bali, so you may have to wait in line for taking pictures.
There are even busy restaurants and hotels near the Kelingking Cliff now. Like the rest of Nusa Penida island, the whole scene here has changed dramatically in just 5 years.
I donโt want to put you off from visiting, though. The development hasnโt obscured the amazing viewpoint, and Kelingking Beach is still one of the best beaches in Bali.
Kelingking Beach Hike
After youโre done staring in awe at the Kelingking T-Rex, thereโs also a path with stairs to hike down to the beach at the bottom.
The Kelingking beach hike is a major workout and takes at least 2 hours roundtrip. The stairs are very steep and the drop-offs are a legit safety risk if you arenโt careful.
In 2020, for example, a 30 year old Indonesian tourist from Java fell 150 meters to his death when he slipped while hiking down to Kelingking beach.
I definitely donโt want to scare you out of doing the Kelingking Beach hike if youโre able. After all, dozens of people (if not hundreds) hike down to the beach every single day without any issues.
However, this is definitely not a hike for kids, older folks, or people with a fear of heights. If you belong to one of those categories, itโs best to skip the hiking and just enjoy the views of Kelingking Cliff from above.
When I hiked down to Kelingking Beach, there were several people (including myself) who were dehydrated and struggling to hike all the way back up in the midday heat.
It really helps to bring water and proper footwear. Sandals wonโt give you enough grip, and the rocks are too hot to go barefoot.
There are occasionally some drinks for sale at the bottom, but theyโre more expensive and thereโs no guarantee that they will be in stock. You can buy drinks at one of the food shacks near the top of the cliff before doing the hike.
As you can see in the pictures below, the white sand beach at the bottom is pristine and the waves are big; thereโs even a couple of caves down there!
Kelingking Beach
Kelingking Beach is stunningly nice, with perfect white sand and blue waves. Thereโs quite a big strip of sand here โ the beach is much bigger than it looks from above.
The ocean can be fun to play in, but the waves are very strong at Kelingking Beach, so Iโd only recommend it if youโre a good swimmer. A few accidents have happened here.
Two people were swept away by waves here in 2021 (a local tourist and her guide), and another tourist had his arm broken by big waves in 2022, so itโs definitely not something to mess with if you arenโt a good swimmer.
With that said, itโs still a very nice beach and definitely one of the best beaches in Bali.
Kelingking Cave
On the far end of Kelingking Beach is a big cave that is nice for pictures. When you first hike down to the beach and step onto the sand, the cave will be directly in front of you, about 150 meters away.
Thereโs also another rock overhang (almost like a cave) directly below the Kelingking T-Rex, where you can walk under the shade and hide from the sun.
This whole beach is very exposed to the sun, so itโs good to know there are at least a couple places to get in the shade and relax for a bit.
EXTRA: Paluang Cliff
Everyone goes to Kelingking Cliff, but thereโs another spot located very close to it with its own amazing scenery, called Paluang Cliff. Itโs just a 5 minute drive from Kelingking.
Paluang may not be as well known as Kelingking, but thatโs part of the appeal. Itโs a great alternative spot that gives you views of the Kelingking T-rex from the other side, without the crowds.
There are swings and photo platforms at the Paluang Cliff, plus a Balinese temple with a quirky car shrine, called the โcar templeโ of Nusa Penida.
Read More: Paluang Cliff Viewpoint
EXTRA: Paluang Cliff Viewpoint
Best Time To Visit
The best time to avoid the crowds at Kelingking Beach is either early in the morning, or late in the afternoon.
This spot can be very crowded, especially during holidays. The hike down to the beach is also a lot easier in the morning before it heats up.
When I went back here last July in the afternoon, the hiking path down to the beach was very crowded and the heat made it a huge pain to hike back up.
Kelingking Beach Entrance Fee
Thereโs no entrance fee for Kelingking Beach aside from the small tourist fee you pay when entering Nusa Penida island.
The parking fee at Kelingking is 5k Rupiah (less than one Dollar) as of 2020.
How To Get To Kelingking Beach Bali
The Kelingking beach and cliff point is located on the west side of Nusa Penida island, near Bali.
Itโs accessible by car or scooter, and takes about a 1 hour drive to reach from the main docks and accommodation in northern Penida.
Be careful if you go by scooter because the road can be pretty rough and may be dangerous in some spots if you donโt take it slow!
There are some nice food and drink shacks in the parking area if you want to stock up before or after your hike down to the beach.
If youโre looking for more info on how to get to Nusa Penida island in the first place, you can find that here.
More Nusa Penida Travel Tips
Looking for more information on the beautiful island of Nusa Penida in Bali?
Don't forget to check out my full Nusa Penida Travel Guide with free tips, maps, photos, and more.
This island is loaded with nice beaches, cliffs, caves, and snorkeling spots!
Day Tours To Nusa Penida
If you're on a tight schedule or want to skip the extra steps involved in arranging your own trip to Nusa Penida, GetYourGuide has prearranged day trips to Penida, complete with hotel transfer, fast boat tickets, island tour, and same day return to Bali.
We've used GetYourGuide for lots of day tours and activities around the world, and they're great! Highly recommended.
Book Now: Nusa Penida Day Trip
Where We Stayed
We stayed at Saren Villa on the north coast of Nusa Penida, and paid 240k Rupiah ($15 USD) for a private double room with cold A/C, hot shower, and good WiFi.
This is one of the cheapest options in Penida, and it's in a great location near the best restaurants! We were happy.
Prices may fluctuate from time to time, so just keep an eye out for a good deal.
See Also
- Nusa Penida Island: Complete Travel Guide
- 4-Day Nusa Penida Itinerary - Bali's Blue Paradise Island
- How To Get To Nusa Penida From Bali
- What To Do In Nusa Penida - Caves, Beaches, Cliffs, & Temples
- GetYourGuide Day Tours To Nusa Penida Island
- Bali Beach Guide - The Best Beaches In Bali
- Bali Waterfalls Guide - The Best Waterfalls In Bali
- Bali Temple Guide - The Best Temples In Bali
- Most Beautiful Indonesian Islands - Best Places To Visit In Indonesia
2 comments
great beach, but it does get crowded now days ๐
Yep, best to go in the morning or evening nowadays to avoid the crowds!