You've all seen the spectacular view from the cliff edge, looking down on the pristine white sandy beach and stunning blue waters. Perhaps you're also aware of the debate surrounding the construction of a viewing platform and glass elevator leading down to the beach. Putting that discussion aside, is Kelingking Beach genuinely deserving of all the attention it receives?
Vogue Australia considered Kelingking Beach on the Island of Nusa Penida one of the most Instagrammable beaches in the world, with 4,227 pictures per meter. Once you arrive, you understand precisely why it's so visible on social media, not just for its beauty but the sheer volume of visitors.
Is Kelingking Beach worth the visit?
The first thing you need to understand is its remoteness from Bali. Kelingking Beach is on the island of Nusa Penida, a 45-minute boat ride from Bali's port of Sanur, typically arriving at the Penida Ferry Port.
A visit to Kelingking Beach is typically part of a tour that includes snorkelling at Manta Bay, Gamat Bay, Cyrstal Bay, Broken Beach, and other beautiful locations. However, you can choose to go without the different activities.
From the Penida Port Ferry, Kelingking Beach is approximately an hour's drive over rough, narrow, poorly maintained roads. I'd classify the chances of car sickness on this journey as high. The streets are windy as they navigate the small villages to the top, often stopping to allow oncoming vehicles.
Once you finally arrive, the view from the vantage point is exactly like you see it on social media—just stunning. If you're game enough to take the narrow goat track down to the beach, good luck. It's not for the faint-hearted.
If you decide to visit the beach, it can be perilous. Rips are known to swiftly pull people out to sea, leading to tragic consequences. Numerous individuals have lost their lives at this particular beach due to these hazardous conditions.
There are a few small stalls at the top for souvenirs and hats, and the toilets and amenities are impressively clean compared to other parts of the island. We'd used a bathroom at a nearby cafe, thinking the facilities would be minimal at the viewing point. That was not the case; the bathrooms looked relatively newly constructed and westernised.
When accompanied by a tour guide, you will be efficiently escorted to the prime viewing location, where they will willingly ascend a tree to secure the optimal vantage point for your photograph. Although I don't usually fear heights, some photography spots were situated directly at the cliff's edge without any protective barriers. It's quite a steep drop. Guides were content to lean over the edge to capture that breathtaking shot.
So here is my advice regarding visiting Kelingking Beach
Don't combine the visit with a snorkelling adventure. The day is far too long, and you'll spend most of it on a boat or car.
If you're coming from the Bali mainland, be prepared for the journey. It's a long day, the boat ride can be rough, and the roads are bumpy. Kelingking Beach is about an hour or more from the port. So it depends on the seas, traffic, etc. It could take as long as 2-2.5 hours from Kuta.
Kelingking Beach would be best enjoyed by spending a night or two on Nusa Penida Island. A day visit is just too rushed.
The beach view is stunning, but be prepared for the crowds and be careful if you walk down to the beach and don't swim.
About the Author
The author of this blog, unless otherwise noted, has no affiliation with any property or business linked in this article. Unless otherwise noted, there is no free accommodation or payment from any businesses. The information contained in this blog is strictly the views of the author and not professional advice. The author of this BookDirect blog is a travel and tourism professional with over 30 years of experience in international hotel management, global travel, short-term rental management and a tourism awards judge specialising in accommodation and attractions.
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