Nusa Penida with Kids: A Family-Friendly Travel Guide for Adventurous Families
When most families think about a quick island getaway from Bali, Nusa Lembongan is usually the go-to choice—and for good reasons. It’s calm, compact, and relatively easy to navigate with little ones in tow. But if you’re craving something a little more wild and breathtaking, with breathtaking cliffs, postcard-worthy beaches, and just the right mix of adventure and chill—Nusa Penida might just surprise you.
Now, I won’t sugar-coat it. Nusa Penida isn’t the easiest place to explore with children, but if you plan it well (which we’re here to help you with), it can be one of the most memorable parts of your Bali trip. It’s all about realistic expectations, smart planning, and knowing where to stay, eat, and go with kids.
As a mom who lived in Nusa Penida for two years—when my oldest was just born—I’ve learned a thing or two about what life and travel on the island is really like with young children. So if you’re curious about whether Penida is doable with kids, this guide is for you.
Let’s dive in.
How to get there (and what to expect on the way)
Getting to Nusa Penida is fairly straightforward, though the experience can vary depending on the weather and the boat company. The fastest and most common way is to catch a fast boat from Sanur. Boats leave regularly and the journey takes around 35–45 minutes.
Mom Tip: Book your fast boat ahead of time online or through your accommodation. Many companies offer hotel transfers, which is helpful if you’re juggling kids and suitcases. Also, bring snacks and water. If you can leave the luggage in your accommodation in Bali and travel with only carry-ons or backpacks, do that: dragging an extra suitcase can be chaotic around both harbors.
If your kids are sensitive to motion or tend to get seasick, it’s a good idea to have motion sickness tablets on hand. The crossing can get bumpy, especially during windy months (June–September).
For families, we highly recommend booking with reliable fast boat companies that are known for safety and good service. We personally suggest:
- Angel Billabong Fast Cruise
- Axe Stone Fast Cruise
- Semabu Hills Fast Boat
Make sure to book ahead (especially in high season), and don’t forget to arrive early at the harbour—it can be a bit chaotic, and having extra time helps ease the stress of boarding with kids.
How to get around
I cannot stress this enough: Do not rent a scooter in Nusa Penida if you’re traveling with children. Even if you’re confident on a scooter in Bali, Penida is a whole different story. Many of the roads are narrow, steep, and in rough condition, with sharp turns and cliffs right next to you. It’s just not worth the risk.
Instead, hire a private driver with a car. It’s safer, more comfortable, and your driver can act as a local guide, helping you avoid the worst roads and time your visits to popular spots. Many hotels can organize this for you, or you can book a trusted driver through local tour operators.
Mom Tip: Let your driver know in advance if you’ll be traveling with kids. Don’t expect car seats: it’s simply not a thing there yet.
Where to stay (our family-friendly picks in Nusa Penida)
There are some lovely, family-friendly stays on Penida with incredible views, comfortable amenities, and welcoming staff who understand what traveling with children actually looks like. Here are a few of our top picks:
1. La Plage Apartments
Stylish beachfront apartments right on the north coast. You can watch the kids play on the beach while sipping a coffee from your terrace.
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2. MAUA Nusa Penida
A stunning hillside property with incredible views, a big pool, and a peaceful vibe. Great for families wanting a bit more luxury and space to unwind.
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3. Deep Roots Dive & Yoga Resort
This eco-friendly jungle retreat is best for families with kids who appreciate nature and a slower pace.
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4. Semabu Hills Hotel
Spacious, modern rooms with a lovely infinity pool and gorgeous views. They also have a restaurant on-site, which makes meals easier after a big day out.
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5. Adiwana Warnakali
A boutique diving resort with comfy rooms and a super chill vibe. Bonus points: they offer diving experiences for adults and older kids.
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Where to eat (tasty, kid-friendly options too!)
Finding good food in Nusa Penida isn’t so hard these days—there’s a growing selection of cafés and restaurants catering to both adventurous and picky eaters. A few of our favorites:
1. Tishe Yoga & Café
A lovely spot for a healthy brekkie or lunch. While you sneak in a yoga class and have dad watch the kid(s), the café offers fresh smoothies, sandwiches, bowls, and kid-approved pancakes.
2. Penida Colada
Right by the beach, with a super chill vibe, ocean views, and lots of yummy options. The fish tacos and smoothies are winners.
3. Sushi Island
Great for something different, and surprisingly serves up some of the best sushi in all of Bali. My son has been a fan of their Japanese curry since before he could talk!
4. Secret Penida
A Western-style restaurant, with beautiful interiors and a relaxed atmosphere. They do great coffee, salads, and hearty mains.
5. Cactus Beach Club
A bright, clean beach club. Great for brunch, a midday break, and a soak in the pool.
6. Amok Sunset
Go for the views, stay for the sunset cocktails and dinner. Great for a family dinner treat—just go early so the kids can eat and play before it gets dark.
Mom Tip: Always carry snacks and water. Meal service can be slow on the island, and hangry kids are nobody’s idea of a holiday.
Things to do: for parents
Let’s not forget you. Penida offers some rare chances to reconnect with yourself while the kids are napping or playing.
- Scuba Diving or Free Diving: If you’re certified (or keen to try), the waters around Penida are home to manta rays, vibrant coral, and incredible visibility. You can book dives through Pure Dive Resort, Purple Dive, or Blue Corner Dive—these are the operators we can safely recommend from personal experience.
- Yoga at Tishe – A calming, jungle-view studio that offers daily group sessions.
- Massage – Some hotels offer in-room massages, or check out local spas like Mere Spa, Avocado Spa, or Aloe Spa. A post-beach massage while the kids nap? Yes, please.
What can the kids do?
There’s a surprising amount to do for kids—if they love the water.
- Snorkeling & Scuba Diving – Older kids who can swim confidently will love snorkeling trips to see vibrant coral, tropical fish, and maybe even manta rays! Some operators offer kid-sized gear and child-friendly tours. We recommend enquiring with dive operators, as they follow stricter safety standards than general snorkeling tour providers.
- Swimming – The north coast beaches (like Crystal Bay) have calmer water for little swimmers. Many hotels also have pools, so downtime can be just as fun.
- Cactus Beach Club – A relaxed ocean view spot with food, drinks, and loungers. Great for younger kids to splash while you chill with a coconut or cocktail.
Mom Tip: Always pack reef-safe sunscreen, sun hats, water shoes, and floaties. The sun and sea can be intense, and there’s not always shade.
Family adventures
Some of Penida’s most iconic spots are actually doable with kids—especially if you go slow, hire a driver, and bring plenty of water.
1. Crystal Bay
An easy, family-friendly beach with soft sand and gentle waves. Great for a swim and picnic.
2. Kelingking Beach Viewpoint
You’ve seen it on Instagram. The T-Rex-shaped cliff is stunning, and there’s a viewing platform at the top. The hike down is not safe for kids, so stick to the top and snap that iconic family photo.
3. Diamond Beach
Another breathtaking view with a long staircase down. The descent is steep and not doable with babies or young kids, but the viewpoint is a fun stop.
4. Tembeling Natural Pools
A bit more adventurous, but older kids who love jungle exploring will find the freshwater pools magical.
Where to buy essentials
Penida is still developing, but you can find the basics—if you know where to look.
1. Toko Kayun
The island’s biggest supermarket. Think diapers, snacks, bottled water, and general groceries.
2. Penida Pantry
A hidden gem! Run by a local expat, this store stocks fresh produce, healthy snacks, specialty items, dairy, and toiletries. If your little one has dietary restrictions or you’re looking for baby-friendly snacks, this is the place.
Mom Tip: Stock up on anything you must have (specific formula, medications, baby wipes) before you leave Bali mainland. Many of the mainland conveniences of Bali—like delivery services, online taxis, and chain minimarts—don’t exist here yet. Selection is improving, but still limited.
Final thoughts: is Nusa Penida worth it with kids?
If you’re looking for a super-easy, stroller-friendly, no-hassle kind of family trip, Penida may feel like too much. But if your kids are up for a bit of adventure (and you’re prepared), it can be incredibly rewarding.
You’ll witness jaw-dropping scenery, swim in some of Bali’s clearest waters, and come home with stories your family will talk about for years. Plus, it’s still relatively quiet compared to mainland Bali or Lembongan—so you really feel like you’ve discovered something special.
Penida is the kind of place that reminds you why you travel as a family—not just to relax, but to experience something new together. And if you go in with the right mindset (and this guide in your back pocket), you’ll come back with memories to last a lifetime.
