T Rex Kelingking Beach, Bali’s Nusa Penida Social Media Star
Indonesian Name: Pantai Kelingking
Kelingking Beach, Nusa Penida | Image Josh Kathey
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Introduction
Nestled in the eastern corner of Bali, the Indonesian island of Nusa Penida is a hidden paradise waiting to be explored. With its white-sand beaches, lush jungles and vibrant marine life, it's no wonder why this idyllic destination has become one of Indonesia's most popular tourist spots.
One of the most stunning places on Nusa Penida is Kelingking Beach. This secluded beach is located at the base of a huge limestone cliff and offers breathtaking views of the sparkling blue waters and rugged cliffs that surround it. Its striking landscape makes it perfect for swimming, snorkeling and exploring.
You may know this beach by its popular name of 'T-Rex Beach', named after the amazing limestone rock formation in all those social media shots. The locals actually think of it more as a little finger, with some bloggers suggesting the name 'Kelingking' means 'pinkie' (little finger) in the local lingo. To us, T-Rex is the better name because this is no small rock formation….and yeah, it looks like T-Rex.
The Kelingking Beach area also offers plenty of activities for those looking for more than just a beach experience. Visitors can explore nearby caves and witness dramatic sunsets over the ocean from atop the limestone cliffs that line both sides of the beach. In addition, there are plenty of restaurants offering traditional Indonesian dishes, as well as several shops selling souvenirs and gifts to take home with you.
For those looking for an unforgettable experience in Southeast Asia, Kelingking Beach is an absolute must-see destination. With its stunning beauty and incredible activities, this idyllic part of Bali promises to leave visitors with lasting memories that will last for years to come. So pack your bags and head off on an adventure to Kelingking Beach—you won't regret it.
Address
Bunga Mekar, Nusa Penida, Klungkung Regency, Bali, Indonesia (See on Google Maps)
Location
Kelingking Beach Nusa Penida is a popular beach located on the island of Nusa Penida in Bali. It can be reached by ferry from Sanur or Padang Bai.
Address & Phone Number of Nearest Hospital for Emergency
The nearest hospital to Kelingking Beach Nusa Penida is Rumah Sakit Umum Daerah (RSUD) Klungkung located at Jalan Raya Tohpati, Banjar Tohpati, Klungkung Regency. The emergency number is +62 366 552 020.
We take a look at what travel insurance is best for Bali in our feature article.
Three Key Reasons To Visit
Spectacular Views: Kelingking Beach in Nusa Penida is a stunning place to visit, offering breathtaking views of the cliffs and crystal clear waters below. Everyone will enjoy marveling at the unique rock formations and exploring the many nooks and crannies of this picturesque beach.
Plenty of Activities: You will never get bored at Kelingking Beach. Visitors can soak up the sun on the sandy shore, go snorkeling or diving in the turquoise waters, or take a hike on one of the nearby trails for an unforgettable experience.
Social-Selfie Opportunity: Kelingking Beach is the ideal place to capture your vacation memories on camera. From artistic shots of its majestic cliffs to epic selfies with your friends, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to take stunning photos that are sure to be Instagram-worthy.
History, Myths and Legends
Kelingking Beach in Nusa Penida is steeped in history, myths, and legends. According to local folklore, the beach was once home to a powerful king who ruled over the island. The king had a daughter who was so beautiful that all the gods were enamored with her. One day, a god disguised himself as a human and asked for her hand in marriage. The king refused, so the god cursed him and his kingdom to be forever submerged beneath the sea.
The legend of Kelingking Beach also tells of two giant sea creatures that lived in the waters around Nusa Penida. These creatures were said to have been so powerful that they could cause huge waves and storms when they fought each other. To protect their people from these monsters, the locals built a temple on top of a cliff overlooking Kelingking Beach. It is believed that this temple still stands today and can be seen from the beach below.
Today, visitors to Kelingking Beach can explore its fascinating history, myths, and legends by visiting the ancient temple or simply taking in its stunning views from atop the cliff.
What To Expect When Visiting
Kelingking Beach in Nusa Penida is one of the most spectacular and untouched beaches in Bali. Upon arrival, visitors will be met with breathtaking views of clear turquoise waters, white sand beaches and dramatic limestone cliffs. The unique landscape makes it a perfect spot for cliff diving, swimming, snorkeling, and photography. On the beach itself, visitors can expect to find basic amenities such as changing rooms, sunbeds and umbrellas.
The best time to visit Kelingking Beach is between April and October when the weather is warmest. However, visitors should keep in mind that strong winds can occur throughout any season due to its location on a cliff-face that faces open ocean. It is also advised to arrive early as the beach can get crowded during peak season.
For a unique perspective of Kelingking Secret Point Beach, it is recommended to head to the right along the cliffs, rather than hiking down the stairs. A worn path can be found along the cliff edge, but it is important to be cautious as there is no railing. This path offers multiple epic viewpoints and arguably offers a better view of the beach than the hike. This spot is particularly well-suited for sunset and it is a great option for those looking for an easy alternative to hiking. This spot is considered as one of the best sunset spot on the island of Nusa Penida and offers a unique angle of Kelingking Secret Point Beach.
If you decide to make the somewhat precarious trip down the 150m cliff to the beach (do not reply on the rickety bamboo handrail as it is not well maintained) you will find that the waves are quite intense. The beach is known for its shore-break, with barreling and dumping waves. It is not recommended for novice swimmers as the sets can come out of nowhere. It is advised to avoid swimming if one is not completely confident in handling the conditions.
Overall, Kelingking Beach offers an unforgettable experience for all its visitors – from exploring hidden coves to swimming in crystal clear waters – making it an ideal destination for any outdoor enthusiast looking for an adventure.
Photo Opportunities and Tips
Kelingking Beach Nusa Penida is a stunning beach in the Klungkung Regency of Bali, Indonesia. With its unique landscape of white sand, steep cliffs, and tropical waters, the beach offers amazing opportunities for taking some perfect shots.
The best time to visit Kelingking Beach for capturing beautiful photos is during the dry season (April-September), when the sky is clear and visibility is good. Since mornings are usually cooler and brighter, it’s also recommended to get up early and head to the beach to take advantage of those early morning light rays.
Since Kelingking Beach can be quite busy during peak hours, it’s best to go early or late in the day if you want to avoid crowds. And in order to capture the best shots without any obstructions or people in them, it’s advisable to get there at least half an hour before sunrise/ sunset. The sunsets in Nusa Penida are especially magical; so make sure you don’t miss out on them.
Be careful while exploring Kelingking Beach as there are many steep cliffs that can be dangerous if not handled with caution. And don't forget your camera gear - you'll need it.
What Visitors Say They Liked About Visiting
The gorgeous scenery at Kelingking Beach is one of its main draws for visitors from all around the world. People love spending time here just admiring the breathtaking views of nature: from seeing the turquoise water lapping against white sands, to exploring lush green hillsides dotted with palm trees and witnessing some truly stunning sunsets over the horizon.
Another popular activity among visitors is getting out into nature and trekking down to explore some hidden coves along the coast. Trekking through these hidden gems gives one a sense of adventure and exploration as they discover untouched beaches surrounded by towering cliffs that remain uninhabited by locals or tourists alike.
Additionally, visitors enjoy learning about Balinese culture while they're here too; chatting with local merchants who run small stalls along the beachfront selling souvenirs or enjoying a traditional Balinese dance performance put on by local performers - both activities offer a chance for visitors to immerse themselves even further into Indonesian culture & tradition at Kelingking Beach Nusa Penida.
What Visitors Say They Did Not Like About Visiting
While most people thoroughly enjoy their time spent at Kelingking Beach Nusa Penida, there are certain aspects that could be improved upon such as overcrowding during peak season due to its popularity among tourists from all around the world. This can lead to long queues for activities such as snorkeling or even accessing certain parts of this idyllic beachfront destination - making it difficult for visitors who would like peace & quiet while they’re here. Additionally, since this beach isn't very well maintained, there may be garbage littering along some areas which can be quite unpleasant & unsightly if not cleared properly by local authorities regularly.
Overall though, most visitors still tend to leave with a positive experience after visiting Kelingking Beach Nusa Penida; citing its natural beauty & wonderful people as some of highlights from their trip.
How Accessible is it for The Elderly, Children and Those With Mobility Issues?
Kelingking Beach in Nusa Penida is not very accessible for the elderly, children, or those with mobility issues. The beach is located at the bottom of a steep cliff, and requires a long hike down a winding path to access it. This hike can be quite strenuous and dangerous for those with limited mobility. Additionally, there is no wheelchair access to the beach.
For those who are able to make the trek, there are several lookout points along the way that offer stunning views of the ocean and surrounding cliffs. However, these areas may also be difficult to navigate due to their uneven terrain and lack of handrails or other safety features.
If you plan to visit Kelingking Beach with elderly people, children, or those with mobility issues, it is important to take extra precautions and be aware of your limitations before attempting the hike. It is also recommended that you bring a friend or family member along who can help provide assistance if needed. Alternatively, there are other beaches in Nusa Penida that may be more accessible for these groups such as Atuh Beach and Crystal Bay Beach which have easier access points and smoother terrain.
Safety Tips When Visiting
Kelingking Beach, Nusa Penida
Before visiting Kelingking Beach in Nusa Penida, Bali, it is important to consider the safety of yourself and those around you. Here are some tips to stay safe during your visit:
Be aware of the local environment: Always be mindful of the conditions where you are visiting. A beach can have hazardous terrain such as rocks and cliffs so make sure you use extra caution when walking around. Keep an eye out for warning signs and follow all safety guidelines provided by local authorities or lifeguards.
Watch out for strong currents: Be mindful of the tides and any sudden changes in the water’s current. The ocean is powerful and can be unpredictable, so always pay attention to the ocean's movements before entering it. It's best to stay away from areas with heavy currents or waves if you're not a proficient swimmer.
Bring safety equipment: Make sure you bring protective gear such as life jackets, flotation devices, and/or swimming goggles if needed when visiting this area - especially if you plan on swimming near dangerous waters or cliffs.
Check weather conditions: Before venturing out onto Kelingking Beach, take note of any severe weather warnings that could affect your trip there - such as storms or high winds. Stay up-to-date on local news reports so that you know what kind of weather to expect before leaving home - it may save your life.
By following these tips, you can ensure a safe but fun time at Kelingking Beach.
Typical Amount of Time to Allocate for a Visit
Visiting Kelingking Beach in Nusa Penida requires a full day. Most people who have visited the beach recommend allocating at least 4-5 hours to fully explore the area and take lots of pictures. This includes a hike down to the beach, exploring the nearby cliffs, and taking some time to relax on the sand. Depending on your level of fitness, the hike down can take anywhere from 30 minutes to one hour, while going back up can take an additional hour.
In addition to that, you should budget some time for swimming in the crystal clear waters and snorkeling along the shoreline, which usually takes around 2-3 hours depending on how long you wish to stay in the water. The remainder of your time can be spent exploring other surrounding areas or simply relaxing and admiring the stunning views from atop of the cliff.
Food and Drink Options Nearby
Food options near Kelingking Beach are quite limited so it is recommended that visitors bring their own snacks with them or purchase food prior to arrival at nearby shops such as Warung Bagus (located about 3 km away). Warung Bagus offers various Indonesian dishes such as Nasi Goreng (fried rice) and Mie Goreng (fried noodles). There is also a small café located inside Bunga Mekar village offering light snacks such as sandwiches and salads as well as coffee and tea.
In terms of drinks, there are no options available on-site so visitors must come prepared with their own beverages or purchase them at nearby shops before heading out. The nearest convenience store is located about 5 km away in Toyapakeh Town where you will find a variety of drinks including soft drinks, beer, water, juice etc.
Conclusion
Kelingking Beach in Nusa Penida is a must-visit destination for all kinds of travelers. This stunning beach offers scenic views of the Indian Ocean, as well as turquoise waters, white sand and plenty of opportunities to explore its hidden gems. Whether you choose to sunbathe on the beach or take a hike up the cliffside trail, Kelingking Beach will provide an unforgettable experience. With its beautiful scenery and exciting activities, this beach is sure to become one of your favorite places in Bali.
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