If you were wondering whether there were still places in Bali which the crowds had not yet discovered – then there is one! Tembeling Beach, with its natural pools and lush forest, is a serene and breathtaking escape on the island of Nusa Penida. This hidden gem is a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. In this complete guide, I will provide you with all the information you need to make the most of your visit to Tembeling Beach.
Where is Tembeling Beach?
Tembeling Beach is located on the western side of Nusa Penida, off the coast of Bali. It is nestled within the dense forest below the western cliffs of the island. The beach is so secluded and hidden that you can barely make it out on Google Maps.
How to Get to Nusa Penida
From Sanur Beach Harbor in Bali, a fast boat is available to take you to Nusa Penida. There are two other ports in Bali from where you can take a boat or ferry. The fast boats take 45 minutes and the slower ones take 1 hour to reach the Toka Pakeh harbor in Nusa Penida. There are two other ports in Nusa Penida but they are even further away towards the north east of the island.
How to Get to Tembeling Beach
Getting to the Tembeling Beach is relatively easy, and you have a few options depending on your preferred mode of transportation. Here are three popular ways to get there:
Scooter
If you’re comfortable riding a scooter, this can be a fun and affordable way to get to Tembeling Beach. You can rent a scooter from various rental shops in Bali for around IDR 60,000 – IDR 80,000 per day (approximately USD 4 – USD 6). Be sure to wear a helmet, and make sure your scooter is in good condition before you hit the road.
When you get off the ferry there are scooter shops right across from the port where you can rent a scooter for the day or as long as you want. Make sure to read the guide so you don’t get scammed out of any money.
Local taxi
Taxis are available everywhere in Nusa Penida, and you can easily hire one to take you to Tembeling Beach from the harbor.
Rent a car
Renting a car is a great solution if you are traveling in a group and prefer to be together. You can rent a car for around IDR 800,000 – IDR 1,200,000 (approximately USD 55 – USD 85) for a full day with a driver included. This will include pick up and drop off at your hotel or the harbor.
Directions to Tembeling Beach
To reach Tembeling Beach from Tokah Pakeh Harbor, follow these directions:
- From the harbor, head southeast on the main road.
- Take the road towards Sakti Village.
- Follow the signs to the temple at Tembeling.
- From the temple, walk down the stone steps and follow the path through the forest.
- After a 20-minute trek, you will arrive at the beautiful Tembeling Beach.
Best Time to Visit
Nusa Penida is a year-round destination. However, the best time to visit is during the dry season a couple weeks after the last rains. Rains bring a lot of trash to the shores of Bali and it’s disgusting to go to the beaches during this time. The steep drive to the beach at Tembeling will also become very dangerous during rains and I don’t want anyone to crash their scooters!
Entry Fee and Timings
Tembeling Beach is open from dawn till dusk. There is no entry fee required to access the beach or natural pools yet.
Experience at Tembeling Beach, Natural Pool and Forest
Ride To The Parking Lot
When you get to the turn off point for Tembeling Beach you will find a parking lot. The drive down from here to the other parking lot right next to the beach is another 10 minutes but it is very steep and only the most experienced of drivers should do it. If not you can park your scooter here and then walk 30 minutes to the beach. There are locals offering scooter rides for IDR 50,000 to go and back so this is what I did. I was very glad I didn’t try to drive the scooter myself because at some places I was barely hanging on at the back of the scooter.
Tembeling Forest
When you get off at the second parking lot you should first explore the forest. There were a couple trails you could go into a little bit to see the forest but there is a lot to see down the trail so don’t worry.
Natural Pools
From the parking lot you will descend down the staircase for five minutes before you come to the first pool. This is the bigger and deeper pool of the two. You can swim here at your leisure. There were two other men in this pool when I arrived so I was careful not to make too much noise because they seemed to like the quiet.
If you prefer a pool where you can sit down like a jacuzzi and relax then the second pool is a smaller shallow pool with refreshing clear water. It also has a few springs whose sounds were really relaxing. I preferred this pool to the other one.
Tembeling Beach
After the pool if you descend down another five minutes you will come to the beach. The beach is actually very small and you cannot go into the water, which I was disappointed about. There are lots of huge boulders and the waves are very violent here so I did not even go close to the water. I sat at the edge of the cliff and admired the view and the ocean.
Cave of Rock Towers
Coming back from the beach I had seen people mention there was a cave here that had a lot of towers made by people keeping rocks on top of one another. If you go to the left when coming back from the beach you can find this cave. I was very tempted to cross the cave to go to the other side but equally terrified that I would destroy all the towers.
After that I made my way to the top and hopped on the back of the scooter again. The guy skillfully maneuvered us all the way to the top and it was the end of my adventure.
Best Nusa Penida Tours
Snorkel with Manta Rays Tour
Nusa Penida has some of the most amazing snorkeling with Manta Rays. Tours go to Manta Bay and Crystal Bay to swim with manta rays that come right up to you. Manta Rays are huge 5 meter long marine animals that gently glide along in the water. Swimming with them is one of the most memorable experiences of my life.
If you are in Bali you can do the manta ray tour from Bali on a speedboat or you can do the manta rays tour from Nusa Penida if you are already on the island.
Nusa Penida Highlights Tour
Nusa Penida Highlights Tour is a one day tour from Bali of all the Nusa Penida famous attractions. You will be taken there on a speedboat in 30 minutes and dropped back to your hotel at the end of the day. Some of the places you will visit are Broken Beach, Kelingking T Rex Beach, Angel’s Billabong infinity pool and snorkeling at Crystal Bay.
Things to Carry
- Backpack: You’re going to be walking and trekking a lot on this trip so a backpack is a great idea to keep everything in.
- Water Bottle: Fill up the whole bottle before leaving and consider adding electrolytes for an extra boost.
- Snacks: Pack some nuts or energy bars to fuel because there are no good food places this far south on the coastline.
- Swimwear: You can swim at the pools so don’t forget to bring your bikini with you.
- Towel: Dry off after swimming and have a comfortable spot to sit on while enjoying the mesmerizing views with a quick-drying travel towel.
- Insect Repellent: Protect yourself from mosquitoes and bugs by applying a bit of mosquito repellent.
- Sunscreen: Prioritize your skin’s health by applying SPF 50 before leaving the hotel. The sun in Bali is very damaging to the skin.
- Water Shoes: For the trek to Tembeling Beach, water shoes are highly recommended because you can explore the beach, get into the pools and trek without having to change shoes.
- Camera: Capture the breathtaking beauty of Tembeling Beach with your camera.
Can You Swim at Tembeling Beach?
No you cannot swim at Tembeling Beach because of the rocky and powerful waves that break here but you can swim at the natural pools next to the beach. The natural pools have clear refreshing water that is very nice to swim in after the hot trek from the parking lot.
Can You Swim in The Natural Pools?
Absolutely! The natural pools at Tembeling Beach are perfect for a refreshing swim. The pools are incredibly beautiful and it feels like a magical little place in the middle of the jungle.
Is Tembeling Beach Appropriate for Small Kids?
Tembeling Beach may not be the ideal destination for small children. The terrain is challenging, with steep paths and the walk from the parking lot to the beach can take 30 minutes of intense trekking. Additionally, the beach is very dangerous if not carefully explored so I would not recommend taking kids.
Is It Worth Visiting Tembeling Beach in 2023?
Absolutely! Tembeling Beach promises a timelessly beautiful beach, forest and natural pool that almost no one knows about. This place should be explored as soon as possible before others find it and ruin it!
Tembeling Beach FAQs
What is the best time to visit Tembeling Beach?
The best time to visit Tembeling Beach is during the dry season, from April to October. During this time, the weather is generally sunny, with minimal rainfall, which is great for exploring and enjoying the beach.
How much does it cost to visit Tembeling Beach?
There is no entry fee to visit Tembeling Beach as of December 2022.
Are there any safety precautions to keep in mind?
- Leave your scooter in the parking lot at the start of the trail if you are not a good driver that can drive over the rocky, uneven and very steep path to the beach.
- Be cautious while swimming in the natural pools and don’t try to jump into them from too high.
Can I explore Tembeling Beach on my own?
Yes, you can explore Tembeling Beach on your own. The trek is hard but not perilous and it is very fun to go into the forest and the little cave to explore them.
How many natural pools does Tembeling Beach have?
Tembeling Beach has two natural pools. The one at the top is larger but the one at the bottom is more fun with little springs that you can put your head under.
Swim With Manta Rays
Embark on an unforgettable underwater adventure and swim alongside magnificent manta rays. Nusa Penida is the most famous place in Bali for snorkeling with Manta Rays. The feeling when this giant creature glides alongside you in the water is something you will never forget.
Places to Stay in Nusa Penida
Luxury: Atalaya Villas Nusa Penida
Atalaya Villas Nusa Penida is a luxurious retreat with stunning ocean views. The infinity pool reminds you of being in Greece and the food is out of this world. Some of the rooms even have their own private pool! They have luxuriously decorated rooms, modern amenities, and impeccable service. This is the best luxury experience on the island.
- Price: From $140.
- Booking.com link
Mid-Level: Daphila Cottage
Daphila Cottage has comfortable rooms in a quiet setting. They have lush greenery and the hospitality of the staff is great. The rooms are very well made and have cozy wood furniture. The pool is gorgeous and sits on top of a breathtaking drop with views of the next island and its volcano.
- Price: From $90.
- Booking.com link
Budget: Mahendra Cottage
Mahendra Cottage is an affordable option that is very comfortable. The cozy rooms and friendly atmosphere make it a great choice for budget-conscious travelers. The staff is very kind and will do their best to make your stay comfortable. The food is also great and comes included with the price.
- Price: From $40.
- Booking.com link
Things To Do Near Tembeling Beach
Kelingking Beach
The iconic T-Rex-shaped cliff and the turquoise waters below are a sight you won’t forget. This is the place that has inspired more than a million Instagram posts. The beach below the cliff is equally gorgeous and you are rewarded for the long trek down by refreshing waves and soft sand.
Crystal Bay
Dive into the crystal-clear waters or relax on the pristine sandy beach at this local bay beach. Crystal Bay is where all the Manta cruises start from. The bay is full of these pretty rays and other sea life. You can dine at a local warung and then go snorkeling in the water to see if you can spot any curious Mantas that have come close to shore.
A natural bridge that connects a circular bay with the open ocean is one of the most unique natural formations in Bali. People love to walk around and on top of the bridge to take pictures of this beach. I wish there was a way down to the actual beach because the water looks so tempting from the top.
The other side of Kelingking Cliff is rarely seen because people don’t know about this lesser known viewpoint. Paluang Cliff is a gorgeous viewpoint with viewpoints of Manta Point and the cliffs on the west side of Nusa Penida. One of my favorite places to have taken pictures at!
Angel’s Billabong is a natural infinity pool in Nusa Penida. The pool is created by a natural rock formation that allows seawater to flow in. At low tide you can literally see through the water to the bottom of the pool.
Beaches Near Tembeling Beach
Diamond Beach
With its pristine white sand and towering limestone cliffs, Diamond Beach is a true gem waiting to be discovered. It is right below the T-rex cliff on Nusa Penida!
Suwehan Beach
Escape the crowds and enjoy the tranquility of Suwehan Beach. Most people have not yet discovered this beach on the island so its very quiet and nice to relax here.
Atuh Beach
Immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of Atuh Beach. It is surrounded by dramatic cliffs and lush green jungle. I love this beach because it is located on the eastern end. It is one of the only places on the east end of Nusa Penida that you can enjoy.
Tour Options in Nusa Penida
From Nusa Penida: 3 Spots Snorkeling Tour with Manta Rays
You can dive into the crystal-clear waters to witness the majestic manta rays up close and explore three breathtaking snorkeling spots – Manta Point, Manta Bay and another spot close to Nusa Lembongan to see if you can spot them.
From Bali: Swim with Manta Rays in Nusa Penida
Embark on a thrilling adventure as you swim alongside graceful manta rays in their natural habitat. It is the most wonderful feeling as the rays come straight at you and then turn away at the very last second!
Bali & Nusa Penida 2-Day Flexi Combo Instagram Private Tour
Discover the most Instagram-worthy spots in Bali and Nusa Penida on this private tour. You don’t have to worry if you don’t have an Instagram boyfriend, the guides on the tour work very hard to get the best photos for you!
From Bali: Nusa Penida Small Group Tour by Speed Boat
Hop on a speed boat and explore the highlights of Nusa Penida, including Broken Beach, Kelingking Cliff, Angel’s Billabong and Crystal Bay. This is the perfect tour if you want to do all the highlights of Nusa Penida in a single day.
Conclusion
Tembeling Beach, with its captivating natural pools, pretty forest, and quiet atmosphere, is a must-visit destination for nature lovers. Whether you choose to swim in the gorgeous pools, explore the beach, or simply relax in the tranquility of the surroundings, Tembeling Beach is a memorable experience.
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Manta Point Nusa Penida with Manta Rays
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