The ultimate guide to Kelingking Beach (T-Rex Beach, Nusa Penida)

We approached Kelingking Beach with a lot of excitement—and a bit of ignorance. For years, we’d seen magazine-worthy photos of this incredible place on Instagram, and it had been on our radar even before it became one of the world’s most famous beaches. What we didn’t realize is that most people never actually make it down to the beach itself.

Kelingking Beach is the most challenging hike we’ve ever done—at least to a beach. Don’t make the same mistakes we did: go at the right time, be prepared, and bring plenty of water. And definitely leave those 12 kg of camera gear at the top!

All the Details: Kelingking Beach

You came here looking for all the details about Kelingking Beach, and we’re about to give them to you. Our goal is to make this the only guide you need to visit—and if we do it right, you might feel like you’ve already been there.

Nusa Penida has become Bali’s landmark, featured everywhere on Instagram, YouTube, and Pinterest—and for good reason. Before the pandemic, the island was crowded and chaotic, but now is the perfect time to visit: it’s as pristine as ever, with improved roads and a slightly less challenging hike. Don’t worry—it’s still difficult enough.

How to Get to Kelingking Beach

The Drive

• Land Option: Most visitors reach Kelingking Beach by land. While some companies offer sailing tours that include Kelingking, the strong currents make beach access by boat questionable. The land route is the standard.
• Road Conditions: The drive is manageable and similar to other Bali routes. Roads are in good condition but narrow—watch out for tight turns.
• Travel Time: From Toyapakeh (main pier/gate to Nusa Penida), it’s about a 30-minute drive by scooter or car (assuming light traffic).

The Hike

• The Challenge: The real obstacle is the hike down. Most visitors are content with the breathtaking views from the top, and only a few attempt the descent.
• Our Experience: The hike was tough—really tough. We weren’t prepared: we carried all our gear (12+ kg), started in the heat of the day, and had barely any water. Learn from our mistakes and plan ahead.

Tips for Hiking Down to the Beach

• Bring plenty of water.
• Carry only what’s necessary.
• Avoid hiking at midday—plan your timing.
• Wear good shoes (sports shoes are fine; hiking boots not required).
• The round trip (down and back up) took us about 2.5 hours, including 40 minutes on the beach.

What to Do at Kelingking Beach

With all its fame and beauty, Kelingking is, at its core, just a beach—a spectacular one, but with a challenging hike and not much at the bottom except sand, a few trees, and the ocean. For some, that’s perfect; for others, it’s a bit too barebones.

• Views from the Top: The cliffs offer spectacular views, which is why many people visit as a quick stop on a day tour. There are plenty of shops and local restaurants at the trailhead—perfect for a refreshing coconut before or after your hike.

Is It Worth Visiting Kelingking Beach?

Short answer: absolutely yes—even if you only take in the view from the top. Before 2020, there were horror stories of long queues on the trail, but most visitors were waiting for the perfect Instagram shot, not for the hike itself.

• Going Down: Is it worth hiking down? That depends on your stamina and time.
• Tour Considerations: Kelingking is usually part of the northwest loop (with Broken Beach, Angel’s Billabong, Crystal Bay, and a Sunset Point). We spent all our energy on the hike and had to skip some other sights—so plan accordingly.
• Our Recommendation: Only commit to the hike if you have the entire day for it. Don’t rush, and don’t ruin the rest of your tour by overexerting yourself.

Ready for the adventure? Kelingking Beach is one of Bali’s true icons—just be sure to prepare, pace yourself, and savor every view!