Kelingking Beach in Nusa Penida is Your Ultimate Hiking Trail Down to the White Beach

Yes, Kelingking Beach in Nusa Penida is your ultimate hiking trail down to the white beach. That is, I assume, if you are into a treacherous hike and reward yourself by frolicking in the white sandy beach and the turquoise salty water.

Perhaps, you’ve seen this beach on many tourism promotions for Bali and Indonesia.

Pantai Kelingking in Nusa Penida, according to the Traveler’s Choice Awards in 2019, grabbed the 19th spot of the best beaches in the world.

Though the beach is just a small size, the trek down there is not for everybody. In other words, not everyone will enjoy this secluded beach!

Those who dare thread on a steep cliff while hanging on to their dear life will be rewarded with the serenity of the sheltered coast.

The first time I laid my eyes on the rugged cliff, I held my breath. It was so stunning!

Man, the views were postcard-perfect, and being there gave me goosebumps!

I have no doubt that most people go here for the splendid views and not for the beach itself. I can’t blame them – look at this!

The first 20 minutes of the hike were bearable. Though the concrete steps were easy to trudge on, the steepness brings shivers to your knees.

It was so tempting to stop so many times along the way because the views demand your attention.

On both sides of the steps, the 400m craggy cliffs were arresting. They, too, demand your appreciation!

But then, after the “easy” part of the trek, you’ve got to keep all your gadgets in your pockets or bag.

Going down is perilous. You have to hold on tight to the wooden rails and sometimes cling on the sharp rocks.

Going up is another hurdle. At times, I found myself clambering in all fours.

We were there in mid-afternoon while the sun was unbelievably scorching. The rocks that I hang on to were equally searing, too! I felt my heart was racing too fast, but I wasn’t sure if I was really breathing. And worst of all, I ran out of water.

My experience visiting Kelingking Beach is one for the ages. From above, the views can absolutely capture your imagination. But, to fully appreciate the place, you have to go down there. And when you do that, the experience is complete – you came, you saw, you conquered!

Where to Stay: A Bamboo House in Nusa Penida

My friends and I stayed at Penida Bambu Green Villa. As the name suggests, the rooms or houses are made of bamboos – simple but well-designed. And yes, it’s a very photogenic place, too – so your Instagram feed will be amazing! The property has a swimming pool and excellent wifi connection. The staff members are accommodating and were helpful. Most of all, despite our worries, there were no mosquitos. We really had a sound sleep all throughout the night.