TEMBELING BEACH, NATURAL POOL & FOREST ON NUSA PENIDA

Tembeling Beach is a little hideaway bay at the end of a crazy motorbike ride down through the forest. Along the way you will pass by the Tembeling natural pools. If you are looking for something a little off the beaten path and away from the tourist hot spots you may enjoy the adventure of Tembeling Beach, natural pools and forest.

WHERE IS TEMBELING BEACH

Tembeling Beach is a pretty interesting spot to reach. Actually, that is an understatement. Buckle up this is going to be a ride. Firstly you will need to drive towards the pin on this map. That is the easy part. You won’t be able to reach the pin completely but you will reach a little hut on the side of the road at the turn-off.

Here the locals will warn you that the road is terrible and you might want to walk. If you are two people on the moped I would walk. If you aren’t 100% confident on the moped, I would walk. It will take about 30 minutes to walk from this point to the beach. But you will arrive safely.

The road is very steep, is single file and often so rocky that you are walking pace anyway just trying not to fall off. I managed to get up and down fine so I’m not trying to be over the top. However, I just want you to be aware that this will probably be the worst drive for your time on Nusa Penida and it can be dangerous.

The photo below is not a photo of the steep part. During the steep part, I was busy trying to avoid my third moped crash of the month, not taking photos!

So, whether you chose to get off your bike and walk or ride down you will slowly make your way to the second parking lot. You will need to park here as there are steps from this point on. From here it is just a five-minute walk down to the beach. However, on your way on the right-hand side, you can duck into the Tembeling Forest on the right for a quick look.

Head down the steps and now you can’t get lost. You will head straight to the Tembeling Natural Pools and then Tembeling Beach.

Below, I have added a map. It shows the pin for the second parking lot. Remember you may want to get off at the first parking lot and walk. Your call.

 

TEMBELING FOREST

Now that you have hopefully made it down this very interesting road, make sure to drop into the forest on the right. As I was driving down, I thought about sliding down the hill for a look a few times but ended up waiting until the parking lot. Here you can enjoy the canyon by taking the stairs.

I didn’t know there was something like this on Nusa Penida. I think it would be amazing in the rainy season but I can’t imagine driving down that road when it is slippery.

TEMBELING NATURAL POOLS

After checking out the Tembeling Forest you can head down the spiral stairs towards the Tembeling Natural Pools. There are two but the first one is the biggest. Set nicely below the large cliff wall, the crystal clear water has a beautiful blue tone to it, which is strange considering all of the stones and cliffs around are orange and brown.

A number of traditional statues and fountains decorate this spot and are used for water ritual. You are able to swim here although the women are meant to swim in the second pool traditionally. I don’t think this is enforced these days but just ask to be sure and respect the decision of the locals. You can cliff jump from a couple of ledges at this first pool but check the depth and debris first as things can change over time.

Head down a bit further and you will reach the second pool. This one is a bit more of a jacuzzi and I actually liked it better. There are small pipe fountains you can wash under and it’s a great place to hang out. From here you can also keep an eye on the beach!

TEMBELING BEACH

If you continue the trail down you will reach Tembeling Beach. It isn’t anything too crazy especially by Nusa Penida’s lofty standards. Big cliffs on either side dwarf the small patch of sand.

The best swimming here is in the natural pools not in the ocean as the waves can get quite interesting here. Stay safe and watch the currents.

TEMBELING (SECRET) BEACH

At the bottom of the natural pools, you can head right and you will find a little cave. Here hundreds of rocks have been carefully balanced on top of each other. Carefully walking through the cave as to not knock any of the rock towers over, you will eventually reach Secret Beach.

Here you can watch the waves come crashing in towards the shore, which is surrounded by huge, cliffs. They almost seem like a dam wall because of their circular nature and how oddly smooth they are. It’s worth a quick look once you get down there.

Tembeling Beach, Forest and Natural Pools are a bit of an adventure with a lot to offer as you can see. I’d bargain to spend half a day here and you could definitely head to Banah Cliffs for sunset, which is just around the corner. Another option if you finish at Tembeling early is to go over to Peguyangan Waterfall if you are up for another big hike down the cliffs.

Where to stay on Nusa Penida

Save money on Nusa Penida by staying at an Airbnb! Get a FREE $40 Airbnb Coupon by using my code when you book! 

I’m going to recommend three places to stay on Nusa Penida. All three of these spots are in great locations but each one is a little different. One is a luxury pick, one is a value selection and the last recommendation I have for you is where I recommend for the budget backpackers.

Ananta Bungalow – Value: The Ananta Bungalow is an awesome location right next to Crystal Bay, which is the best sunset beach on Nusa Penida and where the Manta Ray and snorkel trips launch off from. Basing yourself where you want to spend every sunset is a great idea.

The beautiful bungalows have a thatched roof, terrace and combine the island life with modern facilities. The bungalows how WiFi and air conditioning. These are iconic looking bungalows and for less than $25 a night they really are the best value place to stay on Nusa Penida.

Semabu Hills Resort – Luxury: Semabu Hills is definitely the best pick of the luxury options. It has an epic infinity pool that looks out over the ocean, which is an amazing spot to relax after adventuring around the island. With breakfast included each morning and luxury rooms, this is the kind of place you treat yourself to as a family or a couple.

Hostel Nusa Penida – Budget: There’s always a good hostel when backpacking in Indonesia and on Nusa Penida, this is your pick. Hostel Nusa Penida has free WiFi, is in a good central location, which is close to most of the main attractions, beaches, and hikes. It’s clean, modern and the staff are legends.

MORE NUSA ISLANDS BLOG POSTS

There’s a ton of epic things to do on Nusa Penida, but I also wrote detailed guides for all of the adventurous things to do on Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Ceningan, and the Nusa Islands as an overall guide.

NUSA ISLANDS GUIDE: LEMBONGAN, PENIDA, CENINGAN

27 AWESOME THINGS TO DO ON NUSA PENIDA

9 AWESOME THINGS TO DO ON NUSA LEMBONGAN

5 AWESOME THINGS TO DO ON NUSA CENINGAN

BEST CLIFF JUMP SPOTS IN BALI, INDONESIA

WHERE TO STAY ON NUSA PENIDA: EAST & WEST REGION

3-DAY NUSA PENIDA ITINERARY: A DETAILED ADVENTURE TRAVEL GUIDE

NUSA PENIDA DAY TRIP TOURS FROM BALI – EAST SIDE, WEST SIDE OR MANTAS?

HOW TO GET TO NUSA PENIDA FROM BALI VIA FERRY/BOAT