Nusa Penida, Indonesia

This beloved little warung serves some of the most flavourful nasi campur on the island, piled high with fragrant rice and smoky grilled fish. The sambal here is legendary among locals — deeply spiced and perfectly balanced with fresh lime. Plastic chairs, a corrugated tin roof, and soul-warming food make it utterly unforgettable.

Set right on Crystal Bay's sandy shore, this relaxed grill specialises in freshly caught seafood cooked over open charcoal flames. Order the grilled snapper with coconut sambal and eat barefoot with your toes in the sand. Cold Bintang beers and golden-hour views make every meal here feel like a celebration.

A cheerful café beloved by both travellers and locals, serving thick smoothie bowls topped with local papaya, dragon fruit, and toasted coconut flakes. The homemade banana pancakes with palm sugar syrup are an absolute must for a slow island breakfast. Friendly staff and hammocks outside make lingering here dangerously easy.

Hidden down a quiet lane, this tiny family warung serves Balinese home cooking exactly as it should taste — honest, bold, and deeply aromatic. The babi guling on Sundays draws a loyal crowd who arrive early before the tender roast pork runs out. Eating here feels less like dining out and more like being welcomed into someone's home.

Nestled among lush tropical gardens, this eco-friendly retreat offers bamboo bungalows with stunning ocean glimpses. Wake up to birdsong and the scent of frangipani drifting through open-air windows. The staff are genuinely warm, serving homemade breakfast on your private terrace every morning.

Perched just steps from the famous Crystal Bay beach, these charming wooden huts offer front-row seats to breathtaking sunsets. Each hut is simply decorated but thoughtfully equipped with mosquito nets, fans, and fresh linens. Falling asleep to gentle waves makes every night feel like a quiet paradise.

Sitting high on Nusa Penida's dramatic hillside, this hotel delivers jaw-dropping panoramic views across the Indian Ocean. The infinity pool seems to pour directly into the horizon, making every swim feel utterly magical. Spacious suites with private balconies and attentive service make this a genuinely special splurge.

This family-run guesthouse captures the authentic, unhurried spirit of Nusa Penida beautifully. Rooms are clean and airy, decorated with hand-woven Balinese textiles and fresh tropical flowers. The owners cook incredible local dinners upon request, making guests feel genuinely welcomed into island life.

Arguably Nusa Penida's most iconic viewpoint, Kelingking reveals a jaw-dropping cliff shaped like a T-Rex jutting into brilliant turquoise water. The steep trail down to the beach is challenging but rewards hikers with an almost deserted crescent of white sand. Arriving early at sunrise means you'll experience this staggering landscape in near-perfect solitude.

This natural rock pool on Nusa Penida's wild southwestern coast fills with crystal-clear water that shimmers an otherworldly emerald green. At low tide, the pool becomes a calm natural infinity pool seemingly suspended above the churning ocean below. Visit in the morning for the best light and calmer seas before the afternoon swell picks up.

A naturally formed archway of limestone frames a stunning circular bay where ocean waves surge dramatically through a hidden cave tunnel. Manta rays are frequently spotted gliding gracefully through the passage below, making it a favourite spot for patient wildlife watchers. The contrast of vivid blue water against pale white cliffs is one of Indonesia's most photogenic coastal scenes.

Tucked away on Nusa Penida's quieter eastern coast, Atuh Beach feels like a secret the island is reluctant to share. Dramatic limestone pillars rise from the water just offshore, creating a spectacular natural sculpture garden lapped by gentle turquoise waves. The winding cliffside path down is an adventure in itself, opening suddenly to reveal this breathtaking hidden gem.