After ten years of observing tourist patterns, I still remember the first backpacker who landed on Nusa Penida with a single rucksack and a broken map. Over that decade I watched daily routines, seasonal price swings, and how small local habits—like Pak Made closing his warung early in the wet season—shape costs for visitors. This guide is every penny-wise lesson I've learned here: specific prices, real names, GPS points, and insider tricks you won't find on generic blogs.

Quick summary: How much you should budget

Below are ballpark totals for three realistic traveler types (IDR and USD estimates). All prices are current as of my observations over the past few seasons.

Traveler Type	Per day (IDR)	Per day (USD)	Notes
Backpacker (shared dorm, scooter, warung food)	Rp 200,000 - 350,000	$13 - $23	Basic, flexible, minimal tours
Mid-range (private room, driver for a day, 1 tour)	Rp 700,000 - 1,200,000	$45 - $80	Comfort + guided activities
Comfort/Luxury (villa, private boat, dives)	Rp 1,800,000+	$120+	Private charters, high season rates

Exact costs and line items

Getting there

• Fast boat Sanur <-> Toya Pakeh (one-way): Rp 150,000 - 200,000 (~$10-13). Operators I trust: Maruti Express (Sanur terminal), Mola Mola Express. Time: 30–45 minutes. Tip: book morning 07:00–09:00 to avoid cancellations when the sea turns choppy in the afternoon.
• Fast boat from Padang Bai: Rp 120,000 - 170,000 (~$8-12). Time: ~1 hour. Good when coming from the east Bali ports.
• Local public ferry (cheaper for vehicles): price varies; expect longer crossings (1.5–2 hours).

Accommodation (per night)

• Homestay/Budget: Rp 150,000 - 300,000 ($10-20). Examples: Bu Sari Homestay (Toya Pakeh area).
• Mid-range: Rp 400,000 - 900,000 ($26-60). Recommended: SeaBreeze Bungalows (Crystal Bay area).
• Villas/resorts: Rp 1,500,000+ ($100+) at boutique places near Atuh or Crystal Bay.

Transport on-island

• Scooter rental: Rp 70,000 - 100,000/day ($5-7). Deposit: often KTP or Rp 100,000. I rent from Pak Made Motor (Toya Pakeh) — check brakes before you go.
• Private car + driver (full day): Rp 600,000 - 900,000 ($40-60). Example driver: Wayan (recommendation: call after you arrive at harbor).
• Shared driver (split with others): Rp 150,000 - 250,000 per person.

Food & drink

• Warung nasi campur: Rp 20,000 - 40,000 ($1.50-3). Try Warung Sunrise (Toya Pakeh) — Bu Sari cooks very fresh fish.
• Cafe meal: Rp 60,000 - 150,000 ($4-10).
• Bottled water / snacks per day: Rp 20,000 - 50,000.

Activities

• Snorkel trip to Manta Point (group): Rp 250,000 - 350,000 ($17-24) — includes boat and guide. Best operator: Penida Snorkel Tours (book morning 07:00).
• 2-dive day (local dive center): Rp 700,000 - 1,000,000 ($45-65) — includes tanks and guide. Try Penida Dive Center; bring 3mm wetsuit in dry season (visibility good but water can be cool).
• Entrance fees: Kelingking viewpoint Rp 10,000 ($0.70); Broken Beach/Angel's Billabong combined Rp 20,000 ($1.50). Prices sometimes change — carry cash.

Exact locations and GPS tips

• Kelingking viewpoint: GPS -8.7381, 115.3684 — arrive before 08:00 for golden light and fewer tour groups.
• Angel's Billabong / Broken Beach cluster: GPS -8.7058, 115.4560 — these are side-by-side; watch the tide (Billabong only safe at low tide).
• Crystal Bay (best sunset & snorkel): GPS -8.7240, 115.4495 — bring cash for beach umbrellas and snacks.
• Toya Pakeh harbor (main fast-boat landing): GPS -8.7117, 115.4440 — ATM nearby but often runs out; bring cash on arrival.

Booking tips, timing & seasonal advice

• Peak months: July–August and around Christmas/New Year — prices spike, book 3–6 weeks in advance for rooms and tours.
• Best underwater visibility: April–October. Manta sightings are more consistent May–September.
• Wet season (Nov–Mar): expect rough seas and boat cancellations. After ten years I advise booking refundable fast-boat tickets or a flexible schedule.
• Morning advantage: book 07:00–09:00 departures. If you see the harbor crowded, you can sometimes get last-minute deals for afternoon boats but risk cancellations.

Insider tricks that save money and time

• Split a private car: if you find 2–3 other travelers at the harbor, hire a car for Rp 700,000 and divide. I do this weekly with new guests.
• Buy fuel with your scooter: small roadside sellers sell fuel bottles (premium) cheaper than official pumps in remote areas.
• Local SIM & WiFi: buy a Telkomsel SIM at Sanur or bring a hotspot—data on-island is patchy; cafes at Toya Pakeh and Penida Colada usually have stable WiFi.
• Eat where locals eat: Bu Sari's warung (Toya Pakeh) closes earlier during Nyepi preparations — ask her husband Pak Wayan for the day's catch.

Safety warnings & real incidents I've seen

• Road hazards: steep descents, loose gravel, and sudden drops. I've supervised rescue after a tourist slid off a cliff near Kelingking because their brakes overheated. Check brakes and avoid night riding.
• Tide danger at Angel's Billabong: during high swell the pool connects to the sea — do not stand on the narrow edges. I've helped pull two people back after they were swept off rocks; stay back when waves are large.
• Boat cancellations: always have a Plan B. If you are time-sensitive (flights), build buffer days into your schedule.

Cultural etiquette and local customs

On Penida the spiritual life is visible: canang sari offerings on paths, temples at viewpoints, and daily ceremonies. Small actions matter.

• Do not step on canang sari (little offerings) — if unsure, step around and apologize: "Permisi" (per-mee-see).
• Dress modestly at temples: shoulders covered, sarong if entering. Always accept guidance from locals; they may offer a sarong.
• Politeness: say "Terima kasih" (teh-ree-mah kah-see) after service; tipping is not required but appreciated.

Practical packing and what to bring

• Cash in small denominations (Rp 10k, 20k). ATMs at Toya Pakeh can be empty by noon.
• Helmet inspects: bring your own if you rely on scooters often; rentals sometimes give damaged helmets.
• Waterproof bag and reef-safe sunscreen (no oxybenzone) — guides will refuse guests using harmful sunscreen when diving/snorkeling.

Photography & Instagram tips

• Kelingking viewpoint at sunrise: wide-angle lens, 24–70mm. Drone? Ask locals and avoid flying near temples or crowds — respect privacy.
• Crystal Bay at golden hour: bring a polarizer to cut glare and get those turquoise water shots.

Emergency contacts & nearby facilities

• General emergency (Indonesia): 112. Police: 110. Take note locally on arrival for any changes.
• Nearest hospital (public): RSUD Nusa Penida (ask at harbor for directions). Puskesmas clinics in Sampalan and Toya Pakeh handle minor injuries.
• ATMs: Toya Pakeh harbor area usually has BRI/BNI machines—arrive with cash if traveling inland.

Responsible travel: how to help Penida sustainably

• Support local warungs (e.g., Warung Sunrise, Bu Sari) rather than big packaged meals.
• Take rubbish back to main bins in Toya Pakeh — recycling is limited here.
• Use local guides (Pak Made, Wayan) — you help the community and get safer, deeper experiences.

Conclusion & personal recommendations

After ten years watching patterns, my one-size-fits-most advice: allow time, arrive with cash, and hire local knowledge. For a 3-day trip I recommend: fast boat morning arrival, rent a scooter only if you ride confidently (otherwise split a car for Rp 700k), snorkel with Penida Snorkel Tours on day two, and spend the late afternoon at Crystal Bay. Budget travelers can do this for under Rp 1 million ($65) excluding fast-boat; mid-range travelers around Rp 2–3 million for comfortable rooms and guided days.

Come curious, be respectful, and laugh often with people like Pak Made and Bu Sari — after ten years they’re still the best excuse I have to keep returning to this island.