Kelingking Beach - A complete guide

 The beautiful Kelingking Beach on the island of Nusa Penida is a must-see. Its image is featured on several popular tourist websites, which promote Bali and occasionally even Indonesia. The scenery is truly breathtaking and wonderful. Kelingking Beach's rock formations recall the snout of a sea-dwelling dinosaur. Additionally, T-Rex Bay is what Google Maps labels it. From the edge of the cliff, you might even be able to spot some Manta rays.

Drone pilots and sightseers alike have discovered the esplanade that looks out over the cliff. This is a great example of how social media has helped to boost tourism on Nusa Penida. Kelingking is the Indonesian word for "pinky finger." However, the reasoning behind this is a bit more convoluted. Alternatively, a great deal of creative thinking is required...

More than 400 000 photos on Instagram

Kelingking Beach is most known for its breathtaking clifftop vantage point. The cliffs along this stretch of Nusa Penida's shore are some of the island's most breathtaking natural features. Taking a selfie in front of the T-Rex is a requirement. The problem is that you won't be the only one sharing your shot on Instagram. There were over 13,000 #Kelingking images and over 25,000 #kelingkingbeach photos posted by the end of January 2018. There are now over 110,000 photographs tagged #kelingking and over 310,000 tagged #kelingkingbeach as of September 2020.

It seems like everyone is on the hunt for the perfect picture. Such as, you may try to gain height by climbing the dead tree (well, you wouldn't be the only one...). Locals compete for the finest shot by constructing elaborate bamboo platforms, each with a unique vantage point and backdrop.

Please avoid any accident at Kelingking Beach

Tourists are not short of imagination when it comes to coming up with THE unique photo. But tread lightly; some people have gone too far on their adventures. In 2019, a young Russian girl was riding a scooter near Kelingking Beach when she lost control and plunged off the cliff. The scooter was still in one piece at the cliff's peak, according to the story. This last incident occurred on December 22nd, 2020.

Take caution if you want to go down to the beach, which you should if you ask me. To avoid dehydration, drink some water. Prevent sunburn by protecting your head. Finally, it's imperative that you bring sturdy footwear. In my first trip there, I opted for sandals. No, that was a terrible plan. Now that there are actual stairs for the initial section of the path, it is far less strenuous than it was previously.

You'll find a stunning beach once you get to the bottom. Swimmers should be wary of the potentially dangerous waves despite the allure of the water. This also applies to the ocean's currents, which can carry you far out to sea. Several people have drowned at Kelingking Beach, thus the warning is serious. If you can't swim well, it's probably best to stick to the shallows.

I truly hope I was not discouraging with all these cautions; it is well worth your effort to make the trip to the beach.

Kelingking Beach : do you really deserve it ?

Kelingking Beach is widely regarded as one of Nusa Penida's most picturesque spots. To top it all off, it's the most stunning "wild beach" in Bali. Take the short trail that descends down the ridge line, even if just for a short distance. In addition to nicer images, you won't make nearly as much noise. Another piece of advice is to snap pictures before you descend; by the time you get back up, you won't look quite as good in them.

Following the ridge line up to the first turn is likewise a simple section of the trail. And if you're feeling brave, the beach is right there for you to check out. If you are a parent, you should probably stop right there. Crystal Bay or Atuh Beach are better options for families with young children because of their accessibility.

The next stop on the path is the beach. Several times before a fire destroyed the cliff's greenery, I made the descent. The fire completely annihilated the elaborate system of ropes and wooden poles set up to ease the drop. The path to the beach was damaged, but it has since been repaired and is much better now.

Don't give up when the going gets tough. This is due to the fact that ascending is less difficult than descending. You are facing the slope, which is paradoxically less exhausting because it is more reassuring.

How long to go down to Kelingking Beach?

The trip to Kelingking Beach is about 20 minutes long. Having sturdy footwear and vigilantly watching your footing is a must. You are solely responsible for your actions when entering the beach, as indicated by the posted signs. It will take you 30 minutes to make the ascent from the beach.

How tall is Kelingking cliff ?

At Kelingking Beach, the cliffs reach a height of roughly 150 meters.

For those who love records, here are the challenges to beat.

A young, especially athletic man who did not want to leave his sweetheart alone for too long set the record for descending to Kelingking Beach in 20 minutes (as he said). Obviously he was either hopelessly in love or terribly envious.

Two consecutive trips to Kelingking Beach: When another traveler returned to his scooter, he discovered that he had left his keys behind at the beach. He retreated to the basement once more to try to locate them. Wow, he actually tracked them down!

Vendors now bring down cold drinks daily and sell them on Kelingking Beach, so it's become a regular stop for visitors. They must have skipped economics class because their drinks are the same price as anywhere else, despite the fact that supply and demand dictate that prices should be higher. Possibly they replenish it numerous times a day, but I imagine they leave when it's empty.

The beach down there is fantastic. But watch out, because currents and waves can carry you away anywhere on Nusa Penida.

 How do you get to Kelingking Beach ?

Except for several large potholes on the side at the end, the road to Kelingking Beach is brand new. Consequently, scooting around on your own is a breeze. However, traffic could be extremely heavy, so be cautious. And if there are four of you or more, it could be simpler to hire a driver along with your rental car.

After passing through the town of Sakti, head left from Toyapakeh (the right road goes to Crystal Bay). When you reach a T-intersection, turn right onto the first available road, and continue following the instructions. It's extremely simple, and there are clear signs at all intersections. From either Toyapakeh or Crystal Bay, the trip to Kelingking Beach will take about 30 minutes.

Visiting Kelingking Beach can easily be combined with a number of other attractions. Explore Nusa Penida with these suggested itineraries, which may include stops at Temeling, Broken Beach, and Angel Billabong.

You can also learn the basics of driving in Nusa Penida and finding your way about the island.

What is the best time to go to Kelingking Beach ?

Daily tours to Nusa Penida are popular among visitors. These day trips typically include stops at both Kelingking Beach and Broken Beach. Avoid going between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., when the majority of visitors are likely to be there. On the other hand, the beach is shaded by the cliff early in the day. If you want to go to the beach, Kelingking Beach is where you should be at 3 o'clock. Or, if you're just going to sit and take in the scenery, you can do it between 4 and 5 if you really want to make the most of the day. Sunsets might be beautiful, but if you're not confident riding a scooter at night, you might want to reconsider returning to your hotel before dark. There won't be many people visiting in 2020. Thus, Kelingking Beach is open for your use at any time!

What to do after Kelingking Beach ?

The esplanade soon became lined with warungs. You can have nasi goreng, mie goreng, and fresh coconut milk or fruit juice. There are fewer humans around, and more monkeys, during the current coronavirus outbreak.

Another option is to pose on a branch of a recently deceased tree. He was attacked by a group of vacationers and lost his topmost branch as a result.

Wear your sarong as you make your way to Pura Paluang, which can be reached by taking the first right off of Kelingking Beach. Known alternatively as Pura Car, this shrine honors the vehicle-protecting deity at its altar. Very tacky, yet a good time, and you can gaze out at Batu Bolong, the island landmark that serves as the design inspiration for the Warnakali Dive Center's emblem.

From the sea

Kelingking Beach may be seen from the boat if you go manta ray diving at Manta Point. This is a stunningly unique perspective.