Tembeling Beach – Epic Forest Adventure with Natural Pool (Nusa Penida)

Tembeling Beach – Epic Forest Adventure with Natural Pool (Nusa Penida)

A complete travel guide to Tembeling Beach Forest and natural pools in Nusa Penida, Indonesia

Tembeling Beach is a hidden beach away from the regular tourist crowds in Nusa Penida. Getting to Tembeling Nusa Penida is an adventure in itself as you drive along slightly sketchy roads through beautiful forests, passing several amazing natural pools along the way.

In this guide I will describe everything you need to know about Tembeling Nusa Penida, including how to get there through the forest, information about the natural pools and the beach itself.

Featured in: The Best Things to Do in Nusa Penida
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About Tembeling Nusa Penida

If you're looking for an epic forest adventure with monkeys climbing high above and steep dirt paths down to secluded swimming spots in Nusa Penida, be sure to visit Tembeling Beach.

This beach is located on the west coast of Nusa Penida near Bali. You will find it among other worthwhile attractions such as Kelingking Beach and Peguyangan Waterfall.

You won't find any tourist buses or large groups visiting this place, which means you'll likely be able to enjoy the "secret" white sand beach, unique tembeling forests, natural pools, limestone caves and some fantastic cliff jumping.

Other than that, getting here is a bit of a wild ride! I definitely wouldn't recommend it unless you're super comfortable riding a motorcycle off-road.
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How to get to Tembeling Beach in Nusa Penida?

The only way to get to Tembeling Beach on Nusa Penida is to rent your own motorbike. You can get these at your accommodation or in the many rental shops at the harbor.

A daily rental costs between 50,000 and 70,000 rupiah for a decent scooter.

Alternatively, if you want to avoid the hassle of bartering, you can book in advance on this website for 50,000 rupiah.

What you want to do is go to the pin below. If you simply type “Tembeling Beach” into Google Maps, you’ll quickly realize that it’s not that simple.

Once you arrive at the needle you will notice a small warung and a hut. From here begins the very steep descent down to Tembeling Beach. Note that this road is eroded, bumpy, steep and very narrow. If you are unsure, leave your bike at the start of this street and walk down.

Google Maps Pin: “Pos Ojek Tembeling”

See also: Best ways to get to Nusa Penida

Hiking or motorcycling?

After a few years of backpacking in Asia, I would still say that this road is one of the more “hectic” scooter missions I have ever been on. Apparently a lot of motorcycle accidents happen on Nusa Penida, and this particular location is a good example of why.

Again, I don't want to paint the wrong picture and maybe I'm being a bit dramatic. But I am writing this because I know that many people come to Bali and Nusa Penida to learn to ride a scooter. This is definitely not the place for it!

Haylea and I biked down together, but she had to get off a few times to walk some of the steep sections. I wouldn't recommend riding two people on bikes through the forest paths down to Tembeling Beach!

The descent instead takes about 30 minutes. So if you're not sure, leave your bike upstairs and enjoy the hike instead!

Alternatively, with a bit of luck you might meet a group of locals sitting at the hut at the junction. These opportunistic characters quickly offer you a round-trip bike ride for 50,000 rupiah each.
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Alternative: Best of Nusa Penida from Bali

Although Nusa Penida in Bali is definitely smaller, I wouldn't say it's possible to see all the attractions in a single day.

So if you're just planning a day trip from Bali, you want the best possible value for money.

Unfortunately, there are no excursions that include a visit to Tembeling Beach, the forest and the natural pools. However, if you choose one, I would suggest the one below, which visits Broken Beach, Crystal Bay and Kelingking, with a speedboat transfer included.

Check Price: Nusa Penida Highlights Tour from Bali

alt=“Kelingking Beach, Nusa Penida, Bali”>Kelingking Beach on Nusa Penida

Tembeling Beach Natural Pools & Forest

Finally you reach the lower scooter parking area for Tembeling Beach, forest and natural pools on Nusa Penida. Unlike many of the island's popular attractions, you don't have to pay for your bike or entry fee!

From this point it is a pleasant walk over concrete steps through the forest of Tembeling Beach. On the way you will pass some blue lagoons and natural pools.
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It is possible to jump into these pools. The larger jump is about 5 meters high and the pool below is deep enough not to touch it. Just make sure you always do a depth check first.

The main attraction of Tembeling Nusa Penida is the large man-made blue pool fed by a directional flow of water. You will find this natural pool just before Tembeling Beach. On our visit we shared the whole place with a local character who seemed to really enjoy his shower.
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Tembeling Beach

Tembeling Beach is a beautiful white sand beach with a dramatic cliff backdrop. There are so many incredible beaches on Nusa Penida, but this one had a special touch. Maybe it was because we had everything to ourselves!
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Cairn Cave

Just around the corner from the natural pools at Tembeling Beach you will find a low entrance to a small cave. If you look through here you will see thousands of cairns (piles of stones).
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Overnight accommodation on Nusa Penida

Nusa Penida is not a huge island, but there are several options to choose from when deciding on accommodation. Below I have listed my 3 picks for budget, mid-range and luxury accommodation.

Luxury: Adiwana Varnakali ResortThis is not the most expensive luxury resort on Nusa Penida, but definitely one of the best! This resort is right on the water with large, luxurious suites and an incredible included breakfast.
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Mid-Range: Jukung CottageThis epic resort-style beachfront cottage offers great value for money. It features a restaurant, outdoor swimming pool, bar and shared lounge.
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Budget: Hostel Bukit SangcureThis is the accommodation I chose in Nusa Penida. It's a budget backpacker hostel near the harbor and offers breakfast and bike rentals.

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More activities in Nusa Penida & Indonesia

I really hope you enjoyed this quick and up-to-date guide to the forest and natural pools of Tembeling Beach in Nusa Penida, Bali.

If you stick around, I have plenty more articles about Nusa Penida, Bali and Indonesia that I'm sure you'll enjoy.

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