Reaching the bluffs above Kelingkling Beach is hard enough. Making it all the way to the beach and back is even tougher.
That’s because the trail to the beach is insanely steep, poorly maintained, and exposed to the hot tropical sun for most of the day. Despite the short distance, the climb back up can take more than an hour. Most of it feels more like climbing than hiking.
The beach, however, may just be worth it. Surrounded by towering verdant cliffs, soft white sand, and turquoise water, it’s a great place to spend a care-free afternoon.
A care-free afternoon until it’s time to hike out, that is.
Kelingkling Beach is situated on the west side of Nusa Penida, an island reached by a short ferry ride from Bali. It’s a very quiet island with NOTHING to do at night. But during the day there’s some cool places to explore. I rented a motorbike and set off each day to see the island’s remarkable coastline.
While several points of interest draw visitors to the island, Kelingkling has become the biggest draw thanks to being the most “Instagram Famous” spot on the island.
Slowly but surely, services for tourists are developing. There’s now several small cafes at the top of Kelingkling, and the rough roads getting there are being improved.
The result is travelers from all over the world – mostly young – are taking the time to visit Nusa Penida just to witness Kelingkling. It’s safe to say it’s become a cathedral of sorts for that the adventure traveler visits to pay homage.
On the trail I briefly met a Thai tourist who had studied in the U.S. for a year. I asked him where… “In Arkansas believe it or not.”
“I bet not many Thais there,” I said.
“No, none,” he replied shaking his head with a smile. “More Americans here than Thais in Arkansas, that’s for sure.”
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