Kelingking Beach, Nusa Penida

Nusa Penida is a rugged island south-east of Bali, reached by fast boat from Sanur in under an hour. Its most photographed spot is Kelingking Beach, where a long, steep headland covered in green scrub juts into the sea above a curve of white sand, its outline often compared to a Tyrannosaurus rex.

A typical day trip combines Kelingking with Broken Beach, a natural rock arch around a circular bay, and Angel’s Billabong, a tidal rock pool beside the waves, with lunch and, on some tours, snorkelling with manta rays.

The viewpoint at the top is easy to reach, but the path down to the beach is very steep and best left to fit, sure-footed travellers. Roads on the island are narrow and bumpy, so it is a long day; we suggest it for couples and active families rather than senior travellers.