Have you ever seen photos from Bali’s coastline where if you look closely, the water and cliffs resemble a Tyrannosaurus Rex head? Did you ever see images of crystal-clear blue water with a ridge that appears to be shaped like a diamond from the water? These popular destinations are Kelingking Beach and Diamond Beach in Nusa Penida. It’s the largest offshore island in Bali, just southeast of the main island.

Both of these destinations have become popular tourist attractions because of social media and travel influencers. It’s all because the island’s iconic cliff views are unlike anything else in the world. Nusa Penida is one of the “Most Instagrammed” travel destinations. However, people don’t tell you how much work it takes to get these beautiful pictures.

Kelingking Beach Nusa Penida with iconic T-Rex looking head. — Photo credit: Parker Diakite

Everything To Know About Nusa Penida

The tropical climate in Bali means it’s hot and humid year-round with temperatures averaging 87 degrees. As you travel more south of Nusa Penida, it’s relatively drier and hotter than Bali. The only way to get to Nusa Penida is by boat. From there, your local guide will have an itinerary. It varies depending on what part of the island you want to see. You can choose between the eastern side, the western side or a combination of both.

Diamond Beach is located on the eastern side, and Kelingking Beach, known for its T-Rex head image, is on the western side.

Your time in Nusa Penida will be worth it, if you prepare for what’s to come. There’s a lot of hiking and some scary heights. While some people do it, it is recommended that travelers use extreme caution on Diamond Beach. The trek is dangerous for even the most seasoned hiker.

Diamond Beach, Nusa Penida, Bali, Indonesia — Photo credit: Parker Diakite

If you are interested in traveling to Nusa Penida, here is everything that you should make sure to pack.

Sun Protective Clothing

Sun-protective clothing is a must during your hikes around Nusa Penida. You will realize that there’s not much shade from the sun, no matter which side of the island you choose to explore.

There are a lot of brands on the market that specialize in clothing that protects your skin against the sun.

Coolibar’s LumaLeo Tank

UPF 50+ Sun Protective Tank Top For Women

$45.00

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UPF 50+ Sun Protective Tank Top For Women

Photo Credit: Coolibar

For women who want to wear something light for hikes, try a Coolibar LumaLeo tank. They come in various colors, so you can choose the aesthetically pleasing ones for your pictures along the rugged trails.

The athleisure cotton tank top is the perfect base for sun wraps or jackets. It is made with UPF 50+ protection. There’s also a higher neckline and an extended tank sleeve for extra protection against the sun.

Coolibar’s Morada T-Shirt

UPF 50+ Morada Everyday T-Shirt For Men

$39.00

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Photo Credit: Coolibar

Coolibar’s UPF 50+ Morada Everyday T-shirt for men features the brand’s well-known ZnO fabric. The fabric contains tiny particles of zinc oxide. This ingredient is used to block UVA & UVB in better sunscreens. These ZnO particles don’t wash or wear out.

Similar to the women’s styles, this t-shirt comes in almost a dozen colors. It allows you to pick and choose colors for your next adventure.

FURTALK’s Straw Hat

FURTALK Women’s Beach Sun Straw Hat

$25.99

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Photo Credit: Amazon

You don’t have to choose between quality, style and effectiveness with the Furtalk’s Straw Hat.

This beach hat offers high UV UPF sun protection with its full brim and sun blocker function. It is a great hat to wear with a dress or hiking gear. The hat’s foldable design makes it easy to pack in your carry-on or checked-in luggage.

It is available in eight different colors and in various sizes.

Mission Cooling Boonie Hat

Mission Cooling Boonie Hat For Men

$24.99

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Photo Credit: Amazon

There’s much to love about Mission’s cooling boonie hat. It offers protection from the sun for beach, hiking and fishing days. It also comes equipped with laser-perforated mesh panels in the crown to maximize airflow.

The hat protects you from the sun and keeps you cool with its HydroActive cooling fabric.

EleVen by Venus Williams’ Game. Set. Match. Body Lotion

Game. Set. Match. Body Lotion SPF 50

$38.00

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Photo Credit: EleVen by Venus Williams

The sun protective clothing isn’t enough. You need to have good sunscreen to apply multiple times throughout the day. Tennis superstar Venus Williams has a sunscreen that’s especially good for darker skin tones. It’s one of the few sunscreens targeted for people of color that offers a higher SPF.

EleVen by Venus Williams Game. Set. Match. Body Lotion SPF 50 is a clean daily-use sunscreen that combines sun protection with skin-calming hydration. The lotion actively works to prevent dry skin and protect it from the sun. It’s formulated to be water and sweat-resistant for 80 minutes, which means it’s perfect for your Nusa Penida adventure.

Be My Green Bag’s Backpack

Be My Green Bag Waterproof Foldable Backpack

$17.99

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Be My Green Bag Waterproof Foldable Backpack

Photo Credit: Amazon

When it comes to Nusa Penida, a light backpack with a drybag is an excellent option. It will have enough space for you to pack all of your items on your trip. It will also provide a space to keep your sweaty or wet clothes.

The Be My Green Bag’s backpack is lightweight, but has roomy pockets to pack different goods. It has separate dry and wet items. This bag is also rainproof.

DripDrop Hydration Packs

DripDrop Hydration

$27.97 ($0.87 / Count)

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Photo Credit: Amazon

It’s vital to drink water throughout your adventure in Nusa Penida. Heat-related illnesses are common among tourists who are not used to physical activity for extended periods of time outdoors. Dehydration affects 75 percent of people daily. It negatively impacts physical and mental performance. You should take breaks frequently during your travels, but also have a plan to hydrate faster. Items, such as DripDrop hydration packets, are perfect if you begin to experience signs of heat exhaustion.

The packets have a precise ratio of sodium electrolytes, glucose, potassium, magnesium, zinc and vitamin C for maximum immune support.

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