ER
NUSA PENIDA Island, Bali, is not only known as an exotic tourist destination, but it is also home to one of the world’s most iconic beaches, Kelingking Beach.
According to TripAdvisor, this beach has just been named one of the top 25 beaches in the world for 2024 and is the only destination in Southeast Asia to receive this award. In the same year, VN Express also ranked it as the eighth most popular beach in Southeast Asia.
Here are some interesting facts about Kelingking Beach, which made it world famous:
Name inspired by the shape of the little finger
The name “Kelingking Beach” comes from the shape of the cliff that juts out into the sea, resembling a little finger. The entrance is located on a steep cliff, which is also an iconic photo spot with stunning views.
Also known as T-Rex Bay
The unique cliff formation at Kelingking Beach is also known as T-Rex Bay because when viewed from above, this cliff resembles the back of a T-Rex dinosaur. No wonder this place is a magnet for local and foreign tourists looking for Instagrammable photos.
Included in the list of the world’s best beaches
In 2024, Kelingking Beach was ranked 25th on TripAdvisor’s Best Beaches in The World 2024 list, making it the only beach in Southeast Asia to win the award. It was also ranked 16th on the previous year’s list of the world’s best beaches.
Challenging extreme terrain
Tourists who want to visit Kelingking Beach have to go down the stairs on a steep cliff with a slope of 70-80 degrees. Although the terrain is quite challenging, the scenery along the way makes this struggle worthwhile. Another alternative is to take a boat to reach the beach.
Rare Manta Ray Habitat
Not far from Kelingking Beach, tourists can try diving at Manta Point, a place where dozens of manta rays swim freely. Diving here provides a different sensation as tourists can interact directly with this protected marine animal.
Iconic Love Tree
Near Kelingking Secret Point there is a tree called the Love Tree. Although only the trunk and branches remain, this tree is still a favorite for pre-wedding photos. The background of the open blue sea and clear sky makes the photos here look even more romantic.
Close to other beaches
Apart from Kelingking Beach, Nusa Penida also offers a number of other beautiful beaches such as Atuh Beach, Crystal Bay, Angel’s Billabong and Broken Beach. These places can be alternatives for tourists who want to explore the charm of the island further. A visit to Kelingking Beach is not complete without watching the sunset. The sunset view here provides a magical experience that is hard to forget, with orange rays reflecting on the clear blue water.
International recognition
Kelingking Beach has previously received various international awards, such as being ranked the second-best beach in Asia by TripAdvisor in 2019 and the most popular beach on Instagram in 2021. This reputation makes it one of the must-visit tourist destinations in Bali.
Supporting Facilities.
Despite being located in a remote area, Kelingking Beach has fairly easy access with a large parking lot. This makes it easy for tourists who want to enjoy the beauty of the beach without having to face the crowds of downtown Bali. [kompas.com/photo special]
