T-Rex Cliff Walk in Bali

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The amazing Kelinging Beach and Rock Point is Nusa Penida’s most famous attraction and probably one of the most famous pictures of Bali.

This point is nicknamed Kelling’s “T-Rex” because the rock is uniquely shaped like a giant rock dinosaur with wide gaping jaws.

It’s hard to scroll through Instagram without seeing some epic photos of this natural wonder, it was even recently named the 2nd best beach in Asia by TripAdvisor.

If you’re planning a trip to Bali, you should definitely visit the Kelingking T-Rex. It can be visited on a day trip from Bali, or you can spend a few days seeing all the other amazing attractions on the island of Nusa Penida. is near Bali.

This travel guide will explain how to get to Kelling Beach, where it is located, how to get down to the bottom of the cliff safely and everything you need to know before you go.

 

Where to stay in Nusa Penida?

Kelingking Cliff Point

The main sight of Kelinging Rock is an incredible dinosaur-shaped rock jutting out over the ocean with perfect turquoise water splashing around.

The first time you look over the edge of the cliff and see this view is truly breathtaking. The Kelingking “T-Rex” is a little bigger than it looks in the photos and the steep cliffs here are hundreds of meters high.

The view from this cliff reminds me a bit of the Navagio Shipwreck Beach in Zakynthos, Greece.You might think that Kelinging is like a tropical version of Navagio.

A group of cheeky monkeys (Balinese macaques) have started hanging out here on the edge of the cliff every day, hoping to get free food from tourists.

As Kelinging Beach is located on the west side of Nusa Penida, it also makes it a great place to watch the sunset.

When I first visited Kelinging in 2017, my guide and I were all alone here. There was no bamboo fence and no monkeys, and the path down to the beach had not yet been built.

At that time Kelinging Rock was called Karang Dawa and the beach below the rock was impossible to reach if you landed there by boat.

Nowadays, this place is extremely popular and packed with day trippers from Bali, so you may have to wait in line to take photos.

There are even busy restaurants and hotels near Kelinging Rock.Like the rest of Nusa Penida, the whole scene has changed dramatically in just 5 years.

I don’t want to put you off visiting though.The development has not obscured the amazing view and Kelingking Beach is still one of the best beaches in Bali.

Kelling Beach Hike

After gazing in awe at the keeling T-Rex, there is also a stair trail to descend to the beach below.

The Keeling Beach hike is a major workout and takes at least 2 hours return. The steps are very steep and the descents are a legitimate safety hazard if you’re not careful.

In 2020, for example, a 30-year-old Indonesian tourist from Java fell 150 meters when he tripped on his way down to Keling Beach.

I definitely don’t want to scare you off from the Keling Beach hike if you can.

However, this is definitely not a hike for children, the elderly, or people with a fear of heights. If you belong to one of those categories, it’s better to skip the hike and just enjoy the views from the top of Kelinging Rock.

When I got down to Kelling Beach there were a few people (myself included) who were dehydrated and struggling to get back up in the midday heat.

It really helps to bring water and proper shoes, sandals won’t give you enough grip and the rocks are too hot to go barefoot.

Drinks are sometimes sold at the bottom, but they are more expensive and there is no guarantee that they will be in stock.

As you can see in the pictures below, the white sand beach below is pristine and the waves are big; there are even some caves there.

Kelling Beach

Kelingking Beach is stunningly beautiful, with perfect white sand and blue waves. the beach is much bigger than it looks from above.

The ocean can be fun to play in, but the waves at Kelling Beach are very strong, so I would only recommend it if you are a good swimmer.

Two people took the waves here in 2021 (a local tourist and his guide) and another tourist had his arm broken by big waves in 2022, so if you’re not a good swimmer, it’s definitely not a mess.

Having said that, it is still a very beautiful beach and definitely one of the best beaches in Bali.

Cave of Keling

At the end of Keling Beach is a large cave that is perfect for pictures.When you first walk down to the beach and set foot on the sand, the cave will be directly in front of you about 150 meters away.

There is also another boulder (almost like a cave) right below the Kelingking T-Rex where you can walk under the shade and hide from the sun.

This whole beach gets a lot of sun, so it’s good to know that there are at least a few places to get in the shade and relax a bit.

ADDITIONAL: Paluang Cliff

Everyone goes to Kelinging Rock, but there is another place very close to it with amazing views called Paluang Rock, just a 5 minute drive from Kelinging.

Paluang may not be as popular as Kelingking, but that’s part of the appeal. It’s a great alternative spot that lets you see the Kelingking T-rex from the other side, without the crowds.

There are swings and photo platforms on Paluang Rock, as well as a Balinese temple with a strange car shrine, called the “car temple” of Nusa Penida.

Read more: Paluang Cliff Viewpoint

 

Best time to visit

The best time to avoid the crowds at Keling Beach is either early morning or late afternoon.

This place can be very crowded, especially during holidays. Going down to the beach is also much easier in the morning before it warms up.

When I returned here on an afternoon last July, the hiking trail down to the beach was very crowded and the heat made it a pain to walk back.

Kelingking Beach Entrance fee

There is no entrance fee for Keling Beach, apart from the small tourist fee you pay when entering Nusa Penida Island.

As of 2024, the parking fee in Keling is 10,000 rupiah per car (less than a dollar) or 5,000 rupiah per scooter if you drive yourself.

How to get to Keling Beach Bali?

Kelinging Beach and Rock Point are located on the western side of Nusa Penida Island, near Bali.

It is accessible by car or scooter, and takes about 1 hour’s drive from the main ports and settlements in northern Penida.

Be careful if you are riding a scooter as the road can be quite rough and dangerous in places if you don’t go slowly.

There are some nice food and drink shacks in the car park if you want to stock up before or after heading down to the beach.

If you are looking for more information on how to get to Nusa Penida Island, you can find it here.

More Nusa Penida travel tips

Looking for more information about the beautiful island of Nusa Penida in Bali?

Don’t forget to check out my complete Nusa Penida travel guide with free tips, maps, photos and more!

This island is loaded with beautiful beaches, cliffs, caves and snorkeling spots.

Day trips to Nusa Penida

If you’re on a tight schedule or want to skip the extra steps of organizing your own trip to Nusa Penida, GetYourGuide has pre-arranged day trips to Penida complete with hotel transfers, speedboat tickets, island hopping and same-day return .

We have used GetYourGuide for many day tours and activities around the world and they are highly recommended.

Book now Nusa Penida Day Trip!

 

Where did we stay?

We stayed at Saren Villa on the north coast of Nusa Penida and paid 240k rupiah ($15 USD) for a private double room with cold AC, hot shower and good WiFi.

It’s one of the cheapest options in Penida and it’s in a great location near the best restaurants.We were happy.

Prices can fluctuate from time to time, so just keep an eye out for a good deal.