The hype
Guests are obsessed with the snorkeling and views but frequently disappointed by the restaurant's food quality and flies.
The Sankara Beach Resort - Nusa Penida
$120-240/ night
Book this if You want a front-row seat to Mount Agung and turtles right off the beach without the chaos of the main strip.
Why People Love It
- Direct beach access with a thriving coral reef just 10 meters out
- Breathtaking sunrise views of Mount Agung from the pool and rooms
- Boutique feel with only ~15-30 rooms ensuring a quiet atmosphere
Quick Take: A stunning beachfront base for snorkelers that struggles with island infrastructure realities like salty tap water and inconsistent restaurant hygiene.
Reviewed by @melissadestinationreal: I couldn't believe how many people just day-trip here and miss this spot. Staying overnight at Sankara gave me the island all to myself once the boats left. Waking up in that beachfront suite with the ocean right there was the highlight of my Bali trip.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The 'beachfront' is real, but the 'resort' polish is missing in details like fresh water showers and soundproofing.
- You are a snorkeling enthusiast who wants to swim with turtles before breakfast
- You prefer a quiet, small-scale hotel over a massive resort
- You plan to rent a scooter and explore the island rather than stay on-property 24/7
Cleanliness & Maintenance
8.5
- Housekeeping: Daily cleaning is generally good, but attention to detail (like dusting high spots) can be lacking.
- Bathroom hygiene: Major caveat: Salty water leaves residue. Specific complaints about urine/sewage smells in some rooms (e.g., 912).
- Maintenance: Newer property (built ~2023), so structure is good, but island harshness causes quick wear on fixtures.
- Linens & towels: Generally clean and comfortable, though towels can feel stiff due to line-drying in salty air.
- Odors & scents: Lobby smells of frangipani; some bathrooms have persistent drain odors.
Sleepability™
7MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Staff trolleys rolling on pathways at 7:00 AM
- Ocean waves (soothing for most, loud for some)
- Occasional roosters or road noise depending on room location
Before you book
Good to know
- The hotel is on Nusa Penida, NOT Padangbai (Padangbai is the ferry port on Bali).
- Transport from the harbor (Buyuk or Banjar Nyuh) should be arranged in advance; the hotel offers a shuttle for a fee.
- The on-site restaurant (Matan Ai) has mixed reviews; plan to eat out for dinner.
What to pack
- Heavy-duty conditioner and body lotion (to combat the drying salty shower water)
- Your own snorkel gear (hotel rents it, but quality varies)
- Earplugs for the 7 AM staff trolley wake-up call
Room Genie
Best picks
- Ocean Front Suite for the best Mount Agung views and direct pool access
- Deluxe Ocean View for a balance of price and scenery
Rooms to avoid
- Room 912 (specific reports of persistent sewage/urine smell in the bathroom)
- Rooms closest to the restaurant/kitchen to avoid morning noise and flies
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I am looking forward to my stay. Please assign a room on the upper level or away from the restaurant to minimize morning noise. If possible, please ensure I am NOT placed in Room 912 due to previous odor complaints.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is the shower water fresh or salty?
It is salty/brackish. Nusa Penida struggles with fresh water supply, and this resort is no exception.
Is there a gym?
No, there is no fitness center on-site.
How is the snorkeling?
Excellent. You can swim out 10-20 meters from the beach to a drop-off with live coral, fish, and frequent turtle sightings.
Is breakfast included?
Yes, typically an à la carte offering (American, Continental, or Indonesian), not a buffet.
Can I walk to other restaurants?
Yes, but it's a bit of a trek. Places like Penida Colada are a short drive or a long walk (15-20 mins) along the road.
Does the hotel serve alcohol?
Yes, there is a bar serving cocktails and beer, though prices are higher than local warungs.
Insider Tips
- ✨
Walk 5 minutes east along the beach at low tide to find secluded spots away from the hotel front.
- ✨
The hotel can arrange a scooter rental for you—inspect the brakes and tires thoroughly before accepting.
- ✨
Ask for extra bottled water at check-in; the room supply is often stingy.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'Infinity Pool' is great, but the second pool often gets overlooked and is quieter.
💡You might see locals burning trash nearby—a common island reality that can affect air quality briefly.
💡The 'Garden View' rooms often just face a hedge or the back of another villa.
💡WiFi speeds are generally decent (25+ Mbps) but can drop during island-wide power fluctuations.
💡The bathroom lighting is dim, making it hard to see while getting ready at night.
Local Playbook
Map
See where The Sankara Beach Resort - Nusa Penida is located and what's nearby.