FAQs
1. What type of hostel is The Penida Project?
The Penida Project is a social backpacker hostel in Nusa Penida focused on community, events, and shared experiences for travellers.
2. Is The Penida Project good for solo travelers?
Yes. The Penida Project Hostel is especially popular for solo travelers because of its social atmosphere, group tours, and daily activities that make meeting people easy. Our space is curated for socialising and meeting people.
3. Is it good for groups as well?
Absolutely. We welcome both solo travelers and groups, and our social layout makes it easy for everyone to connect.
4. What types of rooms do you offer?
We offer a variety of shared dormitory rooms including 12-bed, 10-bed, 8-bed female-only, and 6-bed dorms. Each bed has its own privacy curtain, lighting, power outlets and locker for your convenience and comfort.
5. What facilities are available on site?
You can enjoy:
- A full-service bar and restaurant with local and international dishes
- Swimming pool with plenty of space to relax
- Games including pool table, basketball court and more
- Wi-Fi & internet, daily housekeeping, laundry services and scooter rentals
- Taxi/transport assistance if needed
6. Do you organise tours or island activities?
Yes — we organise East Coast and West Coast Nusa Penida day tours, as well as snorkelling, diving, and free diving experiences through trusted local operators. Just ask at reception and we’ll take care of booking everything for you. It’s the easiest way to see the island without the hassle of planning it yourself.
7. Is it a party hostel?
The Penida Project is a social hostel, not a full-on party hostel. We do host weekly jungle parties and have monthly full moon parties during high season (which are amazing). During the rest of the week focus more on hosting social events and activities. This ensures every day at the hostel is different, engaging and enjoyable for everyone.
8. Do you offer tours
Absolutely. We offer East and West Coast day tours that cover Nusa Penida’s most iconic spots — Kelingking Beach, Broken Beach, Angel’s Billabong, Diamond Beach and more. Tours depart according to what time suits you most. Book through the hostel and we’ll sort the rest.
9. Do you organize activities for guests?
Every day. From group snorkelling and diving trips to hostel events like family dinners, movie nights, karaoke, canang workshops and weekly jungle parties — there is always something on. Check our Instagram @penidaproject for the weekly schedule before you arrive.
10. What makes The Penida Project different from other hostels in Nusa Penida?
We’re a community-driven hostel focused on experience, not a party hostel. While we do host weekly jungle parties and monthly full moon events, what sets us apart is what happens the rest of the week — family dinners, group tours, daily activities and staff who genuinely care about your experience. Our team treat every guest like family. We were built by four friends who love travel, and that spirit runs through everything we do.
11. Is The Penida Project good for solo female travellers?
Yes — we’re one of the most popular hostels in Nusa Penida for solo female travellers. We offer female-only dorms with private curtains, individual lockers and a secure, welcoming atmosphere. Our staff are always on hand, and the social nature of the hostel makes it very easy to meet other travellers and explore the island safely.
12. Is Nusa Penida worth visiting?
Absolutely. Nusa Penida is one of Bali’s most spectacular islands — home to iconic viewpoints like Kelingking Beach, world-class diving and snorkelling with manta rays, pristine beaches, and a relaxed atmosphere that’s very different from the mainland. It’s easy to reach by fast boat from Sanur, Padang Bai or Kusamba. Most travellers stay 3–5 days and wish they’d stayed longer.
13. How do I get to Nusa Penida from Bali?
The fastest and most popular way is by fast boat from Sanur Beach in Bali, with multiple departures daily — the crossing takes around 30–45 minutes. You can also depart from Padang Bai or Kusamba. Boats arrive at either Toya Pakeh or Buyuk Harbour on Nusa Penida. We can help you arrange boats and onward transport from the harbour to the hostel — just send us your arrival details in advance.
14. What is the best time to visit Nusa Penida?
The dry season (May to October) is the most popular time to visit — clear skies, calm seas and ideal conditions for diving and snorkelling. If you’re hoping to see the Mola Mola (ocean sunfish), aim for July to October. The wet season (November to April) brings occasional rain but far fewer crowds and lower prices. Nusa Penida is worth visiting year-round — the island’s jungle and beaches are stunning in all seasons.
15. Can I see manta rays in Nusa Penida?
Yes — Nusa Penida is one of the best places in the world to encounter manta rays in the wild. Manta Point on the south-west coast is the most well-known site, where mantas gather year-round to be cleaned by small fish. You can see them while snorkelling or diving — no specialist experience required. We organise snorkelling trips to Manta Point regularly from the hostel.
16. What is the vibe like at The Penida Project?
Relaxed, social and genuinely welcoming — and open to all ages. While many of our guests are backpackers and independent travellers in their 20s and 30s, we proudly welcome anyone over 18 who shares a love of travel, adventure and real connection. Unlike many hostels that cater to a narrow crowd, The Penida Project is built around community — and great communities thrive when people of all ages and backgrounds come together. The atmosphere is laid-back by day (poolside, good food, great coffee) and buzzing by night when the bar gets going. It never feels forced — the community builds itself naturally.
17. Do you have a pool?
Yes — we have a swimming pool on-site, open to all guests. It’s surrounded by lush jungle and is the perfect spot to cool off after a day of exploring. Our full-service bar is right alongside it, so cold drinks are never far away.
18. Is Wi-Fi reliable at the hostel?
Yes, we provide free Wi-Fi across the property. Keep in mind island internet quality can vary depending on local service conditions, but most guests find it stable enough for social media, work calls and browsing.
19. Is free breakfast included?
Free breakfast is not included with any of our bookings. However, our on-site restaurant offers a full breakfast menu available daily. So you can order breakfast from 7.30am-3pm.
20. How far is the hostel from the beaches and main attractions?
We’re located in a lush tropical rain forest area of Nusa Penida, about a 5-10 minute drive from the beach and central to major attractions.
21. Do you offer transport services from the harbour?
We can help arrange transport options (taxi/scooter) from the Harbour (Toyapakeh/Buyuk), just let us know your arrival details and we’ll coordinate it for you.
22. What about transport around Nusa Penida?
Scooters are the most popular way to explore the island and we offer scooter rentals. Roads can be uneven in places, so please drive safely or ask our team about taxi options (car or scooter) if you prefer not to ride.
23. What is the hostel’s cancellation policy?
Cancellation policies can vary depending on your booking platform or room type. Please check your booking confirmation for specific details. If you booked directly with us and have questions, feel free to contact us at sam@thepenidaproject.com.
24. How do you contact us?
Cancellation policies can vary depending on your booking platform or room type. Please check your booking confirmation for specific details. If you booked directly with us and have questions, feel free to contact us at sam@thepenidaproject.com.