Introduction: Nusa Penida Travel Guide
Nusa Penida is part of a group of Islands, Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Ceningan and Nusa Penida. They are located southeast of Bali. Nusa Penida is a hilly land he interior of Nusa Penida with a maximum altitude of 524 metres. The island covers 202 km² of land and inhabit 45 500 people.
What made it a top destination is that the island is wild and not made for tourist (at least yet).
We stayed 4 nights on the island and could not do all the attractions there is.
Table of Contents
Getting there
The best way to get there is to fly to Bali island (Denpasar airport) and then take a boat from Sanur, a port located south east of Denpasar. For there, you can simply walk to the port area of Denpasar and ask around.
Getting around
Once on Nusa Penida, there is not many transportations mean. The easiest is to rent a scooter at the ferry station or to have your accommodation pick you up and then rent a scooter from them. In our experience, renting a scooter from the part was easy and as cheap as everywhere. They didn’t even ask driving licences or deposit. Don’t be shy to bargain with them.
Also, there isn’t many roads on the island. While the real road network is expending, most of the road remain wild. Most of your ride may be bumpy.
Where to Stay
At the time we were there, there was at most 15 places where you can stay. We opted for Namaste Bungalows. A cool accommodation located near Crystal bay. There we had some of best food we could dream about. The breakfast was included and was delicious.
At night, you need to be aware, that electricity run out on the Island. But even during this time, they cooked us freshly fished fish on the BBQ.
People were all friendly there and explained us the whole island and what to do.
Supply in Nusa Penida
When you arrived in the port, you will be in the main town area of the island. There, you will find some shops and store. But best is to bring what you need.
Things to do
Crystal Bay
This secluded beach cover 200-metre stretch of black sand. It is an amazing spot to chill and relax during the day as there is not many tourists on the island. Snorkelling in the bay’s water is one of the best spots to see amazing corral and local sea life. At night, the sunset is also quite stunning from the bay.
At the end of the beach, some stairs are hidden within the wood to reach the secret viewpoint.
Angel’s billabong
Angel’s billabong is one magical but dangerous spot. A clear tide pool of water cascade into the ocean. The pool itself is really calm but the ocean there can become strong and violent.
If you want to be able to safety get into the pool, you will need to arrive there early in the morning. As later with the high tide, the ocean is going to rush in the pool, and you may get washed away.
Broken Beach
Broken Beach is an amazing little cove. Its name Broken Beach come from the archway that wraps around the bay allowing water to flow in and out from the ocean. The arch at Broken Beach was formed over time and is now a true wonder of mother earth. Unfortunately, there is no way down into the cove.
Manta Bay
You can organise with your accommodation, an early trip to Manta’s point. Which is a spot near the West coast of the island where Manta ray come naturally. There you can snorkel amongst them. The mantas are not afraid and some of them may even almost touch you.
From there, you will take the boat back to Crystal bay where you can snorkel some more. Try to see a Mola Mola fish!
Goa Giri Putri Temple
Goa Giri Putri Temple is a unique Hinduism temple located within a cave. Before being allowed in, we had to make a 20 000 IDR donation to rent a Sarong. Then we went through a narrow opening between two rocks and discover the 300m long cave.
This temple is one of the most known for local and people from Bali make the journey to pray there.
Kelingking Beach
Kelingking Beach is located on the side on an epic cliff shaped like a Tyrannosaurus Rex and is one of the island most visited spot.
Since a few years, there is a trail going on the T-Rex cliff.
Bermain air basah, bermain api hangus – Playing with water, wet. Playing with fire, burned.
