Nusa Penida Island in Bali Indonesia – Amazing view above the hills, white sandy beaches, plus colorful underwater corals and tropical fishes. These are the main reasons of why I put Nusa Penida in my Bali’s bucket list. Apart from plenty “instagrammable” places in the island.
Nusa Penida is located in the southeast of Indonesia’s island Bali. It takes about one hour boat ride from Sanur beach.
The island offers what I am looking for when travelling, awesome beach view and amazing underwater view. A perfect place for beach/underwater lover (like me). Plus I just start learning photography. So, I thought why not checking all those notorious places too that are shared in social media or by travel blogger.
I took the 7.30am boat on Thursday, booked it in advance with Caspla fastboat because it was long holiday. So early booking is a-must to go to this island. They charged me Rp100k (about USD7) for one way ticket. Please note that this price is for local tourist. Foreigner tourist price can cost up to USD15, depending on the season.
My boat ride took about an hour, docked in Buyuk harbour. This place is not that crowded, less commercial one in Nusa Penida. I was greeted with this beautiful view and crystal clear water.
Meanwhile my homestay is in the other part of the island. So, I took ojek (bike taxi) for Rp50k (about USD3.5) to my homestay.
After check-in, I decided to start exploring the island. Tourist places here are divided into two part, the places in west part and in the east part. Since I traveled solo and I was not really good at riding a motorbike, I decided to rent an ojek driver to take me around. I found one on the road. Well, they will approach you if you look like a tourist.
He quoted me a price of Rp200k (about USD14) to explore the west part and Rp250k (about USD17) to explore the east part because it’s farther.
I decided to start exploring the longer route first, that is the east part.
It was a long ride. Luckily the view is amazing, and the road is well-paved.
First stop was Rumah Pohon (tree house). It was a long walk down the hill and I only reached halfway. I didn’t want to hurt my legs as it was my first day in the island.
(Thousand Islands viewpoint – Nusa Penida Bali)
Next stop was Atuh beach and Diamond beach. Apparently, these beaches lie next to one another. However, the access is only forming the hills.
Again, I didn’t feel to go down to the beach and instead, I chilled out in a local warung (small food stall) while enjoying the view from above.
(Diamond Beach – Nusa Penida Bali)
This tour took about 3 hours.
The next day on Friday, my legs did feel hurt. Although so, the tour must go on.
Our first visit was Crystal Bay. I have been snorkeling here when I stayed in the nearby island, Nusa Lembongan. The underwater view was gorgeous with various corals and marine life. Unfortunately, the tight was strong that caused high waves. So, I could only enjoy the view from the beach.
(Crystal Bay – Nusa Penida Bali)
Then I continued to Kelingking beach. The roads to those places are pretty challenging. Most parts are still rocky roads. Thanks God I was with a professional driver.
(Kelingking Beach – Nusa Penida Bali)
After taking few shots, I went to the last destination of the day, Angel’s Billabong and the Broken Beach.
You can see the waves splashed into the rocks in Angel’s Billabong. I would not recommend you to be near those rocks as tourists were found injured here.
(Angel’s Billabong – Nusa Penida Bali)
Meanwhile in the broken beach, you can see a cove down below where water comes in from an archway. The drive/guide told me that there was a village down on the beach. He said the cove was formed by a giant snake. While another story I found in the internet that the villagers killed a giant snake owned by a mystical person. He asked the villagers to not eat the snake’s meat but ignored him. After that man was gone, the sea raged forming superior waves and destroyed the whole village. (I’ll check it again when on my next visit)
My second day in the island was ended by having a dinner in Jungle Warung, a restaurant which according to my driver, is well-known in the area. The food did taste good here.
The next morning, I took the early boat back to the mainland, Bali. I used Dwi Manunggal, docking from Banjar Nyuh Harbour near Toya Pakeh Harbour. As previous boat, I purchased the ticket in advance through an online travel agent. It costs Rp90k (USD6) in advance. (note: foreigner price can be double of local price).
Well, that was my trip to Nusa Penida.
Exploring this island was pretty challenging. However, if offers so many beautiful views that I would love to return there. Probably stay for a week on my next visit. Therefore, I can reserve the strength and energy to take those thousands of steps and enjoy the view from down the hills below.