Nusa Penida: A Slice of Paradise on Earth
Unveiling Nusa Penida’s Hidden Treasures, an island near Bali
Nusa Penida is a Gem of Bali; it’s like an untouched paradise waiting to be discovered. It has everything that Mother Earth has for us to offer, from wild forests to the vast ocean, pristine beaches, towering mountains, and much more.
Let’s get this started…. We went to this beautiful island from Bali, accessible through readily available ferries or speed boats departing from several ports, such as the one in Sanur. The ticket cost typically ranges from 200K to 250K IDR. There’s no need to pre-book; arrive at the port and secure your spot on the next available ferry, ensuring flexibility and convenience for your trip.
Some tips & tricks:
- We planned a 3-day, 2-night stay on the island, which proved sufficient for exploring its enchanting beauty and wilderness. However, if your schedule allows, I wholeheartedly recommend extending your stay by a day or two to fully immerse yourself in the island’s wonders.
- Here again, the most convenient way to explore the island is to rent a scooter, readily available at the port, for approximately 100K to 120K IDR per day (equivalent to $7 to $10).
- Nusa Penida is divided into two distinct parts: the East Coast and the West Coast. If you have 2–3 days to spare on the island, planning your itinerary is essential. Remember that you’ll likely be able to explore only one side of the island in a single day due to its size and rugged terrain.
- Try to book your stay somewhere in the centre of the island so that you will be at an equal distance from both coasts. :)
- I highly recommend indulging in scuba diving or snorkelling while visiting Nusa Penida. The crystal-clear waters here provide an exceptional opportunity to experience the peak of marine life.
- Take advantage of the opportunity to witness the mesmerizing sunset along the coast to experience the unique perspective of the giantness of Mount Agung. This can be best experienced from the island’s northern shores, particularly near the Bayuk Harbour, as shown in the captured image below.
Day 1 — To witness the sunrise in its full glory, we set out early at around 5:30 AM, strategically avoiding the crowds. Don’t forget to check the precise sunrise time before setting your alarms to make the most of this magical moment.
The road is well maintained here, so you will not have issues driving a 2-wheeler. As you journey, the views will make you forget all worries and immerse you in the tranquil beauty of the surroundings.
It took us around 40 minutes, covering 23 km, to reach Diamond Beach.
Here are a few points to remember before heading here:
- Ensure you wear suitable sports shoes as you’ll need a short 20-minute descent hike to reach the beach, as shown in the photos above.
- Carrying a water bottle with you is advisable, especially after the tiring hike, as staying hydrated is crucial. Purchasing water at the bottom of the hike can be significantly more expensive, often quadrupling the price.
- To ensure a more enjoyable experience, aim to arrive early and beat the crowd. The passage shown above in the image is relatively narrow, and a larger crowd can considerably slow your journey to the beach.
Now it is time for some food; there are a lot of good cafes in Nusa Penida, and here are a few that we went to and would recommend.
- Penida Colada — Had breakfast: 9/10
- Secret Penida — Had lunch: 8.5/10
- The Chill Penida — Had dinner: 9/10
BUT BUT BUT while the cafes offer a delightful experience and are very good, but nothing beats the local street food. Don’t miss the chance to savour Bakso Ayam (Chicken Meatball Soup), which offers a unique twist distinct from what you find in Bali. There’s also a special dish with a fascinating story:
While on our way back to the hotel, our quest for local cuisine led us to an unexpected discovery. We saw a lot of localites stumbled upon a modest shop and decided to give it a try, even though we had no prior knowledge of what it offered. Welcomed by a warm and kind-hearted woman who ran the shop, we experienced an extraordinary traditional indonesian dish Martabak.
Martabak comes in two enticing variations. First, there’s Martabak Manis, a thick and sweet pancake adorned with tantalizing toppings like chocolate, matcha, or cheese (keju). Equally enticing is the Martabak Telur, the savory counterpart filled with eggs and vegetables. We couldn’t resist trying both, and every single bite left us thoroughly impressed, earning a solid 10/10 recommendation. This spontaneous food adventure truly added a memorable and flavorful twist to our Nusa Penida experience.
Day 2: Continuing our saga, we headed to the West Coast to witness the other half of the island. We started our day by visiting the most famous Kelingking beach.
All the tips and points mentioned for Diamond Beach also apply here: arrive early, hydrate yourself and wear suitable sports shoes.
Similarly, at this location, you’ll have another scenic hike, lasting approximately 25 minutes to reach the beach. While it may be a bit longer compared to the Diamond Beach trek, the journey is absolutely worth every step, promising an unforgettable experience.
Continuing our exploration, we went to Angel Billabong:
Random info: This mesmerizing spot is a natural rock lagoon. According to local legend, the name originates from a mythic tale, where this location served as a bathing place for angels, and The term “Billabong” translates to “the end” in English, symbolising the secluded nature of this lagoon.
There is no entry fee here to visit the spot; you just have to pay 15K IDR for the vehicle parking fee.
While heading back, concluding our wonderful trip to Nusa Penida, we stopped at Crystal Bay to witness the mesmerizing sunset. Another perfect spot to lay down as the day drew to a close. Sadly, we couldn’t take any photos here as our phone batteries died (dumb us, we forgot to carry the power bank). Nevertheless, the experience was truly worth every moment spent there.
At last…
Nusa Penida, a hidden gem of Bali, it touched our hearts with its stunning nature. Farewell to this paradise, but its memories will forever linger in our souls.
Thanks for reading :)
Follow for more such content. Ba bye!!