Bali, better known as the “Island of Gods” is a prominent dream destination for the visitors from various parts of the globe. Named for its exotic beaches, richness in culture, and amazing scenic views, Bali is a paradise of experiences – a perfect blend of fun, leisure, and spiritual uplifting. But while the land mass of Bali has been moulded into a tourism imagery there is hidden treasure located in the southeast of the island Nusa Penida Island. It is fast becoming famous among the world’s discerning travelers. A Brief History of Nusa Penida Island
Nusa Penida’s history is steeped in both legend and reality. The island has long been a place of spiritual significance, with its temples and sacred sites drawing pilgrims from all over Bali. According to local folklore, Nusa Penida Island Indonesia was once the home of a powerful demon king named Dalem Bungkut, who terrorised the island until a Balinese king defeated him. This legend has given rise to the island’s reputation as a place of spiritual cleansing and protection.
In more recent history, Nusa Penida, Bali was used as a place of exile for criminals and political prisoners during Bali’s colonial period. The island’s remote location and rugged terrain made it an ideal place for banishment. However, in the years since, Nusa Penida, Bali has transformed from a place of isolation to a destination of awe-inspiring beauty and adventure.
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How to Get to Nusa Penida
Getting to Nusa Penida Island Indonesia is relatively straightforward, though it requires a bit of planning. The island is accessible by boat from Bali’s mainland, with several options available:1. From Sanur: The most popular departure point is Sanur Beach in Bali. Fast boats operated by various companies such as Maruti Express, Angel Billabong Fast Cruise, and Rocky Fast Cruise make the journey in about 30-45 minutes. The boats depart several times a day, with tickets available online or at the pier.
2. From Padang Bai: Another option is to take a fast boat from Padang Bai, a port town on Bali’s east coast. This route is slightly longer, taking about 1-1.5 hours, but it offers a more scenic approach to the island.
3. From Kusamba: A less common route is from Kusamba, a small fishing village on Bali’s southeast coast. This is a good option for those staying in eastern Bali and looking for a quieter, more local experience.
4. From Nusa Lembongan or Nusa Ceningan: If you’re already staying on one of the neighbouring Nusa Islands, you can take a short boat ride to Nusa Penida, which takes about 15-20 minutes.
Once you arrive at the island, you can rent a scooter, hire a driver, or join a tour to explore the island’s various attractions. The roads on Nusa Penida can be challenging, so driving experience is recommended if you plan to rent a scooter. Read more about commuting in Bali.
Best Time to Visit Nusa Penida
Nusa Penida Island Bali can be visited year-round, but the best time to visit is during the dry season, which runs from April to October. During this period, you’ll experience sunny days, calm seas, and ideal conditions for exploring the island’s natural beauty.- April to June: Early dry season is a great time to visit as the island is lush and green from the recent rains, and the weather is generally pleasant with fewer tourists.
- July to August: This is the peak tourist season, with many visitors flocking to Bali and Nusa Penida. While the weather is perfect, be prepared for more crowds, especially at popular spots like Kelingking Beach and Angel’s Billabong. These are the must-do activities in Nusa Penida Island.
- September to October: The late dry season offers a more relaxed experience with fewer tourists, still great weather, and beautiful sunsets. It’s also an excellent time for diving and snorkelling, with clear waters and abundant marine life.
- November to March: The wet season brings occasional heavy rains and rough seas, which can affect travel plans. However, if you don’t mind the rain, you’ll find the island quieter and more peaceful during this time.
Where to Stay in Nusa Penida
There are a plethora of accommodations near Nusa Penida Island that suit different budgets and preferences. From luxurious resorts to budget-friendly guesthouses, there’s something for everyone. - The Mesare Resort: Located amidst lush greenery, this resort offers a tranquil retreat with spacious villas, an outdoor pool, and a spa. It’s perfect for those looking to unwind in a serene environment. This is one of the top accommodations near Nusa Penida Island.
- Adiwana Warnakali Resort: This hotel in Nusa Penida is perched on a cliff with stunning ocean views, this resort features elegant rooms, an infinity pool, and a dive centre. It’s ideal for couples and diving enthusiasts.
2. Mid-Range Hotels:
- Semabu Hills Hotel Nusa Penida: This hotel in Nusa Penida offers comfortable rooms with modern amenities, an infinity pool with panoramic views, and a restaurant serving Indonesian and Western cuisine.
- Coco Resort Penida: Situated near Crystal Bay, this resort provides cosy bungalows, a large swimming pool, and easy access to the island’s western attractions.
3. Budget-Friendly Options
- Nuansa Penida Hostel: A great choice for backpackers, this hostel offers dormitory-style rooms, a communal kitchen, and a friendly atmosphere.
- Bintang Bungalow: Located in a quiet area, this guesthouse offers simple yet comfortable rooms, a small pool, and free breakfast.
4. Unique Stays:
- Tree House Nusa Penida: For a truly unique experience, stay in one of the island’s famous treehouses, which offer incredible views of the coastline and sunrise.
When choosing where to stay in Nusa Penida Island Bali, consider the island’s size and the locations of the attractions you wish to visit, as traveling between places can take time.
What to Do in Nusa Penida
When it comes to Nusa Penida Island, it is a Land of Fun for Adventure Lovers with lots of Bali exciting activities to indulge in, catering to different tastes. Are you a person looking for some heart-racing excitement, fascinated by nature, or you just want to unwind? Nusa Penida Island certainly has got you covered. 1. Going Beach Hopping
- Kelingking Beach: More popularly known as ‘T-Rex’ beach because of the T-Rex head shape of the cliff. Kelingking Beach is one of the most beautiful corners of Nusa Penida. While the view from the top is amazing, the boldly escorted ones can go down the threatening cliff to the intimate bay where one can quietly sunbathe.
- Atuh Beach: An eastern beach with quite a spectacular view of the Northeastern coast of the island. It is a beautiful beach cove with lots of cliffs and rocks, making it perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and photography. These are some of the unique things to do in Nusa Penida Island bali.
- Crystal Bay: popular for “clear water with being surrounded by coral reaves”, Crystal Bay is a fabulous place for snorkelling and diving. Beach which is very romantic and spectacular and perfect for watching sunset relaxation.
- Manta Point: This place is maybe one of the most popular dive sites in Nusa Penida – People will have a chance to swim with magnificent oceanic manta rays. It’s quite a surreal sensation to see these gentle giants so close up.
- Gamat Bay: This dive site is known for its vibrant coral reefs, abundant marine life, and crystal-clear waters. It’s a must-visit for diving enthusiasts. Diving is one of the most exciting things to do in Nusa Penida Island Bali.
3.Hiking and Trekking
- Peguyangan Waterfall: Located on the southwestern coast of the island, Peguyangan Waterfall is more of a journey than a destination. The descending hike takes you down a steep blue stairway built on the cliff side that exposes a great view of the ocean. .
- Tembeling Natural Pool: This secret treasure in the western portion of the island is a natural pool provided with a fertile forest as a background. The trek to Tembeling is tough but worth it considering there is clear blue water surrounded by flowers and tranquillity.
- Pura Goa Giri Putri: This temple is a cave temple situated on the Northeastern side of the island. The guests have to first crawl in through a very restrictive opening into the cave, which gradually broadens into a large cave-like place, which is filled with numerous sacred objects and holds several events.
- Pura Dalem Penataran Ped: Pura Dalem Penataran Ped is one of the most important temples in Nusa Penida. It is believed that the temple protects the island and its people from bad spirits. It is of great cultural and spiritual value and is worth visiting for those who appreciate Balinese culture.
- Broken Beach (Pasih Uug): This natural archway over the ocean is a stunning sight, with waves crashing through the hole in the cliff. It’s a great spot for photography and enjoying the island’s rugged beauty.
- Angel’s Billabong: A natural infinity pool overlooking the ocean, Angel’s Billabong is a magical place to relax and take in the view. Be sure to visit during low tide for the best experience.
6. Cultural Experiences
Traditional Villages: Explore the island’s traditional villages to get a glimpse of local life. Visit places like Toyapakeh and Tanglad, where you can see traditional weaving, farming, and experience the island’s unique culture. Places to Visit in Nusa Penida Island
Nusa Penida Island is home to numerous attractions of Bali that showcase its natural beauty and cultural heritage. Here are some must-visit places to visit in Nusa Penida Island: 1. Kelingking Beach: As mentioned earlier, this iconic spot is a must-visit place to visit in Nusa Penida Island for its breathtaking views and challenging trek down to the beach.2. Angel’s Billabong and Broken Beach: These two attractions are located close to each other, making them perfect for a combined visit. The natural pool of Angel’s Billabong and the dramatic scenery of Broken Beach are highlights of any trip to Nusa Penida Island.
3. Atuh Beach: A hidden spot on the island’s east coast, Atuh Beach is known for its stunning rock formations and tranquil atmosphere.
4. Diamond Beach: Located near Atuh Beach, Diamond Beach is another beautiful spot with white sand, turquoise waters, and towering cliffs. The beach is named after the diamond-shaped rock formations visible from the cliff above.
5. Goa Giri Putri Temple: This unique cave temple offers a spiritual experience and a glimpse into the island’s religious practices.This temple too is one of the must-visit places to visit near Nusa Penida Island.
6. Teletubbies Hill: Named after the famous children’s TV show, Teletubbies Hill features rolling green hills that resemble the landscape from the show. It’s a great spot for photography and enjoying panoramic views of the island.
7. Suwehan Beach: One of the lesser-known beaches on the island, Suwehan Beach is a secluded paradise with pristine sand and clear waters. It’s a perfect spot for those looking to escape the crowds.
Suggested Read : Fascinating Things To Do In Bali On Honeymoon: Dreamy Paradise
Tips for Visiting Nusa Penida Island
To make the most of your visit to Nusa Penida Island, here are some practical tips:
1. Plan Your Transportation: The roads on Nusa Penida can be rough and challenging, so plan your transportation accordingly. If you’re comfortable riding a scooter, it’s a great way to explore the island at your own pace. Alternatively, you can hire a driver or join a guided tour.2. Pack Essentials: The island is relatively undeveloped, so it’s important to pack essentials such as sunscreen, insect repellent, and plenty of water. Also, bring cash as there are limited ATMs on the island.
3. Stay Hydrated and Protected: The sun can be intense on Nusa Penida, especially during the dry season. Stay hydrated, wear sunscreen, and bring a hat or sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun.
4. Respect the Local Culture: Nusa Penida Island is home to several sacred sites, so it’s important to dress modestly and show respect when visiting temples and other religious places.
5. Be Mindful of the Environment: Nusa Penida Island is a place of natural beauty, so do your part to keep it that way. Avoid littering, and be mindful of the environment when exploring the island.
6. Travel Insurance: Given the island’s rugged terrain and the adventurous activities available, it’s a good idea to have travel insurance that covers accidents and emergencies.
7. Check the Tides: If you plan to visit spots like Angel’s Billabong or Crystal Bay, be sure to check the tide times for the best experience and to avoid getting caught in dangerous conditions.
8. Accommodation Booking: Especially during peak season, it’s advisable to book your accommodation in advance to ensure you have a place to stay that suits your preferences.