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October 9, 2020 | Guest post by: Eric Smith
If you are looking for an elegant yet exotic location to travel, Nusa Penida Island is the place to be. Had enough of Bali and its stunning volcanic mountains, coral reefs, and breath-taking beaches? Pack your bags and prepare to be dazzled by Nusa Penida’s scenic beauty. This gem is located far south of mainland Bali, and there are lots of exciting things you can do. Sit with a notebook as we unwind all that you need to know about the mesmerizing island of Nusa Penida.
Nusa Penida Island is located on the southeast coast of mainland Bali. Out of the other two Penida, Nusa Ceningan and Nusa Lembongan, it is the biggest with the most astounding landscapes. The Badung Strait separates it from Bali. The island interior is hilly terrain, so the Nusa Penida Island tour is best on foot.
It is easier to get from Bali to Nusa Penida. You can catch a ferry from east Bali (people mostly board from Sanur, Padang Bai, and Kusamba). It is a 30-40 minutes trip. Although it is a hidden location, a ferry can take you to and fro anytime, but only before 5pm. So it is best to schedule and book for it in advance at much lower prices. On average, it can cost you around 180 dollars. It all depends on your negotiation and communication skills.
Since the island is secure from artificial beauty, it presents nature in its most original and unaltered self. This makes this exotic location one of the few hidden treasures of Earth. With all this, it certainly does not compromise on its stay. You will find the best hotels in Nusa Penida Island. Apart from this, there are many options for budget travelers as well. The island is also famous for its guesthouses. Almost all Nusa Penida guest houses are situated in the north of the island. Try the Banana Guest House or Nusa Garden Bungalow, as they are the most popular ones. They are tastefully decorated, spaciously designed, and budget-friendly. Thus, giving you the best stay experience.
After these basics, let us get down to the most amazing things to do after you finally touch down.
Nusa Penida is not your standard beach destination. This secluded nature's trinket has plenty of concealed beaches with winding, upland roads. If you like to give your muscles a good exert, it is best to stay on foot. Otherwise, simply hire a scooter or a motorbike. Once you have arranged your transport, it is time to visit all these pristine locations.
KelingKing Beach is located southwest of Nusa Penida. It is the most popular spot for its dinosaur-shaped rock. This is a spectacular sight from the KelingKing Viewpoint. From the top, you can enjoy the view of sparkling blue-green waters, the magnificent coastal cliffscape, watch the crashing waves, or maybe spot a manta ray if lucky.
If this is not enough, you can actually experience the beauty of KelingKing beach. Simply descend down a winding stairway for 30 to 40 minutes, and the beach will be yours.
The first thing your travel guide (if you hire any) will tell you about the broken beach is that it is called Pasih Uug in Indonesian. There is nothing really broken about this place. It is actually not a beach but a cute little cove. The continuously crashing waves hollowed out the cliff, creating an archway for the ocean water to flow in and out. Hence the place earns its name. It is one of the most picturesque locations of Nusa Penida island. Here, you can have your own quiet time and relish the beauty.
You can call it nature’s own infinity pool. Angel’s billabong is a few minutes away from the broken beach and is absolutely magical. Since it is a tidal pool, you can arrive at the right time of the day (during low tide) and click some amazing pictures. But it is not safe to go down into the pool for a swim. Visiting these adjacent natural splendors is probably the first thing to do once you reach Nusa Penida.
Nusa Penida Island snorkeling is the best. It is truly one of a kind because you can spot large manta rays in crystal clear waters. This is the major attraction of Manta bay. Swimming with manta rays and interacting with colorful ocean life is the best thing to do in Nusa Penida.
Nusa Penida is well-known for its beaches. Apart from the ones already mentioned here, you must also visit Diamond Beach, Suwehan beach, and Tembeling beach. These beaches are excellent hangout spots and are perfect for ocean lovers. The island witnesses a comparatively low footfall, so its beaches are clean and less crowded. Apart from having fun on the beach, you ought to try snorkeling at Nusa Penida island. If you want to snorkel, here are the best Nusa Penida snorkel spots:
The most instagrammable staircase is the quirky one in blue, leading to Peguyangan waterfalls. If you do not have a fear of heights, descend down this stairway to savor the rich landscape of deep gorges and enormous cliffs. It will take you approximately 20 minutes to reach downstairs, but it will be all worth it. This place is just perfect with a gushing waterfall, a holy temple, and a sensational view.
Crystal bay is an ideal beach spot on the Nusa Penida Island. Unlike others, it is an easily accessible beach and is comparatively much busier. After KelingKing beach, crystal bay is very popular among tourists.
Most travelers miss out on the other parts of the island because they tend to stick to the most-accessible southwest part of the Nusa Penida island beach tour. However, there are tons of locations to visit, and Atuh beach is one of them. It is situated on the east coast of Nusa Penida. After Crystal Bay, the Atuh beach is the liveliest one on the island. Visit it during low tides in the morning to revel in its scenic marvels.
This exotic beach location is everything you need for your vacation. If you are a beach lover, definitely go for Nusa Penida in Bali as your next travel destination.
Eric Smith is a writer by day and a travel enthusiast over the weekend. He loves to explore and teach. A maverick soul, he finds solace in nature. Follow him on Kool Stories to read more of his stuff.
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We are Jacob and Taylor. Travel is our passion and we love sharing our experiences here at The Travelling Souk. Our hope is that you would be inspired by this little blog to try something new, embrace an adventure, and live life to the fullest.