In search of the most effective issues to do in Nusa Penida? We’ve obtained you coated – learn on to find 8 improbable locations to go to and to find extra about this offbeat paradise only a hop and a skip from Bali!
Heading to Bali? Try our 20 things to do in Seminyak submit!
At 200 sq. kilometers, Nusa Penida is the biggest of the Nusa Islands, and till a number of years in the past, it was hardly touched by Bali’s mass tourism. Throughout our first South East Asia journey in 2009/2010, we heard concerning the island in lots of backpacker’s hangouts across the area – it was rumoured to be a really unspoiled paradise, the place you would sleep in huts with million-dollar views for just some {dollars} an evening, experience down dust roads to jaw-dropping seashores, benefit from the gradual ‘island life’ with a chilly Bintang and your toes within the sand.
That stated, with so many scenic spots in Nusa Penida, it has blown up throughout the journey trade over current years, and now it’s a staple on any Bali Itinerary. As quickly as Instagram made locations like T-Rex and Crystal Bay well-known, Instagrammers began flocking to the island – and the wild paradise was properly and really gone, a minimum of in the course of the day.
Guess what, although – you possibly can nonetheless take pleasure in that magical island vibe, by spending a number of nights in Nusa Penida. That is what we did throughout our final Indonesia journey, after we spent 2 weeks in Bali and some days exploring Nusa Penida and its neighbours, Nusa Lembongan and Ceningan.
So, this submit will information you to discovering all the most effective issues to do in Nusa Penida! It’s possible you’ll already pay attention to some iconic locations, however a number of of those spots are nonetheless a bit off the crushed path.
We’ll additionally discuss methods to get to Nusa Penida and methods to get round since there are a number of choices!
Don’t have time to learn? E book your Nusa Penida excursions very quickly right here!
The place Is Nusa Penida?
Nusa Penida is only a fast 30-minute ferry from Sanur’s beach resorts and seafood eating places, nevertheless it presents an totally totally different ambiance, with rugged cliffs and undeveloped seashores.
Most prime points of interest would require bumpy rides and lengthy hikes, but when this appears like your sort of journey, you’re in for a deal with.
Penida is house to some mind-blowing sights. It’s what we think about Bali was like 30 years in the past earlier than the islands started receiving a whole lot of vacationers. Insane cliffs and pristine seashores with out the touristy outlets and eating places littering the roads.
Nonetheless, Bali’s hidden gem is slowly evolving. It’s gained rather more reputation from vacationers and is progressively dropping a few of its “undiscovered” really feel. That stated, the variety of vacationers hardly compares to mainland Bali. In case you are on the lookout for adventurous island life, that is the place for you!
Greatest Locations to Go to In Nusa Penida
Let’s soar into the greatest issues to do in Nusa Penida! All of the locations are equally beautiful, and even when you can’t make it to all of them, hopefully, this checklist provides you with an thought of which points of interest are greatest suited to you.
1) Hike Down Kelingking Seashore
You might have heard of this seaside by different names, corresponding to “T-Rex Seashore” or “Dinosaur Level”, and it’s usually talked about as one of many most beautiful beaches in Bali.
This beautiful cliff is formed like a T-rex head. It’s simply the most well-known place on Nusa Penida, and YES, it completely lives as much as the hype. The view is really jaw-dropping. Some individuals come only for the view, however we advocate taking the time to hike all the way down to the seaside.
The hike is exhilarating and terrifying, however you’ll get a brand new perspective of the seaside’s landform. Be protected right here and respect one another when taking pictures since there isn’t any railing, and it’s a steep drop.
You must also go as early as doable to make it to the point of view and all the way down to the seaside earlier than all of the day excursions and boats present up!
2) Keep At Rumah Pohon
“Rumah Pohon” is Indonesian for ‘treehouse.’
Rumah Pohon is a one-of-a-kind treehouse constructed a whole lot of meters excessive on a small isle overlooking the ocean.
Every single day, vacationers come for the well-known “thousand-islands view” and take an image on the treehouse ladder. In case you’re fortunate, you possibly can stay the night in it for less than $50!
Vacationers cease coming round 5:00 PM and gained’t return till 9:00 AM the next day. This implies you’ll have the lookout and the balcony view to yourselves for the whole thing of the sundown and dawn.
It’s essentially the most magical dawn in Bali, nevertheless it’s usually booked up months upfront, so make your reservation well in advance!
3) Go to Angel’s Billabong
Only a brief drive from Kelingking Seashore is Angel’s Billabong, a pure phenomenon that creates an infinity pool overlooking the ocean.
It may be hectic typically, however most individuals are solely there for a number of footage. The actual enjoyable is entering into the pool!
After climbing all the way down to the water’s edge, you need to take your shirt and sneakers off on a small platform manufactured from sharp rock. This makes entering into the pool troublesome. Stroll cautiously and shield your ft.
When you enter the pool, although, the bottom is way smoother, and also you gained’t have an excessive amount of bother!
It’s additionally important to know that the pool is just accessible throughout low tide. In case you have been to enter throughout excessive tide, there’s a good likelihood you’ll be swept over the cliff and out to sea. You must also be careful for jellyfish close to the ledge!
4) Go to Damaged Seashore
Damaged Seashore is a small cove created by a breach within the cliff the place water flows by means of and onto the seaside.
The seaside itself is inaccessible, however you possibly can stroll across the entirety of the pool, together with the overpass the place the water comes and goes out to the ocean!
Damaged Seashore is subsequent to Angel’s Billabong, so combining each into one simple cease is straightforward. There are some small eating places close to the parking areas, too, so plan on stopping right here round lunchtime when creating your Nusa Penida itinerary.
5) Swim with Manta Rays at Manta Level
Manta Level is a snorkeling spot southeast of Nusa Penida. It’s a must-visit for diving and snorkeling fanatics because it’s the one place in Bali the place you possibly can swim alongside manta rays of their pure habitat.
Swimming with these rays, identified for his or her 4-meter wingspan, is breathtaking.
The distinctive alternative to look at these magnificent creatures up shut makes it a spotlight of any Nusa Penida day journey or prolonged keep.
Certainly, your tour information will transient you on the most effective practices, however don’t neglect that respecting the mantas and holding a protected distance is essential. The currents might be sturdy within the space, too, so it’s beneficial for extra skilled swimmers.
6) Take Pictures at Diamond Seashore
Atuh Seashore, often known as Diamond Seashore, is among the few hidden gems on Nusa Penida’s japanese coast. You’ve most likely seen a few pictures of this viewpoint and seaside, however as a result of it’s not essentially the most accessible space in Nusa Penida, it stays comparatively uncrowded.
This spot is understood for its hanging rock formations and serene seaside. If you wish to hike all the way down to the shoreline, it’s a little bit of a trek to get there, however the panoramic views and photographic alternatives are definitely worth the effort.
The seaside is unspoiled by tourism, providing a peaceable retreat, and when you go to early within the day, you’ll be one of many solely ones there. It’s an ideal spot for these seeking to expertise Nusa Penida’s pure magnificence in a tranquil setting.
7) Spend the Afternoon at Crystal Bay
Crystal Bay is a well-liked vacation spot in Nusa Penida for rest and snorkeling. The bay is known as for its crystal-clear waters, making it very best for snorkeling, nevertheless it’s additionally one of many few developed seashores on the island.
The seaside is lined with palm timber and has a number of warungs (native eateries) the place you possibly can seize a chew and benefit from the view. It’s an important spot to unwind after a day of exploring.
Snorkeling right here presents an opportunity to see a wide range of marine life, too, so contemplate renting some goggles and going for a swim!
8) Take The Staircase to Peguyangtan Waterfall
Peguyangan Waterfall is positioned on Nusa Penida’s southern coast and is accessed through a steep blue staircase clinging to the cliffside. The journey down is an journey in itself, providing beautiful views of the ocean. While you lastly attain the falls, you’ll discover that it’s extra of a pure spring than a waterfall cascading all the way down to the ocean, creating pure swimming pools.
Peguyangan is a sacred website for locals, so respectful behaviour is essential. It’s a bodily demanding trek, so earlier than you add it to your itinerary, be certain you’re in good bodily situation.
Issues to do in Nusa Penida at Night time
In Nusa Penida, gained’t discover the identical sort of nightlife as Seminyak or Gili T, however there are some good locations to go for a number of drinks or a celebration.
All alongside the northern coast of the island, you’ll discover a string of nightlife haunts, together with some cool seaside bars and golf equipment. Listed here are a number of choices – if you realize of any extra locations to go in Nusa Penida at night time, please tell us!
- Penida Colada – most likely the most effective factor to do in Nusa Penida at night time! It’s a very cool tiki bar with a pleasant vibe and glorious cocktails.
- The Gallery – a bar in Nusa Penida’s essential city, with an important artwork assortment and reside music.
- Penida Seashore Membership – improbable spot for a sundown drink with a scenic seaside location.
- Cactus Seashore Membership – most likely the most effective membership in Nusa Penida with a pool, ocean views and nice DJs.
Tips on how to Get to Nusa Penida
There’s no airport on the island or bridge connecting it to Bali, so the one manner there’s by boat.
Fast boats depart from Sanur. Sanur is a city east of Denpasar, solely a brief experience away from common vacationer areas, corresponding to Kuta (20 minutes), Ubud (40 minutes), Canggu (45 minutes), and Uluwatu (1 hour). From there, the journey takes about 30-40 minutes.
It’s a easy course of to get tickets to Nusa Penida. There are such a lot of totally different corporations and over 100 quick boats touring between the islands day by day. Most individuals purchase tickets on-line, which is cheaper, however getting tickets on arrival is feasible, too.
Count on to pay wherever between $10-30, relying on the corporate and time of departure.
Tips on how to Get Round Nusa Penida
Nusa Penida is the biggest of the three Nusa islands, and nowhere is ‘walkable,’ so that you’ll have to seek out some sort of transportation whereas visiting the island.
Actually, with a view to attain any of the highest issues to do in Nusa Penida, it should require being on the street for a minimum of 45 minutes.That’s why it’s smart to plan forward of time. There are mainly three choices:
-Nusa Penida Guided Tour
In case you are the sort of one that likes all the things taken care of for you, reserving a guided tour from mainland Bali is essentially the most handy technique to discover the island. This tour is a superb normal day tour of the island, however it’s also possible to discover loads of choices which are extra geared towards snorkeling or embrace totally different locations.
Listed here are some nice Nusa Penida excursions from Bali!
-Rent a Private Driver
Hiring a personal driver in Bali is among the costlier choices, nevertheless it’s not unreasonable at about $40-50/day. This may be a good higher technique to get round Nusa Penida as a result of, along with protecting your transportation, you’ll get to decide on your itinerary and alter as wanted!
-Hire a Motorcycle
The easiest way to get round any a part of Bali is by renting a bike. It’s not solely essentially the most inexpensive ($7-9/day), nevertheless it provides you full flexibility to create your schedule and take a look at Nusa Penida by yourself phrases!
You possibly can book a scooter rental in Nusa Penida forward of time or stroll across the port and attempt to negotiate upon arrival.
How Lengthy To Keep in Nusa Penida?
Deciding the period of your keep in Nusa Penida largely will depend on the period of time you might have in Bali and your vacation spot targets.
Whereas a single day can provide you a style of the island’s outstanding magnificence, a three-day keep is good for a complete exploration.
In in the future, you possibly can cowl the foremost highlights like Kelingking Seashore, Angel’s Billabong, and Crystal Bay, however it should really feel rushed. You’ll want to begin early and plan your itinerary meticulously to maximise your time.
You probably have two or three days to spend in Nusa Penida, the journey might be rather more enjoyable, and also you’ll be capable of get to the most well-liked areas properly earlier than most vacationers. You possibly can dedicate a day every to the western, japanese, and southern components of the island, making certain you don’t miss key points of interest like Manta Level and Atuh Seashore.
Closing Ideas: What To Do in Nusa Penida
Nusa Penida is a wide ranging vacation spot that gives a novel mix of journey, pure magnificence, and rugged landscapes. From the jaw-dropping views at Kelingking Seashore to the serene vibes of Crystal Bay, there’s one thing for everybody.
Whether or not you select a fast day journey or an prolonged keep of some days, make sure that you don’t miss these items to do in Nusa Penida.
Probably the most iconic place to go to is undoubtedly Kellingking Seashore, in order that must be a no brainer, however when you solely have time for yet one more spot, you must go to the island’s east finish to see Rumah Pohon and Atuh Seashore. It’s much more lovely than the pictures!
