The tropical country Indonesia is an archipelago country with approximately 18,110 islands in total. The most famous among all is probably Bali—known for its white sand beaches, sparkling blue ocean, and grand mountains. But not far from the main island of Bali, there lies Nusa Penida, an up-and-coming tourism hotspot everyone has been raving about.
Among all the hype, you might wonder: is the island worth a visit? Well, that completely depends on the type of traveler you are.
Before deciding whether Nusa Penida is worth a visit, you should first know what awaits you there. Below, we have compiled everything you have to know about Nusa Penida!
How to Get to Nusa Penida
Photo via nusapenida.com
Before deciding on where to go, you should also consider the accessibility of your destination, especially for small islands.
A small island usually has no airports for flights to land on. Not to mention some difficulties to get there due to poor infrastructure.
But luckily for you, you can get to Nusa Penida safely and quickly! There are a few ways to get there.
The first is from Denpasar, Bali. You can take a boat (also known as jukung) from there. It’ll take approximately an hour and a half to arrive.
The second option is far quicker, though slightly more expensive. You can get to the island by speedboat from Sanur, Bali.
The journey will only take around 45 minutes. But keep in mind that the island doesn’t have any fancy harbor, so you probably have to get into the water before climbing onboard.
Be sure to wear shoes that are easy to take off, that way you won’t get them wet during your journey.
The last option is for those who travel by car or motorbike. You can take a ferry boat from Padangbai, Bali and bring your own vehicle to the island.
This way, you can have a special road trip to experience the island to the fullest.
Read Also: Before You Visit: Do’s and Don’ts of Basic Indonesian Etiquette
What Awaits at Nusa Penida
Now that you know how to get to this paradise island, let’s find out what awaits you there!
1. Crystal Bay Beach
The single most popular beach on the island, Crystal Bay Beach has crystal clear water complete with a beautiful view upon its horizon.
The sand feels mild beneath your feet, warming you up right after some casual swimming on the shallow shore.
If you want to do more than just tanning and swimming, the beach also offers snorkeling activities. You can witness the sea’s beauty and appreciate the island’s rich marine life.
2. Kelingking Beach
Yet another famous beach on the island, Kelingking Beach is a destination you should never miss. Visit the viewpoint from the top of the cliff to witness the magnificent view of the beach and sea below.
Or, you can also enjoy some downtime at the beach. It’s quiet and serene, the perfect place to enjoy the ocean breeze and feel the waves lapping at your feet.
3. Warnakali Dive Center
Photo via nusapenida.org
Aside from visiting the scenic beaches, you can also take on new activities such as a diving course at Warnakali Dive Center. It’ll open you up to a new, exciting adventure at the sea.
The facility includes a pool to train divers for open waters, with the level ranging from beginner to more advanced level.
The dive center also has an infinity pool overlooking Lembongan Strait and a dining area, where you can enjoy a romantic sunset with your loved one.
Read Also: 5 Skydiving Places in Indonesia That Takes Your Breath Away
4. Angel’s Billabong
Photo via nusapenida.org
If you’re feeling adventurous, then you should definitely pay Angel’s Billabong a visit.
Here, you can take a walk along the edge of the cliffs to see a beautiful view of the clear blue water. In fact, it’s so clear that you can see the colorful corals and their rich marine life!
Or, you can swim in the natural pond there. If you swim closer to the edge, it’ll seem like a natural infinity pool.
You have to be careful though. Be sure to swim only during a low tide because it can get quite dangerous during a high tide—the pond will be filled with water and you risk getting swept away.
5. Goa Giri Putri
Photo via nusapenida.org
If you’ve grown tired of water activities, then Goa Giri Putri is the right destination for you. It is the biggest cave on the island, with many Balinese making a trip here to complete a purification ritual.
The water flowing from the spring inside the cave is considered holy water. Balinese believes that it can cure any disease.
The cave has a small entrance that leads to multiple openings. You can either explore the cave on your own or hire a tour guide and experience the island’s authentic culture.
Read Also: Uh-Oh, What to Do If You Get Sick While Traveling
So, Is It Worth the Visit?
Nusa Penida is home to many scenic wonders, most of which being beaches.
You can do various activities here, from sightseeing to discovering new things underwater. It can take time to bask in the beauty of everything, so it’s best to just observe and take it slow.
A trip to Nusa Penida is a perfect balance of leisure and adventure. The island is the perfect destination for those looking to have a long stay.
And since most of the islands are still untouched by humans, maybe you can be the one who discovers the new hidden gems!
Looking for a Perfect Place to Unwind?
Enjoy the beautiful sight of Indonesia’s most grand landscape at Bobocabin!
After a long day of exploration, you can enjoy the cool air and rest well in this homey cabin. Give yourself some privacy with our smart window, adjust the lighting to enhance your comfort, and put on some music for a great ambience—all within your fingertips.
Or, if you don’t want to turn in for the night yet, you can enjoy the warmth of your very own campfire. Feeling like grilling? Go make some BBQ with your loved ones under the clear sky!
Bobocabin Ubud is also opening soon. Here is the place to bask in the cool air of Mount Batur and witness its beauty in person.
For booking and more information, download the app here.
Header image: Dominic Krainer via Unsplash
