Is Nusa Penida Worth Visiting While You’re in Bali?
Planning a trip to Nusa Penida and wondering if it’s worth a visit? This stunning island is a popular spot for travelers and has so much to offer. Let me share some insights and tips to help you decide if it’s a trip you’d like to take and how to get there!
“Why did the tourist go to Nusa Penida? To pick up some tips on being as cool and graceful as a manta ray!
Is Nusa Penida Worth Visiting?
Yapsolutely! Nusa Penida is one of the top tourist destinations in Bali that’s getting more popular these days. It has stunning views, beautiful beaches, and awesome spots for snorkeling and diving. If you love nature and the ocean, you’ll have a great time there.
What is Nusa Penida Famous for
Nusa Penida is famous for its amazing variety of sea animals, especially the majestic manta rays. It’s a top spot for people who love snorkeling and diving, where you can see these gentle giants up close. Crystal Bay is well-known for watching these graceful creatures swim through clear water. Being able to swim near manta rays and explore the colorful underwater life has made Nusa Penida a well-known place for ocean lovers worldwide and a great spot for eco-friendly tourism in Indonesia.
Swim with Manta Rays in Penida
Things to Do in Nusa Penida
Nusa Penida has lots of fun things to do and see. Here are some of the top activities and attractions you can explore:
Kelingking Beach and T-Rex Viewpoint
Kelingking Beach is one of Nusa Penida’s most famous spots, known for its stunning view of a cliff that resembles a T-Rex. From this viewpoint, you can see a wide, beautiful stretch of coastline and clear blue waters below. If you’re interested, you can make the descent to the beach itself, but be prepared, it’s a tough and steep path. Those who make the descent will find a quiet and incredibly scenic beach waiting for them.
Angel’s Billabong and Broken Beach
Angel’s Billabong is a natural pool that looks like it goes on forever because of the way rocks have worn away, making a beautiful green lagoon when the tide is low. Nearby, Broken Beach has a cool arch that’s formed over time, making a round cove with big waves below it. Both places are great for seeing how strong and beautiful nature can be.
Crystal Bay
Crystal Bay is a great spot for beach fans. It’s a calm and pretty cove with very clear water, perfect for swimming and snorkeling. There are lots of palm trees around, which make it nice for relaxing and getting some sun.
Snorkeling and Diving
If you’re a diver, Nusa Penida is a ferfect place to explore underwater. Manta Point is famous for its close encounters with large manta rays gliding gracefully through the water. Crystal Bay and Toyapakeh are also popular spots, offering colorful coral reefs and a wide variety of marine creatures like tropical fish and sea turtles. The clear waters and rich biodiversity make diving in Nusa Penida an unforgettable experience.
Here are your Snorkeling options in Nusa Penida
Atuh Beach
You can reach Atuh Beach with a scenic drive and a short walk. It’s a chill spot on Nusa Penida. The beach has soft white sand and blue-green water, all surrounded by tall cliffs. Atuh Beach is perfect for relaxing and capturing beautiful photos, like something you’d see on a postcard.
Peguyangan Waterfall
This unique attraction is not your typical waterfall experience. To reach the waterfall, you must descend down a steep staircase, passing several blue-painted shrines along the way. The waterfall itself flows into the ocean, creating a scenic and refreshing spot to cool off after the trek.
Temple Visits
Nusa Penida has several temples worth exploring. Pura Goa Giri Putri, situated within a cave, offers a unique spiritual experience. Pura Dalem Ped, is another significant temple known for its striking cliffside location and stunning ocean views.
When exploring Nusa Penida, keep in mind that the roads can be challenging, so it’s essential to take caution and, if possible, hire a local driver familiar with the terrain. Plan your itinerary ahead to fully explore the island’s scenic spots.
How to Get to Nusa Penida
Getting to Nusa Penida is simple. Start by traveling to Sanur, a place where boats depart for the island. Once you reach Sanur Beach, hop on a fast boat to Nusa Penida. The boat ride usually takes between 30 to 45 minutes, depending on the waves and the type of boat. Check the boat schedules before you go, especially during busy times. You can buy tickets at the beach or from local tour organizer, but I highly recommend booking online, especially in peak season!
Hear are all your boat options to Nusa Penida
Plan Your Accommodation Ahead
Nusa Penida has various places to stay, from cheap hostels to fancy villas. But they fill up fast, so it’s wise to book early. Make sure you’ve got your cozy spot reserved before you go there. It would be great if you can afford a fancy place to stay, but most travelers are perfectly happy in inexpensive hotels, especially when they’re close to the beach. The vibe already makes you feel cozy without any frills, allowing you to enjoy the island’s beauty to the fullest!
Here are all your hotel options in Nusa Penida
Eat and Drink
In Nusa Penida, you won’t have any trouble finding restaurants or small local warungs. You can easily find great places for food and drinks around the island. If you’re a seafood lover, then you’ll definitely love the fresh catches available here!
Little Headups
ATMs can be hard to find on the island. Bring enough cash to cover your costs during your stay, especially in more out-of-the-way places. Many travelers are using Wise cards a lot in Bali. It offers great currency rates and can be used to pay for hotels, restaurants, shopping, and Grab rides. Yes, small warungs and art markets might not accept that as they only accept cash, but for the entire holiday in Bali, a Wise card is really worth having. You can read the article to get a better idea before getting a Wise card. Is a Wise Card Really Worth it while Travelling in Bali
There you have it, some insights that hopefully help you decide if Nusa Penida is worth the trip. If you have any questions related to your Bali vacation, just reach out to me on Messenger or email. I’d be happy to share my insights as a local guide.
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