A trip to Bali isn't complete without visiting its neighboring island, Nusa Penida. The latter is a laidback, tropical escape from the hustle and bustle of some of Bali's most popular tourist locations. Nusa Penida offers postcard worthy views- turquoise waters, lush green hills, and white sand beaches. (Just writing about this is making me itching to go back!)
My friends and I had one day to explore Nusa Penida, and found that it was completely doable. If you want to explore the island extensively, 3-4 days should be sufficient. Here is our guide to spending one day in Nusa Penida:
Getting to Nusa Penida
While it may be slightly cheaper to plan a trip to Nusa Penida on your own, we found it simpler and hassle-free to book a private tour. We arranged a tour with Nusa Penida Experience, and overall had a great experience. The price was Rp 800,000 per person. Other tours that I researched were similar in price and package. Our tour included:
-Pick up and drop off to/from hotel
-Roundtrip boat ticket
-Private driver/guide on the island
-Lunch
Tip: Be prepared for terribly bumpy roads and severe potholes. To those who are thinking about renting a motorbike on the island, make sure you are completely comfortable doing so because the roads can get extremely dangerous.
Things to do in Nusa Penida
1. Angel's Billabong: Angel's Billabong contains a natural infinity pool that overlooks the Indian Ocean. You're going to pass by this spot while making your way to Broken Beach; otherwise, I wouldn't go out of my way to go here.
2. Broken Beach: Only a 5-minute walk away from Angel's Billabong is Broken Beach- one of Nusa Penida's most popular spots. I didn't have any expectations prior to visiting Broken Beach, but I was blown away by how gorgeous it was. Known for its natural arch tunnel and turquoise waters, Broken Beach is a must-see attraction when visiting Nusa Penida.
3. Kelingking Cliff: I cannot say enough about how amazing Kelingking Cliff is. Perhaps the most photographed spot on the island, Kelingking Cliff is distinguished by its vibrantly green, T-Rex shaped cliff and clear, turquoise blue waters. Photos don't do it justice- you need to visit this place. It's possible to hike down to Kelingking Beach, but be prepared for a dangerously steep path. We weren't wearing proper footwear and were feeling jet-lagged, so we decided against making the trek down.
4. Crystal Bay: Crystal Bay Beach is the perfect spot to relax after a day's explorations. It's a small, white sand beach surrounded by lush palm trees. Crystal Bay is a great spot to go snorkeling as well.
Tips
1. Arrive early to avoid crowds: Nusa Penida is becoming increasingly popular amongst tourists, making large crowds inevitable. Arrive early or even later in the day (double-check your boat's return time) to beat the crowds and avoid waiting in long lines for pictures.
2. Bring a poncho: This is applicable if you're visiting during wet season, which is October-April. The forecast varies frequently during wet season. While we were lucky to have sunny weather for the most part during our trip, there were still occasional downpours. Luckily, my friend purchased ponchos in advance. (If you're reading this, you're a lifesaver!) Click here to purchase your ponchos.
3. Wear bug spray or mosquito repellent: Just do it- you'll thank me later. Click here to purchase bug repellent.