If you’re in Bali and want to get off the grid for a day, look no further than Nusa Penida. Yes, Bali is an island paradise, but it is still a developed, commercial, tourist destination. Nusa Penida is none of those things but still offers its own slice of paradise.
Getting There and Around
Prior to our trip, we did quite a bit of research to see how we can make the most of a one day visit. While there are commercial boats running to and from Nusa Penida from the Sanur port, it can be difficult to find posted times. In addition, we had little luck finding ground transportation options for Nusa Penida online. As a result, we decided to book a full tour with FUNTASEA through our Nusa Dua hotel. This package included round trip ground transportation from the hotel, round trip boat transfer from Sanur, lunch on Nusa Penida, and a full excursion on the island. All in all, we think it was a great deal that definitely made our planning easier. Having said that, we did see other people on the island that had booked a private tour. If this is in your budget, it could be a good way to get more out of your day and spend your time where you want.
One thing to note about ground transportation on Nusa Penida: it is BUMPY. We read this before our visit, and we were still shocked. The “roads” – if you can call them that – leave a lot to be desired. Just stay aware, brace yourself, and don’t be alarmed if you hit your head against the car window. You’ll be okay. Overall, we spent more time in the car than we were expecting. It just takes a bit of time to get from stop to stop. Regardless, though, the trip is well worth it and filled with beautiful sights and fun activities.
Angel’s Billabong and Broken Beach
Our first stop was also our favorite stop. Broken Beach isn’t so much a beach as it is a very cool arch that perfectly frames the blue sea. It makes for a great photo opportunity. Angel’s Billabong, though, was a more interactive experience. Right around the corner from Broken Beach, this billabong is a great spot for a swim in shallow, crystal clear waters. With a natural break from the Indian Ocean, the water is perfectly calm for people and fish alike.
Kelingking Beach
Kelingking is unlike any other beach we have seen. A large, plant-covered rock formation jutting into the Indian Ocean serves as the backdrop for a peaceful, white sand beach. The view from the top is great for photos, but our biggest regret from Nusa Penida is not having time to make it down to the beach itself. It is quite a hike down, hence why we didn’t have time, but this would be a must do if we had decided to spend a night on the island or go with a private tour guide.
Snorkeling at FUNTASEA
Our tour concluded with lunch and snorkeling at FUNTASEA’s restaurant and bar. While the snorkeling itself wasn’t the best we’ve done, we really appreciated the private nature of the activity. Rather than snorkeling with a large group, the two of us were escorted on a private boat to a nice snorkeling spot that had a variety of colorful fish. All gear was provided, and the accompanying lunch was delicious too.
Happy traveling!
Kitrina & Jordan
