Nusa Penida (Bali). Nusa Penida Island Nusa Penida attractions map

Nusa Penida is our home and island in Indonesia where our school Freedive Nusa is located. This is a small tropical island located 12 kilometers east of Bali. Administratively, together with the neighboring islands of Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan, it belongs to the Klungkung district of Bali province. Population is about 50 thousand people.

Separated from Bali by the Badung Strait. The dimensions of the island are approximately 19x13 km. The relief consists of 3 plateaus: the first is on the northern coast, located at sea level; the second is in the center, with an average height of 400-450 m, and the third is in the south, with a height of about 200 m.

The northern coast is a coral plateau where locals grow seaweed. Southern coast - cliffs rising almost vertically to 100-200 m.

The most populated area is the northern coast of the island, the area between two large villages Sampalan (the capital) and Toayapakeh (the only Muslim settlement on the island, all other villages are Hindu).

The climate is hotter and drier than Bali. The economy is based on agriculture and fishing. Most of the population is engaged in the cultivation of algae on the coastal shallows in the sea.

Unlike Bali and neighboring Lembongan, Nusa Penida has not developed tourism for a long time. The active development and development of Penida began quite recently and this of course affects its tourist infrastructure, primarily the quantity and quality of housing and catering establishments. Nusa Penida is Bali 20 years ago, with all the pros and cons that entails.

How to get there

You need to get to Nusa Penida from Bali.

1) The easiest and most convenient way is speedboats from Sanur. The journey takes 30-40 minutes.

The pier is located in Sanur. Speedboats leave for Lembongan from there; there are many more of them and they go more often. It is important not to get confused.

Right at the entrance to the beach there is a booth that sells tickets for flights of all companies. These are resellers who add their commission to the cost. To buy a ticket directly from the company, you need to go further to the left along the beach.

There are several companies that come to different piers on Penida along the Sampalan-Toyapakeh coastline. We recommend booking your ticket by phone the day before and arriving at the pier half an hour before departure (on weekends and holidays there is a large flow of tourists and then all tickets may be sold out).

Below is a list of transport companies, schedules and costs. Most boats arrive at Toyapakeh village with the exception of Mola-Mola Express and Idola - these companies arrive at Sampalan.

Angel's Billabong Fast Cruise
Cost - 150,000 IDR.
Contacts. Sanur: 0896-0250-9714, 0812-8050-0000. Nusa Penida: 0821-4404-8323.
Sanur - Nusa Penida: 07:00, 07:30, 09:00, 12:00, 14:00, 16:30, 17:30
Nusa Penida - Sanur: 06:45, 08:00, 09:00, 13:00, 15:30, 16:30, 17:00

Semabu Hills Fast Cruises
Cost: 150,000 IDR one way.
Phone in Sanur: 082-144-975-411. Telephone in Nusa Penida: 081-237-367-666.
Sanur - Nusa Penida: 07:15, 13:00
Nusa Penida - Sanur: 09:00, 17:00

Maruti Express
Cost - 175,000 IDR one way.
Contacts. Sanur: 0812-3831-639, 0813-3875-4848. Nusa Penida: 0823-4022-8883.
Sanur - Nusa Penida: 07:30, 08:30, 10:00, 16:00
Nusa Penida - Sanur: 07:30, 09:00, 15:00, 16:30

Dwi Manunggal
Cost - 175,000 IDR.
Contacts. Sanur: 0823-3971-5433. Nusa Penida: 081337618249.
Sanur - Nusa Penida: 08:00, 11:00, 15:30, 18:00
Nusa Penida - Sanur: 07:00, 09:00, 14:30, 17:00

El Rey Junior
Cost - 175,000 IDR.
Contacts. Sanur: 0823-3971-5433, 0361-4491372. Nusa Penida: 0813-3761-8249
Sanur - Nusa Penida: 08:00, 10:45, 15:00
Nusa Penida - Sanur: 09:15, 02:15, 17:00

Sri Rejeki Express
Cost - 150,000 IDR.
Contacts. Sanur: 0821-4698-5330, 0813-3950-3630. Nusa Penida: 0823-5915-1949
Sanur – Nusa Penida: 08:30, 13:00
Nusa Penida – Sanur: 10:00, 16:30

Crown Fast Cruises
Cost - IDR 400,000 one way, IDR 600,000 round trip. The price includes transfers in Bali and Nusa Penida.
Contacts. Sanur: 0812-4631-3507. Nusa Penida: 0813-3757-4445, 0858-5705-0533.
Sanur - Nusa Penida: 08:00, 11:00 15:00
Nusa Penida - Sanur: 09:30, 13:30, 16:30

Idola
Cost - 125,000 IDR.
Contacts. Sanur: 0878-6225-1814. Nusa Penida: 0878-6225-1815.

Sanur - Nusa Penida: 08:15, 10:30, 17:00
Nusa Penida - Sanur: 07:00, 13:00, 17:00

Mola-Mola Express

Cost - 125,000 IDR.
Contacts. Sanur: 0813-3744-2555. Nusa Penida: 0813-3744-3000.
Sanur - Nusa Penida: 08:30, 17:00
Nusa Penida - Sanur: 07:30, 16:00

2) The second option - on a large ferry from Padang Bai - is suitable for those who want to come to Penida with their own transport.

Cost: 31,000 Rp per person, 48,000 Rp per motorcycle, about 300,000 Rp per car. First, you need to buy tickets for people separately at the ticket office, and then pay for transport when passing through the turnstiles.

Departure from Padang Bay at 11:00. Departure from Nusa Penida at 08:00. The journey is a little over an hour.

The schedule may vary, so it is better to arrive at least an hour before departure.

3) For those heading to Nusa Penida from the north or east of Bali, it is more convenient and closer to travel through Kusamba or Tribuana. Speedboats from Sekar Jaya depart from Kusamba village (Kusamba - 0852-0555-2276, Nusa Penida - 0857-3829-7015). Pier on Nusa Penida at Sampalan. Cost - 100,000 IDR. The journey takes 20-30 minutes.

Kusamba - Nusa Penida: 07:30, 12:30, 15:30.
Nusa Penida - Kusamba: 07:00, 11:45, 15:00.

Gangga Express departs from the nearby village of Tribuana, located between Padang Bai and Sanur. (Tribuan - 0819-3626-1294, Sampalan Nusa Penida - 0818-0546-4622,0812-3666-2476, Buyuk Nusa Penida - 0853-3854-4577). Cost - 75,000 IDR.
Tribuana - Sampalan (Nusa Penida): 06:30, 07:00, 07:30, 08:00, 12:00, 13:00, 14:30, 15:45
Sampalan (Nusa Penida) - Tribuana: 06:30, 07:00, 07:30, 12:30, 13:00, 14:15, 16:00
Tribuana - Buyuk (Nusa Penida): 08:30, 15:45
Buyuk (Nusa Penida) - Tribuana: 07:00, 12:30

4) You can also get to Nusa Penida from Lembongan. There is a public boat that leaves early in the morning from Jungut Batu village and costs Rp 50,000 per person. Or you can negotiate with a private boat that will transport you at any time convenient for you, the distance between the islands is short. The cost of a private boat depends on your bargaining ability and the place of departure and can range from 250-450 thousand per boat.

Accommodation

Our school is located in the village of Desa Ped between Sampalan and Toyapakeh. In our opinion, this is the most convenient place to live on the island, where the most foreigners are concentrated. There are several cafes and hotels of different levels. There are several small shops near Pura Ped Temple where you can buy vegetables and fruits. A kind of downtown of the island;) There is a clear sea, a beautiful view of Bali and the Agung volcano, no fuss, quiet and peaceful. At the same time, 15 minutes by motorbike to Sampalan or 10 minutes to Toyapakeh.

There is a hotel next to the school Ring Sameton Hotel. With large rooms with hot water and air conditioning, a swimming pool, a large area and a morning buffet for breakfast. Cost 600,000 and 1,000,000 Rp.

It's very quiet and peaceful around. This is what could be called an "Editor's Choice". The only problem is that they only have 6 houses and they are often occupied.

Behind the fence are Tombool Bungalows. Cost 350,000 Rp. Cozy and cute.

There in the neighborhood Cost - 250,000 and 350,000 Rp.

This location has the same benefits of a quiet countryside atmosphere.

Located 5 minutes walk from our school on the way to Kul Kul, Timbool and Green Villa.

​New houses. Cost 350,000 IDR.

Nearby is Saren Villa. Cost from 350,000 IDR.

It can be noisy due to the bar next door. But nearby there is a delicious and inexpensive cafe, The Gallery, which will especially appeal to vegans and vegetarians.

The most budget accommodation option, but also the farthest in location (about 10 minutes walk from our school) is.

The rooms are very simple and clean. Rooms with a fan cost 150,000 IDR, with air conditioning - 250,000 IDR. Breakfast not included.

There is a place right next to us right across the fence. Clean and well-kept guesthouse with very kind owners. The rooms are quite small with a single bed or two single beds. There is one large family room with two beds. The cost of rooms is 175,000, 250,000, 350,000 Rp.

All this is within walking distance from the school.

For other areas:

There are several guesthouses in the village of Toyapakeh, from where we are 7-10 minutes away by motorbike.

The capital of the island is the town of Sampalan. There are most inexpensive guesthouses, shops, a morning market, the main pier, etc. Although it is a small city, it is a city with noise, garbage, and hustle and bustle. Here you don’t really feel like you’re on a paradise island;) But if you plan to travel by bike, actively travel around the island and only spend the night in a hotel, then the option is quite acceptable.
Here, next to the Mola-Mola Express pier, there is a guesthouse owned by guys from Ukraine Artem and Oksana. The cost of rooms is 200,000 Rp.

For luxury lovers, there are several expensive and beautiful places in the western part of the island near Crystal Bay: Namaste Bungalow, Bintang Bungalow, Coco Resort, etc. For all their beauty, these hotels are located in the middle of the jungle and you have to drive to get to any place. But if you want privacy in the middle of nowhere, this is the place for you.

In general, Nusa Penida is now very actively developing and new housing is being built throughout the island, including even its least populated southern part. All options can be viewed on booking or airbnb.

If you are coming to us to dive, we can help with bookings on site. As is often the case, when booking locally the cost may be lower than online.

Everyday moments

There are few residents on the island who speak good English. Therefore, it may be difficult to communicate with ordinary locals who are not associated with tourists. Many smart young people who speak good English go to live and work in Bali. But if you speak at least a little Bahasa Indonesia, it will make your life easier and make prices on the market much lower;)

There are no large shops or supermarkets on the island that many of us are used to. Two local "big supermarkets" are located in Sampalan and Toyapakeh and are called Nusa Permai. But their selection of products is very limited. So if you need some familiar or specific food, it is better to bring it with you from Bali.

That is why there are morning markets in Sampalan and Toypakeh where you can buy everything you need from vegetables and fruits: bananas, papaya, mango (in season), dragon fruit, guava, pineapples, herring, tomatoes, cucumbers, eggplants, etc. . The market in Toyapakeh is also open in the evening from 4 to 6.

The Internet on the island is not of very good quality. Most guesthouses use mobile Internet, and its speed greatly depends on the weather, well, and the will of the Balinese Gods. Of the mobile operators, Telkomsel has the best reception and provides stable 3G. Indosat and XL have less coverage. There are no other operators on the island.

There are several ATMs. For one ATM withdrawal you can get a maximum of 2.5 million IDR. You can also change cash, but the exchange rate will not be favorable. It's better to do this in advance in Bali.

Where to eat

As written above, we are located in the “downtown” of the island and there are a large number of cafes concentrated around us. Next to us, right on the shore, is Penida Colada - one of the most popular cafes on the island among Europeans. There are 3 more cafes here on the coast: Penida Minang, De Ku Bistro, Warung Pondok. Of these, De Ku is the most recommended.

Next to the Full Moon Bungalow is The Gallery with good prices and delicious food, including various vegan and vegetarian options, such as Tempe burgers.

One of our favorite cafes on the island is located in Sampalan and is called Art Rolling Ulam Segara. Nice prices, interesting interior and very tasty food, both Indonesian and European.

Another favorite place is called Boga Segara and is located behind Sampalan on the way to the Goa Giri Putri cave. Bamboo gazebos on the edge of a cliff, offering beautiful views of Bali, low prices and delicious grilled fish.

Things to do

Most of Nusa Penida's attractions are marked on folk map of Bali from baliforum.ru (you need to select Nusa Penida in the left column).

The most important thing why you should come here and why we are here is, of course, diving;) The dive sites of Nusa Penida are the best in Bali. Directly opposite the school is our SD home site with rich coral gardens and plenty of underwater life. Video of our village above and below the water.

Here is a map of the island's dive sites.

If you are bored with your holiday in Bali, it's time to go to the nearby islands. One of these is the island of Nusa Penida. Despite the fact that its tourist development began not so long ago, it is already able to provide excellent conditions for recreation. There is a calm atmosphere here, the infrastructure is well developed, there are hotels where you can stay for a couple of days. The island has all the possibilities for both beach and excursion holidays.

Nusa Penida is the largest island off the coast of Bali. Together with Nusa Ceningan and Nusa Lembongan they form an island group, which is considered a good place for a secluded holiday.

For a long time, a ban on the development of tourism business was imposed on Nusa Penida, as a result of which the local infrastructure is slightly behind. Today, the island is hardly suitable for a long holiday; most tourists stay here for only a few days. There is a noticeable shortage of fresh water and food in Nusa Penida; almost all provisions are delivered from Bali.

The island's topography forms three plateaus. In the north there is a lowland, this is where the main infrastructure is presented: hotels, shops, local settlements. In the central part there is a second plateau, the heights here reach 450 meters. And the third plateau is a cascade of hills with a maximum height of 524 meters.

Nusa Penida is 12 kilometers away from Bali; it has dimensions of 19×14 kilometers, with a total area of ​​202.84 km 2. About 50 thousand local residents live within the island. It is an excellent place for a relaxing and secluded time.

The island is famous for its rich natural potential, ancient temples, and magnificent caves. The infrastructure is developed at an average level. There are a sufficient number of hotels, shops, and catering outlets located here. But, unfortunately, nightlife, banks and shopping centers are completely absent. If you need cash, you can use a local ATM, but the quantity is also minimal.

As for the cost of products, they are slightly lower in Nasu Penida than in Bali, since prices are more aimed at the local population. Vegetables and fruits can be purchased at small markets.

Almost the entire local population is engaged in agricultural development and algae cultivation. The second type of activity is actively represented in the north and northeast - places where the ebb and flow of the tides are strongly felt. Algae are actively used in the food industry and cosmetology. Most of the raw materials are exported to Japan and Europe. Global climate change may negatively affect the agricultural activities of the islanders, which in turn will provoke an outflow of population to neighboring Bali.

If you decide to relax on this island, then pay attention to the following recommendations:

• The island's ATMs have restrictions on cash withdrawals. You can get no more than $185 per day, plus money is not always loaded in the required amount, so take care of the required amount in Bali.
• Most of the inexpensive supermarkets are located in Sampalan.
• Local cafes operate in all localities, but their choice of dishes is not as wide as in Bali.
• In the morning, some villages have markets where you can always buy fresh fruits and vegetables.
• Only in isolated cases does the population speak English, so be prepared for the fact that you will not receive answers to many questions.

Best beaches

Crystal Bay is considered the most famous and recognizable beach on the island. This is a unique local landmark located in the northwestern part of Nusa Penida. The coastal line is formed by the purest sand, which blends perfectly with the azure waters of the ocean. Due to strong currents, a large amount of plankton gets here, which in turn attracts various underwater inhabitants. The most striking representative of the fauna is considered to be the mola mola fish. The beach is never empty; this is where most of the shops are concentrated. Crystal Bay is located near the village of Sakti.

South of Crystal Bay there are two more amazing beaches - Broken Beach and Angel's Billabong. There are no attractions or temple complexes here, but nature amazes with its beauty and virginity. The rich underwater world is presented here, and the sunsets will amaze even experienced travelers.

In the southern part of Nusa Penida is the wooded Tembeling Beach. This is one of the few areas of the island where virgin tropical forests are still preserved. To get to the beach, you need to go through a small cave within which the temple is located. There is a fee to visit Tembeling; you will have to pay 10 thousand rupees for entry. The hilly terrain has formed several basins here. Please note that generally only men are allowed to swim in them. For the fair sex, there is a slightly smaller swimming pool nearby.

What to do and what to see?

Fans of active pastime, connoisseurs of ecotourism, and those who come here for a beach holiday will feel as comfortable as possible on the island. Nusa Penida amazes with the variety of its beaches, karst caves, flora and fauna. The following activities are available on the island:

• Excursion programs. Almost all the main attractions can be seen within one day. During the excursion you will get acquainted with the culture and life of the local population. Pay attention to the distinctive features in architectural structures. Despite the fact that Nusa Penida is geographically related to Bali, it is a completely different world, the difference in which can be noticed immediately.
• Trekking. It will be appreciated by lovers of active recreation. You can either walk or bike to explore the island. Maximum heights reach 500 meters, and these hills offer stunning views.
• Bird watching. For these purposes, you need to visit the southern or southeastern part of the island. Rare birds are brought here from many Indonesian islands. Despite the fact that there is no official reserve on the island, the local population managed to restore the population of the Bali starling, yellow-crested cockatoo, and Javan sparrow.
• Snorkeling. Tourists come here from even the most remote corners of Indonesia to explore the underwater world. The best snorkeling spots are in the northern and northwestern parts of the island. The coral reef here is located almost right next to the shore and you don’t have to swim far to see all the beauties of the underwater world.
• Diving- This is another popular entertainment on the island. There are about 20 dive sites near Nusa Penida. Both beginners and professionals will feel comfortable here, since the diving depth starts from 3 meters.

Hotels

Staying on the island for several days will not be difficult, since several dozen hotels and homestays operate within its borders. The second ones represent the houses of the local population, in which several rooms are allocated to accommodate tourists. Each room has a separate entrance, giving you independent housing.

There are no tall buildings here, maximum three-story buildings. Most hotels offer cozy bungalows for accommodation. As for the cost of accommodation, it is an order of magnitude higher than in Bali or Lembongan. A room with a fan will cost you 130-150 thousand rupees, despite the fact that in Bali similar rooms cost about 100 thousand. Housing is slightly cheaper in the low season, that is, from December to March, with the exception of the New Year holidays.

Most of the hotels are concentrated within the village of Sampalan. More expensive housing is available near Crystal Bay and Broken Beach. Budget hotels are concentrated near Tuyapak Beach. Some of the best hotels include:

The hotel can also inquire about transfers. As a rule, this service will come in handy at the end of your vacation. The car will pick you up from the hotel at the right time and take you to the pier.

There is a good asphalt road in the northern and western parts of the island, so moving around should not be a problem. In the north there are also several gas stations for transport.

How to get there?

You can get to Nusa Penida only by water. There are two options for this trip:

• Ferry. It departs from Padang Bay, the ticket price is 31 thousand rupees. If you decide to cross with your bike, then the cost increases by 17 thousand. You should only take a scooter with you if it is your own or you have paid a monthly rent. Because for 80 thousand rupees you can rent a bike upon arrival on the island of Nusa Penida. The ferry sails for about an hour and departs daily at 11 am.
• Speedboard. They start running at 6:30, every hour is about an hour. A ticket will cost about $35 in both directions, travel time is 30-40 minutes. You can purchase tickets to Nos Penida on this website.

Nusa Penida island on the map

On this map I marked the exact location of this island.

Today, the island of Nusa Penida can safely be classified as wild, but if desired, it is always ready to provide opportunities for different types of recreation. This is where you can feel the full flavor of local culture, life, feel privacy and enjoy a relaxing pastime.

Hotel in Nusa Penida

Offering an outdoor pool and free WiFi, Saka Boutique Hotel is located in Nusa Penida, 15 km from Seganing Waterfall and 27 km from Pulau Djerbu Viewpoint. I liked absolutely everything! We stayed from March 12 to 14, rented two rooms with friends. Without hesitation, take and stay with Sam Saki! confirmation comes as quickly as possible, after which you can contact him via WhatsApp, and this wonderful person helped us with everything: he organized a round-trip speedboat for us at a discount, organized a transfer from the hotel to the speedboat and the same thing upon returning to Bali, organized drivers twice for east tour and west tour, agreed on a private boat for snorkeling, provided, if possible, a room where you could take a shower before leaving. A pleasant surprise was that we were met and taken to the pier with our suitcases without asking for it. Excellent hotel, fresh rooms, air conditioning, safe, excellent mattress, everything is in good order, good plumbing (but be prepared for the fact that the bathroom needs to be locked with a key, as there is natural air conditioning of the room - a window without glass))) but this does not suit us at all interfered. Swimming pool, sun loungers, balcony!) Of the entire trip to Bali and nearby islands (two A's on Nusa Dua, four in Ubud, a good hotel on Gili Trawangan) - it was Nusa Penida that captivated us and left the most vivid impressions, and Sam Saka undoubtedly contributed to this . Breakfast a la carte, normal, no frills, in general, the same as on the whole island. Overall, this is a wonderful person and a wonderful hotel! We have recommended Sam Saka to all our friends and will definitely come back to him again! Everything was great!!! We booked 2 rooms. Mr Sam Saka is a great host who helped us with everything: he made us a discount for the speedboat, organized transfer fro the hotel on Bali to speed boat two times (on the way to Nusa Penida and back), organized two cars for east and west tour trips, made a reservation for a private boat for snorkeling, kept us from and to speedboat harbor himself on his car. The hotel is great and new one. It was really great weekend. Thanks, Sam Saka, we will come back for sure and will recommend your hotel to everyone who is going to Bali!)

Expand Collapse

Hotel Arsa Santhi Nusa Penida 3 stars

Hotel in Nusa Penida

Offering an outdoor pool and terrace, Arsa Santhi Nusa Penida is located in Nusa Penida, 10 km from Seganing Waterfall, 18 km from Pulau Bay Viewpoint and 2.9 km from Dalem Temple... I liked the very prompt service, I didn’t have time to book a room, and they were already going to meet me at the port. We checked in quickly. The room is clean and comfortable. The bed is very large and comfortable, I couldn’t get up in the morning as I wanted to soak up. The bed linen is white and clean. Basik, sunbeds, towel - everything is in order! Toothbrushes, soap, shower gel available.

Expand Collapse

Kampuak Cottages 2 stars

Hotel in Nusa Penida

Kampuak Cottages offers 2-star accommodation in Toyapakehe. It features a garden and terrace. This 2-star hotel has a 24-hour reception. Great location, really pleasant and clean rooms, but the thing that makes this such a good place to stay are the staff. All of the people are incredibly helpful and generous with their time and advice. Thanks for making our visit to Kampuak Cottages that much better.

Expand Collapse

Kamasan Cottage 3 stars

Hotel in Nusa Penida

Kamasan Adults Only Cottage features a garden and terrace for adults only. This 3-star hotel offers concierge and ticketing services. Nice, new place, where we stayed for one night, when visiting Nusa Penida. Very friendly and, what’s important, very helpfull staff. Not far away from the harbor for walking but we were offered free pick up. The breakfast (included) very tasty. If you want to see the island, don’t hesitate, stay in Kamasan Cottage.

Expand Collapse

Ogix Cliff Paradise 3 stars

Hotel in Nusa Penida

Ogix Cliff Paradise Hotel is located in Nusa Penida, 11 km from Pulau Serbu Viewpoint. It features a ticket office, non-smoking rooms, a garden, free WiFi and a bar. Very friendly staff.

Expand Collapse

Pradana Beach Inn Luxury 4 stars

Hotel in Nusa Penida

Pradana Beach Inn Luxury is located in Nusa Penida, 17 km from Pulau Seribu Viewpoint. It features non-smoking rooms, an outdoor swimming pool, free Wi-Fi and a garden. Wonderful pool, wonderful staff, comfortable rooms, beautiful view of the ocean, good breakfast.

Expand Collapse

Pandawa Beach Resort and Spa Luxury 5 stars

Hotel in Nusa Penida

Offering an outdoor swimming pool, a garden and a terrace, Pandawa Beach Luxury Resort & Spa is located in Nusa Penida, 17 km from Pulau Djerbu Viewpoint. Responsive and nice staff, very tasty dishes in the restaurant, tomato soup is absolutely awesome. The mini villas are beautiful and clean. So we liked everything when we went, prepared for the worst, but when we arrived we were amazed! Well done guys!!!

Expand Collapse

Semabu Hills Hotel Nusa Penida 4 stars

Hotel in Nusa Penida

Set in the tranquil hills of Nusa Penida, the hotel offers stunning views of the island and sea. It features an infinity pool and a restaurant serving delicious Asian cuisine. Very big room. The hotel is very nice, beautiful view, good breakfast.

Expand Collapse

Expand Collapse

Bintang Penida Resort 3 stars

Hotel in Nusa Penida

Offering a garden and bar, Bintang Penida Resort is located in Nusa Penida. The place is extraordinary. (Read details.)I dont think you will find a place like this for nusa penida. It is very clean. Bathroom is classy. With blue led light the furniture are all expensive and all class. Even the room furniture are all new and expensive. Everything is clean and every morning the staff clean your room. The pool is big great and clean. The towels quality is really good, soft and fluffy. You have towels at your bathroom your bed and at the pool. This you can find at most of places. (Only 1 towel at your room normally). You have slippers at your room and dental kit.The staff is super friendly. They help with whatever you need. Another great thing is FOOD. Their plates are really delicious and cheap for penida. (1 avocado chicken salad + 1 pica margarita + 2 main dishes +a big bottle of water) not exceding 20 euros or 300k IDR for 2 ppl. Another thing to be mentioned is that they have pick up and drop off service from the harbor to hotel for free. (other hotels around 20 euros additional). Even if you are staying somewhere else l recommend eating here. Exceptional. You get more than you are paying for. Comparing to other places (l stayed at 2 places in penida). So everything is really good. No cons for this place. The owner and staff will make feel really good. What can I say more. 👌👌👌❤❤❤

Expand Collapse

At a distance of 12 km south of Bali there is a small island - Nusa Penida. The Balinese consider it a cursed place where black magic conspiracies take place and an evil demon lives. Criminals, unreliable people and sorcerers were sent here for a long time. The island, measuring 19.4 km by 13.7 km, covers an area of ​​203 km². The island's relief is represented by three plateaus. The lowest is the northern one, located on the same level with the ocean and facing the water. This is the most populated part of the island. The main infrastructure facilities and large settlements are concentrated here.

In the central part of Nusa Penida, at an altitude of 450-520 m above sea level, stretches a hilly ridge. The third plateau occupies the southern part of the island, its height is 200 m above sea level.

Description

For a long time, the island was inaccessible to tourists, as the Indonesian government only recently lifted the ban on tourism development. Now the situation is changing for the better.

Nusa Penida is not a place where you can spend a good multi-day holiday. There is an acute shortage of food and fresh water. They are imported from Bali. There are no lakes or rivers that have a source. During the rainy season, many streams and rivulets appear, but with the cessation of rainfall they quickly dry up. For the same reason, agriculture is poorly developed. The main occupation of the indigenous population is growing algae on the coral shallows.

The island is home to the Indonesian Bird Sanctuary, home to endangered bird species.

Free entry was only opened in the 2000s, for this reason Nusa Penida is practically unknown in the world of tourism. Infrastructure development has begun recently. There are hotels, restaurants, ATMs, cafes, but there are too few of them. But in principle there are no entertainment complexes, such as water parks, dolphinariums, etc. The whole appeal of Nusa Penida lies in its coastal area.

The best beaches with dazzling white sand are located on the west and north coasts. Crystal Bay is a heavenly landscape created by Mother Nature. The lagoon is located between the islands of Nusa Penida and neighboring Nusa Ceningan and is an excellent place for diving and beach holidays. There are other beaches where you can swim, but not everywhere, because the coral reefs approach the very shore. Most often, farms engaged in the cultivation of algae are based there.

Hotels are concentrated in settlements near seaports. These are the town of Sampalan - the capital of the island and the village of Toyapake. Places must be reserved in advance. Here you can rent a motorbike, boat or bicycle.

The roads are new, of high quality, but only those that run along the coastline. In the interior, the islands are deserted and there are no signs on them. It is impossible to move along them without a map, since often there is no one to tell the right direction.

The most stunning pictures in Nusa Penida are the sunsets. Beautiful photographs against their background can be taken from anywhere in the unpopular Penida. There are not many places on our planet with such a play of colors.

Things to do

Civilization has practically not affected the life of the local population. Therefore, it will appeal primarily to ecotourism lovers. Active tourists can go on excursions to karst caves, visit ancient temples and watch a huge population of unique birds.

The size of the island allows you to visit places worthy of attention in one daylight. Despite the fact that Penida is located next to Bali, the differences between them are too obvious. First of all, this concerns the Balinese dialect, which is over a thousand years old and is spoken by the residents of Nusa Penida. The differences in the architectural development of the settlements are noticeable even with a superficial examination; it will be even more interesting to get acquainted with the Muslim part of this magical island, the Toyapakeh area.

Despite the fact that the Bird Sanctuary is constantly replenished with endangered and exotic breeds of birds, the territory has no official status. Therefore, protection programs do not work as expected. There are a lot of poachers here, although the local population actively helps the environmental movement. Thanks to this, many populations of endangered birds have been restored.

As you take the coastal road to the northwest, you can see fishing boats. A sure sign that the coral reefs here come almost close to the shore and there is an opportunity for snorkeling. Equipment for this can be rented on the Blue Lagoon beach. Prices there are low. A complete set for 24 hours will cost 30 thousand rupees.

Thousands of divers come here every year. There are over twenty diving areas around Penida. Coral reefs here occupy an area of ​​1400 hectares. In recent years, diving centers have been opened here and underwater excursions have become possible to book directly on the spot.

Travel around the island

To see the most interesting places in one day, you should plan your route in advance and start best from Atuh Beach.

Atuh Beach

It is located in the eastern part and hidden in the bay. Here you can watch the most beautiful sunrise, when a huge ball rolls out from behind the top of a mountain located near Lombok. You can see how the golden path connects the two islands. The best place to meet a new day is not the beach, but a house in the branches of a tree that grows on a hill nearby.

Teletubbies Hill

What strikes you first of all on Nusa Penida is the variety of landscapes that replace each other. Half an hour's bike ride to the west and you find yourself in a vast world of green hills.

You need to stock up on food for the day, since it is almost impossible to find a store or shop here.

Spectacular Kelingking

A hand-shaped rock divides the beach into two unequal parts. On the left the coast is covered with black sand and dark stone blocks, and on the right there is dazzling white sand and an azure sea. You can get down by a narrow bamboo staircase along the rock. It will take at least an hour to go down to the sea and then up again. Dusk falls on the island quite early, so it is better to plan your descent in the morning. Many vacationers are intimidated by the height of the cliff and the steepness of the path, so they prefer to enjoy the surrounding beauty from the observation deck.

Tembeling Forest

Heading to Tembeling Beach, located in the south, you will certainly find yourself in the last remaining corner of the rainforest, which in ancient times covered the entire island. Next, the road leads to a cave, after passing through which you can exit to a platform overlooking the ocean. You watch how the waves crash noisily against two-hundred-meter cliffs, and it takes your breath away. The place is really very beautiful, and you need to visit here at least once in your life.

Broken Bay or Pashikh-uug

This is what they call a fantastically beautiful coastal rock in Balinese. If you look from above into the depths of the sea, then with luck you can see turtles and elegant manta rays. A five-minute walk from this place you will discover a hidden natural reservoir with emerald-colored water that has no equal. At low tide you can swim in it.

Crystal Bay

Crystal Bay Lagoon is an ideal place for snorkeling. It's great here. Tourists who come here spend more time in the water than on the sandy beach. The underwater world of the lagoon is very diverse; schools of colorful fish will scurry around you. Here you can meet clown fish or Nemo and sea turtles, swim with stingrays and sunfish. This place is the busiest of all and is the hallmark of Penida. There are shops on the shore, which in itself is a rare phenomenon in these parts.

An untouched paradise forty minutes from Bali contains not only unique natural beauty, but also many interesting places.

Karangasari Cave

4 km north of the Suana settlement you will find a cascade of limestone caves with large stalactites. At the entrance to the caves there is a ritual temple, which is mandatory for Hindu believers to visit. To enter the sanctuary, you must remove your shoes and bathe in holy water.

On festival days it is crowded and you will not be able to enjoy the beauty of the temple in a calm atmosphere, but you can listen to mystical chants and witness the ceremony. Another temple, a Buddhist one, is located in the caves themselves.

Pura Penataran Ped

The second most important temple is located between the settlements of Simpalan and Toyapake. Place of pilgrimage for Balinese Hindus. The prayer said in it protects against illness and protects against death. The architecture of the temple is grandiose and pompous, and makes a striking contrast to the tranquil landscapes of Nusa Penida.

The complex is represented by five sites, each of which has its own role in the prayer service.

The first prayer is read in its northern part, in the palace of Batara Barun. Next, believers go to the purgatory of the temple: to a garden with a pond in which a lotus grows. The next point on the route is the temple of magical power, located in the western part. Hindus then visit Pelebaan Ratu Mas in the eastern part. And the ceremony ends in the center of the complex, in the Bale Agung Temple.

Mundi Hill

Another religious architectural project is located in the heart of Penida, at its highest point. The complex is represented by three temples: Beji, some of whose premises tourists are not allowed to visit, Krangkeng and the Puncak Mundi Temple, which keeps the secrets of ancient Bali. Prayer services are held in the same order. Going to this place you will meet a large number of monkeys. They do not show aggression, but they cleverly steal tourists’ belongings.

The religious complex is located in the village of Batukandik. A paved road leads here from the harbor. By car or bike the trip takes about an hour. The route is mountainous and unsafe, so transport must be in order.

You can get to the island through Bali by water. If you do not plan to take rented transport with you, then you should use the services of a speed boat or public sea transport. Bali has six ports from which you can sail to Penida.

Padang Bai

You can take a speed boat or public ferry. In the first case, the fare will cost 75 thousand rupees, and in the second - 31. Traveling by ferry will take twice as long. But you can bring a bike (50 thousand Rp) or a car (300 thousand Rp).

Kusamba

Beach in the vicinity of Semarapur. Among the proposals - only a speedboat, because there is no port. The trip will take no more than half an hour, and the fare is 100 thousand Rp.

Tribune

You can go to Penida by speedboat (75 thousand Rp) or a public boat. The first ones depart every half hour from 6 a.m. to 3:45 p.m., and public transport departs once a day, at 6 a.m.

Benoa Harbor

From this port you can travel to Penida by cruise ship. An entertainment program will be offered to your attention. The ticket price is $42, and the travel time is 45 minutes. The ship leaves at 9 am.

Pantai Sanur

There is no port here, but due to the popularity of boat trips, you can depart from this point at any convenient time from morning to 16:00. The operators working here will offer speedboats. The cheapest option is 125 thousand rupees one way.

Nusa Lembongan

Water transport from all parts of Bali docks here. You can be taken to the island of Nusa Penida by public transport for $4, or you can rent a boat from local residents. It's not worth paying more than $19, so bargain.

If you have never been to the island, then for a comfortable trip it is better to use the recommendations of experienced tourists.

There are few ATMs here, and those that accept Visa and Mastercard are located in two settlements: Sampalan and Toyapaka. There is a limit, you can withdraw no more than $185 per day, so think about cash in advance.

You can stock up on everything you need for traveling around the island in Sampalan supermarkets. In the mornings there is a market where you can find inexpensive vegetables and fruits.

Along the way there are sometimes villages with cafes. But the menu there is much more modest than in Bali. European cuisine is served only in large restaurants. They are also located only in Sampalan.

The majority of the population does not speak English, so dialogue will not work in most cases.

Hotel rooms are more expensive than in Bali. This is explained by their small number and lack of competition.

If the night is far from Sampalan or Toyapak, then you need to find the head of the village community, he will help with accommodation.

The Internet here is poor or non-existent, remember this.

Nusa Penida has not yet been developed by tourists, there are bad roads and there are no entertainments usual for the much-hyped Bali, but after visiting here, you will get a sea of ​​the most amazing impressions and take with you a piece of this magical island.

And the smallest one is ). Nusa Penida is a fairly popular tourism destination; people come here on their own for a long stay or take short stays from neighboring Bali. 50 thousand people live here permanently, mostly on the coast. Local residents work in tourism, fishing and seaweed cultivation.

Climatic conditions

The climate on Nusa Penida is subequatorial, hot, and differs from Bali in lower humidity. You can come at any time of the year; there is no typical seasonality here. The air temperature does not fall below +25°С, and the water temperature does not fall below +22...+25°С.

Attractions Nusa Penida

The entire island, measuring 19x13 km, is divided into three plateaus. The central one is the highest, it rises to 400-450 m, and the southern one, about 200 m high, ends with cliffs into the sea. The most residential and tourist place is the northern plain, gently sloping into the sea. This is where most of the seaweed is grown, famous restaurants and restaurants are located. The capital of the island, Sampalan, and the only Muslim settlement of Toyapak are also located here.

The most interesting places that are worth seeing on the island of Nusa Penida when traveling independently or with a tour:

Beaches

The best beaches of Nusa Penida island are located on the northern sloping side. They delight with white sand, tall palm trees and coral reefs near the shore, which makes it possible to see marine life not only with scuba diving, but also with snorkels and masks. The most popular beaches of Nusa Penida:

• Crystal Bay;
• Atu Beach;
• Broken Beach;
• Suvehan Beach;
• Clingking Beach.

The eastern part of the island is occupied by seaweed farms, while on the southern side you'll find jagged cliffs with crashing waves and karst caves.

Diving in Nusa Penida

People come to the island primarily for diving. This island is located in warm waters and is surrounded by beautiful coral reefs. Only here you can find large manta rays, mola mola fish, huge sea turtles and other representatives of the underwater world almost all year round. The peak season is in summer and early autumn. The main dive sites are located on the south side; you need to get to them from the shore by boat. But for lovers of snorkeling, there are enough points on the northern coast where you can swim on your own. The best dive sites are indicated on the Nusa Penida map:

Accommodation and accommodation

All hotels and guesthouses in Nusa Penida are concentrated in the north in the two large local centers of Sampalan and Toyapaka. And for lovers of nature and solitude, there are good places on the coast between them. It is best to stay in hotels on the beaches or in the jungle, and get to civilization on a rented motorcycle.

Hotels in Nusa Penida:

• Namaste Bungalow;
• Coco Resort;
• Bintang Bungalow.

These are hotels located near the popular Crystal Bay. They are surrounded by the jungle and offer high luxury service. Suitable for unity with nature away from civilization.

Guesthouses in Nusa Penida:

1. Nusa Garden Bungalow – located in the capital of the island near the arrival point of boats from Bali. The price tag is affordable, a room will cost you $15.
2. Fool Moon Bungalow is a little away from Sampalan. Comfortable guesthouse with a bar and cozy rooms for $27.
3. Villa Green House with beautiful grounds, clean spacious rooms and air conditioning will cost $35.

Cafes and restaurants

Nusa Penida doesn't have stellar restaurants, but it does offer delicious and inexpensive cuisine in its many cafés along the coast. The bulk of them are concentrated in the center of life of the island, on the northern coast, between the villages of Sampalan and Toyapak. The most delicious establishments that offer both local and international cuisine:

1. The Gallery is a small restaurant with international cuisine, where you can find dishes for vegetarians and vegans.
2. Tarzan Resto – here you should pay attention to the real pizza cooked on coals.
3. Boga Segara - fish menu and stunning ocean views.

How to get to the island?

You can get to Nusa Penida or Lembongan from the island of Bali, from the port, from where high-speed boats run for backpackers. Travel time is about half an hour, price is $10 per person. Travelers with their own transport will find it more convenient to use the Padang Bai cargo ferry. It runs once a day, from Bali at 11:00 and from Nusa Penida at 8:00. Price is $2.3 per person, $3.6 per motorcycle and $22.5 per car. The journey takes about 1 hour.