Nusa Penida Island Bali

   Nusa Penida is an island southeast of Indonesia's island Bali and a district of Klungkung Regency that includes the neighbouring small island of Nusa Lembongan. The Badung Strait separates the island and Bali. The interior of Nusa Penida is hilly with a maximum altitude of 524 metres. It is drier than the nearby island of Bali. There is very little tourist infrastructure.

There are two small islands nearby - Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan - which are included within the district (kecamatan). Administratively, the kecamatan of the same name, had a population of 45,178 in 2010 census, covering 202.8 km2, very little changed from 10 years prior.

History

   Just imagine a sedate and calm place with untouched wilderness, desert beaches and crystal water, a place with breathtaking views and kind, sincere people. You feel a desire to go there and become a part of this unexplored new world, right? You would say the time-machine hasn’t been invented yet. But you don’t need it. Just a mere 12 kilometers from Bali, like a warlock who stopped the sands of time, stands the secret island Nusa Penida. Hidden from the curious looks of civilisation it guards a primeval image of Bali and its own histories, myths and legends which only the most adventurous people can get to. Behind the walls of peace and calmness, in crystal ocean and white sand the island remains one dark secret: since ancient times Nusa Penida was the Black Magic island.

   According to legend this place was inhabited by demons and warlocks. One of them still fears all the citizens so much that they don’t dare to say his name aloud. Macaling, also known as Jero Gede Macaling was the powerful warlock, practicing black magic and spreading diseases and misfortune. Nusa Penida inhabitants say that originally Macaling lived in Bali, in the small village Batuan but he was exiled to Nusa Penida because of the black magic. The angry warlock decided to seek revenge and was consistently sending illnesses, epidemics and diseases to Balinese people. One day when Balinese people celebrated Nyepi (New Year) full of fun, joy and uproar, Macaling decided to fool the people and under the form of Barong (leader of the hosts of good) went to Bali followed by an army of demons. The demons destroyed everything while their master was simply waiting for his victory. Since then, the Balinese New Year is a Day of Silence, nobody is making noise or having fun. 

   The next day terrified citizens went to a priest to find their salvation. There was only one way to vanquish Macaling - create another Barong, the only one who was able to withstand the powerful spirit. Barong defeated and Macaling with his army was chased back to Nusa Penida. But unfortunately it didn’t put and end to an epic battle. High priests of the neighboring Gelgel kingdom and the island of Bali came to Nusa Penida to cleanse the island from dark spirits and banish Macaling. This supernatural battle of light and darkness gave the island its name Nusa Penida “The island of Priests”.Since then Barong masks have become the protection from evil spirits. The dreadful Macaling was defeated but nobody could completely subdue him. Part of him still lingers here within the  illnesses and misfortunes of the people. Pura Ped temple keeps Macaling’s powerful spirit, it’s the source of power for those who practice black magic and a place of pilgrimage for those who are seeking protection from evil and disease. There exists a solemn rite that every Balinese Hindu should perform at least once during this life. They should make a pilgrimage to Pura Ped temple in Nusa Penida, whose energy supplies negative balance to the positive side of divinity. This thin invisible world is divided into dark and light sides. Demons and Gods keep this balance which brings a sense of calmness and harmony. You may begin to question why would one need to visit such a tranquil but also mysterious place? 

   Don’t be too quick to pass judgement, it’s this mysterious island Nusa Penida which reflects the Balinese spiritual belief system. The Universe is the balance of light and darkness, one cannot exist without another. Nusa Penida inhabitants aspire to the light but they also respect darkness as an imprescriptible part of the world. When you first step on the Nusa Penida lands, you will realize that their curse became their blessing. Hearts of citizens are full of kindness, they protect those treasures given to them by nature and always offer their help to those who need it. 

   Nusa Penida is an unofficial bird sanctuary. Bali Starling, Java Sparrow, Lesser Sulphur Crested Cockatoo and Mitchell’s Lorikeet all call this island home. The crystal waters of Nusa Penida are a temptation for scuba divers and snorkeling lovers from all over the world. This underwater world of the island opens its doors to the kingdom of coral reefs and other ocean inhabitants. Divers usually meet Manta Rays, Whale Sharks and Mola-Mola fishes. Nusa Penida possesses both the untouched treasures of nature and ancient traditions which are still protected with care. Seemingly nobody can ruin the calmness of this world where the guard of the world and old culture are valued the most.

  

Bali Bird Sanctuary

   Nusa Penida, and neighbouring Lembongan and Ceningan islands, are a bird sanctuary. The islands communities have used traditional Balinese village regulations to create the sanctuary. The idea of a sanctuary came from the Friends of the National Parks Foundation (FNPF).

In 2006 all 35 villages (now 41 villages) agreed to make bird protection part of their traditional regulations (“awig-awig”). Since then, the FNPF has rehabilitated and released various Indonesian birds, most notably the critically endangered Bali starling which is endemic to Bali but whose numbers in the wild had declined to less than 10 in 2005. After a two-year program by FNPF in which 64 cage bred birds were rehabilitated and released onto Nusa Penida, their number had increased to over 100 in 2009. Other released birds include the Java sparrow, Mitchell's lorikeet and sulphur crested cockatoo.

Dive Sites

    Nusa Penida covers a wide area of diving locations, including Penida Bay, Batu Lumbung (Manta Point), Batu Meling, Batu Abah, Toya Pakeh and Malibu Point. The flow through the Lombok Strait is, overall, south-tending, although the strength and direction of the tidal streams are influenced by the monsoon seasons.
During the southeast monsoons, the tidal flow tends south; during the northeast monsoons, the tidal flow tends north. In the area of the strait north of Nusa Penida, the pattern is relatively simple, with a flow, at peaktide, of about three-and-one-half knots. Tidal streams in Badung Strait are semi-diurnal, but the character of the stream is very complicated because its direction runs obliquely to the general south to north direction of Lombok Strait, and the channel has a curved shape.
Based on survey in 2009, there was about 1,419 hectares coral sites with 66 percent covered the sites in 3 meters depth and 74 percent covered the sites in 10 meters depth.

1. Toyapakeh

  Toyapakeh has a stretch of reefs, and in the southern part of the bay there is a similar area of rugged bommies, rich with color and fish. Big schools of fish, sea turtles, and occasionally Mola mola (sunfish) are highlight of Toyapakeh diving. Toyapakeh is special for its pillars of coral.

2. Malibu Point

  Malibu Point is a diving site with gray reefs, reef white tips, silver-tips and numerous sharks. While Penida Bay is another anchorage, and the rocky islands have an interesting forms; something like an old resting elephant. The bay is vulnerable to swell, creating-up-and-down-currents. Then, Manta Point is a limestone rock off Pandan cafe. The swell is relatively strong.

3. Manta Bay

  A bay frequented by tourist boats because it is a known location for spotting and swimming with Manta Rays. There is no harm in enjoying the underwater world when traveling on Nusa Penida because you will get a special experience, including searching for stingrays (manta). In Manta Bay, which is far from the Kelingking beach, you can dive along with the Manta ray, which is known to be very friendly and likes to play among divers.

4. Crystal Bay

 Crystal Bay is located on the west side of Nusa Penida. The bay is a popular tourist destination. The beach is jotted by lonely palm trees. One can rent umbrellas, chairs, snorkel gear, and light refreshments. Just outside the bay there is a big rock, a small island even, which can be used as a point of reference, especially under water. The snorkeling here is considered some of the best on the island due to the clarity of the water with eels, Napoleon fish, parrot fish, seasonal turtles, and brilliant coral. During the summer months Mola Mola are often spotted here although they can also be spotted during the wet season. All of this is easily accessible from shore, but caution should be taken if the current or waves are strong.

List of Beautifull Nusa Penida Beaches

1. Atuh Beach

  The most famous Nusa Penida beaches are Atuh Beach. For now, Atuh Beach Nusa Penida is still categories as one of the best-hidden beaches in Bali. Due to the Atuh beach location is secluded, far from the residential area, and need extra energy to get to the Atuh beach Nusa Penida location, from the Toya Pakeh port.

  Also, to reach the shoreline, you have to pass the limestone path and descend the rock cliffs. Not many visitors are brave enough to climb down the towering cliff to step their feet on the Atuh Beach sand. Therefore, if you are interested in vacationing at Atuh beach Nusa Penida, prepare your stamina and courage. At Atuh beach there are three white sand beaches and each beach separated by towering cliffs. The towering cliffs quite similar to the cliffs at the Bali Uluwatu temple attraction. On the east side of Atuh beach is Sebele beach and on the west side of Atuh Beach is Pelilit beach/Diamond beach.

Also, the coastline offers white sand mixed with small rocks. The seawater is crystal clear and suitable if you like snorkeling activity, however not for novice swimmer. Also, the coral reefs beauty remain preserved and people able to see it when they are doing snorkeling activity.

  If you have a vacation at one of the beaches in south Bali such as Kuta beach Bali, while sitting on the Kuta Beach, you only able to see the Indian ocean. However, if you sit at Atuh beach Nusa Penida coastline, besides able to observe the Indian ocean view, you also able to see a towering cliff. Also, on the west side of the cliff, there is a treehouse which is known as Atuh Beach treehouse.

2.  Broken Beach (Pasih uug)

  Number two on the list of Nusa Penida Beaches is Pasih Uug. Pasih Uug is a Balinese word, pasih mean beach and uug mean broken, that’s why travelers call this beach as Broken Beach Nusa Penida.

Broken Beach Nusa Penida circled by towering cliffs. From an aerial view, it will resemble like a seawater pool encircled by high cliffs. Seawater can access the area enclosed by cliffs, due to there is a massive hole on the cliff walls and resembles as a bridge. Therefore, the resident also calls the Broken Beach Nusa Penida with the name Batu Bolong beach/Karang Bolong Beach. Bolong is a Balinese word which means hole.

The Broken Beach Nusa Penida located on the Banjar Sumpang, Bunga Mekar, Nusa Penida District. Precisely in the southwest of the Nusa Penida island. 

3. Smoke Beach (Pasih Andus)

  Pasih Andus is a Balinese word, pasih mean beach while Andus implies smoke. Therefore, many travelers call pasih Andus as Smoke Beach Nusa Penida. So, there is smoke coming from the beach? No, there is no smoke, is a mist. The mist is occurring due to the impact of the waves hit the steep rock wall that jutted into the sea. If you have visited the water blow Nusa Dua Bali, then this is how the waves are rising and create a water splash that becomes a mist. The water splash at the Smoke Beach Nusa Penida even higher compare the water blow waves of Nusa Dua Bali.

  The Smoke Beach Nusa Penida location close with the broken beach and Angel’s Billabong Nusa Penida. Only a several meters away and can be reached by foot, approximately 15 minutes walk.

Most travelers who visit the Smoke Beach Nusa Penida are young tourists. Most of the visitors will wait for the waves to rise high than taking a selfies photo. Throwing waves soared are not occur every minute, so you have to wait patiently. From Smoke Beach cliff, if you are facing northwest, you will be able to see the Nusa Ceningan island.

4. Angel's Billabong

  If you ask me what is the best Nusa Penida beaches to swim, and the pearl of Nusa Penida, then I will say Angel’s Billabong Nusa Penida. Due to the unique location of Angel’s Billabong’s Nusa Penida. Also, rarely there is a place like Angel’s Billabong Nusa Penida. The uniqueness of Angel’s Billabong Nusa Penida makes me categories as one of the unique attractions in Bali.

So what kind of place is Angel’s Billabong? Angel’s Billabong on the island of Nusa Penida Bali is a river estuary adjacent to the sea. The river estuary is dead-end, causing stagnant water to form a pond/pool. Angel’s Billabong pool flanked by two coral cliffs, and the water is apparent which allows you to see the bottom of the river estuary. Also, Angel’s Billabong’s is one of the best places to see a sunset in Nusa Penida.

  So are you interested in having a holiday to Angel’s Billabong Nusa Penida? If yes! For sure you want to know how to get the location of Angel’s Billabong. If you know the Broken Beach location, it means you are near. Then what is the best transportation to go to Angel’s Billabong Nusa Penida Bali? The best way is to rent a motorbike in Nusa Penida. The cost of the motorbike rental in Nusa Penida, around IDR 70,000 / 1 motorcycle

5. Kelingking Beach 

  If you saw photos of sea views with huge cliffs that resemble T-Rex, also below the cliff, there is a white sand beach, for sure the photo taken on the Kelingking hill of the island of Nusa Penida Bali. Due to the cliff shaped like a Tyrannosaurus Rex, making the Kelingking hill Nusa Penida become favorite tourist spots.

From the top of Kelingking hill Nusa Penida, you will be able to see a clean white sand beach with bluish watercolor. This place is not suitable to have a visit if you are Acrophobic (Fear of Heights). I saw a few visitors when the looking down from Kelingking hill; it made them feel paralyzed and immediately crawl with their knees.

 To be able to set your foot on the Kelingking beach Nusa Penida, you have to go down through steep footpath. On the edge of the steep pathway, there is a bamboo fence as a place to hold. After trekking down the steep path, the journey not yet finished, because you will find one very steep staircase leading to the beach area.

 Getting down through a steep path at Kelingking beach cliff, create a thrilling experience. It takes me about 30 minutes to step my feet on the Kelingking beach sand. However, all fear and curiosity disappeared when I set foot on the sand of Kelingking beach.

From the Kelingking beach coastline, you will see gentle waves with fine grains of white sand. However before I visited Kelingking beach, my friend who is a native of Nusa Penida resident, forbade me to swim. Due to the Kelingking beach ocean currents were powerful.

Tips for Vacation to Nusa Penida

1. On average, visitors to Nusa Penida spend 2 days 1 night.
2. To get to Nusa Penida there are 2 ways, namely through Sanur Port or Padang Bai Port, if from Padang Bai using a ferry, if from Sanur using a speed boat that travel time is faster.
3. When using a speed boat from Sanur Harbor, it's better to directly buy PP tickets. A good and cheap boat called Mola-Mola Express or Maruti Express. The price of Rp. 100,000 - Rp. 150,000 round trip.
4. Arriving at Nusa Penida, ask for a shuttle to the hotel or homestay you ordered or rent a motorbike directly at the port or dock. The price is 50-70 thousand a day.
5. Take an inn or homestay in a crowd like the Sampalan area, because later when looking for food or an emergency everything is easy to find, especially eating. Because there are not many places to eat in Nusa Penida.
6. Take 2 days trip in Nusa Penida is enough, with the route should the first day of the afternoon go to the East (Atuh Beach / Thousand Islands) and the next day to the West (Crystal Bay, Pasir Uug, Angel's Billabong, and Kelingking Beach) but everything depends on taste and each other's wishes.

Transportation & Tour Package

 


One Day Nusa Penida Tour ( Snorkeling on Nusa Penida )
"Nusa Penida Tour 1 day packed neatly for travela who want the nusa penida itidaary all day without bothering to take care of it all day. Every corner of exotic penida charm will give the most beautiful impression in life, travela friends who experience it. "

1x1 pixel - Tour Nusa Penida 1 Day 2019 | Nusa Tour and Fast Boat (All In)
Island Tour package NP / A

1. includes:

Hotel Transfers (Sanur, Kuta, Nusa Dua, Ubud)
Boat return transfer
Nusa Penida Island Tour (Pasih Uug, Kelingking bay, Angel Billabong, Crystal bay)
Beach side Lunch (Fried rice / fried noodle / sandwich and soft drink or mineral water)
1x1 pixel - Tour Nusa Penida 1 Day 2019 | Nusa Tour and Fast Boat (All In)
Island Tour package NP / B

2. includes:

Hotel Transfers (Sanur, Kuta, Nusa Dua, Ubud)
Boat return transfer
Nusa Penida Island Tour (Pasih Atuh, Giri Putri Cave, Ped)
Beach side Lunch (Fried rice / fried noodle / sandwich and soft drink or mineral water)
1x1 pixel - Tour Nusa Penida 1 Day 2019 | Nusa Tour and Fast Boat (All In)
Nusa Penida NP / Snorkeling

3. includes:

Return Hotel Transfer (Sanur, Kuta, Nusa Dua, Ubud)
Return Boat Transfer
4 point snorkeling (toye use, gamat bay / mangrove, cristal bay / manta point)
Beach side Lunch (Fried rice / fried noodle / sandwich and soft drink or mineral water)
1x1 pixel - Tour Nusa Penida 1 Day 2019 | Nusa Tour and Fast Boat (All In)

Description (Min. 2 pax) Publish Rate Promo Gotravela
1. Island Tour package A Rp. 1,000,000 - / Pax Rp. 600,000 / person
2. Island Tour package B Rp. 1,000,000 - / Pax Rp. 600,000 / person
3.Penida Snorkeling Tour Rp. 1,200,000, - / Pax Rp. 680,000 / person