Bali had already exceeded my expectations. I was truly in awe by every part of the country we’d already seen. I didn’t think our trip could get any better but then, during our last few days in Indonesia, we visited the jaw-dropping Nusa Penida Island – one of the most beautiful destinations I have ever been. This magical island holds an infinite amount of adventures that will leave you speechless at any given moment.
Nusa Penida is the biggest of the three Nusa Islands off from Bali’s mainland. Our 3 day, 2 night private tour was planned and organised by Nusa Penida Trip after being highly recommended to us by Jonny Melon. The reason we chose to travel with a guide was because it was our first time visiting the island and we didn’t want the worry of not knowing where to go and how to get around. Anyone that’s already been will know the roads (if you can even call them that) are not the easiest to travel on.
Without further ado, let me share what we saw during our 3 day adventure to Nusa Penida…
Day 1: The West
Kelingking Secret Point Beach
Known as the famous T-Rex beach, I am sure I’m not the only who’s Instagram feed has featured this beach a countless number of times. Kelingking Beach was one of those places that looked exactly like the photos and seeing it with my very own eyes left me dazzled and covered in goosebumps. It’s easy to see why this beach has become one of the biggest tourist attractions on the Island, I mean just look at the view!!
Broken Beach
Broken Beach was one of my favourite viewpoints on the Island and one that completely took me by surprise because I never knew about it before. It is a place not to be missed on your Nusa Penida agenda. Broken Beach got its name from the natural archway that wraps around the bay allowing the water to flow in and out from the ocean. And, it is by far the bluest water I have ever seen. Sadly, as inviting as it looks, there is no way down to the secluded cove for a dip, but the view from above is simply sensational.
Angel Billabong
Another magical spot on the island is the Angel’s Billabong – an incredible rock formation that has created a unique crystal clear tide pool. We visited at low tide which was the perfect time to see the patterns and textures beneath the oceans surface. You are actually able to swim here, however our guide advised against it as the water wasn’t that clean.
Crystal Bay
The best beach by far on the island for sunset. Crystal Bay is a beautiful sandy beach with stunning views out to the ocean, crystal clear water and a palm tree paradise. Not only that but it is an awesome snorkelling location!
Day 2: Snorkelling Trip
Our second day on the island was spent out on the ocean snorkelling at some of the most incredible dive sites I have seen in my life.
Manta Bay
Snorkelling with Manta Rays has been on my bucket list for a while and I was able to tick off that experience at Manta Bay, Nusa Penida. One of the most popular sites on the island and for good reason. The underwater giants are so humble and elegant as they fly through the ocean. This isn’t the best photo, but you are able to see the Manta Ray down at the bottom on the seabed. Can you see the jellyfish though!?
Wall Point
A lesser known snorkelling spot on Nusa Penida, but what makes this snorkel site so special is that the ocean is quite shallow, so you are able to see the beautiful coral and colourful fish up close. If you rub your fingers together, the fish will come up close!
GT Point
The spot for Giant Trevallys (hence the name GT point), that at the time I had no clue what kind of fish that was. Well, they are big and there are plenty of them but don’t worry, they are completely harmless!
Gamat Bay
One of Nusa Penida’s jewels. Gamat Bay was one of my favourite snorkelling spots because of its clean, soft sand and colourful coral. Again, this bay was less popular than the likes of Crystal Bay but it made for a beautiful and relaxing snorkel experience.
Crystal Bay
Just off the shore of Crystal Bay beach is a colourful reef system beneath the oceans surface. With an array of fish, turtles and other sea creatures, Crystal Bay is one of the most popular spots for snorkelling.
Day 3: The East
Diamond Beach
One of the most amazing beaches I have ever been to. Diamond Beach is really something quite special. It has only recently been made accessible so I feel lucky to have experienced this untouched paradise. I must admit, the hike down and up again was tough but so worth it. Have you done the trek to the bottom?
Rumah Pohen Treehouse Molenteng
Another location that I felt fortunate to see. You’ll have most likely seen this Treehouse on your Instagram feeds and if you haven’t then were have you been?! This cute treehouse will fulfil your childhood dreams as you look over the most beautiful bays belonging to Nusa Penida known as the Thousand Land of Atuh. Did you know you can actually stay here? Imagine watching the sunset and sunrise each day to this view!
Raja Lima / Thousand Land of Atuh
Honestly, you will never get bored of Nusa Penida’s viewpoints. The Raja Lima gives you yet another gorgeous view over what is known as the Thousand Land of Atuh. Can you believe the colour of the ocean.
Teletubbies Hills
Everybody knows the Teletubbies right?! Well it seems Tinky Winky, Dipsy, Laa-Laa and Po have run off to Bali and built their home on the beautiful Nusa Penida. Alongside the stunning viewpoints, the gorgeous green rolling Teletubbies hills are what Nusa Penida Island is so famous for.
Nusa Penida is one of the three Nusa islands that are just a short 30-minute ferry ride from mainland Bali. The other two; Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan are still on my bucket list, have you been to either? I would recommend giving yourself at least 3 nights on Nusa Penida to explore and discover the Island and all its beauty.
Nusa Penida is beautiful and I hope this helps plan your trip to the Island. Please do let me know if you have any questions.
Steph