Bali Heaven Official Blog

Nusa Penida

There are 3 islands on the south eastern coast of Bali viz. Nusa Ceningan, Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Penida. Amongst these Nusa Penida is the largest island, totaling around 200 square kilometers. It is a hilly area with a maximum height of 524 meters and is much drier than the surrounding islands of Bali. Although better known that other islands the tourist infrastructure in this island is very limited. An interest thing about this island is that due to scarcity of natural water, nothing much can be produced which is why most of the food stuff is transported from elsewhere making the prices higher than other places in Bali. However, this island has great natural rugged beauty that is still virgin and fresh without any hint of commercialization anywhere.

How to Get here

You can arrive at Nusa Penida from Nusa Lembongan or from Kusamba, Padang Bai or Sanur, although travel services are not deemed very safe. There are public boats plying closer to the suspension bridge between Nusa Ceningan and Nusa Lembongan. You can also get charter boats especially on the Jungut Batu beach. There are daily cruises from Benoa Harbor in Bali which also includes water sports activities and hence is something tourists will really enjoy a lot.

Major Attractions for Sightseeing

If you are one of those who like places with great scenic beauty, then Puncak Mundi or Mundi Hill, the highest point of the island provides a magnificent view at 521 meters above sea level. Alternative energy is harnessed in the area to with wind turbines and solar panels. There is a temple atop the hill too.

Goa Karang Sari is certainly one place you wouldn’t want to miss because of its limestone caves. There are some attractive stalactites and limestone formations that you would really enjoy seeing. These limestone caves have spiritual importance too.

At Ped Village on the road between Toyapakeh and Sampalan, you can find the Pura Penetaran Dalem temple, a Hindu Balinese structure which is mesmerizingly grand and beautiful. Toyapakeh itself has a reef stretch that you would love exploring, along with various fishes. The place is famous for sea turtles, sunfish or mola mola and also coral pillars.

Crystal Bay is another lovely white sand beach at Banjar Penida to the west of Sakti village is another wonderful attraction. You would love this idyllic spot as it is perfect for camping besides being attractive for snorkeling and sparkling blue waters. You can also pay a visit to the Sebuluh waterfall near the Batu Madeg village. South coast limestone cliffs along with some rare karst formations are stunning and will take your breath away.

What can keep you busy

Nusa Penida is not all about sightseeing. In fact it is one of the best diving destinations in the world with as many as 20 diving sites including Manta Point, Suana Bay, Malibu Point, Crystal Bay and Toyapakeh. Malibu Point with its silver tips, reef white tips, gray reefs and a large number of sharks is especially beautiful. The Manta Point itself is a limestone rock off the Pandan cave.

Nusa Lembongan

This small island is located 20km off the coast from Bali and is a paradise with scenic settings and tranquility different from the commercial buzz of South Bali. Clear blue waters, sandy beaches and lush green settings give you a quiet and cozy time to relax.

How to Get There
Separated from Bali by the Badung strait, one can reach Nusa Lembongan from Bali using a boat or a cruise trip depending on the budget. These boats leave from Sanur beach, Benoa Harbor and Padang Bai Harbor. You can also take fast boats of the Scoot cruise or speed boat service from Mushroom bay known as Tamarind Jaya Express.

Attractions of the paradise

Reefs and Snorkeling
If you are a nature lover or photographer, you will have the time of your life in these scenic settings. There are many beautiful beaches that you can visit. The island is surrounded by coral reefs with limestone cliffs and white sand beaches. If you are a marine life enthusiast, you can go snorkeling and explore some biodiversity in the marine life.

Beaches
Dream beach, Sunset beach and tamarind beach are three wonderful beaches you can access from Nusa Lembongan. These bays of white sand allow you to sit back and relax. Tamarind Bay offers a spectacular view of Mount Agung and although swimming could be dangerous, the beaches are ideal for laid back relaxation. At Sunset beach one can see dramatic caves of limestone cliffs exposed during the low tide. Those who are interested in surfing have something to cheer as the island is popular for surfing breaks like Lacerations, Shipwrecks and Playgrounds. One can also go for scuba diving and fishing and enjoy the sparkling, aqua blue waters around the island paradise. You can use any of the local boats called perahu for a leisurely ride. You can find manta rays, white tipped reef sharks, nurse sharks, ocean sunfish also known as mola mola, and different species of sea turtles.

Suspensions Bridge
One can go for a stroll or a motorbike ride over the yellow suspension bridge that connects Nusa Lembongan to Nusa Ceningan. The suspension bridge can be found near the estuarine channel and although scary is relatively safe to cross for a nice experience.

Other attractions
A few minutes from the Dream beach or Sunset beach, you can find lot of rocks and sit and enjoy the sight of water crashing and rising in plumes against the rocks. You can also use the jukung outrigger boats to explore the mature mangroves around the west coast road. To enjoy some magnificent views of Bali you can head to the largest Hindu temple of the island, the Puncak Sari temple. On the Southern side of the village you can explore the numerous seaweed farms meant for the Asian cosmetic industry. The island is also one of the best places to view a sunset with blood red light engulfing the sky. One can get better views from high ridges and also the beach at Jungut Batu.